The 157th Nebraska State Fair will take place August 28 - September 7, 2026, in Grand Island, Nebraska, providing an opportunity for 4-H members from across the state to showcase what they have learned and accomplished throughout the year. The Nebraska State Fair is not just a place to showcase skills and projects; it is also an opportunity for 4-H members to meet new people, strengthen their life skills and character, and discover new interests.
As part of this year’s State Fair, 4-H members will help educate fairgoers by leading financial activities in the Raising Nebraska building. In today’s world, young people face many financial challenges, including increasing costs of education, healthcare, and housing. Learning important money-management skills at an early age can help young individuals make informed financial decisions and prepare them to be beyond ready for their future.
National 4-H and the Charles Schwab Foundation have partnered to make learning financial skills engaging through games, choices, and real-world examples. Some of these free, interactive financial literacy activities will be led by 4-H members at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to practice budgeting, saving, and making daily financial decisions while gaining skills they can use both now and in the future.
On August 30, 2026, Nebraska 4-H will welcome 4-H members, families, volunteers, and alumni to the Nebraska State Fair for 4-H Day. This event will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the Raising Nebraska building.This event will honor the individuals, achievements, and experiences that help Nebraska youth become Beyond Ready for the workforce and their lives. Attendees can enjoy interactive activities throughout the building, take photos at the 4-H photo booth, and enjoy free ice cream provided by the UNL Dairy Store. The celebration program will begin at 3 p.m. and will recognize outstanding 4-H volunteers for their commitment to youth development and Nebraska 4-H, while also highlighting members of the Nebraska 4-H Leadership Academy.
Nebraska 4-H invites all youth, family, friends, and alumni to join in the celebration and honor the people and experiences that make 4-H an important part of preparing young people for successful futures. Nebraska State Fair gate passes for 4-H Day on August 30 are available for advanced purchase.
Attendees can also download the Nebraska State Fair mobile app (iPad or iPhone, or Android) to stay up to date on contest schedules, show programs, and results. The app also offers interactive features, including a scavenger hunt, 4-H quizzes, and fun photo filters, providing fairgoers with more ways to engage in the Nebraska State Fair.
For more information on the Nebraska State Fair, Nebraska 4-H, and their schedules, visit https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/state-fair/.
