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Concert ticket sales surge; marathon registration and volunteer shifts strong ahead of State Fair
Summary
Nebraska State Fair staff reported concert ticket sales more than 60% ahead of last year, marathon registrations from 31 states matching last year, and more than 2,000 volunteer shifts filled as organizers finalize plans for the 2026 Fair.
State Fair event staff told the board on June 19 that planning for the 2026 Nebraska State Fair is on track as ticket and registration metrics outpace last year.
Karli Bartz, Entertainment & Events Director, reported that overall ticket sales are more than 60% ahead of the same point last year and that outdoor concert ticket sales continue to perform well. Named headliners cited in marketing materials include Shinedown, Phil Wickham and KC & The Sunshine Band.
The Nebraska State Fair Marathon registration remains strong, with participants registered from 31 states—matching participation from last year—and the Fair’s T-shirt design contest concluded with a winning design selected. Volunteer coordination staff reported that more than 2,000 volunteer shifts have been filled and approximately 400 volunteers have signed up; board members were reminded to submit ticket and box-office requests.
What this means: Strong advance sales and volunteer staffing reduce operational risk for opening-week programming and indicate high public interest in headline concerts and signature events.
Next steps: Staff continue county-fair outreach through June and July, and marketing and box-office work will continue ahead of the Fair.
