NEBRASKA
4th of July Flea Market July 4–6 at Fairbury City Park in Fairbury Experience hundreds of vendors at this antique paradise with free admission and fireworks.
—fairburyfleamarket.com
Platte River Cruise Night July 5–7 in North Platte Calling all car buffs, enthusiasts, and admirers. Rev up your engine and show of what you got at Platte River Cruise Night. Or just come to admire all the cars. There’s going to be music, food, kid’s activities, live music, and more!
—platteivercruise.com
Jefferson County Fair July 10–14 at Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Fairbury Come to Jefferson County Fairgrounds for a Rodeo, Garry Moore Amusements, USAC Races, Live Music Concerts, Grandstand Shows, Downtown Parade on Sunday, Horse related activities, and much more the whole weekend!
—jeffcofair.us
North Platte Pow Wow July 19–21 at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park in North Platte The North Platte Pow Wow will showcase the culture and tradition of Native Americans with dancers, singers, special guests, and many vendors! Everyone is welcome!
—visitnorthplatte.com/north-platte-pow-wow/
North Platte Rail Days August 2–4 at Golden Spike Tower in North Platte The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center invites you to North Platte to experience the region’sincredible railroad heritage held annually in early August. Rail Days is the one and only time throughout the year when visitors can experience Bailey Yard up-close-and-personal with a motor coach tour through the yard.
—goldenspiketower.com/events/northplatteraildays/
Celebrate America at Arbor Lodge Through August 11 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City In celebration of America and to honor 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
Hozier August 14 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln Hozier finds harmony and melody in the midst of chaos. The GRAMMY® Award-nominated Diamond-certified Irish singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist tunes into raw blues spirit, unrestrained soul, rock energy, and folk eloquence. At 22, he delivered a generational anthem in the form of “Take Me To Church.” It reached 13x-Platinum status and earned a rare Diamond certification from the RIAA, climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, became one of the Top 30 “Most-Streamed Songs on Spotify,” and notched a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Song of the Year.”
—pinnaclebankarena.com/events/detail/hozier
Heart with Special Guest Cheap Trick August 18 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln Cheap Trick’s perfect blend of ‘60s guitar pop, hard rock, and punk rock, combined with the infectious sound of HEART’s powerful melodies, is sure to make for an unforgettable evening of live music.
—pinnaclebankarena.com/events/detail/heart
State Fair Marathon Race Series August 24 at Nebraska State Fairgrounds in Grand Island The Nebraska State Fair Marathon Race Series begins and ends on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds with the after party celebration right amidst the festivities of the fair. The course is known for being one of the "fastest and flattest" in the nation. Participants run on city streets, on the hike & bike trail, through beautiful parks, and winding through tree-lined residential neighborhoods.
—statefairmarathon.org
IOWA
Junction Street Party July 3 at Historic Valley Junction in Des Moines Celebrate Freedom in Valley Junction! Live music, food, beverages, adult and kids activities will all be available during and after the West Des Moines July 3rd Parade.
—valleyjunction.com/upcoming-events/
Porch Fest 2024 July 7 at Thomas Jefferson Gardens in Jefferson Enjoy an afternoon of music at Porchfest, featuring four porches with four different performers. This free event welcomes all and will have wine shushes available. Feel free to bring your own beverages as well!
—experiencejeffersoniowa.org
Weaving on a Loom July 12 at Legacy Learning Art Studio in Webster City Are you curious about learning to use a floor loom to weave a rug? Thanks to a donation of a floor loom, Legacy Learning is bringing Marilyn Anderson of Two Cedars Studio to teach an introductory workshop. She will be providing an overview of the kinds of projects you can make, a brief demonstration on easy beginning techniques, and a chance to try your hand at making a rug!
—traveliowa.com/calendar/weaving-on-a-loom/1650032/
Hillsdale Garden Lily Fest July 13 at Hillsdale Lily Garden in Glenwood Come spend time in Southwest Iowa looking at over an acre of blooming day lilies. This includes 230 varieties to view, crafters from 9am—2pm, food by Fremont County Cattlemen Association, and live music from 11am—4pm.
—hillsdlaelily.com
Stars of Tomorrow Concert July 20 at Sheslow Auditorium in Des Moines Discover opera’s rising stars at one unforgettable concert! The members of Des Moines Metro Opera's Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program take the stage for one night only to perform opera’s greatest duets, trios, and ensembles.
—desmoinesmetroopera.org/AAPevents/
2024 Iowa Irish Fest August 2–4 at Lincoln Park in Waterloo Entering its 18th year, the Iowa Irish Fest is an open-air event held on the first weekend of August in Waterloo, Iowa. The Fest provides nearly 50,000 annual attendees the opportunity to participate in a premier cultural event that broadens their global perspective and introduces them to experiences and lifestyles far beyond the Midwest, while acknowledging and celebrating the history of the Irish community.
—iowairishfest.com
Iowa State Fair August 8–18 at Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moine The Iowa State Fair is Iowa’s largest event featuring food entertainment, livestock shows and contests, and more!
—iowastatefair.org
Bike Ride of Iowa County August 10 at Amana Colonies in Amana The annual Bike Ride of Iowa County, also known as ‘BRIC’, begins and ends in the village of Amana. Bring the family, some friends, or any other bike lovers for a day full of fun and open-air. The route travels through the northern portion of Iowa County and includes numerous interesting stops with picturesque views along the route to Marengo and back.
—amanacolonies.com/things-to-do/events/themed-weekends/bric/
KANSAS
18th Annual Heartland Art Guild International Miniatures Art Show July 1–26 at Miami County Kansas Historical Museum in Paola
This mini art show will feature almost 200 small works of art by artists from all across the United States, Europe, and South Africa.
—travelks.com/event/18th-annual-heartland-art-guild-international-miniatures-art-show/31198/
Coffeyville Summer Celebration July 6 at Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville This free, all-day event will feature vendors, a car show, live music, food, kids’ games, and more. Stay for the biggest fireworks display in Southeast Kansas!
—travelks.com/event/coffeyville-summer-celebration/31750/
Celebration of Pets & Vets July 6 at Cedar Bluff State Park in Trego County Providing a “quiet option” for Independence Day weekend, this Celebration of Pets & Vets recognizes that sometimes fireworks and loud noises are not the best fun for many. This event will feature a flag raising ceremony, American Flag display that lines the entire North Shore Park, pet parade, and more.
—travelks.com/event/celebration-of-pets-&-vets/27585/
Saucers & Aliens: Kansas UFO Day July 6 at Geneseo City Museum in Geneseo Experience Saucers & Aliens at the only UFO celebration in the state of Kansas. Aliens and spacecraft exhibits will be in the museum and full sized metal sculptures of Klaatu and Gort, the iconic images of visitors “From the Stars” seen in the 1951 sci-fi movie, “The Day The Earth Stood Still” will be dedicated on the museum grounds. Investigate the mysterious Roswell Compass while enjoying UFO/Paranormal speakers, vendors, beer garden, and parade. Come dressed as an alien!
—travelks.com/event/saucers-&-aliens:-kansas-ufo-day-in-dimension-g/31927/
Legends of Whiskey Festival July 13 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City Meet the biggest names in the whiskey industry while sampling some of their highly-acclaimed whiskey and other specialty spirits.
—legendsofwhiskeykc.com
Dam Jam July 19–20 at Lake Afton in Goddard Kansas’ biggest lake party, Dam Jam will feature live outdoor music paired with camping, a corn hole tournament, car show, and more.
—thedamjam.com
Sunflower Festival August 18 at KC Pumpkin Patch in Olathe There's something truly spectacular about the transition between Summer and Autumn when the colors of Kansas scenery create the ideal backdrop for outdoor fun. You're invited to join as Kansas celebrates their agriculture for the KC Wine Co Sunflower fest!
—kcpumpkinpatch.com
MISSOURI
St. Charles Riverfest July 4–5 at Frontier Park in St. Charles Saint Charles Riverfest is the City's premier Fourth of July Festival featuring live music, great food and drinks, children's activities, a carnival, and more. This year will feature a fireworks display on both evenings!
—stcharlescitymo.gov/1037/Riverfest
Riverfront Day Kayak Race July 13 at 0 Front Street in Osceola Whether you’re looking to earn a medal or enjoy a day on the river, this is the event for you. Paddlers will enjoy a great ride through this scenic waterway from Roscoe to Osceola that’s just waiting to be explored! Boats launch in Roscoe and riders will enjoy the river as you paddle the river to Osceola. First, second and third place men, women and tandem will earn a medal all others will enjoy a day on the river and all it has to offer.
— visitmo.com/events/riverfront-day-kayak-race
Peach Festival July 20 at Kirkwood Farmer’s Market in Kirkwood Visitors to downtown Kirkwood will enjoy seasonal produce and peach samples from local farmers as well as peach related treats and seasonal menu items at Kirkwood Farmers' Market. Local farmers will be competing in a contest for the best locally-grown peach, the Kirkwood Public Library will be providing activities, and a live band fill the market with music. The Downtown Kirkwood Sidewalk Sale will also be taking place from 10 am—5 pm.
—greatriverroad.com/stl-events/kirkwood-peach-festival
Heroes for Kids Comic Con July 20–21 at Perry Park Center in Perryville Heroes for Kids Comic Con is a charitable event focusing on comic book culture and raising funds for local and regional organizations in need. This fun-filled, family-friendly event will feature over 80 vendor booths, costume contests, panels, and special guest speakers.
—visitmo.com/events/heroes-for-kids-comic-con
Taste of the Greek Festival July 20–21 at St. Nicholas Family Life Center in St. Louis Join in on this fun filled event for the whole family! Delicious Greek food & pastries available for dine-in or carry-out. There will be live Greek music, Greek dance performances, Greek wine, olive oils to sample and buy, a gift shop, and more.
—greatriverroad.com/stl-events/taste-of-the-greek-festival
2024 KC Brew Fest August 3 at Union Station in Kansas City This event will feature over 50 breweries, 125 beers, music, and Kansas City’s best food trucks. Admission includes beer, and food is sold separately. This event is 21+.
—allevents.in/kansas%20city/10000741110881597
45th Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival August 16–18 at Swope Park in Kansas City The Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City is proud to present one of the largest gatherings of multiculturalism—focusing on the traditional cultures found in Kansas City and its surrounding metro area. The Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City is 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting over 60 cultural organizations and communities.
—eeckc.org/ethnic-enrichment-fest
Prison Break August 24 at Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City This isn’t your typical fun run! The Prison Break will challenge you with every step, but you’ll cross that finish line with a renewed sense of endurance. Runners will set out on a 3+ mile course that will test every facet of their athleticism. They will face wall climbs, mud pits, army crawls, and more. Breaking out of prison isn’t easy, and this course won’t be, either. Are you ready to be pushed beyond your limits?
—visitjeffersoncity.com/prison-break/
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.