From handmade treasures to big-ticket items, the Marketplace has it all
Shopping at the Nebraska State Fair isn’t just about filling a bag — it’s about discovering something new, meeting the makers, and taking home a little piece of the Fair magic. With hundreds of vendors offering everything from handcrafted art to the latest in home improvement, 2025 promises one of the most diverse marketplaces yet.
“This year, fairgoers can expect a mix of returning favorites and some exciting new faces,” said Keaton Irwin, Sales Director for the Nebraska State Fair. “You’ll find boutique clothing, handmade décor, agricultural equipment, health products, and a whole lot more — all in one place.
Fan favorites return
Guests can reconnect with long-standing vendors that have become part of the Fair tradition, including:
Nitro Ice Cream – frozen before your eyes with liquid nitrogen
Twisted Stitch – custom screen printing, embroidery, and promotional products
Wild Bob’s Old Time Portraits – vintage-style keepsake photos
Webster Enterprises – from massage pads to bamboo sheets, a wide variety of unique products
“These businesses have built connections with our guests over the years,” Irwin said. “Seeing familiar faces selling products you come back for each year just adds to the overall fair experience.”
New in 2025
This year’s new arrivals bring a fresh mix of innovation and artistry, including:
Trimlight – permanent outdoor lighting, like the display on the Fair’s own Welcome Center
Raine Co. – debuting a State Fair Village design line inspired by Nebraska’s past and future
Faith 7 – hand-decorated cattle skulls and western décor showstoppers
A Marketplace Like No Other
Vendors can be found throughout the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center, the Marketplace, and across the fairgrounds — offering categories as varied as boutique fashion, pet products, RVs, lawn equipment, gourmet foods, jewelry, home spas, handmade crafts, and outdoor furniture. The GROW Nebraska Buy Nebraska Store alone will feature more than 75 Nebraska businesses in one space.
“The shopping here is truly an experience of its own,” Irwin said. “You might walk in for a new pair of boots and leave with a patio set, locally made jam, and a personalized leather hat. It’s not just retail, it’s like a unique product scavenger hunt at the Fair.”
Shoppers will also want to mark their calendars for the Nebraska State Fair Craft Show, happening August 29 and 30 in the Heartland Event Center. This two-day event features dozens of Nebraska small businesses — from bakeries and custom boutiques to permanent jewelry, handmade gifts, and more. With a farmer’s market feel brought indoors, it’s the perfect place to browse, sample, and support local makers while enjoying the energy of the Fair.
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.