2026 Event activity & Registration
Cheer & Dance Exhibition
Saturday, Aug. 29: Grounds-Wide
Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your cheer or dance routine at the fair! Register your school by July 25th, 2026 to take part in the parade. Free admission for students and coach(es).
Chicken Calling & Rooster Crowing Competition
Sunday, Sept. 6 (Time TBD): Earl May Stage
No, that rooster crow didn’t come from the barns, it came from our Earl May Stage at this free to register fun competition! Register by August 15th to receive complimentary gate admission.
County Fair Day
Saturday, Aug. 29: Grounds-Wide
Gather with your friends in the fair industry for networking, socializing, and a day of fun at County Fair Day at the Nebraska State Fair! Register your county by July 25th, 2026 to receive complimentary gate admission and an invitation to our County Fair Reception.
Cruise-In
Sunday, Sept. 6 (10 am): Lot 5A
Don’t miss the chance to display your ride for all to see! Pre-register your vehicle by August 15th, 2026. The first 50 entrants will receive a commemorative dash plaque.Â
Entertainment Application
Friday, Aug. 28 – Monday, Sept. 7: Grounds-Wide
Several performances take place daily on our four free stages located throughout the grounds. Fill out the application below to be considered for one of these slots. Apply by April 1, 2026 to be considered.
Fair-Tastic Friday!
Friday, Sept. 4: Grounds-Wide
Individuals of any age with physical or developmental disabilities are invited to join us for our third ever Fair-Tastic Friday! event, complete with a resource fair from 10 am to 2 pm. Register an individual or organization by August 8th to receive discounted admission.
Remarkable Rodeo
Friday, Sept. 4 (10:15am):Â US Foods Outdoor Arena
 This event is open to ages 18 and under. Pre-registration is required.
FFA Day
Thursday, Sept. 3:Â Grounds-Wide
We want to invite your FFA chapter to participate in the Nebraska State Fair’s 2026 FFA Day! Admission is free for this educational, self-guided tour of the fairgrounds. Register for this program by July 25th, 2026.Â
¡Fiesta Latina! Celebrating our Raices
Sunday, Sept. 6:Â Grounds-Wide
Kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month a week early with music and dancing, and so much more! If you are interested in performing during Fiesta Latina, click “Apply Here” below.Â
Grand Marshal
Friday, Aug. 28 – Monday Sept. 7:Â Grounds- Wide
Know someone who has positively impacted their community in Nebraska? The Nebraska State Fair is accepting nominations for our 2026 Grand Marshals!
Marching Band Exhibition
Friday, Aug. 28 – Friday, Sept. 4:Â Grounds-Wide
March with schools from all around Nebraska at the 2026 Fair! Register your band by July 25th, 2026 to take part in the marching festivities. Free admission for students and band director(s).
National Anthem Application
Friday, Aug. 28 – Monday, Sept. 7: Grounds-Wide
The Nebraska State Fair is looking for talented singers to perform the National Anthem at one of our several events on grounds, such as daily broadcasts, livestock and dirt events. Applications are open until July 1st, 2026, or until all performance slots have been filled.Â
Nebraska’s Largest Classroom
Friday, Aug. 28, Tuesday, Sept. 1, &Â Â Wednesday, Sept. 2: Grounds-Wide
We would like to invite your K-6th grade students to attend a day at the fair! This is a special educational event operating as a self-guided tour of the fairgrounds. Register for this free program by July 25th, 2026.
Nebraskappella
Sunday. Aug. 30: ACP Park Stage
The Nebraska State Fair invites you to participate in Nebraskappella!, a day of a cappella at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair. Join barbershop quartets, choruses, and many other a cappella groups in showcasing the art of a cappella.
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Organized Group Tours
Friday, Aug. 22 – Monday, Sept. 1:Â Grounds-Wide
Want to bring a busload of people to attend one of the fair’s concerts or simply enjoy a day at the Nebraska State Fair? Register your bus or walking tour by July 25th, 2026.
COMING SOON
Parades
  Friday, Aug. 28 – Sunday, Aug. 30 &     Saturday, Sept. 5 – Monday, Sept. 7:    Grounds-Wide
The Nebraska State Fair offers multiple parades in celebration of Nebraska’s economics, education, and entertainment! Register by July 25th, 2026 to secure a spot.
Puzzle Contests
Qualifier: Saturday, May 9th (6:00pm): Raising Nebraska
Open Puzzle Contest: Saturday, Sept. 5 (4:00 pm): Raising Nebraska
Championship Contest (Pre-Qualify): Saturday, Sept. 5 (6:30 pm): Raising Nebraska
Join us for our annual speed puzzling competition! Register your team below to secure a spot! Cash prizes for the top 3 finishing teams during the State Fair!
Queens Day
Sunday, Aug. 30:Â Grounds-Wide
The Nebraska State Fair invites all Nebraska pageant titleholders to mingle with fellow participants and patrons throughout the park and participate in the day’s celebration parade. Registrations for the parade are due by July 25th. Participants will receive complimentary gate admission.Â
Sunrise Yoga
Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Saturday, Sept 5 (8:30am)Â : Sustainability Pavilion
FREE to Participate
Come enjoy a morning of relaxation and serenity at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair! Registrations are due August 15th, but space is limited, so register early!
If you have any questions or would like more information on any of the events, please contact Lindsey Foushee at lfoushee@statefair.org or at (308) 382-1685
