12 events for Nebraskans to usher in fall this weekend

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — This weekend, there’s plenty happening around the state to mark the tail end of summer and gear up for fall.

» Head outdoors to soak up some of that last summer sun and smell the flowers before it’s too late, and where better to do that than Sunken Gardens here in Lincoln.

Noyes Art Gallery is back for its 10th year of Art in the Garden, and this year’s theme is “Alice in Wonderland.”  

Two garden designers have built an on-theme floral display that will be shown at the event.

Local artists will show their art and will even have pieces for sale.

Head to Sunken Gardens on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to take a peek down the rabbit hole.

» Omaha’s Midtown Crossing is hosting the fourth annual Chalk Art Festival on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Over the course of the weekend, local artists will transform Farnam Street into pieces of art. 

Watch them work, stroll the neighborhood, grab a bite to eat or do a little shopping while enjoying this free festival.

» Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is kicking off its fall season with the Cider and Sunflower Festival.

There will be a daily butterfly release and a firework show on Friday nights at 9, along with plenty of food and activities for the whole family.

The festivities open Friday and run through Sept. 18.

» The community of York invites everyone to Yorkfest this weekend.

The whole family can enjoy a funnel cake, do some bowling, sip a drink and enjoy live music Friday night, and there are plenty of other events and activities planned throughout the weekend.

Here are more events around the state:

OMAHA:

Rockbook Village 51st Art Fair – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Over 100 national, regional and local artists will display and sell their one-of-a-kind works of art. This is a special opportunity to spend the day browsing quality art and chatting with those who create it.

Rockbrook Village Shopping Center,  2800 S. 110th Court

Mulhall’s Harvest Party – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy live bluegrass music, taste wood-fired pizza from Mootz, and shop from pop-ups  of your favorite local businesses like Hardy Coffee Co. and Coneflower Creamery. Sample a surprising lineup of natural honeys, and try your hand at screen planting thanks to The Union for Contemporary Art. Locals, be sure to bring in your extra harvest to share with the community.

Mulhall’s, 3615 N. 120th St.

OUTSIDE OMAHA:

Fields of Flight Balloon Festival – Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Prepare for an amazing sight as hot air balloons take to the sky at the scenic apple orchard. Enjoy daily flights at dusk on Friday and Saturday. Enjoy live music, food for sale, a playground for the kids and more. Reservations are required.

Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard,  10475 225th St., Council Bluffs

LINCOLN:

Scheel’s Husker Tailgate – Friday, 4 to 8 p.m.

Kick off the Husker fall sports season with the Husker Spirit Squad and the UNL Alumni Pep Band. Enjoy this free, family-friendly event complete with a zip line, rock climbing wall, bounce houses, giant slides, face painting, airbrush tattoos, balloon tying, a photo booth, local food vendors and more.

Scheel’s, 3030 Pine Lake Road

10th Annual Party in the Garden Fundraiser – Friday, 5:30 to 9 p.m.

The 10th annual Party in the Garden, hosted by Strictly Business to benefit Domesti-PUPS, will have food donated by local vendors, a vodka bar sponsored by Ben Bleicher’s PRG of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, beer provided by Kinkaider Brewing Co., wine donated by Whispering Winds Vineyards and James Arthur Vineyards, a live and silent auction, and live music throughout the evening, all in a beautiful outdoor setting.

9200 Holdrege St.

Brews at the Zoo – Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m.

It’s time for adults 21 and over to enjoy some delicious craft beers and amazing live music at the zoo. This year’s event features craft beers from Zipline Brewing, Empyrean Ales, White Elm Brewing, Lucky Bucket Brewing and more. Plus, food will be available for purchase during the event.

Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 1222 S. 27th St.

GRAND ISLAND:

Railroad Town Agriculture Fair – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual harvest festival is happening in Railroad Town. Come visit with the town’s residents, play games, enjoy food and shop for handmade treats and wares.  See produce, woodwork, crafts and more during the fair.

Stuhr Museum, 3133 W. U.S. Highway 34

HASTINGS:

Junk Street – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Head to Junk Street, an outdoor market with repurposed, recycled, upcycled and vintage goods.  There’s no admission to this treasure trove, and downtown businesses are offering special deals.  Your next conversation piece is waiting for you.

Second and Denver Streets, downtown