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
August 2010
Friday, August 13 through Sunday, August 15
Shooting Sports Skills Camp This new event is for those who wish to hone in on their shooting techniques. We will camp out in a hunting camp atmosphere, chow on wild game and then we’ll head out to practice shooting various firearms and bows in different type of settings. Registration required - call park office for info.
September 2010
Saturday, September 11 through Sunday, September 12
Archery Sight-In Days The park’s archery range will have 3-D target ranges setup that include big game, small game, the deer herd, and a just for fun range. Range will be open from 10AM to 4PM both days
Saturday, September 18 through Sunday, September 19
6th Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo This 6th annual event features hands-on demonstrations, exhibits, presentations, and activities on camping, hunting, nature art, outdoor cooking, fishing, conservation, biking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and many other outdoor pursuits. No entry price, just park permit required.
October 2010
Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 3
Missouri River History Conference The Agricultural Frontier and the MO River Valley, 1820-2000. Topics may include: development of agriculture over the past 180-190 years, how the Homestead Act and Morrill Act changed settlement and agricultural education. Pre-registration and information acquired by calling the park office.
Saturday, October 2 through Sunday, October 3
2nd Annual Heritage Farm Weekend This event focuses on “passing-on” many of the traditional skills and techniques of a small family farm. Programs may include canning & preserving, bee keeping, organic gardening, cheese making, heirloom gardening, quilting, and much more. Tied in with the Missouri River History Conference.
Saturday, October 16
Hallowfest
The Park’s annual Halloween/autumn event that features haunted hayrack rides,
pumpkin rolling and carving contest, a campsite decorating contest, and much more. Haunted hayrack ride reservations begin October 11th by calling the park office at 8am. (Usually fills by 9:15am)
Saturday, October 23
Hallowfest
The Park’s annual Halloween/autumn event that features haunted hayrack rides,
pumpkin rolling and carving contest, a campsite decorating contest, and much more. Haunted hayrack ride reservations begin October 11th by calling the park office at 8am. (Usually fills by 9:15am)
January 2011
Sunday, January 2
Annual Christmas Bird Count Usually held on a Saturday, but postponed until Sunday this year, this event coincides with the Audubon’s Society’s national Christmas Bird Count. Amateur and expert birdwatchers are invited to attend this event. A free Chili feed will be served at noon.
July 2011
Friday, July 1 through Sunday, July 3
Allen Alumni Reunion Allen Alums will gather Friday night July 1 at the Fire Hall for a Social. Saturday will include the banquet at the school gymnasium and fireworks. Sunday morning, alums may attend the churches of their choice.
Organizing an Event?
Event organizers are encouraged to submit events for our online events calendar.