Nebraska

Uncle Sam Jam! July 3 at Oak Lake Park, First and Charleston streets, Lincoln. Bring the whole family to Lincoln’s official celebration of Independence Day, featuring food, music, fireworks, and more. 402-441-7547. —lincoln.ne.gov 

Annual July Fourth Flea Market July 3-4 at Fairbury City Park, 421 Park Road, Fairbury. Spend two days celebrating America’s independence at the largest flea market in southeast Nebraska, where everything from dishes to clothes will be available for purchase, along with great food. A morning parade and a fireworks show at dusk will take place on July 4. 402-729-3221. —fairburyfleamarket.com 

1898 Independence Day Celebration July 4 at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34, Grand Island. This summer tradition includes a parade, a concert, pie-eating contests, games, and more. 308-385-5316. —stuhrmuseum.org

Zoofest July 6-7, 14th and O streets, Lincoln. Taking place in front of the Zoo Bar, this festival will feature all-day performances from national and local musicians along with food, drinks, and merchandise for sale. 402-435-8754. —zoobar.com 

The Good Living Tour July 7 at City Park, 100 Third Ave., Red Cloud; July 20 at Johnny Carson Mural, 111 Third St.,  Norfolk. This statewide concert tour is back. Acts performing in Red Cloud are Root Marm Chicken Farm Jug Band, Rascal Martinez, Freakabout, and Lester Junction. Acts performing in Norfolk are Emily Bass and the Near Miracle, Bokr Tov, and The Belles. 308-386-8117. —goodlivingtour.com

Midwest Toy Farmers’ 31st Annual Toy Show July 8 at Northeast Community College, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Norfolk. Midwest toy farmers will display and sell their toy trucks, tractors, and more at this annual event. —toyfarmer.com/showsauctions

Oregon Trail Days July 12-15 in Scottsbluff. This 97th annual event is one of the oldest community festivals in Nebraska. The celebration includes a kickoff barbecue, a hill climb bicycle ride to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument, a chili cook-off, horseshoe tournament, and more. 308-632-2133. —oregontraildays.com

John C. Fremont Days July 13-15 in Fremont. This award-winning celebration of Fremont’s history offers education along with the “Cruisers on Main” car and bike show, a rodeo, an antique and collectors show, a parade, beautiful hot air balloon glow, and many more activities. This year’s festival is dedicated to the remembrance of World War I, and displays will be a part of this recognition of the Great War. 402-727-9428. —johncfremontdays.org

2018 MCA Mustang National Show July 13-15 at Pinnacle Bank Arena Festival Lot, 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive, Lincoln. Spectators will be treated to a display of Mustangs along with approximately 500 other vehicles. 402-267-3665. —hoofbeatoflincoln.com

My Ántonia  July 20-22 at Red Cloud Opera House, 413 N. Webster St., Red Cloud. This play by A.P. Andrews, based on the novel by Willa Cather, follows the life of Ántonia, a young and lonely immigrant girl living with her family in Black Hawk, Nebraska, who befriends young Jim Burden. Their story is one of pioneer hardships, personal struggles, and the endurance of memory. 402-746-2641. —willacather.org 

Christofer Visser—Civil War Re-enactor July 20 at Schoolhouse Art Gallery & Nature Center, 427 Main St., Brownville. Spend an evening listening to Christofer Visser’s true historical stories along with unique stories pertaining to his travels. 402-825-4992. —brownville-ne.com 

Cornhusker State Games July 20-29, various locations in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding communities. This amateur sporting event offers participants the opportunity to compete in Olympic contests like gymnastics, track and field, and swimming, as well as more relaxed events like horseshoe pitching and chess. 402-471-2544. —cornhuskerstategames.com

Highway 66 Concourse Classic July 22 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland. Come view the nation’s history of classic automobiles while viewing rare autos and motorcycles. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 402-944-3100. —sacmuseum.org 

Steve Miller Band & Peter Frampton Aug. 2 at Pinewood Bowl Theater, 3201 S. Coddington Ave., Lincoln. The two icons will perform hits from their legendary careers and jam together. 402-904-4444. —pinewoodbowltheater.com

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal Aug. 3-5 at Brownville Concert Hall, 126 Atlantic St., Brownville. Guests will be entertained by Hoyer and his band’s electrifying fusion of soul and funk. 402-825-3331. —brownville-ne.com 

Family Fun Carnival  Aug. 4 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland. Animals, face painters, and balloon artists will be present at this kid-friendly event, which includes a large shuttle slide, a spacewalk, and a science lesson. 402-944-3100. —sacmuseum.org      

GSK Orange Run Aug. 4 at Fallbrook YMCA, 700 Penrose Drive, Lincoln. Offering both family-friendly and competitive activities, this event features a 1-mile fun run/walk and a 5K race aimed at promoting fitness, health, and fun. —lincolnrun.org 

NHRA Nebraska State Championships Aug. 4-5 at Kearney Raceway Park, 4860 Imperial Ave. Racers from all over the state will compete for the state title in this race. 308-750-2049. —krpi.com

Nebraska Rod & Custom Car Show Aug. 5 at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34, Grand Island. Dozens of street rods, hot rods, customized vehicles, and historical American automobiles will be on display at the museum’s 1890s Railroad Town. 308-385-5316. —stuhrmuseum.org 

Nebraska Star Party Aug. 5-10 at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, Highway 97 & Cedar Bay, Valentine. This week-long event dedicated to nature and the stars will entertain children and adults alike. Guests can learn how to explore the night sky and take educational tours of the surrounding area. 402-333-5460. —nebraskastarparty.org 

Kool-Aid Days Aug. 10-12 in downtown Hastings. Celebrate America’s beloved powdered drink mix, which was created in Hastings, with this weekend festival. Events include Kwickest Kool-Aid Drinking Contest, Jammers Boat Races, a fun run/walk, and more. 402-461-8405. —kool-aiddays.com

An Evening with Earth, Wind & Fire Aug. 14 at Pinewood Bowl Theater, 3201 S. Coddington Ave., Lincoln. Enjoy a night listening to the legendary tunes of this band whose works range from disco and funk to Latin and African music. 402-904-4444. —pinewoodbowltheater.com 

Columbus Days Aug. 16-19 in Columbus. Spend the weekend listening to live music, enjoying food, viewing the All Ford Car Show, a pedal tractor pull, a parade, and more. 402-564-2769. —facebook.com/columbusdays 

Nebraska Football Fanday Late August (date TBD) at Memorial Stadium, 1 Memorial Stadium Drive, Lincoln. Come to Memorial Stadium for a day full of events such as obtaining autographs, and meeting the coaching staff and players. 402-472-2263. —huskers.com

Nebraska State Fair Aug. 24-Sept. 3, 501 E. Fonner Park Road, Grand Island. Participate in traditional fair activities like livestock exhibits, a midway, and lots of fried food. Concerts include Kelly Clarkson, Sugarland, Up with People, and more. 308-382-1620. —statefair.org

Jason Mraz Aug. 30 at Pinewood Bowl Theater, 3201 S. Coddington Ave., Lincoln. The Grammy-award winning artist will entertain fans alongside his “Superband.” Brett Dennen will perform as a special guest.  402-904-4444. —pinewoodbowltheater.com

Iowa

Yankee Doodle Pops July 2 at Iowa State Capitol, E. Ninth St. and Grand Ave., Des Moines. The 25th annual performance by the Des Moines Symphony will entertain guests with a patriotic outdoor musical performance that ends with a display of fireworks over the city. This free event is welcome to all ages. 515-280-4000. —dmsymphony.org 

Independence Day July 4 at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. Celebrate America’s birthday with a family-oriented day of pie-eating contests, foot races, a town parade, and more. The celebration will also include the Walnut Hill Bluestockings playing baseball according to 1875 rules. 515-278-5286. —lhf.org

80/35 Music Festival 2018 July 6-7 at Western Gateway Park, 12th and Locust Streets, Des Moines. The 11th-annual music festival will entertain with over 50 musical performances, including Kesha and Phantogram as headliners. —80-35.com

Saturday In The Park July 7 at Grandview Park, 24th St. and Grandview Blvd., Sioux City. On July Fourth weekend, Sioux City hosts a free music festival featuring jazz legend Boz Scaggs and Grammy-winner Jason Isbell and the 400 unit. 712-277-2575. —saturdayinthepark.com

North Liberty Blues & BBQ July 14 at Centennial Park, St. Andrews Drive, North Liberty. Eat barbecue and listen to performances from regional blues musicians. Activities for children and craft beers are also featured. —northlibertyblues.org

Ioway Culture Day July 14 at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. Spend the day exploring the Ioway culture—the namesake of the state of Iowa. Guests can take a tractor-cart ride to a 1700-style Ioway farm where they can learn how the Ioway constructed their homes, farmed, and prepared food. In addition, guest speakers will impart their personal knowledge of Ioway tradition and technology. 515-278-5286. —lhf.org

Jamey Johnson July 20 at McGrath Amphitheater, 475 First St. S.W., Cedar Rapids. The award-winning singer and songwriter will entertain with his highly praised country hits. 319-362-1729. —mcgrathamphitheatre.com

46th Annual RAGBRAI July 22-28 across Iowa. Thousands of bicyclists will converge upon Iowa for one week in this annual event. This year’s event travels the state from Onawa in western Iowa to Davenport in eastern Iowa. Come for the ride, stay for the homemade pie found in each town along the route. 515-284-8341. —ragbrai.com

Nordic Festival July 26-28, 507 W. Water St., Decorah. For over 50 years, Decorah has welcomed visitors from around the world to a festival full of traditional crafts, food, colorful parades, musical performances, and a Saturday night fireworks show. 800-382-3378. —nordicfest.com

Friday Night Main Event LLC July 27 at Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4261 Oak Crest Hill Road SE., Iowa City. This event features  carnival rides, a rodeo, and a live performance from country artist Walker McGuire. 319-530-1170. —fridaynightmainevent.org 2018 National Balloon Classic  July 27-Aug. 4 at the National Balloon Classic Memorial Balloon Field, 15335 Jewell St., Indianola. This event promises a spectacular visual experience, with nearly 100 hot air balloons adorning the sky, live music, glowing lights, and fireworks at night, along with other family-friendly attractions. 515-961-8415. —nationalballoonclassic.com

2018 Hinterland Music Festival  Aug. 3-4 at Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, 3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles. Guests will be entertained with music from a talented number of artists from around the country (and the world) with styles rooted in rock, country, and more. Performers include Sturgill Simpson, Chvrches, and Ancient Posse. —hinterlandiowa.com

newbo evolve Aug. 3-5, 1620 Second St. S.E., Cedar Rapids.  The 10th annual festival includes appearances by film director John Waters and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, a panel session by Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon, and performances from Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson. 319-398-5009. —gocedarrapids.com/newboevolve

The Second City Aug. 4 at Pearson Lakes Art Center, 2201 U.S. Highway 71, Okoboji.  This tour of Chicago’s legendary improv comedy theater features the troupe’s best sketches and songs. 712-332-7013. —lakesart.org

Iowa State Fair Aug. 9-19 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, E. 30th St. and E. University Ave., Des Moines. Revel in the family-friendly atmosphere of this annual and traditional event, featuring a butter cow, thrill parks, talent show, games, and much more. Special guests include Reba McEntire, Florida Georgia Line, and comedian Jim Gaffigan. 515-262-3111. —iowastatefair.org

FRYfrest Aug. 31, Quarry Road and E. Ninth St., Coralville. Join Hawkeye fans in this annual celebration of historic football coach Hayden Fry for a day of tailgating, live music, and autograph sessions from current and former football players. 319-337-6592. —fryfest.com

Kansas

14th Annual Heartland Art Guild International Miniatures Art Show July 2-31 at Paola Chamber of Commerce, Six W. Peoria, Paola. At this art display, all pieces must be 25 square inches or less in size, making it a display like no other. Over 180 works of art created by artists from the United States and beyond will be present. 913-294-4940. —artkc.com 

Junk ’N’ Donuts Swap Meets July 14 and Aug. 11 at Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg. Grab a Lost Trail root beer and a cider donut, and shop around the Cider Mill where vendors will be selling antiques and other goods. 913-837-5202. —louisburgcidermill.com 

2018 Amelia Earhart Festival July 20-21 in Atchison. In an annual, honorary celebration of the city’s own pioneer, Atchison’s community will entertain with a carnival, an outdoor concert featuring country artists Brett Young and Maddie & Tae, food, aerobatic displays, historical presentations, and more—capped by a finale of fireworks. 1-800-234-1854. —visitatchison.com

Clue: The Musical July 20-Aug. 5 at Helen Hocker Theater, 700 S.W. Zoo Parkway, Topeka. This musical adaptation of the beloved board game invites the audience to guess the suspect via clues given out throughout the performance. Each performance offers a different conclusion, making the production a truly unique experience. 785-357-5211. —topekacivictheatre.com 

Blacksmiths and Pioneers Days  Aug. 18-19 at Transue Brothers Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, 309 Main St., Summerfield. Spend the weekend watching gun fights, riding in covered wagons and stage coaches, and observing the arts of blacksmithing, marble blowing, and other practices of the late 1800s. 402-520-0644. —transueblacksmith.org

Missouri

KC RiverFest July 4 at Berkley Riverfront Park, 1298 Riverfront Road, Kansas City.  This festival features live shows from the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America’s Jazz Ensemble and one of the largest fireworks shows in the Midwest. —kcriverfest.com

Paramore with Foster The People July 7 at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City. This American rock ’n’ roll band will perform their hits and will be joined by Foster The People. 816-363-7827. —kcstarlight.com

First Saturday Event  July 7 and Aug. 4 at Shoal Creek Living History Museum, 7000 N.E. Barry Road, Kansas City. This free event will introduce guests to the Missouri of the 19th century through historical demonstrations and activities. Re-enactors dressed as outlaws, mountain men, and other characters will participate in skits and gunfights. 816-792-2655. —shoalcreeklivinghistorymuseum.com

The Teddy Bear Picnic July 13, Roanoke Park, 3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City. This celebration of National Teddy Bear Picnic Day will give families the opportunity to have a picnic with their teddy bears and participate in other activities. Janie Next Door will provide live music. 816-513-7500. —kcparks.org 

AquaPalooza July 21 at Lake of the Ozarks, 1232 Jeffries Road, Osage Beach. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of boating, live music, and a visit to Dog Days Bar & Grill. 573-348-9797. —dogdays.ws 

Buzz Beach Ball Festival July 27 at Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, 633 N. 130th St., Bonner Springs. This up-and-coming music festival showcases a mixture of underground and indie rock/pop talent,  including Portugal. The Man, Awolnation, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. 1-800-745-3000. —beachballkc.com

Heart of America Hot Dog Festival Aug. 4 at Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 E 18th St. Celebrate baseball and the all-American hot dog. Sample specially produced dogs like the Monarch, Royal Frank, and El Maestro, while providing music and family fun. Tickets to the festival include admission to the museum, which celebrates African-American baseball players. 816-221-1920. —nlbm.com

Feast of Fountains: A Food Truck Festival  Aug. 9 at The Northland Fountain in Anita B. Gorman Park, Vivion Road & N. Oak, Kansas City. Marvel at Kansas City’s mesmerizing fountains as part of this family-friendly event that also includes live music and a wide selection from a variety of food trucks. 816-513-7500. —kcparks.org 

The Farmer's House Cornfest Aug. 11 at The Farmer’s House, 23200 Highway 273, Weston. This event includes a corn-eating contest, dunk tank, and duck races. Farm to Fork Kitchen will be serving barbecue, grilled corn on the cob, and hot apple fritters. 816-640-2909. —westonmo.com

Rod Stewart Aug. 14 at Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City. The rock-and-roll icon will perform his greatest hits with Cyndi Lauper as special guest. 816-949-7100. —sprintcenter.com

Love Never Dies Aug. 14-19 at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City. This sequel to The Phantom of the Opera takes place in 1907 New York, in which the Phantom tries to reclaim the love of Christine Daaé. 816-363-7827. —kcstarlight.com 

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 17-19 at Swope Park, 3999 Swope Parkway in Kansas City. This event features more than 60 different cultures selling their native foods and crafts, and performing ethnic music and dances. 816-513-7553. —eeckc.net

Trails West! 2018 Aug. 17-19 at Civic Center Park, 900-1200 Francis St., St Joseph. This community celebration features visual and musical artists along with a wide variety of food. 816-233-0231. —stjomo.com 

Sam Smith Aug. 18 at Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City. Smith will entertain guests with his signature soulful style. 816-949-7100. —sprintcenter.com

Happy Together Tour 2018 Aug. 19 at Muriel Kauffman Theatre, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City. Named after the hit song by The Turtles, this event brings together some popular bands of the 1960s as they perform their hits, which defined a generation. Acts include The Turtles, The Association, The Cowsills, and more. 816-994-7222. —theturtles.com

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Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.