Fall-themed events in Nebraska can keep whole family busy this weekend

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Fall is officially just one week away, and there are plenty of events for the whole family to celebrate.

» On Friday, Kinkaider Brewing in Grand Island is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration.

There will be games and competitions, like cornhole ax throwing, throughout the evening. You can also test your “stein stamina.”

It all starts at 1 p.m.

Kinkaider Lincoln will be hosting its own Oktoberfest event next weekend.

» Nebraska City is hosting its annual Applejack Festival all weekend long.

Check out all things apple, like apple pie, apple cider, apple cider donuts, apple fritters and so much more.

The city will provide a bus every 15 minutes to get you to and from all the different locations.

» Tomorrow afternoon, join El Centro to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Latino Festival.  Try dishes from different Latin American countries, check out the local art and immerse yourself in Hispanic culture.

All of this is happening Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m..

» The Lincoln Skatepark Association is inviting all community members to an open house at the Budokan Dojo for refreshments and a presentation on modern skatepark design.

Phil Burcher, the president of LSA, said there are few attractions that can promote tourism and health while serving a variety of people — from athletes to people in wheelchairs — like skateparks.

This informational meeting will take place Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m..

» Pack up the whole family, including the pups, and head to Glacial Till Winery in Palmyra this Sunday for Capital Humane Society’s Tails and Trails Pet Walk and Festival.

There will be food trucks, live music, games and, of course, wine from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Register by Saturday to save $5.

OMAHA:

Art Fluid Open Studio Night – Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.

This happy hour open studio night focuses on what is most unique about the Hot Shops – experiencing the creative process. This month features all things fiber. The Expressions in Fiber Arts Exhibit is on display in the Nicholas Street Gallery, and the evening will include a fashion show. Cash bar and snacks available for purchase.

Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St.

Durham Museum Free Day – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Omaha’s Union Station will open its doors free of charge as part of Smithsonian Magazine Annual Museum Day. Museum Day is a one-day event in which participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. The ticket provides free general admission for two people.

Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St.

One Community Cultural Festival – Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m.

The festival features a variety of performing arts from cultures around the world. It’s a family-friendly day filled with culinary delights, shopping, games, demonstrations, cultural education and so much more.

Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St.

GRETNA:

Cider & Sunflower Festival – Friday through Sunday

Get a taste of fall at the Cider & Sunflower Festival. There will be a daily butterfly release, and you can enjoy pie, hard cider, a funnel cake sundae, doughnuts, caramel apples, kolaches and more. Enjoy a firework display on Friday at 9 p.m.

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, 12102 S. 180th St.

LINCOLN:

Community Action Block Party – Friday, 4:20 to 6:30 p.m.

Join us for free food, live music, games, balloon animals and face painting in front of the iconic Gathering Place home.  Grab a T-shirt or coffee mug to mark the occasion and celebrate this wonderful community resource.  Parking can be found in the surrounding neighborhood or at McPhee Elementary School.

Community Action Gathering Place, 1448 E St.

LOUISVILLE:

Paddling, Pizza & Pasta – Sunday, 4 p.m.

This popular outdoor fundraiser offers drinks and appetizers, a professionally created gourmet meal and an exciting auction of great art and other surprises. All proceeds help the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission protect the tallgrass prairie and all the exciting programs and happenings at Spring Creek Prairie.

Platte River State Park

GIBBON:

Butterfly Festival – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join Rowe Sanctuary, Project Monarch Health and Monarch Watch for a family-filled day of catching, parasite testing and tagging monarch butterflies. Education stations will include pollinator-inspired crafts and making native wildflower seed balls. Snacks are generously being provided by Eileen’s Colossal Cookies. You can wander the trails, learn and contribute to an international monarch butterfly monitoring effort. $5 per family/group.

Rowe Sanctuary, 44450 Elm Island Road