NEBRASKA
Nebraska Whiskey Carnivale
June 1 at Sideshow Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar in Lincoln This one-day festival highlights Nebraska Distilleries, local vendors with spirits, food vendors, and live music. With your General Admission ticket, you receive a custom tasting glass and free samples from the distilleries’ booths. Local food trucks will be on site.
—eventbrite.com/e/nebraska-whiskey-carnivale-tickets-753332055457
Sandhills Summer Jam – Country Music Concert Series June 7 – 8 at 205 Kramer Rd in Arthur Get ready for live music at Sandhills Summer Jam, an outdoor event that promises great music, fun, and good vibes under the summer sun! 21 and over event.
— eventbrite.com/e/sandhills-summer-jam-country-music-concert-series-tickets-751235033207
Nebraskaland Days: Buffalo Bill PRCA Rodeo June 12 – 15 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte
The NEBRASKAland Days Buffalo Bill Rodeo was founded as the “Old Glory Blowout” on July 4, 1882 by Buffalo Bill Cody himself. It’s recognized by the PRCA as the world’s first spectator rodeo. It’s back at NEBRASKAland Days every year with four nights of PRCA and WPRA Pro Rodeo!
— visitnebraska.com/north-platte/events/nebraskaland-days-buffalo-bill-prca-rodeo
Great American comedy Festival June 13 – 15 at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk The foundation of the Great American Comedy Festival is to honor Johnny Carson’s legacy as one of America’s greatest comedians, paying tribute to his status as a TV icon and remembering with gratitude the fondness Carson had for the community he called home.
—greatamericancomedyfestival.com
Annual Lincoln Arts Festival June 15-16 at Canopy Street Market in Lincoln The Lincoln Arts Festival is a unifying event for artists, art organizations, and enthusiasts. It offers a variety of artwork, demonstrations, interactive activities, live performances, an art market, creative zones, a culinary court, and a “World Stage” for diverse performances. The Emerging Artist Program supports artists in showcasing and selling their work.
—https://10times.com/lincoln-arts-festival
Chesterfest 2024-Country Music Festival June 22- 23 at 921 Croop St in Chester At Chesterfest, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live performances from local bands and nationally known artists. Dance the night away to your favorite tunes or simply sit back and relax while soaking up the feeling of small-town Nebraska life. With a wide variety of entertainment, there’s something for everyone, including great food, a car show, vendor fair, 5k run, sand volleyball, and many other events throughout the weekend.
—allevents.in/chester/chesterfest-2024-country-music-festival/10000725297533447?ref=eventlist-new-nearby-cat
Celebrate America at Arbor Lodge June 25-July 8 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park In celebration of America, and honoring our veterans, Nebraska City Blue Star Mothers will host a display of Quilts of Valor throughout Arbor Lodge Mansion. View this beautiful collection while also learning about Morton Family veterans and their patriotic service.
—arbordayfarm.org activities/events.cfm
IOWA
Iowa Craft Brew Festival June 1 at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park in Des Moines Indulge in a selection of over 300 locally crafted beers and ciders while immersing yourself in live musical performances and savoring delicious offerings from food trucks. The Iowa Craft Brew Festival is a joyful celebration of Iowa’s brewing culture, where breweries, cideries, and meaderies from across the state unite to showcase their craft to devoted enthusiasts.
—beerfests.com/events/iowa-craft-brew-festival
Pops on the River: The Ultimate Eagles Experience June 1 at the McGrath Amphitheatre in Cedar Rapids Pops on the River: The Ultimate Eagles Experience is a new outdoor concert experience. Sing and dance to your favorite hits from The Eagles, presented by The 7 Bridges Band and the entire symphony. Celebrate community along the banks of the Cedar River with Orchestra Iowa’s favorite tradition: an exhilarating musical experience in an informal, everyone-friendly atmosphere. Kick off your summer with Orchestra Iowa!
—artsiowa.com/tickets/concerts/pops-on-the-river
Glenn Miller Festival June 6-9 at Clarinda High School in Clarinda
On the second weekend in June, visitors and entertainers from around the world will converge in Clarinda, Iowa, the Birthplace of Glenn Miller, to celebrate the music and memory of Alton Glenn Miller—American bandleader, trombonist, composer, and arranger who disappeared while directing the Glenn Miller AAF Band during World War II. Hear exciting bands from around the world topped off by the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Enjoy the Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum and the Birthplace Home.
—glennmiller.org
St. Ludmila’s Kolach Festival June 7 – 9 at St. Ludmila Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids Kolaches are back! Experience drive through Kolach sales, inflatables and kids’ activities, silent auctions, beer and wine, community meals, Polka Mass, and more!
—traveliowa.com
RiseFest 2024 June 7-8 at 112 Country Club Rd. In Sheldon RiseFest is a two-day Christian Music Festival that features the nation’s top Christian artists and speakers, as well as seminars, activities for kids of all ages, ministry outreach, camping, and much more. Free admission for children 10 and under.
—riseministries.com/risefest/
Emancipation Day & Historic Baseball June 8 at Living History Farms in Urbandale Explore the Black experience in Iowa’s history! All presentations, activities, and exhibits are included with General Admission. Gain a better understanding of the legacy and hope of emancipation and explore the Black experience in Iowa from early farmsteads through the fight for civil rights. The day will end with a historic baseball game played by 1876 rules.
—lhf.org
Wurst Festival June 15 at Amana Colonies in Amana Don’t miss out on this celebration of everything sausage at the summer’s best festival! The German tradition of making sausages is alive and well in the Amana Colonies. At the Market Barn area, you’ll find local sausage vendors, beer, drinks, desserts, and more. There will be creative and innovative twists on the beloved brat that will make your mouth water! During the day, sausage makers will compete for Best in Wurst and Weirdest Wurst. Throughout the day, enjoy live music, yard games, Wurst University, and a Dachshund Derby. Local businesses around town will host activities and specials as well.
—amanacolonies.com/things-to-do/festivals/wurst-festival/
Iowa State Bacon Expo June 19- 22 at Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames The Bacon Expo in Iowa State is a fun event for all ages centered on the love of and for bacon. It features traditional and unique bacon dishes, live entertainment, and educational booths from ISU students and industry vendors. 515.294.4950
—10times.com/iowa-state-bacon-expo
Vintage in the Valley June 23 at Historic Valley Junction in Des Moines 75 vintage and handmade vendors take over 5th Street for the first time this year. Upcycled DSM is happy to announce the next market in partnership with @valleyjunction, “Vintage In The Valley.” This event will give the opportunity to shop on the streets filled with your favorite vintage sellers, artists, food vendors, and much more.
—valleyjunction.com/upcoming-events
AfterShock Rock Chill on the Hill June 28 at The Hills Bar & Grill in Pleasant Hill Prepare to be transported to a time of big hair, leather jackets, and epic guitar solos as AfterShock cranks up the volume and takes you on a wild musical adventure. From iconic bands like Journey, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and many more, they’ll be delivering all the anthems that defined a generation.
—allevents.in/altoona/aftershock-rocks-chill-on-the-hill/200025762875533
Des Moines Arts Festival June 28-30 at Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines The Des Moines Arts Festival is Iowa’s largest and most prestigious arts and cultural event. This free three-day festival features 190 professional visual artists, free interactive arts activities, live music and performing arts on two stages, culinary offerings by local and regional restaurants and mobile food vendors, and much more.
—traveliowa.com/calendar/des-moines-arts-festival/1649281/p
KANSAS
Tacos and Tequila Festival June 1 at Legends Field in Kansas City Get ready for an unforgettable night of tacos, tequila, and throwbacks. Featuring a Tequila Tasting Lounge, shot bars, Kansas City’s best taco chefs, hand-crafted margaritas, Lucha Libre wrestling, Chihuahua Beauty Pageant, an exotic car showcase, salsa & queso competition, and more!
—visitkc.com/event-detail/tacos-and-tequila-festival
D-Day+80 Commemoration June 6 at Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene The Eisenhower Foundation invites all World War II veterans to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Abilene, on June 6, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The D-Day +80 Years event will include a Meet a World War II Veteran Reception, free admission to the Eisenhower Presidential Museum, speakers, a remembrance ceremony, military re-enactors, hands-on education programs, and more.
—travelks.com/events
Sunflower Cluster Dog Show June 6-9 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson This four-day event will feature a wide variety of dog breeds on display with fun events for the whole family.
—travelks.com/event/2024-sunflower-cluster-dog-show
Smoky Hill River Festival June 13-16 at Oakdale Park in Salina This Festival has three stages featuring bands, artists, and children’s acts. With over 40 groups showcasing diverse musical styles, 130 craft artists, hands-on activities, roving performers, and over 30 food vendors, this will surely be a weekend to remember.
—10times.com/river-festival-salina
Exploration of Space NASA Exhibit Through June 14 at the Aviation Heritage Museum in Coffeyville Families, students, and space enthusiasts from across the nation are all invited to this exceptional event. Immerse yourself in the wonders of space exploration and be inspired by the achievements of NASA. Admission is free.
—travelks.com/event/exploration-of-space-nasa-exhibit
4th Annual Wine & Wheels Auto Show June 16 at Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery in Olathe This one-day event will feature cool, unique, and exotic automobiles, live music, prizes, and yard games. Vehicles must be registered to participate. No fee is required for attending this event.
—carshowpro.com/event/1456
Anime Festival 2024 June 21-23 at Hyatt Regency in Wichita
—eventbrite.com/e/anime-festival-wichita-2024-june-21st-23rd-2024-registration-tickets-665026461047
MISSOURI
Vaile Mansion Strawberry Festival June 1 at Vail Mansion in Independence Dozens of craft, food and antique booths will be set up around the Mansion. The Vaile Society will be selling Strawberry Treats! Shuttle service is available from William Chrisman High School.
—vailemansion.org/strawberryfestival
Lionel Ritchie and Earth, Wind & Fire June 6 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City Music legend Lionel Richie is bringing the “Sing A Song All Night Long Tour” to T-Mobile Center, where he will be joined by one of the best-selling bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire. Ritchie boasts a discography of albums and singles that is second to none, selling more than 125 million albums worldwide. Earth, Wind & Fire come close to Ritchie’s numbers at over 100 million albums sold worldwide. Don’t miss two of the most legendary music forces in the world!
—t-mobilecenter.com
Sugar Creek Slavic Festival 2024 June 7-8 at Mike Onka Community Hall in Sugar Creek
Celebrate Kansas City’s rich Slavic heritage with two days of music, food, dance, drink, art, and more.
—slavicfest.com
Ozarks Food Truck Rally June 8 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield This is a one-day Family Fun event benefitting the Ozark Empire Fair Foundation and will feature the best gourmet food trucks and trailers from around the region. Featuring the brightest and most inspired street chefs bringing everything from burgers, pizza, BBQ, tacos, hot dogs, sandwiches, and sweet treats you can purchase, plus live local music on stage, and vendors.
—ozarkempirefair.com
White Hart Renaissance Faire June 8-23 at White Hart Fairgrounds in Hartville At this family friendly event, visitors can step back in time and experience the wonder and magic of the renaissance era. With a variety of entertainment options, including musicians, storytellers, dancers, armored sword fights, and birds of prey shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
—visit.com/events/white-hart-renaissance-faire
Beach Boys California Dreamin’ June 18 at Hamner’s Variety Theater in Branson Beach Boys California Dreamin’ takes audiences on a musical journey to the West coast beaches of the 1960s. Enjoy all of your favorite Beach Boys hits as the talented cast delivers these classic songs with authentic style. Beautiful vocal harmonies, energizing dance, comedy, colorful costumes, and historical narrative come together to make this an experience you won’t want to miss.
—branson.guide/branson-event/9597-beach-boys-california-dreamin-tuesday-june-18-2024-10-00-am
Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival June 21-22 at Sikeston Rodeo Grounds in Sikeston The Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival will feature tethered balloon rides, a balloon glow, crafts, food vendors, and live bands!
—visit.com/events/sikeston-hot-air-balloon-festival
Rock the Country June 28-29 at Brick’s Off Road Park in Poplar Bluff Headlined by Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, and Hank Williams, Jr., this country festival is visiting seven small towns across the country, and Poplar Bluff, Missouri is one of them. Get the most out of this two-day party with optional camping.
—rockthecountry.com
This article originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
