Best Fall Festivals In Nebraska

Experience the Joy of Autumn in Nebraska with These Festivals

As the leaves start turning and the air becomes crisp, the great state of Nebraska welcomes the autumn season with open arms. With plenty of festivals taking place throughout the state, there’s no shortage of fun activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy. From pumpkin patches and hayrides to craft fairs and live music, Nebraska’s fall season promises something for everyone. Here are the top fall festivals in Nebraska that you won’t want to miss!

1. Nebraska City Applejack Festival 🍎

If you’re a fan of everything apple-related, then the Nebraska City Applejack Festival is a must-attend event. The festival takes place in the historic downtown area of Nebraska City and features live music, delicious food, and of course, plenty of apples and applejack. The festival is held every September and is perfect for families and apple enthusiasts alike.

2. Kimmel Orchard Applefest 🍎

Another festival for apple lovers is the Kimmel Orchard Applefest. This festival takes place at the Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard in Nebraska City and offers visitors a chance to pick their own apples, sample apple cider, and enjoy live music and entertainment. Guests can also take a wagon ride through the orchard or browse the craft booths for unique handmade goods.

3. Fort Atkinson Living History Weekend 🏰

Step back in time to the early 1800s and experience life as a soldier or settler at the Fort Atkinson Living History Weekend. Held every September in Fort Calhoun, the festival features reenactments of battles and daily life in the fort. Visitors can also watch blacksmith demonstrations, listen to period music, and try their hand at traditional crafts.

4. Nebraska State Fair 🎡

The Nebraska State Fair, held in Grand Island, is a classic fall festival that draws crowds from all over the state. With carnival rides, fair food, live music, and a variety of competitions and exhibits, there’s never a dull moment at this annual event. The fair takes place in the last week of August and the first week of September.

5. Junkstock 🎨

For those who love vintage and handmade goods, Junkstock is the festival for you. Held at the Sycamore Farms in Waterloo, Junkstock features over 200 vendors selling everything from repurposed furniture to handmade jewelry. Guests can also enjoy live music, food trucks, and even a petting zoo. The festival takes place in September and October.

6. Lincoln Calling Music Festival 🎶

Music lovers won’t want to miss the Lincoln Calling Music Festival in the capital city of Nebraska. With over 100 bands playing on multiple stages, this festival is a great way to discover new music and support local artists. The festival takes place in September and also features art installations, film screenings, and comedy shows.

7. Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair 🎨

Get in the mood for fall by attending the Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair in Omaha. This festival is perfect for those looking for unique handmade gifts or home decor. With over 500 artists and crafters from around the country, you’re sure to find something special. The festival takes place in November.

8. Applejack Festival Parade 🍎

If parades are your thing, be sure to catch the Applejack Festival Parade in Nebraska City. This parade is the highlight of the festival and features marching bands, colorful floats, and of course, plenty of apples. The parade takes place on the first Saturday of the festival and is a great way to kick off the fall season.

9. Platte Valley Antique Machinery Show 🚜

For those interested in history and machinery, the Platte Valley Antique Machinery Show in Gering is a must-see event. The show features antique tractors, engines, and other farm equipment, as well as demonstrations and exhibits on the history of agriculture. The festival takes place in September and is perfect for families and history buffs.

10. Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival 🎈🍷

Combine hot air balloons and wine tasting and you get the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival. Held in Omaha, this festival offers visitors a chance to watch hot air balloons take to the sky while sipping on delicious wines from local vineyards. The festival also features live music and food vendors. The festival takes place in August.

11. Elkhorn Oktoberfest 🍺

Get in the Oktoberfest spirit by attending the Elkhorn Oktoberfest in Elkhorn. This festival features traditional German food and beer, as well as live music and entertainment. Guests can also participate in the bratwurst eating contest or try their hand at the stein-holding competition. The festival takes place in September.

12. Harvest Moon Festival 🌕

Celebrate the harvest season at the Harvest Moon Festival in Aurora. The festival features a farmers market, craft fair, pumpkin decorating, and live entertainment. Guests can also participate in the chili cook-off or take a hayrack ride through town. The festival takes place in October and is perfect for families.

13. Nebraska Renaissance Faire 🏰

Travel back to the days of knights and royalty at the Nebraska Renaissance Faire in Omaha. The festival features jousting competitions, live music and entertainment, and plenty of food and drink. Guests can also browse the artisan booths for handmade goods or try their hand at medieval games. The festival takes place in September.

FAQ:

1. What is the Nebraska City Applejack Festival?

The Nebraska City Applejack Festival is an annual festival celebrating all things apple-related. The festival takes place in Nebraska City and features live music, food, and of course, plenty of apples.

2. When is the Nebraska State Fair?

The Nebraska State Fair takes place in Grand Island and is held in the last week of August and the first week of September.

3. What is Junkstock?

Junkstock is a festival in Waterloo featuring over 200 vendors selling vintage and handmade goods. The festival also features live music, food trucks, and a petting zoo.

4. When is the Lincoln Calling Music Festival?

The Lincoln Calling Music Festival takes place in Lincoln in September and features over 100 bands playing on multiple stages.

5. What is the Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair?

The Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair is a festival in Omaha featuring over 500 artists and crafters from around the country selling unique handmade gifts and home decor. The festival takes place in November.

6. What is the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival?

The Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival is a festival in Omaha featuring hot air balloons and wine from local vineyards. The festival also features live music and food vendors.

7. When is the Elkhorn Oktoberfest?

The Elkhorn Oktoberfest takes place in Elkhorn in September and features traditional German food and beer, as well as live music and entertainment.

8. What is the Harvest Moon Festival?

The Harvest Moon Festival is a festival in Aurora celebrating the harvest season. The festival features a farmers market, craft fair, pumpkin decorating, and live entertainment.

9. What is the Nebraska Renaissance Faire?

The Nebraska Renaissance Faire is a festival in Omaha featuring jousting competitions, live music and entertainment, and medieval games.

10. Where is the Platte Valley Antique Machinery Show held?

The Platte Valley Antique Machinery Show is held in Gering and features antique tractors, engines, and other farm equipment.

11. What is the Fort Atkinson Living History Weekend?

The Fort Atkinson Living History Weekend is a festival in Fort Calhoun featuring reenactments of battles and daily life at the fort. The festival also features blacksmith demonstrations, period music, and traditional crafts.

12. What is the Kimmel Orchard Applefest?

The Kimmel Orchard Applefest is a festival in Nebraska City held at the Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard. The festival offers visitors a chance to pick their own apples, sample apple cider, and enjoy live music and entertainment.

13. What is the Applejack Festival Parade?

The Applejack Festival Parade is a parade in Nebraska City that takes place on the first Saturday of the Nebraska City Applejack Festival. The parade features marching bands, colorful floats, and plenty of apples.

Conclusion:

As you can see, Nebraska has no shortage of fall festivals to keep you entertained throughout the season. Whether you’re looking to pick apples, listen to live music, or browse artisan booths, there’s something for everyone in the great state of Nebraska. So get out there and experience the joy of autumn with these amazing festivals!

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