NEBRASKA STATE FAIR NEWS
Bobbie’s Bargain Book
Packed with Over $1,500 in Fair Savings Fairgoers can stretch their dollars even further this year with the return of Bobbie’s Bargain Book, now on sale for just $5 through the end of the day on Wednesday, August 21. The books can be purchased online at statefair.org or in person at the Nebraska Building Box Office on the fairgrounds. From August 22 through September 1, during the 2025 Nebraska State Fair, the Bargain Book will
2025 Admission + Hours
Fair Hours: General Fair Hours: 7 am – 11 pm (closes at 7pm on Sept. 1) Pinnacle Bank Expo Center: 9am- 8pm (closes at 7pm on Sept. 1) Nebraska Building: 9am – 8pm (closes at 7pm on Sept. 1) 4-H/FFA Building: 9am-8pm (closes at 5pm on Sept. 1) Bosselman Conference Center: 9am-8pm (closes at 5pm on Sept. 1) Wade Shows Carnival: Opens 1pm on weekdays, Opens 11am on weekends, Opens 11am on Labor Day General Info: Lost and Found: 308-385-3960 Box Office: 308-384-0151
Ultimate Fair Fan Giveaway Winner Announced
York Woman Recipient of First Ever Ultimate Fair Fan Giveaway Published by Grand Island Independent Aug. 6, 2025: When Elizabeth Sochacki of York received the email saying she’d won the Ultimate Fair Fan Experience Giveaway, she literally didn’t believe it. “There’s no way this is real,” she said, recalling her initial reaction. “I was very shocked.” Yet there she was on Tuesday in the Nebraska State Fair offices receiving the prize. “It’s amazing,” Elizabeth said.
Six String Soldiers Performing at 2025 Fair
Pictured above: United States Army Soldiers comprising the Six String Soldiers band. The group of 6 active-duty officers bring their patriotic talents with them to performances all across the country. They will be performing for Veterans Day at the Fair on September 1, 2025. Army String Band to Perform at Nebraska State Fair The Nebraska State Fair is proud to kick off the America 250 Celebration by hosting the U.S. Army’s premier acoustic group, the
2025 Season Pass Sale!
11 Days of Fair Fun – Only $70! The Nebraska State Fair’s best value yet – $70 for all 11 days. At $6.36 per day, it’s a steal for anyone attending the fair over and over again. The Season Pass is valid for one person and can be scanned once per day. It includes 11 admissions throughout the entire run of the 2025 Nebraska State Fair, held August 22nd through September 1st in Grand Island.
Rodeo of the Year Recognition
Nebraska High School Rodeo names 2024 Rodeo of the year 2024 High School Rodeo Photos Courtesy of Rodeo Ready Photography GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The Nebraska State Fair has been recognized as Rodeo of the Year by the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), an honor that they say reflects their commitment to showcasing rural values, livestock excellence, and the grit of young rodeo athletes from across the state. Held annually over Labor Day weekend,
State Fair Announces Two New Board Members
Pictured above: Anna Castner Wightman, Omaha, NE. Wightman is a Governor Apointee to serve on the Nebraska State Fair Board from 2025-2028. Meet Anna Castner Wightman: Governor Jim Pillen has appointed Anna Castner Wightman to the Nebraska State Fair Board, filling the Omaha business member position. Her term, beginning in 2025, will extend through December 18, 2027. Wightman brings extensive experience in business leadership to the Fair Board, having served several congressmen in Washington, D.C.
Nebraska State Fair Champions Zero Waste
Nebraska State Fair Champions Zero Waste, Achieves 93% Diversion Rate in 2024 The Nebraska State Fair has become a model for zero-waste management, achieving an impressive 93% diversion rate at their 2024 event. Fair officials note that as they continue to work towards becoming a leader in sustainability, hopefully setting a powerful example for how large-scale events can operate without having a dramatically negative impact on their community. “Zero waste doesn’t only mean recycling. It’s
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2024 Brought Growth Across the Board
Overall Exhibitors up from 2023: The Nebraska State Fair recently announced a successful 2024 event, with increased attendance and participation across multiple categories, highlighting the fair’s strong showcase of Nebraska’s agricultural heritage and its talented youth. This year, the fair welcomed a total attendance of 314,844, a rise of nearly 2% compared to 2023. “We are excited to see such growth across the board,” said Jaime Parr, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Fair. “From
Fair Board Update: Dairy Cattle Biosecurity for 2024 Fair
Nebraska State Fair Planning for Dairy Cattle Amid H5N1 Concerns The Nebraska State Fair Board announced Friday that despite recent concerns regarding the dairy strain of the H5N1 virus, impacting lactating dairy cattle, the Fair will proceed with the species while adding in precautionary protocols. There are currently no reports of a positive case in Nebraska, but surrounding states including Colorado, Kansas and Iowa have recently reported cases and have implemented similar measures at their
Deep Cleaning of Barns Ahead of State Fair
Deep cleaning of barns complete ahead of State Fair The Nebraska State Fair might only run for 11 days, but preparing for the annual showcase takes the entire year. For the famed sheep barn and other agricultural facilities on the Fonner Park campus, April and May serve up the best opportunity for deep cleaning efforts. Crews take advantage of the down period between events at the Five Points Bank Arena by utilizing high air pressure
Concert Cancellation – Ramon Ayala Farewell Tour
NEBRASKA STATE FAIR RECEIVES CONFIRMATION OF RAMÓN AYALA TOUR CANCELLATION Grand Island, NE – On Thursday, the management team of Ramón Ayala confirmed to Nebraska State Fair officials that the recent announcement of his tour cancellation includes the previously scheduled Aug. 29 Nebraska State Fair performance. Fair organizers are diligently working on securing a replacement concert to ensure that fairgoers still experience exceptional entertainment in the Nebraska Lottery concert series. “While we understand the disappointment
2024 Community Decorating Contest
Calling all businesses, organizations and civic groups! Get ready to impress fairgoers and judges alike, as you compete for fantastic prizes and the chance to be recognized as our 2024 Community Decorating Contest champion! You won’t want to miss this chance to showcase your business and join in the excitement of the Nebraska State Fair. — JUNE 3RD: ENTRIES OPEN JULY 19TH: DEADLINE! ENTRIES CLOSE! JULY 26TH: ENTRIES NOTIFIED of selection AUGUST 5TH-7TH: PICK UP
The Little River Band chosen for State Fair classic rock concert
The Nebraska State Fair and 1868 Foundation are pleased to announce a change in the Nebraska Lottery Concert Series. Concert organizers weren’t sure the previously announced act, The Guess Who, could fulfill their engagement. As a result, The Little River Band has been booked to perform on Tuesday night, August 27 in the air-conditioned comfort of the Heartland Events Center. With millions of fans over a career that spans close to 50 years, The Little
State Fair announces Stampede Series, Twisted Chrome Series
The Nebraska State Fair once again will be filled with thrilling, mud-slinging action with the organization of dirt attractions into the Stampede Series to open the Fair and the Twisted Chrome Series presented by Motoplex of Norfolk to bring the Fair to a close. During opening weekend, the Stampede Series will feature back-to-back nights of bull action to kick off the State Fair. The Ultimate Bullriding Tour will compete Friday, Aug. 23, followed by the
Red Dirt stars Turnpike Troubadours headline Nebraska State Fair
The Nebraska State Fair has announced their headline concert, as the kings of Red Dirt music Turnpike Troubadours have been added to the 2024 Nebraska Lottery Concert Series. “Turnpike Troubadours are used to headlining major events and selling out arenas,” said Karli Schulz, Entertainment and Events Director. “We are thrilled they are coming to the Nebraska State Fair.” Turnpike Troubadours, along with special guest Shane Smith and the Saints, will perform on Friday, Aug. 30,
Riley Green Adds Modern Country to Lineup
Platinum-selling star Riley Green adds modern country to the Nebraska State Fair lineup Country music rising star Riley Green is the latest addition to the Nebraska Lottery Concert Series at the Nebraska State Fair. Green will kick off the outdoor section of the series on Wednesday, August 28. “We know Nebraskans love country music, so we’re excited to have Riley Green at the State Fair,” said Karli Schulz, Nebraska State Fair Entertainment & Events Director.
Yung Gravy Brings the Sauce to the Fair
Nebraska State Fair Announces First Concert of ’24 Fair Season The first of seven concerts announced for the ’24 Nebraska State Fair season sets us on the road to fun. Midwestern rapper and prolific Tik Tok performer Yung Gravy headlines a show at State Fair, with special guest Tayler Holder August 31. State Fair Executive Director Jaime Parr, “We want to have something for every musical taste. Yung Gravy has over 6 billion streams and
Nebraska State Fair Readies ’24 Concert Announce
Nebraska State Fair is preparing to announce performers for this summer’s Nebraska Lottery Concert Series and there are big bonuses for those who purchase early (within the first two weeks). Those bonuses include either a great reserved seat or price discount. There are at least two announcements scheduled in December. The first Show is scheduled to be released December 5. “I’m excited for what the team is bringing to the 2024 Nebraska State Fair,” said
