“All Roads Lead to Fun” is the theme of the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, kicking off on August 23 at Fonner Park in Grand Island.
The 11-day fair has something for everyone in the family: a bustling midway, a variety of musical acts, exotic animals, thrilling stunts, and agricultural competitions in some of the most modern fair facilities around.
Marketing Director Courtney Glock shared her excitement for several new attractions at this year’s fair, including a livestock show featuring long-horned, luscious-locked Highland Cattle, a “Sit ‘N Stitch” knitting session with supplies provided, and a “Lunch Bunch” ticket promotion that gives each gate-admission buyer a $12 concessions voucher on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of the fair.
“The State Fair prides itself on bringing together both entertainment, agriculture and education,” said Marketing Director Courtney Glock. “Whether its livestock education from the milking parlor, or the birthing pavilion where you can see various animals being born live at the Nebraska State Fair, there’s a number of categories and contests that are centered on education and building awareness about the different arts and trades that exist in our state.”
Glock says, “There is literally something for everyone at the Nebraska State Fair,” with endless attractions for kids, events that will pull tweens and teens away from their phones, and great musical performances from acts like the Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, and the Little River Band, sure to resonate with seasoned Nebraskans.
Fair-goers will want to keep an eye out for a few newcomers to the array of fair food—Wagyu beef burgers and fried strawberry shortcake. Glock says a new and unique food contest will take place on opening day (Aug. 23), with all food featured on Nebraska State Fair’s social media to give attendees a sneak peek.
Parking is free for the fair, with a complimentary bus shuttle service running every hour from the north Grand Island Sam’s Club and Central Community College.
The fair opens at 10:00 a.m. daily from August 23 through September 2. Gate admission tickets can be purchased in advance at statefair.org.
New this year, each weekend day will feature a drone light and fireworks show, starting after the concerts conclude around 10 p.m.