By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast Page
With summer in full swing, Visit North Platte is encouraging residents and visitors alike to take advantage of the growing list of events happening across Lincoln County.
During a recent interview, Visit North Platte Executive Director Lisa Burke said the community's event calendar continues to fill with festivals, live music, family activities and outdoor recreation throughout July, August and into September.
Burke said Visit North Platte's online events calendar is one of the easiest ways for people to discover what's happening, allowing users to search by event type, including music, festivals, fairs and family activities.
"There is always something to do," Burke said. "It's not just North Platte—our surrounding communities have festivals and events throughout the summer."
One of the biggest weekends of July will be the Canteen CruiseFest, taking place July 10-12 downtown. Alongside the annual car show, Visit North Platte has partnered with organizers to bring the professional DockDogs competition to North Platte. The nationally recognized canine athletes will compete Friday and Saturday, leaping from docks into a large pool set up on the west side of Pizza Ranch. Local dogs are also welcome to participate, with registration information available through Visit North Platte's website.
Cyclists will also have an opportunity to participate in the Cornhusker State Games Cycle Tour on July 19. Riders can choose from 10-, 20-, 50- or 100-mile routes beginning at Cody Park, with registration remaining open through the day of the event. Burke said the non-competitive ride allows participants to enjoy the scenic Sandhills while riding with friends and family.
For music lovers, Burke reminded residents that the Fort Cody Summer Music Series continues every Thursday through Aug. 6 behind Fort Cody Trading Post. Admission is $5 per person, with food and beverages available for purchase. The series features traveling musicians performing while passing through North Platte, along with local opening acts.
Looking ahead, Burke also shared details about North Platte Rail Days, which returns later this summer with expanded opportunities for visitors.
The event's signature attraction remains guided bus tours through Bailey Yard, offered Thursday through Saturday. VIP passes guarantee a seat on the tours while also providing admission to additional Rail Days activities, including Golden Spike Tower twilight tours, the model train show, photography exhibits, a Taste of Nebraska event, family activities, and the new Trains, Tunes and Ice Cream event at Cody Park.
Burke said Rail Days typically attracts hundreds of visitors each year, with railroad enthusiasts traveling from across the country to experience the only public tours offered inside the world's largest railroad classification yard.
She also previewed a new event coming this fall. Visit North Platte is partnering with the Kansas City Barbecue Society to host the inaugural Sandhills Smoke Show National Barbecue Competition Sept. 25-26 at Pals Brewing Company. The weekend will also feature live performances by Love and Theft on Sept. 25 and the Drew Phillips Band on Sept. 26.
For a complete calendar of events and additional information, visit Visit North Platte's website.