2025 Event activity & Registration
Battle of the DJs
Sunday, Aug. 31 (6 pm): Pump & Pantry Party Pit
Join talented DJs from around Nebraska in this fun and exciting competition. Apply by July 1st, 2025. Top 3 DJs will receive a trophy.
Cheer & Dance Exhibition
Saturday, Aug. 23: Grounds-Wide
Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your cheer or dance routine at the fair! Register your school by July 18th, 2025 to take part in a stage performance or the parade. Free admission for students and coach(es).
Community Decorating Contest
Month of August
Calling all local businesses, organizations, and community groups! It’s time to put on your creative caps and showcase your community spirit in our exciting decorating contest. Use any recyclable material of your choice to build a display that will WOW the judges! Top three and People’s Choice will win gate admission tickets as well as a rosette. Details and more can be found within the entry form.
County Fair Day
Saturday, Aug. 23:Â 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 18th, 2025Â to receive complimentary gate admission and an invitation to our County Fair Reception.
Cruise-In
Sunday, Aug. 31 (10 am): Lot 5A
Don’t miss the chance to display your ride for all to see! Pre-register your vehicle by August 8th, 2025 for $20; day-of registration is $30. The first 100 entrants will receive a commemorative dash plaque.Â
Entertainment Application
Friday, Aug. 22 – Monday, Sept. 1: 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, 2025 to be considered.
Fair-Tastic Friday!
Friday, Aug. 29:Â 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, and many more activities. Register an individual or organization by August 8th to receive discounted admission.Â
FFA Day
Thursday, Aug. 28:Â Grounds-Wide
We want to invite your FFA chapter to participate in the Nebraska State Fair’s 2025 FFA Day! Admission is free for this educational, self-guided tour of the fairgrounds. Register for this program by July 18th, 2025.Â
Galaxy of Stars Virtual Video Contest
May 5 – June 15: Video Contest Submissions
Finals: Saturday, August 30 – ACP Park Stage
Open to all talents (vocal, dance, instrumental, and variety) compete according to age division.
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Grand Marshal Nominations
Friday, Aug. 22 – Monday, Sept. 1:Â Grounds-Wide
Nominate an individual who has demonstrated exceptional involvement within their community or the fair industry in service to Nebraska to be honored as part of our Grand Marshal Program. Applications must be completed by May 30th, 2025 for nominees to be considered.
Llama Yoga
Friday, Aug. 22 (7 pm):Â Sustainability Pavilion
Join us for a relaxing evening complete with yoga, serenity and llamas! Registration is $30 and includes gate admission and a commemorative yoga mat. Registrations are due August 8th, but space is limited, so register early!
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Marching Band Exhibition
Friday, Aug. 22 – Friday, Aug. 29:Â Grounds-Wide
March with schools from all around Nebraska at the 2025 fair. Register your band by July 18th, 2025 to take part in the marching festivities. Free admission for students and band director(s).
Click here for marching band performance times
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National Anthem Application
Friday, Aug. 22 – Monday, Sept. 1:Â 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 18th, 2025, or until all performance slots have been filled.Â
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Nebraskappella!
Sunday, Aug. 24:Â AGI Stage
Join talented singing groups from across the state in a day of a cappella on the AGI Stage. Register your group by July 18th, 2025 to reserve your spot onstage and get free admission for all performers.Â
Nebraska’s Largest Classroom
Friday, Aug. 22, Tuesday, Aug. 26, &Â Â Wednesday, Aug. 27:Â 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 18th, 2025.
Public & Private School Printable Form
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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 18th, 2025.
Parades
  Friday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 24 &      Saturday, Aug. 30 – Monday, Sept. 1:    Grounds-Wide
The Nebraska State Fair offers multiple parades in celebration of Nebraska’s economics, education, and entertainment! Register by July 18th, 2025 to secure a spot.
Puzzle Contest
Saturday, Aug. 30 (4 pm, 6:30 pm): Raising Nebraska
Join us for some friendly and puzzling competition! Due to high demand, we have added a second contest time for 6:30 pm. Register your team below to secure a spot! Cash prizes for the top 3 finishing teams.
Queens Day
Sunday, Aug. 24:Â Grounds-Wide
The Nebraska State Fair invites all Nebraska pageant titleholders to mingle with fellow participants, volunteer at our first ever tea party, and participate in the day’s celebration parade. Registrations are due by July 18th. Participants will receive complimentary gate admission.Â
Tea Party with Nebraska Royalty
Sunday, Aug. 24 (11 am):Â Hospitality Loft
Attend a tea party with pageant titleholders from all around Nebraska! This fun event will feature crafts, yummy refreshments, and more. Registration is $10 per child and is open to ages 4-12. Space is limited, so register by August 8th, 2025 to ensure a spot.
4-H Day
Sunday, Aug. 24: Grounds-Wide
Join us at the fair for a day of celebrating both current 4-H’ers and alumni, complete with a reception from 1-3 pm in the Event Tent, a scavenger hunt (with prizes!), vendor discounts, and more. Register by August 8th, 2025, to receive discounted admission for this exciting event.
