“All roads lead to fun” is the motto of the 2024 Nebraska State Fair, which begins August 23 at Fonner Park in Grand Island.
The 11-day fair has something for all the family: a bustling fairground, various musical performances, exotic animals, exciting stunts and agricultural competitions on some of the most modern fairgrounds anywhere.
Marketing Director Courtney Glock expressed her excitement about several new attractions at this year’s fair, including a livestock show featuring long-horned Highland cattle with luxuriant curly hair, a “Sit ‘N Stitch” knitting class with materials provided and a “Lunch Bunch” ticket promotion in which every ticket purchaser receives a $12 discount coupon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the fair.
“The State Fair prides itself on combining entertainment, agriculture and education,” said Marketing Director Courtney Glock. “Whether it’s livestock education classes in the milking parlor or the Birthing Pavilion where you can watch live births of various animals at the Nebraska State Fair, there are a number of categories and competitions that focus on education and raising awareness of the various arts and trades that exist in our state.”
Glock says, “There’s literally something for everyone at the Nebraska State Fair,” with tons of attractions for kids, events that get tweens and teens away from their phones, and great musical performances from artists like the Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan and the Little River Band that are sure to resonate with seasoned Nebraskans.
Fairgoers should look for some new additions to the fair’s food offerings – Wagyu beef burgers and fried strawberry shortcakes. Glock says a new and unique food contest will be held on opening day (Aug. 23), with all of the contestants being featured on Nebraska State Fair social media to give visitors a taste.
Parking is free during the fair. There is a free shuttle bus that departs hourly from Sam’s Club in north Grand Island and Central Community College.
The fair opens at 10 a.m. daily from August 23 through September 2. Tickets can be purchased in advance at statefair.org.
New this year: Every weekend there is a drone light and fireworks show that starts around 10 p.m. after the end of the concerts.
