The Nebraska State Fair invites you to perform at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, August 29th. This program provides cheer and dance teams the opportunity to walk the grounds in our celebration parade at 2 pm as well as perform on an outdoor entertainment stage in the Family Fun Zone. The stage performances will take place from 11 am to 1 pm.  

This program includes free admission to the Nebraska State Fair for your team and two coaches. Prior to or after completing your performances, you can then enjoy the largest entertainment event in the state. 

If you are interested, please complete the registration form below by July 25th, 2026. We will assign groups their performance times on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive an email confirming your performance time. If you do not receive an email with your performance time within two weeks of submitting your registration, please contact us to ensure that we received it. We will send out information packets in July. This packet will include final instructions, wristbands for entry, a map of the route and bus area, and your scheduled performance time. Please be advised that performances will continue as scheduled rain or shine. Perform at your own discretion, as we do not provide indoor performance locations for the cheer & dance program. 

The Nebraska State Fair provides a stipend to each group that participates in both the parade and stage portions of the Cheer & Dance Exhibition. Stipends, based on mileage to Grand Island, are provided to help alleviate some travel expenses. 

Due to ongoing construction on the Fonner Park grounds, we will continue to utilize the parade route from the 2025 fair. This route is noted on the map provided on the registration form below. A more detailed map will be included in your information packet. 

If you have questions or require further information, please contact our Events Manager at 308.382.1685, or lfoushee@statefair.org.