Nebraska State Fair Draws Large Crowds Opening Weekend

The Nebraska State Fair kicked off its 2025 run with strong attendance and enthusiastic crowds, welcoming families from across Nebraska and beyond during its opening weekend, August 22–24.

Cool temperatures and mostly clear skies created the perfect backdrop for fairgoers, who streamed through the gates steadily from early morning until late evening. Fair staff reports that both Friday’s opening day and Saturday attendance surpassed last year’s respective numbers, with Sunday’s final totals expected to remain strong.

“Our opening weekend is off to an incredible start,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair Executive Director. “The energy on the grounds has been outstanding, and we are thrilled to see so many families coming out to make memories with us at the Fair.”

Guests enjoyed a wide variety of attractions, from the popular llama, alpaca, and Texas Longhorn shows to the thousands of colorful ribbons on display in the 4-H and FFA building, recognizing the hard work of youth exhibitors statewide. The weekend concluded with the 4-H Final Drive in the Five Points Bank Arena on Sunday afternoon, a highlight of 4-H Weekend.

The first half of the Fair’s highly anticipated drone and fireworks show lit up the skies over Grand Island this weekend, with one show performed and another set for next weekend, Friday through Sunday.

With rides, games, live entertainment, livestock shows, and special attractions, the Nebraska State Fair continues to offer something for everyone. Organizers invite guests to join in the fun as the Fair continues through September 1.

“We are just getting started,” said Parr. “We have another week ahead of us and the weather is looking incredible, our team is feeling good and we are ready to welcome more Nebraskans to the grounds.”

Open Class livestock shows will move through the barns during the week before FFA makes their appearance next weekend.

Monday, August 25, is Older Nebraskans Day.

Tuesday, August 26, is $3 admission all day long.

Wednesday – Friday, August 27-29, is the Lunch Bunch promo day. Buy your ticket at the gate from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and receive a food voucher of equal value, for free.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.statefair.org or download the Nebraska State Fair app.