June 2019 Explore!
May 20, 2019 05:36PM ● By Pumulo Kasaji
For Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.Nebraska
Ninth Annual Veterans Freedom Music Festival June 1 at the Railyard in the Haymarket in Lincoln. The annual music festival features local bands like the Pinkertones and celebrates veterans. 402.770.6013. —vfmf.net
Strawberry Festival June 1 at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard in Nebraska City. This event brings visitors a fun day that includes food, live music, and fresh strawberries picked by festival goers. 402.873.5293. —kimmelorchard.org
Heritage Day June 2 at Yanney Heritage Park in Kearney. Kick off summer with this free event that includes inflatables, several food vendors, fireworks, and live music. 308.233.3278. —yanneypark.org
2019 Flatland Juggling Festival June 7 at Abbott Sports Complex in Lincoln. This free event includes high-ceiling gym juggling, a Friday supper, and juggling workshops. —underthecouch.com/flatland
Polish Days June 7-9 in Loup City. This is a three-day celebration of all things Polish. There is a parade, street dance with live music, color run, a beer garden, and more. 308.745.0430. —@polishdays on Facebook
Wizards and Witches Beer Festival June 8 at the Royal Grove in Lincoln. Those ages 21+ can participate in the magic, debauchery and mischief of this event, which hosts complimentary tastings of over 20 magical beers along with food and live music from the Sorceress Sisters, Weasley Brothers Party Band, and DJ DumbleD. 531.500.6026. —theroyalgrove.com
Niobrara River Festival & Races June 8 at the Berry Bridge Resort in Valentine. This festival focuses on water activities like canoe and kayaking races, and includes music and food. 402.376.3474. —niobraracamping.com
New Kids on the Block June 8 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.Early 1990s boy-band sensation NKOTB brings their hits like “Hangin’ Tough” and “Step By Step.” Special guests are Salt-N-Pepa and Naughty by Nature. 402.904.4444. —arenalincoln.org
Nebraskaland Days June 12-22 at Wild West Arena in North Platte. This festival celebrates Nebraska’s western heritage. The PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo features fan favorites such as bull riding, and steer roping. The event also includes parades, an antique car show, quilt show, and tennis tournaments. Jake Owen and Kane Brown headline the music. 308.532.7939. —nebraskalanddays.com
Comstock Windmill Festival June 13-15 in Comstock. Nestled in a canyon near Comstock, Nebraska (population 96), is the home of Second Wind Ranch. Every year that canyon comes to life with the Windmill Festival and top national country acts. 308.628.4107. —windmillfestival.com
Annevar June 13-16 in Ravenna.This festival, which is Ravenna spelled backwards, is a community celebration that includes a midway, demo derby, two-day tractor pull, parade, sand volleyball, car show, fun run/walk, and a three.man scramble golf tournament. 308.452.3133. —myravenna.com
Testicle Festival June 14-15 at Round the Bend Steakhouse in Ashland. This festival really has some…well, never mind. Attendees can participate in a ball eating contest and listen to live music. The event includes a fireworks display and more traditional fair food (nachos, corn dogs, etc.) for those who prefer not to eat bull fries. 402.944.9974. —roundthebendsteakhouse.com
2019 Swedish Festival June 14-16 in Stromsburg. The “Swede Capital of Nebraska” celebrates heritage and tradition during three days of Swedish festivities. Attractions include sports tournaments, traditional Swedish dances performed by children, a parade, and the return of the “smorgasbord”—a grand Swedish buffet. 402.764.5265. —theswedishfestival.com
Father’s Day Car Show June 15-16 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland. Classic and vintage cars will be on display for the enjoyment and viewing of the public. Awards will be handed out Saturday. 402.944.3100. —sacmuseum.org
2019 Stargazing June 21 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland. The Omaha Astronomical Society & Prairie Astronomy Club will set up powerful telescopes for a glimpse of night sky spectaculars. 402.944.2523. —outdoornebraska.gov
40th Annual Homestead Days June 21-23 at Homestead National Monument near Beatrice. Visitors can see how people lived in the late 1800s through stage performances, demonstrations of traditional crafts and farm machinery, a re-enactment of a Civil War encampment, a children’s festival, a car show, and more. 402.223.3514. —nps.gov/home
Ribfest June 22-23 in Duncan. Rib lovers will enjoy this festival, which focuses on tasty barbecued ribs. A variety of award.winning barbecue vendors will be on hand to provide this summer staple, along with live music. 402.897.5285 —villageofduncan.com
Carrie Underwood: The Cry Pretty Tour June 23 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Underwood is known for her Grammy.winning songs such as “Mama’s Song” and “Before He Cheats.” The Country music superstar comes to Nebraska with special guests Maddie & Tae, and Runaway June. 402.904.4444. —pinnaclebankarena.com
123rd Annual DILLER Picnic June 27-29 in Diller. The annual picnic is back for another year. Guests enjoy a day of family fun, food, and carnival rides. 402.793.5865. —dillerpicnic.net
Iowa
Tour Le Brew 2019 June 1 at Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines. This unique event takes people on an 18-mile trail adventure, discovering different breweries along the way. —tourlebrew.com
SUX PRIDE June 1-2 at Doxx Warehouse Bar in Sioux City. This two-day event will be a celebration of the diversity and LGBTQ community in Sioux City, featuring an equality march, drag shows, and more. —@SUXPride on Facebook
Scandinavian Days June 7-9 in Story City. This festival celebrates the Scandinavian heritage of Story City. Events include Kumla and Kringla eating contests, a Lutefisk throwing contest, a 5k run/walk, live music, and a craft fair. 515.733.4214. —storycitygcc.org
MacNider Arts Festival June 8 at Charles H. MacNider Art Museum in Mason City. This festival, a celebration of ‘Music Man’ Meredith Willson, includes a free pancake breakfast, inflatables, and live music. An art market will be displayed on the museum lawn. 641.421.3666. —macniderart.org
Ice Cream Days June 12-16 in Le Mars. Known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” Le Mars is the home of Blue Bunny Ice Cream. This event includes a parade, a Grill-n-Chill Rib Rally, live music, and more. 712.546.8821. —lemarsiowa.com
2019 State Center Rose Festival June 13-16 at the Lincoln Valley Golf Course in State Center. The town of State Center is known as the Rose Capital of Iowa and their official flower will be in full bloom during this festival, the highlight of which is the aromatic rose garden that is open to the public. Activities include a parade, crowning the “Rose Queen,” live music, and fireworks. —statecenterrosefestival.org
37th Annual Antique Show June 14-15 in Walnut. Over 350 dealers of antiques and collectibles line Walnut’s historic streets during this spectacular display of community and tradition. 712.784.3443. —walnutantiqueshow.com
15th Annual Iowa Sheep and Wool Festival June 14-16 at Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center in Ames. Fiber artists will enjoy this festival, which celebrates knitting, spinning, and sheep. Events include a fleece show, wool demonstrations, sheep dog trials and demonstrations, classes, and a hall of breeds. —iowasheepandwoolfestival.com
Wurst Festival June 15 in the Amana Colonies. Guests can sample sausages from the area’s best sausage makers and sip on cold drinks while listening to live music, playing games, and watching the second annual Dachshund Derby. 319.622.7622. —festivalsinamana.com
America’s River Festival June 21-22 in Dubuque. The Steve Miller Band will headline this festival that brings together several bands performing country and classic rock music. 563.845.7698. —americasriverfestival.com
Laura Days June 21-23 in Burr Oak. Fans of the Little House on the Prairie series will enjoy this festival, which takes place in the town where Laura lived as a 9-year-old girl. The festival includes pioneer crafts, demonstrations, children’s games, a skillet toss, a checkers tournament, a grand parade, a pie auction, and a greased pig contest. 563.735.5916. —lauraingallswilder.us
Vintage and Made Fair June 22 at Franklin Junior High School in Des Moines. Attendees can shop for handcrafted goodies and vintage home decor while enjoying local food. More than 100 vendors are expected. —vintageandmadefair.com
Des Moines Arts Festival June 28-30 at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines. This event celebrates artists in the Des Moines area and includes the Interrobang Film Festival as well as visual arts and music. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Family Stone headline Saturday night. 515.286.4950. —desmoinesartsfestival.org
Trek Fest June 28-29 in downtown Riverside. Star Trek fans from around the nation and world gather at this weekend.long festival, which takes place in the reported birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk. Events include an overnight softball tournament, Star Trek films projected in the park, guest speakers, water fights, and a 5k run, all with a Star Trek theme. —trekfest.org
Cedar Basin Music Festival June 28-30 at Sturgis and New Aldya Parks in Cedar Falls. Music from jazz (Saints Dixieland) to classic rock (Rolling Stoners cover band) will be played in two different parks over the course of three days. —cedarbasinjazz.org
ArtFest Midwest 2019 June 29 in Des Moines. This two-day event will feature over 250 artists and their artworks, food, activities, and more. 515.243.2000. —artfestmidwest.com
Kansas
Old SHawnee Days June 6-9 at the Shawnee Town 1929 in Shawnee. This free event is a celebration of Shawnee history, and includes a pie and baking contest, a rolle bolle contest, music by Shooting Star, and more. 913.631.5200. —oldshawneedays.org
Kansas Chocolate Festival June 15 in Topeka. Chocolate vendors come together for a delicious array of sweet treats at this event, including live entertainment, homemade crafts, and more. —topekachocolate.com
Kicker Country Stampede June 20.22 at the Turtle Creek Reservoir, State Park and Wildlife Area in Manhattan. This country music festival returns with three days fun and country music. Headliners include Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, and Abby Anderson. 785.539.2222. —countrystampede.com
Decades of Wheels Second Annual Car Show June 21.22 at the Decades of Wheels Museum in Baxter Springs. The car show features hundreds of classic cars and hot rods, chicken races, a greased pig competition, art walk, live music performances, and more. 918.544.9025. —decadesofwheels.com
SmallvilleCon June 22.23 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. This convention revolves around the TV show Smallville and includes celebrity guest Brandon Routh (of Superman Returns and Arrow), comic book artists, cosplays, and vendors. 620.669.3600. —smallvillecomiccon.com
Lights on the Lake June 29 at Osawatomie Lake in Osawatomie. Attendees can celebrate the culture and history of Kansas at this event, which includes food trucks, live music, and fireworks over the lake. 913.755.2146. —ozlightsonthelake.com
Missouri
North End Festival May 31-June 2 at Krug Park in St. Joseph.This community festival includes live music, a parade, dance performances, vendors, food, and fireworks. 816.232.1839. —stjomo.com
Festa Italiana June 1-3 at Zona Rosa Town Center in Kansas City. This celebration of Italian-American culture is back for its 11th year. This event includes an Italian car show, fun Italian traditions, food, music, and dance. 816.587.8180. —zonarosa.com
Boulevardia Music June 14-15 at the Stockyard District in Kansas City. This event is a combination of a music and beer festival. Attendees can enjoy a roundup of great bands, food, and plenty of fun. —boulevardia.com
Juneteenth KC 2019 Heritage Festival June 15 in Kansas City. This free event is a celebration of African American culture that features vendors, live entertainment, activities, and more. 816.673.0004. —juneteenth-kc.com
Monster Jam June 15 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. This action-packed, adrenaline.jammed event is an exciting adventure. Spectators can see these trucks perform gravity.defying stunts certain to capture audiences and have attendees on the edge of their seats. 816.920.9300. —goarrowhead.com
Napoleon Dynamite Live Screening June 28 at the Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.This live screening of the cult classic comedy Napoleon Dynamite will be followed by a Q&A with three of the stars from the movie—Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries. 816.994.7222. —kauffmancenter.org
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
This calendar was printed in the June 2019 edition of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
