County Fairgrounds

$7 Million in Improvements Draws National Events to Lincoln’s already popular
County Fairgrounds

The recent completion of $7 million in grounds improvements has put Lancaster Event Center fairgrounds (LEC) on the map as a national-event-fairgrounds-style venue drawing in the National High School Finals Rodeo, world’s largest rodeo, in July 2021, 2026 and 2027 and world’s largest International Convention & RV Expo of the Family Motor Coach Association in August 2022. 

Improvements

These national events are attracted to what is now the 10th largest event center campground in the USA with over 1,250 campsites with water and electric service as well as an expanded and upgraded massive 400 x 600′ outdoor arena. The arena features a 3,300-person grandstand with shade cover, ample space for food & merchandise vendors, and enough panels to set up to four outdoor arenas simultaneously, depending on each event’s needs, with supporting livestock pens and horse stalls. Besides rodeos and RV rallies, these amenities are sought after for other events from motorcycle rallies and fireworks conventions to outdoor horse shows/races and motorsports. The possibilities are endless, so keep your eye on the schedule for these new spaces as more events are booked.

National and Regional Events

In addition to these new national events, LEC was already the home of several national events: Cornhusker Classic Quarter Horse Show (8th largest in USA), Nebraska Ag Expo (2nd largest indoor farm show), Sports Car Club of America Banquets (2,500 served), Cornhusker Classic Tractor Pull (2nd largest indoor), National Dexter Cattle Expo and the National Versatility Ranch Horse Championship Finals.

Something going on year-round

Whatever the season, Lancaster Event Center fairgrounds in Nebraska’s capital city has fun, affordable events waiting for you! With 400,000 square feet of indoor multi-use space sitting on 160 acres of grassy fairgrounds, the facility is designed for continuous flow from five inter-connected buildings, so you may find one large event or as many as six or seven events going on simultaneously. Here’s an overview to help you plan your next visit to Lincoln around an event to fulfill one of your passions.

In the spring

In the cooler months, LEC is full every weekend with tradeshows ranging from antiques, guns, trains, bikes, flea markets, the mother-of-all-garage sales to a children’s consignment sale. And visitors can get ready for summer with neat tips and products from: Boat Sport & Travel Show, Nebraska Builder’s Home & Garden Show, Husker Lawn & Leisure Show and the Nebraska Arboretum Plant Sale. You can also see some exciting regional events indoors at the USA’s 2nd largest indoor tractor pull, over 75-year running Sesostris Shrine Circus, the dog expo, wrestling tournament, billiards championship, and UNL College Rodeo. Oh and if you want to get the best hard-to-find parts at the facility-wide Car Swap Meet, better get up early!

When it heats up

As the days heat up, so does the fairgrounds’ event calendar. The summer brings more and more horse shows which are free to attend (including two of top ten quarter horse shows in the USA), a hot tub expo, dog shows, mounted shooting, fireworks sales, Thrive 55+ Expo, and Food Truck Rodeos! Summertime also means county fairs across the nation and the Lancaster County Super Fair is held right here in Lincoln at the Lancaster Event Center.

SUPER FAIR

This summer is exciting for the Super Fair as it celebrates its 150th anniversary! It’s a showcase of Lancaster County and surrounding communities’ youth, agriculture and other exhibits. Today it is known as Nebraska’s largest county fair featuring more than 2,000 4-H, FFA and Open Class youth and community exhibitors with 10,000+ entries from alpacas to robots. Each year fairgoers can experience carnival rides, fair food, motorsports and enjoy many free attractions such as racing pigs, exotic petting zoo and live music. National attractionsre unique to the Super Fair. This year three national acts are booked for the fair’s big 150th celebration: Aussie Kingdom, Cowtown USA and Wolves of the World!

When the leaves begin to fall

Fall wraps up the Super Fair with livestock shows and three motorsport events, plus horse, goat, llama and dog shows. Kids will love the taekwondo tournament, the Lincoln Police Department Trick or Treat and the Nebraska Sports Council Mud Run (all ages participate!). Looking for a sale? City Library Book Sale, and Children’s Consignment Sale is in the fall. The big gun show happens in September. Looking for 55+ info or a job? Visit the Thrive 55+ Expo or the Job Fair in October.

When it’s cold outside

Winter at Lancaster Event Center means expos, shopping and racing including the 2nd largest indoor Ag Show in the USA, the new Deer & Game Expo, and the popular Women’s Expo. Get your unique holiday gifts at any one of our flea markets, antique festivals, gun show or the much loved Very Vintage Christmas Market. Catch one of the Go-Kart Races and Barrel Races happening in November and December. If those aren’t your thing, there are still poultry shows, rabbit shows, a pool tournament, wrestling tournament, and our famous Lego^® Brick Days. If you are going to be in town over the holidays, be sure to get your tickets before they sell out to exciting shows like the Star City Bull Bash and the New Year’s Eve Tribute which has featured Elvis. 

No matter the season, there’s bound to be fun for everyone at Lancaster Event Center fairgrounds. See what new and exciting events are coming up by checking out the online event calendar at LancasterEventCenter.org and following on social media @LancasterEventCenter.