Events
Dixon County is home to exciting and entertaining events, including festivals, rodeos, tournaments and the county fair. Join us for unique annual events such as the Days of '56 Rodeo, the Dixon County Fair, the Wakefield Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Newcastle Labor Day Celebration.
See the events calendar for specific dates and events.
Featured Events
The Dixon County Fair
Fun for all ages, including agricultural exhibits, live music, games for kids, exotic animals and more.
Learn more about the fair.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Wakefield Hot Air Balloon Festival & Craft Show can take your weekend to new heights.
Learn more about the festival.
Days of '56 Rodeo
Celebrating 40 years, the Days of '56 Rodeo in Ponca is one of Nebraska's largest.
Learn more about the Rodeo.
Newcastle Labor Day Celebration
Newcastle's annual Labor Day Celebration features crafts, games and antique agricultural machinery.
Learn more about the celebration.
Lov-a-lop Exotic Animal Swap Meet
A camel, emu, silver fox or chinchilla - what new animals are waiting for you at the Love-A-Lop Exotic Animal Farm in Allen?
Wakefield Baseball Tournaments
Wakefield is known as The Baseball Capital of Nebraska. Find out why at one of Wakefield's many annual baseball tournaments.
Nifty 50's Weekend
Featuring a kids' carinval, water sports, dunk tank, teen dance, frog & toad jumping contest, street dance and more!
Missouri River Outdoor Expo
Designed for both new and experienced outdoor enthusiasts, the Outdoor Expo features activities and demonstrations of fishing, hunting, camping, outdoor cooking and more.
Events Calendar
March 2012
Saturday, March 10 through Sunday, March 11
Marsh Madness Celebrate the Park's beautiful natural wetland areas through interpretive programs and guided programs. Reserve an observation blind! Special mini-lodge packages will be available soon in 2012!!
May 2012
Sunday, May 6 through Monday, May 7
Becoming an Outdoor Chef A hands-on cooking weekend for all levels of outdoor cookers! Learn about grilling, smoking, dehydration, fish cleaning, jerky & sausage making, campfire cooking, Dutch Oven and wild edibles!! YUMMY! Lodging packages will become available in 2012.
Sunday, May 13
Mother's Day Buffet Treat mom to a relaxing delectable buffet from 11:30 - 1pm. Reservations are required. Call the park office closer to the event for a detailed menu and reservations.
June 2012
Saturday, June 2 through Sunday, June 3
Scheels 3-D Archery Tournament The public is invited to compete in our annual 3-D Scheels Archery Shoot, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks. Lots of prizes and giveaways. Each round of shooting consists of 25 targets. For more information, contact the Scheels Archery Shop at 402-252-1551.
Saturday, June 16 through Sunday, June 17
Bugs and Bones Weekend Learn about Nebraska's creepy crawlies and bone discoveries a little bit more by highlighting all of the great aspects about these misunderstood creatures and archeology of the region. Crafts, games, hikes and programs will be offered.
Sunday, June 17
Father's Day Fried Chicken and Fish Fry What dad wouldn't love a homemade fried chicken dinner and fish fry with all the fixins? Join us from 11:30 to 1pm for our buffet featuring coleslaw, cornbread, fries and Dutch Oven cobbler. Reservations required.
Saturday, June 23
Summer Solstice Wine and Cheese Tasting Join us during the twilight hours at the Towers in Time sculpture for a wine and cheese tasting, celebrating the arrival of summer. Sample regional wines, cheeses, and breads while listening to local musical talent. No registration required.
July 2012
Sunday, July 1
4th of July Cobbler & Ice Cream Social Treat your family to homemade Dutch-Oven cobbler and hand-cranked ice-cream at our beautiful Tri-State Overlook.
August 2012
Saturday, August 11
Shooting Sports Skills Day Camp This event is for those who wish to hone in or learn about different shooting techniques. Learn about archery, shotgun, .22's, muzzle-loading, etc in our newly renovated Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex. Participants must be 11 years old with hunter education.
September 2012
Saturday, September 8 through Sunday, September 9
Archery Sight-In Days The parks archery range will have 3-D target ranges set-up that include big game, small game, deer herd, and a just-for-fun range. Range will be open 10am to 4pm both days. No registration required.
Saturday, September 15 through Sunday, September 16
8th Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo Learn about wildlife-related and outdoor recreation activities including; wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, archery, shooting sports, camping, off-highway and boating recreation. Over 80 hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and vendors. Free. Park entry permit required.
October 2012
Saturday, October 6
3rd Annual Homemade Living Day This even focuses on "passing-on" many of the traditional skills and techniques of a small family farm. Demonstrations include canning and preserving, bee keeping, fiber arts, quilting, flour milling and much more!
Saturday, October 13
Hallowfest - 1st Saturday The park's 14th annual Halloween and autumn event that features haunted evening hayrack rides,pumpkin rolling and carving contests, and much more. Haunted hayrack ride reservations begin October 8th at 8am by calling or visiting the park office.
Saturday, October 20
Hallowfest - 2nd Saturday The park's 14th annual Halloween and autumn event that features haunted evening hayrack rides, pumpkin rolling and carving contest, and much more. Haunted hayrack ride reservations begin October 8th ant 8am by calling or visiting the park office.
December 2012
Friday, December 14
Annual Christmas Bird Count This event coincides with the Audubon’s Society’s national Christmas Bird Count. Amateur and expert birdwatchers are invited to attend this event that closes with a free chili feed to compare notes and sighting reports. Begins 7am but feel free to come earlier to do some owling!
Organizing an Event?
Event organizers are encouraged to submit events for our online events calendar.