2024 Nebraska State Fair kicks off Friday (2024)

PRESS RELEASE

All roads lead to fun as the 2024 Nebraska State Fair kicks off Friday, Aug. 23, at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

“We are so excited for the 155th annual celebration of all things Nebraska that is the State Fair,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair executive director. “The entertainment, animals, competitions, vendors and food are all ready for fair guests to enjoy. There is so much fun planned for 2024.”

Among the exciting new attractions this year are drone and fireworks shows, the Lunch Bunch promotion, a jumping pillow and a collection of new entertainers, including the World of Wonders and Tumbleweed Crossing.

Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night after dark, the skies will light up with dazzling fireworks followed by more than 300 dancing drones moving in unison. Shows will start about 10:15 p.m.

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The Lunch Bunch promotion is a way for fairgoers to enjoy lunch on the fair. On Aug. 28-30, when you purchase a $12 gate admission at the fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you will receive a $12 food voucher good at any concession stand at the fair. Likewise, admission purchased for senior citizens or children ($6 admission price) will receive a $6 food voucher.

Kids and adults will all enjoy a jump on the new oversized jumping pillow in the Family Fun Zone. It is exactly what it sounds like — a large, in-ground pillow. Just one of many free family-friendly play areas to explore at the fair.

Under the majestic big top, World of Wonders immerses guests in the world of extraordinary acts from daring sword swallowers to mesmerizing fire eaters. It’s sure to be a jaw-dropping experience. This free event takes place three times a day, with an additional fourth show on Saturdays, in the Aurora Coop Park.

Tumbleweed Crossing, an award-winning comedy Wild West gunfight stunt show, takes visitors on a zany trip back to the Wild West where laughs fly like bullets and hilarity is the law of the land. The free event takes place three times each afternoon in the Grand District.

“We know families from all over Nebraska come to the state fair for many reasons,” Parr said. “But no matter who is coming, we believe all roads do lead to fun at this year’s fair.”

Opening day is Friday, Aug. 23. Admission on that day is free until noon. Admission tickets are still available online and at Pump & Pantry for $10. Tickets are $12 at the gate. Tuesday is $3 Tuesday, where admission is $3 and many vendors will have specials across the grounds.

As always, there are a number of special ticketed events at this year’s fair.

The Nebraska Lottery Series features seven days of high-quality national touring acts, including Christian stars Casting Crowns and Anne Wilson on Sunday, Aug. 25; the Older Nebraskans Day concert featuring the Gatlin Brothers and Lorrie Morgan on Monday, Aug. 26; classic rockers the Little River Band, with a winner from the Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands, on Tuesday, Aug. 27; country star Riley Green, with another winner from the Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands, on Wednesday, Aug. 28; pioneers of “norteño” music, Los Huracanes del Norte, on Thursday, Aug. 29; Red Dirt stars Turnpike Troubadours with special guests Shane Smith and the Saints on Friday, Aug. 30; and the Saturday night, Aug. 31, series-closing act, Yung Gravy with opening act Tayler Holder. Tickets for all shows are available at statefair.org.

For those looking for action with bucking bulls, the Stampede Series features the Ultimate Bullriding Tour on Friday, Aug. 23, and Ultimate Bullfighters Tour on Saturday, Aug. 24. Both thrilling events are in the U.S. Foods Outdoor Arena.

And for those who enjoy revved-up engines of motorsports, the Motoplex of Norfolk Twisted Chrome Series features the Nebraska Bush Pullers Truck and Tractor Pull on Sunday, Sept. 1, and the Nebraska Demolition Derby Championship on Monday, Sept. 2. Both events are in the motorsports park in TD Landing.

“There is so much to keep track of and enjoy,” said Courtney Glock, Nebraska State Fair marketing director. “We strongly encourage guests to download the new and improved Nebraska State Fair app to help schedule your visits. You can find out about all the entertainment, vendors and food options as well as see maps and schedules.”

As always, the Nebraska State Fair has free on-site parking for guests as well as free convenient shuttle buses from Sam’s Club and Central Community College at the top of every hour.

With the theme All Roads Lead to Fun, the 2024 Nebraska State Fair is Aug. 23-Sept. 2 at Fonner Park in Grand Island. The fair has drawn more than 4 million visitors to its home in Grand Island since 2010. More information about agricultural events and competitions, carnival entertainment and other musical performances is available at statefair.org.

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2024 Nebraska State Fair kicks off Friday (2024)

FAQs

Who is performing at the Nebraska State Fair 2024? ›

Already announced shows include Christian stars Casting Crowns and Anne Wilson on Sunday, August 25, the Older Nebraskans Day concert featuring the Gatlin Brothers and Lorrie Morgan on Monday, August 26, country star Riley Green on Wednesday, August 28, Hispanic music legend Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte on ...

Is there a clear bag policy at Nebraska State Fair? ›

Clear bags are encouraged, but not required. Metal detectors and metal detection wands will be in use at all concerts.

How much is parking at the Nebraska State Fair? ›

Parking At The Fairgrounds Is FREE! All Parking/Shuttle Information Can Be Found Here. ADA Accessible Parking Is Available At The Main Gate As Well As Gates 6 And 8.

How many people attend the Nebraska State Fair? ›

The Nebraska State Fair announced continued attendance growth in 2023. The attendance at Nebraska's largest annual event broke 300,000 for the first time since COVID, posting 8.5 percent growth over 2022 with 311,909 guests during its 11-day run ending on Labor Day.

What concerts are at the Nebraska State Fair? ›

NEBRASKA STATE FAIR. ALL ANNOUNCE THEIR 2023 CONCERT SERIES EARLIER TODAY. THE LINEUP INCLUDES THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, GABRIEL FLUFFY, IGLESIAS, TOBY MACK, BUSCH, LEE BRICE AND BAND MOGWAI. THIS YEAR'S STATE FAIR TAKES PLACE IN GRAND ISLAND FROM AUGUST 25TH TO SEPTEMBER 4TH.

What is the Nebraska State Fair known for? ›

The Nebraska State Fair features a variety of concerts, a fantastic midway, and agricultural competitions in some of the most modern fair facilities around. Entertainment is spread across the grounds and includes exotic animals, stunts, and musicians.

Are dogs allowed at the Nebraska State Fair? ›

Are pets allowed at Fonner Park? Pets on leashes are allowed on the Fonner Park campus during non-Nebraska State Fair time. They are not allowed during the Nebraska State Fair. Pets are not allowed in the buildings during events unless special arrangements have been made prior to the start of the event.

What counts as a clear bag? ›

Clear Bags

Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.

Can clear stadium bags be colored? ›

To be allowed into stadiums with a clear bag policy, they must be transparent with no tint. Keep in mind, some security personnel may be more lenient than others and some stadiums may be more flexible but the majority of the stadiums following the NFL clear bag policy do not allow tinted bags.

Has the Nebraska State Fair ever been in Omaha? ›

Nebraska City hosted a three-day territorial fair in 1859, and the first two state fairs were held there in 1868 and 1869. Brownville hosted for a few years, then Omaha and Lincoln switched back and forth until Lincoln became the fair's longtime home from 1901 to 2009.

Are Nebraska state parks free? ›

Nebraska State Parks offer a variety of free activities, and others that require a fee. See the list below for fee-based activities. For activity rates, adults are 13 and over and children are 12 and under unless otherwise noted.

What is the theme for the Nebraska State Fair 2024? ›

With a theme of All Roads Lead to Fun, the 2024 Nebraska State Fair runs August 23-September 2, 2024 at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

Why is the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island? ›

In 2008, Nebraska state lawmakers passed bill LB1116, which relocated the fair to Grand Island. The bill was supported by the University of Nebraska, which wanted the land cleared to construct the Nebraska Innovation Campus.

Who is playing at the ND State Fair 2024? ›

Get your FAIR on!

Showpass includes Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett, Turnpike Troubadours, Sawyer Brown, Demolition Derby, and MHA Indian Horse Relay!

Who is performing at Wisconsin State Fair 2024? ›

State Fair Main Stage acts:Aug 1: Gabriel Iglesias, 7:30 p.m.Aug. 2: TLC with opening act Jordan Sparks, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3: Yung Gravy, with special guest Nicky Youre, 7:30 p.m.Aug. 4: Brothers Osborne, 7:30 p.m. Aug.

How many days is the Nebraska State Fair? ›

The Nebraska State Fair is the state fair of the U.S. state of Nebraska. It is held annually in Grand Island, approximately 100 miles west of the state capital of Lincoln, which hosted the fair until 2010. The fair usually runs for 11 days, and since the early 1990s it has ended on Labor Day.

When did the Nebraska State Fair move to Grand Island? ›

Nebraska City hosted a three-day territorial fair in 1859, and the first two state fairs were held there in 1868 and 1869. Brownville hosted for a few years, then Omaha and Lincoln switched back and forth until Lincoln became the fair's longtime home from 1901 to 2009. Grand Island has been the host city since 2010.

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