Top 7 Fall Festivals in Nebraska
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Fall is all about pumpkin picking, football tailgating, and enjoying the fall foliage. Here in the Midwest, Nebraskans revel in this wonderful time of year. Fall is prime festival time, from harvest festivals to celebrations of the region’s heritage. We put together the best fall festivals in Nebraska—how many will you attend?
Nebraska's Junk Jaunt, Multiple locations
The mother of all flea markets takes place right in the heart of Nebraska every year. Nebraska’s Junk Jaunt, much like a giant garage sale, occurs in 36 towns along the Loup River and Sandhills Journey Scenic Byways and spans nearly 500 miles. For collectors and antique lovers, this is an event not to miss.
Plattsmouth Harvest Festival, Plattsmouth, NE
Get ready for four days of pageantry, fun activities, and celebrations for the entire family at the Plattsmouth Harvest Festival. Music, tractor races, parades, live music, fireworks, and much more all happen every year in the place where corn is still king.
McCook Heritage Days, McCook, NE
Heritage Days in McCook is an event that takes place every fall towards the end of September and dates back decades. Organized to promote community pride, festivities include a vendor fair, performances, a parade, and many more family activities to enjoy.
Oktoberfest, Sidney, NE
When the tents go up, the fun begins! Celebrate Oktoberfest in Sidney with live dancing, a downtown parade, farmers market, huge car show, wiener dog races, and of course, an epic beer garden!
Aksarben Stock Show, Grand Island, NE
After 89 years in Omaha, the Aksarben Stock Show, the nation’s largest 4-H livestock show, is now held in Grand Island and is organized each year to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage. The recent move will allow the show to expand its festivities and benefit even more youth in the years to come.
AppleJack Festival, Nebraska City, NE
Every year, the historic AppleJack festival draws 60,000-80,000 visitors to the town of Nebraska City to celebrate the beginning of the apple harvest. Every apple dish you can think of is available along with multiple craft fairs, a classic car show, live music, and a three-day carnival!
Harvest Moon Fall Festival, Hemingford, NE
Every year, the Harvest Moon Fall Festival occurs in Hemingford and features a 5K walk/run event, local artists, live entertainment, chili contest, haunted maze and fantastic foods to enjoy.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Fall in Nebraska is a time for pumpkin picking, football tailgating, and enjoying the fall foliage.
- Nebraskans celebrate the season with various festivals, including the Junk Jaunt flea market, Plattsmouth Harvest Festival, McCook Heritage Days, and Oktoberfest in Sidney.
- The Aksarben Stock Show, now held in Grand Island, celebrates the region's agricultural heritage and benefits youth involved in 4-H.
- The historic AppleJack festival in Nebraska City draws thousands of visitors to celebrate the apple harvest with apple dishes, craft fairs, live music, and a carnival.
- The Harvest Moon Fall Festival in Hemingford features a variety of activities, including a 5K walk/run, local artists, live entertainment, chili contest, and a haunted maze.
