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 […]
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 […]
Advertisement for Bids

State Fair Proposals listed below Full list of all active RFPs can be found here.
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 […]
2025 Admission

Admission + Hours Note: Main Gate parking is on the west side of the grounds (left side of the map). ADA ONLY parking is available through Gate 6 off Fonner Park Road (top of map, by the ferris wheel icon). There is additional parking to the east of the grounds (right side of the map) […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]