We Know How to Celebrate in the Western Nebraska Panhandle

The Scotts Bluff County Fair has been entertaining our residents and visitors for over 134 years! Each July, there’s tasty food, events, and fun galore. Enjoy concerts, tractor pulls, a carnival, 4-H events, a beer garden, rodeos, and so much more at this Western Nebraska Panhandle tradition!

Old West Balloon Fest in Scotts Bluff County is Nebraska’s premier hot air ballooning event. Each summer, spectators are wowed when over 80 colorful hot air balloons fill the Western Nebraska sky. The festival kicks off in the evening with a spectacular “Nightglow” event. In addition to the balloons, there is a craft fair, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, and even a wiener dog race. There’s something for everyone!

Oregon Trail Days is the longest, continuous running celebration in Nebraska. It’s one of Western Nebraska’s most anticipated fun-filled weekends taking place each July. Events include a parade, car show, chili cook-off, concert, mud volleyball, bicycle hill climb, food fair, art show, and so much more! Come celebrate our Oregon Trail heritage!

Bands on Broadway is an 8-week summer concert series held Thursdays June through July, 6–9 p.m. at the18th Street Plaza in Downtown Scottsbluff. Local and regional talent, food, and drinks abound! Bring a blanket, chair, and a smile to support music in Western Nebraska!

The Sugar Valley Rally is one of Western Nebraska Panhandle's great summer events for people of all ages. The Rally is a precision-driving contest for antique cars (1961 and older) that covers hundreds of scenic miles in the North Platte Valley. The Sugar Valley Rally is sanctioned by Great Race, L.L.C.

For the annual Monument Marathon in September, participants follow the steps of the pioneers as they choose between the scenic and certified full or half marathon, or a for-all-ages 5K. The marathon course includes part of the Oregon Trail as it traverses through Mitchell Pass and around Scotts Bluff National Monument, which rises 800 feet above the North Platte River Valley.

Summit to Summit is a 7.2-mile Run/Walk/Shuttle that starts on the Summit Christian College campus in Gering,NE, follows a paved pathway west to the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor’s Center, ascends the bluff via Summit Road, and then returns via the same route.

The course is beautiful, tough, and well-organized to create a race experience unlike any other!

NEXT Young Professionals is a means for members to meet, socialize, and network in a casual environment. This generation of leaders is all about guiding the Western Nebraska Panhandle into the future but they also know how to have a good time. Their annual Beer and Wine Fest held at Oregon Trail Park Stadium is not to be missed! Proceeds go to charity.