“All Roads Lead to Fun,” the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, through Labor Day, Grand Island; special $3 gate admission for all ages. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. Buildings open at 9 or 10 a.m., closing hours vary. Carnival hours: 1 to 11 p.m. through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Labor Day. Gate admission is $12 for adults (13-59). $6 for seniors (60 and older) and kids (6-12); free for children 5 and younger; statefair.org
The Little River Band, in concert at the Nebraska State Fair, 7:30 p.m., Heartland Events Center; doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $50 (plus fees); statefair.org or etix.com
Grand Island City Singer auditions, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Harrison (use the north entrance). Rehearsals for the group’s annual Christmas concerts will start in September; performance dates are Dec. 7-8 at St. Pauls; Micah Hesterman, 308-379-1919.
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Riley Green, in concert at the Nebraska State Fair, 7:30 p.m., TC Landing (outdoor concert); gates open at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $25, pit tickets are $67 (plus fees); statefair.org or etix.com
“A Perk and a Prayer,” free drive-thru coffee, 7 to 9 a.m., First-Faith United Methodist Church parking lot, 4190 W. Capital Ave., Grand Island (weather permitting); 308-384-5620.
Bingo, 1 p.m., Grand Generation Center, 304 E. Third St., Grand Island; 308-385-5308.
Kearney Area Farmers Market, 3 to 6 p.m., Hilltop Mall parking long, 5011 Second Ave., Kearney.
10-point pitch party, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Tabitha at Prairie Commons, 3490 Ewoldt St.; winners will receive prizes. Parties usually offered the fourth Wednesday of each month; Jessica, 308-833-6112.
Los Huracanes del Norte, in concert at the Nebraska State Fair, 7:30 p.m., TD Landing (outdoor concert); gates open at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $37, pit tickets are $77 (plus fees); statefair.org or etix.com
Late Summer Sunset Hike, 7 to 9 p.m., Bader Memorial Park, south of Chapman. Explore the trails along the Platte River and prairie, enjoy birding along the Platte River, wildflowers blooming on the prairie and take in the sunset. Hang around after the hike at the picnic shelter for s’mores; no park pass required to join the hike; 308-986-2522.
Tabitha’s Closet, free clothing giveaway, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Stolley Park Church of Christ, 2822 W. Stolley Park Road, Grand Island. Clothing donations accepted; no housewares; 308-384-2613.
Coloring with Friends, 2 p.m., the Chocolate Bar, 116 W. Third St., Grand Island. Adult coloring get-together led by Trinity United Methodist Church most Friday afternoons; 308-382-1952. (NOTE: Gathering changed from Fridays to Thursdays.)
Bingo, 7 p.m., United Veterans Club, 1914 W. Capital, Grand Island. Doors open at 6; open to the public; 308-381-1555.
Turnpike Troubadours, in concert at the Nebraska State Fair, 7:30 p.m., TD Landing (outdoor concert). General admission tickets are $75, pit tickets are $90 (plus fees); statefair.org or etix.com
“Creatures of Legend,” artist lecture and reception, 4 p.m., Jackson Dinsdale Art Gallery, Hastings College, 700 E. 12th St., Hastings. Exhibit featuring printed engravings of various animal species around the world created by Liz Murray of Elm Creek, remains on display through Aug. 30; no admission charge.
Yung Gravy with Taylor Holder, in concert at the Nebraska State Fair, 7:30 p.m., TD Landing (outdoor concert). General admission tickets are $47, pit tickets are $67 (plus fees); statefair.org or etix.com
David Stingley, singer/songwriter/guitarist, music from the late 70s, 7 p.m.,the Liederkranz, 401 W. First St. Suggested donation is $10; 308-382-9337,
United Nebraska Muzzleloaders Association State Shoot, through Monday, Red, White and Blue Range, northwest of Cairo (3 miles west and 3 miles north). Event includes shooting all three days, pot luck and Dutch oven cooking contest on Saturday; prizes awarded. Range hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to noon Monday; Roger Grim, 308-226-2578, or the Nebraska Muzzle Loading Rifle Association — Grand Island page on Facebook.
Fort Hartsuff 150th anniversary celebration, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, 82034 Fort Ave., Burwell (about 15 miles southeast of Burwell off of Highway 11). Saturday schedule includes programs by Jean Lukesh, Alan Bartels, Kimberlee Berezuk, Jerome Kills Small, Jeff Barnes; military drills for kids, artillery demonstrations, and a candlelight tour. Sunday activities includes programs by Gary Wells, Barnes, Kills Small and Lukesh; and a 150th dedication ceremony, artillery demonstrators and a parade. Food and other vendors will be on site; cannon display, family activities and more. complete schedule at OutdoorNebraska.gov/ . Admission is $4 for adults, $1 for children 3-12; Nebraska park permit required for entry (available at post headquarters); 308-346-4715 or ngpc.Fort.Hartsuff@nebraska.gov
Callaway Kite Flight, 33rd annual, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Foster Smith Field, 4 miles southeast of Callaway along Highway 40. Event includes professional kite flyers, horseback rides, children’s activities, food and of course, kite flying. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 15 and younger (pre-K kids admitted free) and $25 for the entire family. Information: 308-870-6156 or the Callaway Kite Flight page on Facebook.
“Famous Pairs,” Arcadia Fall Festival, 70th annual, through Monday, Arcadia. Event includes a barbecue contest, ranch rodeo, and a poker run on Saturday; pancake feed, community worship, kids games and a demolition derby on Sunday; and a parade (10:30 a.m.) and car show on Monday.
Grand Island Area Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1607 S. Locust (behind Starbucks; south side of the parking lot); www.farmersmarketgi.com
Kearney Area Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hilltop Mall parking long, 5011 Second Ave., Kearney.
Market on the Square, 8 to 11 a.m., Hamilton County Courthouse parking lot, Aurora. Features hand-made and homegrown products. Last market of the season; Aurora Chamber of Commerce, 402-694-6911.
Stolley Park Railroad, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. last day, Grand Island. Tickets are $3.50 for anyone age 3 and older; children age 2 and younger ride for free with a paying adult; 308-389-0290.
Nebraska Bush Pullers Truck and Tractor Pull, 5 p.m., Motorsports Park, Nebraska State Fair. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth (plus fees) advance tickets include gate admission; statefair.org or etix.com
Union Pacific Big Boy #4014 whistle stop, noon to 12:30 p.m., pedestrian overpass, Wayside Park, near C Street and Highway 30, Overton. Note: Big Boy will make an overnight stop in Grand Island, but there will be no public access and afternoon arrival times are not available. Complete schedule (subject to change): https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm.
Bingo, 2 p.m., United Veterans Club, 1914 W. Capital, Grand Island. Doors open at 1; open to the public; 308-381-1555.
Nebraska Demolition Derby Championship, 2 p.m., Motorsports Park, Nebraska State Fair. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for youth, pit tickets are $33 (plus fees) advance tickets include gate admission; statefair.org or etix.com
Union Pacific Big Boy #4014 whistle stop, 11 to 11:30 a.m., 26th Avenue crossing, Columbus. Note: After an overnight stop in Grand Island, Big Boy is set to depart G.I. at 9 a.m. Complete schedule (subject to change): https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm.
Grand Island Parks splash pads, last day for the season.
Paintings by Carol Schooley, of Grand Island, through Sept. 8, Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W. Second St. Library hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; 308-385-5333 or www.gilibrary.org
“Creatures of Legend,” featuring printed engravings of various animal species around the world created by Liz Murray of Elm Creek, through Aug. 30, and “Concordia University Faculty Exhibition,” featuring works by Donald Robson, James Bockelman, Jennifer Bockelman, Seth Boggs and Justin Groth, through Sept. 26, Jackson Dinsdale Art Gallery, Hastings College, 700 E. 12th St., Hastings. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; no admission charge.
“A Tribute to My New Hometown,” featuring “a collection of people, places and things found in Minden,” from artist Taylor M. Majerus of Minden, through Aug. 31, Minden Opera House Gallery, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 308-832-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
STATE FAIR PHOTOS: Bull riding, bands and more
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A woman watches one of the carnival rides at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
State Fair Marathon
Runners make their first turn off Fonner Park Road on to South Locust to begin the 2024 Nebraska State Fair marathon run Saturday in Grand Island.
Ultimate Bullfighters
A man tries to avoid a bull in the Ultimate Bullfighters show at the Nebraska State Fair.
Draft Horse Pull Competition
A team competes in the Draft Horse Pull competition at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday.
Drones in the Sky
300 drones dance in the sky to create the logo for the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Adaya Miihlbach rides a mechanical bull at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Attendees spin through the sky at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
State Fair Marathon
These running buddies finish their race during the Nebraska State Fair marathon Saturday, Aug. 24 in Grand Island.
Ultimate Bullfighters
A competitor picks up dirt while a prayer is said during the Ultimate Bullfighters show at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Draft Horse Pull Competition
Two horses run across the arena in the Draft Horse Pull competition at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 24.
New this year at the Nebraska State Fair is a nightly drone show. Here’s the show from Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Several people ride a mini-roller coaster at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Several people play carnival games at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Two people hold hands as they enjoy at carnival ride at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
State Fair Marathon
James Cecil, of Denver, Colo. enjoys some water at the Sucks Lake water station during the Nebraska State Fair half-marathon race Saturday in …
Ultimate Bullfighters
A bull almost snags onto a bandana strapped to a competitor in the Ultimate Bullfighters show at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Draft Horse Pull Competition
Several people add more cement blocks for the horses to pull in the Draft Horse Pull competition at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on Saturday…
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Attendees become vertical on a carnival ride at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Two kids lower the safety bars on a carnival ride at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A woman yells out while enjoying a ride at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
State Fair Marathon
Runners make their first turn off Fonner Park Road on to South Locust to begin the 2024 Nebraska State Fair marathon run Saturday in Grand Island.
Ultimate Bullfighters
A bull steps on top of one of the competitors in the Ultimate Bullfighters show at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Draft Horse Pull Competition
A woman tries to rein in her horses in the Draft Horse Pull competition at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A man sticks out his arms while enjoying a ride at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Attendees swing through the air at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A girl looks towards the ground while waiting for the ride to start at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
State Fair Marathon
Hosea Kiptoo of York took second place in the men’s 2024 Nebraska State Fair full-marathon run with a time of 2:41:38 Saturday in Grand Island.
Ultimate Bullfighters
A competitor tries to get the crowd to cheer for him in the Ultimate Bullfighters show at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Draft Horse Pull Competition
A man releases his horses and gets off the ride in the Draft Horse Pull competition at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A man poses with his purse at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Several people race down a slide at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Two people twist their seats around at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
State Fair Marathon
A volunteer gets a little wet on the handoff of a cup of water at Sucks Lake in Grand Island during the 2024 Nebraska State Fair marathon Satu…
Ultimate Bullfighters
A competitor jumps to avoid a bull in the Ultimate Bullfighters show.
Draft Horse Pull Competition
A horse gets ready to compete in the Draft Horse Pull competition at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
People walk past the Ferris wheel at the State Fair.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A man walks around with a stuffed animal on his head at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A girl walks through an carnival ride at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
State Fair Marathon
Josh Rogers of Aurora, Colo. won the men’s 2024 Nebraska State Fair full-marathon run with a time of 2:36:53 Saturday in Grand Island.
Ultimate Bullfighters
A man throws his hat towards a bull in the Ultimate Bullfighters show at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Draft Horse Pull Competition
Cement block ride is dragged to the other side of the arena in the Draft Horse Pull competition at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on Saturday,…
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Several people sit on a carnival ride at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A girl throws up her hands from a children’s ride at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
State Fair Marathon
Taylor Somers of Omaha captured the women’s 2024 Nebraska State Fair full-marathon run Saturday in Grand Island.
Ultimate Bullfighters
A man looks towards the arena after competing in the Ultimate Bullfighters show at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
A drone show lights up the sky at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Draft Horse Pull Competition
A man almost goes out of bounds while competing in the Draft Horse Pull competition at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
A girl rides on top of a carousel horse at the Nebraska State Fair.
Fireworks Time
Fireworks explode over the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Nighttime Carnival Rides
Left: Fireworks explode over the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24. Right: Fairgoers enjoy on a carnival ride at the Nebraska State Fair.
State Fair Marathon
Runners make their first turn off Fonner Park Road on to South Locust to begin the 2024 Nebraska State Fair marathon run Saturday in Grand Island.
Ultimate Bullfighters
A man tries to run away from a bull while competing in the Ultimate Bullfighters show.
Paisty Jenny, a rock band from Lincoln, performs at the Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 25
A man dances while Lincoln band No Drinking on Ground performs during the Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands competition.
Taylor Staggs, lead singer of No Drinking on Grounds out of Lincoln, sings during the Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands competition at the …
A drone show lights up the sky at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Lincoln band No Drinking on Grounds won the 2024 Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands competition at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 2…
The Kyle Sayler Band performs during the 2024 Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands competition at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday.
The Kyle Sayler Band won second place in the 2024 Fairest Showdown Battle of the Bands competition at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday.
Gregg Lee, lead singer of Paisty Jenny, performs during the show.
After the drone show, fireworks were set off over the Nebraska State Fair for attendees to enjoy on Saturday, Aug. 24.
STATE FAIR PHOTOS: The miracle of life at the Birthing Pavilion
Birthing Pavilion
Goats
Nebraska State Fair
State Fair birthing pavilion
Birthing Pavilion
Birthing Pavilion
Ducklings
Mr. Legs
Kase Russell, 3, of Sidney, Iowa competes with gusto in the Mr. Legs Contest at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 25.
The Mr. Legs Contest at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 25.
Mr. Legs
A youngster gets into it during the Mr. Legs Contest on Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
Mr. Legs
A competitor unveils the goods during the Mr. Legs Contest at the State Fair.
Mr. Legs
A competitor tips his cap to the crowd after showing off his gams in the the Mr. Legs Contest on Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Nebraska State Fair.
Mr. Legs
David Vasquez of Kearney gets ready to touch his toes during the Mr. Legs Contest at the Nebraska State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 25.
Mr. Legs
Austin Russell of Sidney, Iowa, helps his son, Kase, 3, exit the stage.
Mr. Legs
David Vasquez of Kearney shares a laugh with the host after showing off his gams.
Mr. Legs
Kase Russell, 3, of Sidney, Iowa watches his dad take the stage during the Mr. Legs Contest.
New this year at the Nebraska State Fair is a nightly drone show. Here’s the show from Saturday, Aug. 24.