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Nebraska State Fair reports strong advance sales ahead of 2026 event
Summary
Entertainment & Events Director Karli Bartz told the State Fair Board the fair is selling faster than last year, with more than 8,500 carnival wristbands and over 15,000 concert tickets sold, and expects large student participation and volunteer support.
Entertainment & Events Director Karli Bartz told the Nebraska State Fair Board on July 17 that advance sales for the 2026 fair are well ahead of last year.
Bartz reported more than 8,500 carnival wristbands sold and over 8,500 advance gate admissions, while concert ticket sales exceeded 15,000 — roughly 96% ahead of the same point in the prior year. She also said more than 7,500 students and teachers from approximately 200 Nebraska schools are expected to take part in educational programming during the fair. Board members were reminded of volunteer training scheduled for Aug. 11 and 13 and were asked to submit ticket requests.
The strong advance sales figures provide a financial cushion heading into the fair and inform on‑site staffing and gate planning, Bartz said during the events report. The board will monitor final gate numbers as the fair approaches and review any revenue impacts during upcoming finance updates.
Bartz also announced six Grand Marshals and urged board participation in volunteer and promotional activities during opening weekend. Board members and staff said they will continue outreach to sustain vendor and guest engagement through late August.
