What the Garfield County Fair Is
The Garfield County Fair in Burwell is where local 4-H and FFA members show their animals and static projects, and it has shared its week with Nebraska's Big Rodeo since the rodeo began in 1921. The 2026 fair ran July 22 to 25 at the Garfield County Frontier Fairgrounds, 46710 L St, Burwell, NE 68823. The Garfield County Agricultural Society organizes the week, and the fair is open to the public with kid activities and free parking.
For exhibitors, the fair is a chance to show a year of project work to a judge, compete for champion honors and sell a market animal at the livestock premium auction. For visitors, it is a county fair with a PRCA rodeo, a parade and nightly music attached.
What Happens During Fair Week
The most recent full 4-H schedule published by Nebraska Extension (for the 2024 fair, July 22 to 27) shows how the week is built. Dates shift each year, but the order of events is a good guide for families planning ahead.
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Monday | Horse show with showmanship, 8:00 a.m. start; horses in place by 7:30 a.m. |
| Tuesday | Static exhibit interview judging 8:00 a.m. to noon (check in by 11:00 a.m. to be judged and State Fair eligible); small animal show for cats, pets, rabbits and poultry at 1:00 p.m.; sheep and goat weigh-in 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Garfield County Sheep and Goat Show at 9:00 a.m.; livestock weigh-in and check-in 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | Garfield-Loup-Wheeler district beef, sheep and goat show at 9:00 a.m. |
| Friday | Swine and beef show at 9:00 a.m.; Round Robin for champion senior showmen in beef, sheep, swine, goats and horses 30 minutes after the beef show; Rodeo Parade of Champions at 7:00 p.m. for purple ribbon winners in official 4-H dress |
| Saturday | Livestock premium auction at 4:00 p.m.; exhibit hall open 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | Livestock released; clean-up and release of exhibits |
Who Can Enter and the Rules
- The livestock and static classes are for 4-H and FFA members.
- Static exhibits must be checked in by the stated time to be judged and to qualify for State Fair and champion awards.
- Pens and stalls must be cleaned within 48 hours of the auction or no premiums are paid.
- Purple ribbon winners in the Parade of Champions wear official 4-H dress and report to the east gate by the arena at 6:45 p.m.
- No exhibits are released before Sunday without the superintendent's permission.
Rodeo and Entertainment
The PRCA rodeo runs Wednesday through Saturday, with the final performance on Saturday night, July 25. The 2026 week added Extreme Bulls on Wednesday night, chuck wagon races, a wild horse race, bands in the beer garden Thursday through Saturday and a Saturday morning parade. Nebraska volleyball Olympian Jordan Larson served as grand marshal.
Where
Garfield County Frontier Fairgrounds, 46710 L St, Burwell, NE 68823. Camping is available near the grounds, and lodging in the area fills quickly in July.
Questions
Do I need a ticket for the fair?
The fair is open to the public. Rodeo performances are ticketed separately.
Who do I call?
The Garfield County Agricultural Society, 308-346-5010, or questions@nebraskasbigrodeo.com.
When is the next fair?
The fair runs each July alongside the rodeo. The most recent edition was July 22 to 25, 2026.
Official Links
- Garfield County Fair event page: dates, address, organizer contact
- Garfield County Fair schedule (Nebraska Extension): most recent published 4-H schedule
- WOWT: Nebraska's Big Rodeo returns to Burwell: 2026 fair week and rodeo
- ProRodeo Hall of Fame: rodeo history
Nebraska County Fairs: The Essentials
Nebraska county fairs are run by local fair boards and agricultural societies, while Nebraska Extension runs the 4-H side. Nebraska 4-H points to nebraskafairs.org for a printable list of fair dates and locations.
Examples
Cherry County's 2024 book paid purple $5, blue $4, red $3 and white $2 on standard classes. Pawnee County's 2026 book paid $7, $5, $3 and $1 on typical breeding and market classes and requires YQCA before June 15. Saline County's open class is open to any Nebraska resident, with animal entries due June 13 in its 2025 book. Deadlines differ by county, so read your fair book early.
State fair
The Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island ran August 28 to September 7 in 2026 per Pawnee County's book. 4-H youth must enroll by June 15, static exhibits need a county purple ribbon, and livestock entries close August 10 at 8 p.m. Central.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Nebraska's Big Rodeo
PRCA rodeo at the Burwell fairgrounds dating to 1921, drawing about 18,000 visitors a year. The 2026 run, July 22 to 25, added Extreme Bulls, chuck wagon races and a wild horse race.
- Nebraska Wheat Board Meeting
Wheat checkoff board meeting on the Nebraska Wheat calendar, held in Lincoln on Nov. 18, 2026, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
- Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention
Farm Bureau members meet for policy voting, discussion meet rounds, workshops, a keynote and board elections. The 2026 meeting is Dec. 6 to 8; the 2025 convention was also held in Kearney.
- Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show
Annual convention and trade show of Nebraska Cattlemen at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney, scheduled for Dec. 9 to 11, 2026.
- Box Butte County 4-H Holiday Maker Day
Youth ages 5-18 choose four holiday projects from 2:30 to 4:30 pm on Friday, December 18, 2026; registration is due December 1 at the Extension office.
Alliance, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Box Butte County Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.