Crowd favorites and new surprises await fairgoers in Grand Island
You don’t need a ticket to a grandstand show to enjoy world-class performances at the Nebraska State Fair. From gravity-defying stunt dogs to comedic strolling acts, the fairgrounds will be alive with free entertainment all 11 days of the 2025 Fair.
“This is the kind of entertainment you can stumble upon while exploring the Fair — and it’s often what people talk about long after they leave,” said Karli Schulz, Events & Entertainment Director. “Where else can you watch sea lions splash, dogs soar through the air into a giant ball pit, and a nine-foot walking tree all in the same afternoon?”
Headlining the grounds
-Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show – High-flying tricks, agility stunts, and dock dives into a massive ball pit, all performed by rescue dogs who have wowed audiences on America’s Got Talent and The Late Show with David Letterman.
-Sea Lion Splash – An educational and entertaining show starring trained sea lions performing amazing tricks while highlighting ocean conservation.
-Oakley the Tree Man – A towering, walking tree who surprises and delights fairgoers as he roams the grounds.
“All of this is included with your gate admission,” Schulz added. “It’s the perfect way to fill your day between concerts, rides, and all that amazing Fair food.”
More to enjoy
-Touchdown Circus Show – The show sports fans have been waiting for, featuring ordinary sports equipment in extraordinary circus stunts, acrobatics, juggling and one-of-a-kind tricks.
-Cowboy Circus – Saddle up for cowboy tricks, family fun, and so much more in the "World's Smallest Rodeo!"
-HypnoFX – Interactive, hypnotic comedy with big laughs and wild imagination as volunteers become stars in a fun, clean, and unforgettable hypno-adventure.
-Kevin Horner – Veteran comedian, ventriloquist, and magician is guaranteed to inspire uproarious laughter.
-Fahrenheit Fire Company – Strolling miniature firetruck with cool air cryogen and interactive special effects and an all day cooling station.
-Circus Science Spectacular – Blending comedy, juggling, magic and balancing to teach concepts like forces, motion, simple machines and more.
In addition to the live acts, the Family Fun Zone will again feature the giant jumping pillows for kids to bounce their energy away and ACP Park will house the return of the ever-popular Foam Zone, where fairgoers can cool off and play in a bubbly wonderland. Both attractions are free with gate admission and make for unforgettable family photo moments.
The 2025 Nebraska State Fair offers all fairgoers the chance to Showcase Your Fair Face, August 22 through September 1 at Fonner Park in Grand Island. The fair has drawn more than 4 million visitors to its home in Grand Island since 2010. More information about agricultural events and competitions, carnival entertainment, and other musical performances is available at www.StateFair.org.