NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Nebraska’s official state celebration, NebraskaLAND Days, is just over a week away, and Executive Director Bob Lantis says the excitement is building fast.
“Once that calendar flips to June, it’s a different level,” Lantis said in an interview with the North Platte Post. “You have to be ready—and we are.”
NebraskaLAND Days officially begins June 18 at North Platte’s Wild West Arena, with a packed schedule of events including the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, concerts, parades, and family-friendly attractions. Lantis urges the public to visit nebraskalanddays.com to purchase tickets and find details on all scheduled events.
The Buffalo Bill Rodeo, a cornerstone of the celebration, gets underway Wednesday, June 18, with a newly adjusted start time. For the first time in 60 years, the rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. instead of 8:00 p.m.
“We just felt like it made sense,” said Lantis. “It gives people more time to enjoy the food, the music under the pavilion, and everything else happening out here.”
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. on rodeo nights, with food trucks, concessions, and family entertainment available ahead of each performance. While rodeo events dominate the second half of the month, early festivities include the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant beginning Sunday, June 15, followed by the NebraskaLAND Days Golf Tournament on Tuesday, June 17.
Lantis said that while a few concert tickets remain, most events are still open to the public, and the website is the best resource for up-to-date information.
“There’s still time to plan your NebraskaLAND Days experience,” he said. “Come out early, grab some dinner, and enjoy the show. We’re ready for you.”