GOTHENBURG, Neb. — Gothenburg will celebrate its small-town spirit with the annual Harvest Festival, scheduled for Sept. 17–21, 2025.
The festival begins Wednesday night, Sept. 17, with trivia at the Sun Theatre, kicking off this year’s theme of “Love Where You Live.” On Thursday, the Rotary Club will host a hot dog feed at Lake Helen, followed by the Dog-N-Jog fun run for residents and their canine companions.
Friday’s schedule centers on Ehmen Park with a “Party in the Park,” where magician Joe Cole will perform before the pet parade and costume contest. The evening will conclude at Lake Helen with fireworks and a glow-in-the-dark dance party featuring music and glow sticks under the stars.
Saturday marks the festival’s busiest day, starting with a Lions Club pancake breakfast at dawn in Ehmen Park. The Harvest Festival Parade steps off at 10 a.m. along Lake Avenue, followed by root beer floats at First United Methodist Church. Local artisans and crafters will be featured at “Arts in the Park,” while more light-hearted contests like the bed races keep the crowd entertained. The Rodeo Grounds will host a draft horse show in the afternoon, and the evening will feature live music from the Nate Keim Band, a beer garden, and even a putt-putt tournament at the Sun Theatre.
The festival closes on Sunday with “Praise in the Park,” an interdenominational worship service beneath the trees in Ehmen Park. The day continues with a classic car show, live music from Formerly Three, and the Clint Demoret Memorial BBQ Contest, where grillers compete for bragging rights and hungry visitors get a chance to taste.
Organizers say the Harvest Festival is about more than events. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends, make memories with family, and celebrate why so many people choose to call Gothenburg home.
With hotels filling quickly, the Chamber encourages visitors to book lodging early. Festival details and registration forms for select events can be found online at gothenburgdelivers.com, and updates will be posted on the Chamber’s Facebook and Instagram pages.