Nebraska's Big Livestock Stages
For Nebraska junior exhibitors, the biggest shows come in late summer and early fall, and most happen in the same place: the state fairgrounds at Fonner Park in Grand Island. This guide covers the Nebraska State Fair, the Aksarben Stock Show, the farm show at Husker Harvest Days and the rodeos that round out the season. Dates below are 2026 unless noted; confirm the current year before you plan.
Nebraska State Fair
The State Fair FAQ gives 2026 dates of August 28 through September 7 and says the fair always runs 11 days ending on Labor Day. The 2027 dates are shown as August 27 through September 6. Gates open at 7 a.m., and parking on the fairgrounds is free.
4-H and FFA livestock
The State Fair exhibitor page lists 4-H shows for breeding beef, market beef, swine, sheep and goat, and FFA shows for beef, swine, sheep and goat. Dog exhibitors are also referenced. Showmanship entries are automatic for each livestock species you enter (4-H dog exhibitors excepted).
The first-time exhibitor guide covers the details:
- Eligibility. Be enrolled in 4-H in the county you represent by June 15, be 8 before January 1 of the current year, and complete YQCA by August 10. A county show is not required.
- Nominations. Nominate each beef, swine, sheep and goat animal online by June 15 at $7.00 each and collect a DNA sample by the same date.
- Entry. Entries are due online by August 10, 8 p.m., with no late additions. 2026 fees were $50 for beef; $22.50 each for sheep, swine and goat; and $5.00 each for rabbit, poultry and dog. Fees are non-refundable.
- Separate weekends. 4-H and FFA shows are on separate weekends, and all shows run Saturday and Sunday at the same time in different locations.
- Where. Beef, sheep and goats show in a divided ring at Five Points Bank Arena; swine at the Aurora Coop Pavilion; rabbits and poultry in the Sheep Barn.
- Vet check. Animals are examined at the Livestock Trailer Lot south of the fairgrounds. Nebraska-origin animals no longer need a CVI; out-of-state animals do.
The State Fair also hosted a High School Rodeo on September 2 in 2024, with events including bareback, bull riding, barrel racing, breakaway, goat tying and team roping.
Aksarben Stock Show
The 98th annual Aksarben Stock Show moved from Omaha to Grand Island in 2017 and is held on the State Fair grounds. The show's own about page lists September 24-27, 2026, and September 23-26, 2027.
- Who can show. Youth from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Ages are 9 to 19 and no 4-H affiliation is required, per a Knox County 4-H newsletter.
- Species. Market and breeding programs for beef, sheep, goat and swine, plus broilers, per the entries page.
- 2026 deadlines. DNA nominations had to be completed with envelopes postmarked by July 1, and the entry window ran August 1 to September 4. Envelope orders ran December 1, 2025 to June 26, and broiler orders May 15 to July 15.
- Same animal at two shows. Showing the same animal at State Fair and Aksarben requires two separate DNA envelopes and two nominations.
- Where. Beef, sheep and goats at Five Points Bank Arena; swine at the Aurora Cooperative Pavilion.
In 2025, reports described about 1,400 exhibitors from 14 states, free admission, over $118,000 in awards, check-in on Thursday, market shows Friday and Saturday, Purple Banner Night Saturday and breeding shows Sunday. Contests include livestock judging, a quiz bowl and public speaking. The stock show office lists a phone number of (308) 382-1620.
Husker Harvest Days
Husker Harvest Days is not a junior show, but it is a Grand Island stop for many ag families. DTN lists it for September 15-17, 2026 and calls it the world's largest totally irrigated working farm show, with crop production, irrigation, precision agriculture, livestock and machinery on display. Check its own site for hours and tickets.
Rodeos
Nebraska's Big Rodeo in Burwell ran July 22-25, 2026, with four days of PRCA competition, a parade on Saturday morning and the Garfield County Fair, with livestock shows, running the same week. The rodeo dates to 1921 and draws about 18,000 visitors each year.
Planning Tips
- Put June 15 (State Fair nomination and DNA), July 1 (Aksarben DNA) and August 10 (State Fair entry and YQCA) on the calendar in January.
- Bring your own bedding for sheep and swine barns at State Fair; check stalling packets for each species.
- Confirm tag and tattoo legibility before check-in, since they must match your nomination.
- Check species show times in advance if you show more than one species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aksarben still in Omaha?
No. It moved to Grand Island in 2017 and is held at Fonner Park.
Do I need to be in 4-H for Aksarben?
No 4-H affiliation is required, per the Knox County newsletter.
Can I show the same animal at both shows?
Yes, with separate DNA envelopes and nominations for each.
When is the next State Fair?
August 27 through September 6, 2027, per the State Fair site.
Nebraska Listings Covered by This Guide
- Nebraska Cornhusker College Rodeo
Intercollegiate rodeo in the Gana Multisport Outdoor Arena and TractorHouse Pavilion at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 1 and 2, 2026.
- NEBRASKAland Days
North Platte celebration with a four-night PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo, the Miss Rodeo Nebraska contest, parades, road runs and a two-night country music festival. The 62nd edition ran June 17 to 27, 2026.
2801 Charlie Evans Dr., North Platte, NE 69101 | Organizer: NEBRASKAland Days Official event details - National High School Finals Rodeo
National championship week for high school rodeo athletes at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, with the championship round on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
- 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.
- Hayes Center Roping Club Ranch Rodeo
Ranch rodeo hosted by the Hayes Center Roping Club on Wednesday July 29, 2026 at 7 pm during Hayes County 4-H Fair week.
Hayes Center, NE | Organizer: Hayes Center Roping Club Official event details - Taylor Junior Rodeo
Youth rodeo held on the closing Saturday of the Loup County Fair at the Taylor Rodeo Arena. Held each year; the most recent rodeo was August 8, 2026.
Taylor, NE Official event details
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.