Nebraska 4-H Beyond the County Fair
Nebraska 4-H reached 127,786 youth directly in 2024, about one in three young people in the state, and its calendar goes well beyond the county fair. Many events share the same gatekeepers: enrollment in 4-H Online, a county Extension office that submits entries, and a handful of dates in spring and early summer. This guide pulls together the main statewide events and contests, with dates from 2026 as examples. Always confirm the current year with your county Extension office.
Start Here: Enrollment and Age
- Enrollment. New members must enroll by June 15 to take part in county or state fair, according to a Hall County checklist. The Hall County checklist lists returning members re-enrolling by March 15 and dues of $10 per member; county dues vary, and a Knox County calendar lists $5.
- Age for state fair. Members must be 8 to 18 as of January 1 of the current year, per the 4-H State Fair announcement.
- Clover Kids. Counties offer programs for ages 5 to 7, and some county events are open to them. They are not eligible for every activity; Knox County's swine rate-of-gain program, for example, excludes them.
Nebraska State Fair 4-H
The 2026 Nebraska State Fair ran Friday, August 28 through Monday, September 7 at Fonner Park in Grand Island, and 4-H events are held the first weekend. A full schedule lives at 4h.unl.edu/state-fair. Key points for 2026:
- Animal and contest entries were due online through ShoWorks by Monday, August 10, at 8 p.m. Livestock nominations and payment had to be done by June 15.
- Static exhibits and the Fashion Show must be selected by judges at a county fair, and in most cases level 1 projects do not qualify for static exhibits. Extension staff enter these.
- No county qualifier is needed for the Culinary Challenge, Dog Skillathon, Dairy Judging, Weed and Grass Identification, Horticulture Judging, Tree Identification or Insect Identification. Read each contest's eligibility rules first.
- Robotics Showcase is open to individuals or teams of 2 to 4 youth.
- Animal exhibitors in livestock, rabbits and dogs can show at State Fair regardless of county fair placing.
- 4-H Day was Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Raising Nebraska, and static exhibitor families could buy discount passes through the Nebraska State Fair until August 27, per the July 2026 4-H Alerts.
Entry links are on the State Fair page; livestock exhibitors use 4h.unl.edu/state-fair-livestock-exhibitor and contest participants use 4h.unl.edu/state-fair-contest-participant.
Horse Program
The Nebraska State 4-H Horse Show and horse expo have earlier deadlines than the rest of State Fair. A 2026 Knox County calendar lists State 4-H Horse Show entries due June 1 and the show on July 11-15, and the Buffalo County fair page lists June 1 for horse IDs, level testing and online entries for the Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo. Horse ID forms and Horse Advancement level testing come before county fair as well. A Nebraska 4-H horse ID form shows right, left and front photos of each horse.
Communication and Leadership
- County communication events. Knox County's 2026 calendar lists a Communication Event for public speaking and presentation contests, open to Clover Kids as well as older youth.
- Premier Communication Event. Listed for June 16-17, 2026, in Lincoln.
- Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). Held July 6-10, 2026, on UNL East Campus, open to current high school juniors and seniors, with applications due April 15.
- Big Red Academic Summer Camps. Residential camps for students entering grades 9-12; space is first-come, first-served. A Food Systems Camp ran June 7-12, 2026.
Livestock and Animal Science Events
- Premier Animal Science Event (PASE). A two-day annual event at the Nebraska Animal Science Complex in Lincoln, open to youth statewide.
- Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit. Youth must attend at least two circuit contests plus the PASE livestock judging contest to qualify for awards and scholarships.
- Fed Steer Challenge and Farrowed and Owned Swine Cohort. Statewide programs for youth interested in cattle and swine. Registration windows vary, so check with Extension.
- Livestock Achievement Program. Open to enrolled 4-H livestock youth; Knox County lists June 15 for applications.
- Aksarben Stock Show. Open to ages 9 to 19, with no 4-H affiliation required. See the guide to major stock shows.
Several of these were described on the Harlan County statewide opportunities page, which does not list dates for most of them.
Shooting Sports and Other Contests
The State 4-H BB Gun and Air Rifle Championships were held March 14-15, 2026, at Kimball High School. Adult shooting sports leaders must be 21 or older, and apprentice leaders 14 to 20, according to the July 2026 4-H Alerts. Other opportunities include the 4-H Project Showcase, the National 4-H Beekeeping Essay, and the FIRST LEGO League for ages 4 to 14.
Practical Tips
- Enroll in 4-H Online before June 15 and complete YQCA training if you show animals.
- Ask your Extension office which events need a county qualifier and who submits entries.
- Write down the August 10 State Fair entry deadline and the June 1 horse deadline now.
- Sign up for your county newsletter; most deadlines are announced there first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to win at county fair to go to State Fair?
For static exhibits and the Fashion Show, yes: they must be selected at a county fair. Livestock, rabbit and dog exhibitors can show regardless of county placing, and several contests need no county qualifier.
Who submits my State Fair entries?
Extension staff enter static exhibits and Fashion Show entries. Families enter animals and most contests online.
What ages can take part?
8 to 18 as of January 1 for State Fair. Counties set their own Clover Kids programs.
Where do I find current dates?
4h.unl.edu/state-fair and your county Extension office.
Nebraska Listings Covered by This Guide
- 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 - Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event (PASE)
Statewide youth contest with livestock judging, meats judging, poultry judging, quiz bowl, skill-a-thon, animal welfare judging and a companion animal challenge. The next dates posted are June 2 to 4, 2027, in Lincoln.
- Nebraska 4-H Horse Expo
The Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Show, the statewide 4-H horse competition, in Grand Island with check-in at Thompson Arena. The next dates posted are July 10 to 14, 2027.
- Gage County 4-H Team Quizbowl
Team quizbowl for Gage County 4-H members, scheduled for Saturday July 31, 2027 at 3 pm at the Gage County Fairgrounds during fair week.
Beatrice, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Gage County Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H BB Gun, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Contest
Morning shooting sports contest for BB gun, air rifle and air pistol at the Nebraska Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. Held each year; the most recent contest was February 7, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Rabbits R Us Fun Show and Showmanship Clinic
Beginner-friendly fun show and showmanship clinic for young rabbit exhibitors held in the South Hall of the Sandhills Global Event Center. Held each year; the most recent show was February 8, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Lincoln County 4-H Open House
Evening open house where families meet 4-H leaders and ask about Clover Kids (ages 5-7) and regular membership (ages 8-18). Held each year; the most recent open house was February 17, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm.
North Platte, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lincoln County Official event details - Richardson County 4-H Market Beef Weigh-In
Early-season weigh-in for 4-H and FFA market beef projects at the Humboldt Fairgrounds; the most recent session was Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, with February 28 as the weather date.
Humboldt, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Richardson County Official event details - Holt County Market Beef Weigh-On-Your-Own Day
Weigh-on-your-own day for 4-H market beef and second-year bucket calves, held February 28, 2026 from 9 to 11 am at Atkinson Livestock Market.
Atkinson, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Holt and Boyd Counties Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Market Beef Weigh-In
Evening weigh-in for 4-H market beef projects at the EquineMarket Pavilion, 6 to 7 pm, which sets weights before county fair season. Held each year; the most recent weigh-in was March 2, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Spring Rabbit Show
Spring 4-H rabbit show in the Ag Society Hall at the Sandhills Global Event Center, a warm-up for fair season. Held each year; the most recent show was March 14, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Logan and McPherson Counties 4-H Communication Contest
Shared speech and communication contest for 4-H youth from Logan and McPherson counties, held at Gandy Church. Held each year; the most recent contest was March 21, 2026.
Gandy, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lincoln, Logan and McPherson Counties Official event details - Hall County 4-H Fine Arts Night
Speech and talent contests for Hall County 4-H members, held March 24, 2026 at 6:30 pm in the College Park Auditorium; registration forms were due March 10.
Grand Island, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Hall County Official event details - Cedar County 4-H Family Night Open House
Open house in Hartington on March 26, 2026 where families learned to exhibit static and livestock projects; the 2026 fair exhibitor guide was handed out.
Hartington, NE | Organizer: Cedar County Ag Society Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Prepared Speech Contest
Afternoon public speaking contest for 4-H members, held at the Extension conference rooms at 444 Cherrycreek Road. Held each year; the most recent contest was March 29, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Pierce County 4-H BB Gun, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Contest
Spring shooting sports contest for BB gun, air rifle and air pistol shooters held at the Pierce City Auditorium. Held each year; the most recent contest was April 12, 2026.
Pierce, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Pierce County Official event details - Washington County 4-H Communications Contest
Youth speaking and presentation contest held each spring at the Washington County Extension Office; the most recent contest was Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5:30 pm.
NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Washington County Official event details - Lincoln County 4-H Communication Contest
Speech and communication contest for Lincoln County 4-H members at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center. Held each year; the most recent contest was April 25, 2026.
North Platte, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lincoln County Official event details - Webster County 4-H Speech and Presentation Contest
Annual 4-H public speaking and presentation contest at the Webster County Fairgrounds; the most recent contest was Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Webster County Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Sheep and Goat Weigh-In Day
Weigh-in night for market sheep and goat projects held 6 to 7 pm in the Currency Pavilion ahead of the Super Fair. Held each year; the most recent weigh-in was May 4, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Pierce County 4-H Archery Contest at Norfolk
Pierce County 4-H archery contest shot at the outdoor range in Norfolk, one of the spring shooting sports events before fair season. Held each year; the most recent contest was May 17, 2026.
Norfolk, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Pierce County Official event details - Keith County YQCA Training in Ogallala
In-person Youth for the Quality Care of Animals session for Keith County 4-H and FFA exhibitors, required by June 15 to show beef, swine, sheep, goat, dairy, poultry or rabbits. Held each year; the most recent Ogallala session was May 18, 2026.
Ogallala, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Keith and Arthur Counties Official event details - Hall County 4-H Bicycle Road-E-O
Bicycle safety and skills event for ages 5-18 held May 27, 2026 at the Hall County Extension Office in Grand Island; pre-registration closed May 20.
Grand Island, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Hall County Official event details - Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event
Statewide 4-H animal science event on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus that includes the Companion Animal Challenge. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 27-29, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska 4-H Official event details - Webster County 4-H Culinary Challenge
Youth cooking contest held at the Webster County Fairgrounds ahead of fair season; the most recent practice challenge ran May 28, 2026, at 4:00 pm, with a second contest on June 30 at 5:00 pm.
NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Webster County Official event details - Nuckolls County Sheep and Goat Weigh-In
Evening weigh-in for market sheep and goat projects at the Nuckolls County Fairgrounds in Nelson, 6 to 8 pm. Held each year; the most recent weigh-in was May 28, 2026.
Nelson, NE Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Horse Judging Contest and Clinic
Afternoon horse judging contest and clinic for Lancaster County 4-H youth in the Livestock Market Pavilion. Held each year; the most recent contest was May 30, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Plant Science Contests
In-person horticulture, tree identification and grass and weed identification contests for 4-H youth, held 10 am to noon. Held each year; the most recent contests were June 16, 2026.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Platte County 4-H Horse Show
Pre-fair 4-H horse show held on a Saturday morning in the Ag Park Arena Building. Held each year; the most recent show was June 20, 2026.
Columbus, NE | Organizer: Platte County Agricultural Society Official event details - Platte County 4-H Archery Shoot
Evening 4-H archery shoot in the Ag Park Arena Building, with check-in at 5:30 pm. Held each year; the most recent shoot was June 30, 2026.
Columbus, NE | Organizer: Platte County Agricultural Society Official event details - Lancaster County 4-H Life Challenge Contest
Morning Life Challenge contest in which 4-H members test knowledge of family and consumer science topics. Held each year; the most recent contest was June 24, 2026, from 8:30 am to noon.
Lincoln, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Official event details - Dawes County Clover Kids Wonder Workshop
Crafts and activities for ages 5-7 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on July 7, 2026; projects can be entered in the fair, cost is $20 and registration closed July 1.
Chadron, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Dawes County Official event details - Dundy County 4-H Air Rifle and .22 Rifle Contests
Pre-fair 4-H shooting contests for air rifle and .22 rifle held Saturday July 11, 2026 at 7:30 am at the Benkelman fairgrounds; archery follows a week later.
Benkelman, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Dundy County Official event details - Perkins County 4-H Ultrasound Contest
Noon contest in which 4-H members judge muscle, ribeye size and fat from ultrasound results. Held each year; the most recent contest was July 14, 2026.
Grant, NE Official event details - Adams County 4-H Fashion Show and Food Review Contest
Fashion Show judging at 9 AM, the Food Review Contest at 2 PM and a public fashion show at 7 PM, all at the Adams County Fairgrounds on July 8, 2026.
Hastings, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Adams County Official event details - Platte County 4-H Public Fashion Show
Public 4-H fashion show on the Club Room Stage on opening night of the fair, after the Clover Kid Show n Tell. Held each year; the most recent show was July 8, 2026.
Columbus, NE | Organizer: Platte County Agricultural Society Official event details - Custer County 4-H Public Fashion Show
Style and clothing construction judging at 9:00 am and the public 4-H fashion show at 7:00 pm on July 16, 2026 at the Evangelical Free Church.
Broken Bow, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Custer County Official event details - Furnas County 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Youth livestock judging contest on Thursday July 16, 2026 at the Furnas County Fairgrounds, starting about an hour after the swine, sheep and goat shows finish.
Beaver City, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Furnas County Official event details - Hitchcock County 4-H Livestock Sale
Closing livestock sale of the Hitchcock County 4-H Fair on Saturday July 18, 2026 at 6 pm, after the casting contest and cupcake construction event.
NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Hitchcock County Official event details - Adams County 4-H Livestock Premium Auction
Closing sale of the Adams County Fair, held at 9:00 AM on July 20, 2026 at the fairgrounds in Hastings; static exhibits are released that afternoon.
Hastings, NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Adams County Official event details
Plus 35 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Nebraska directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.