6 Sensational Nebraska Food Festivals

Nebraska may bring to mind images of corn fields and soybeans, but did you know they also have a wide variety of unique food festivals? From cultural events and barbecue cook-offs to celebrations of the most popular snacks, here are some of our favorite long-standing food festivals in the Cornhusker State.

Rhythm & Ribs

Albion

With a name like Rhythm & Ribs, this festival might not need any other explanation. For more than a decade, the community of Albion has thrilled visitors and locals with rib barbecue contests, barbecue samplings and family-friendly activities like cornhole tournaments, bounce houses and live music performances. They’ve even been known to host escape rooms and laser tag competitions, making it one of the coolest and most versatile festivals in the state.

Kool-Aid Days

Hastings

Kool-Aid Days is a fun-filled event for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. This nonstop weekend is packed with activities to celebrate the invention of world-renowned Kool-Aid, which is known as Nebraska’s official soft drink. Come enjoy everything from a grand parade and boat race to a Kool-Aid drinking contest and carnival games at this one-of-a-kind event.

AppleJack Festival

Nebraska City

Apple cider, apple pie, apple fritters, apple donuts … if you can think of an apple-related food item, you can probably find it at the historic AppleJack Festival in Nebraska City. For more than 50 years, people have gathered together to celebrate the apple harvest with more delicious treats than you can count, a classic car show, live music, a parade and a three-day carnival that offers the entire family a chance to laugh, fill their stomachs and make memories together. It’s even been named in the Top 10 Fall Harvest Festivals in America by USA Today.

See more: What’s Growing? Nebraska Produce Calendar

Swedish Days

Holdrege

Unless you come from a Swedish family, you may be unfamiliar with some of the finest Nordic cuisine. But don’t worry – Swedish Days in Holdrege gives you a chance to experience firsthand the delights this beautiful country and its heritage. Like many of the festivals in Nebraska, this is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities for parents and children alike. With fun runs, live music, a parade, street dancing, local craft beers, and, of course, plenty of delicious food, you really can’t go wrong.

Popcorn Days

North Loup

Since Nebraska is one of the top popcorn-producing states in the country, it should come as no surprise that they have an annual festival celebrating this delicious and dearly beloved treat. And this is no new event. Popcorn Days is actually the longest running festival in Nebraska, stretching all the way back to 1901. With carnival rides, tractor pulls, dancing, a parade, and all kinds of popcorn and popcorn-inspired snacks, this is a must-see festival for anyone who loves the favorite snack food.

See more: Business is Poppin’ for Nebraska Popcorn Producers

Taste of Omaha

Omaha

If you want the most bang for your buck, the Taste of Omaha might be the perfect food festival for you. For more than 20 years, this event has highlighted a multitude of the city’s finest restaurants and entertainment for the entire family. You can sample a variety of Nebraska cuisine or make your way to the culinary stage where you can enjoy tips and cooking demonstrations from some of the best chefs in the city. From delicious pizza and barbecue ribs to ice cream and cheesecake, the Taste of Omaha is sure to satisfy any appetite.