Nebraska State Fair announces highest attendance since 2017

The Nebraska State Fair wrapped up its 155th year on Monday night and announced on Wednesday the 2024 event drew an impressive total of 314,844 attendees over the 11-day celebration, marking the highest overall attendance since 2017. This year’s Fair also had the highest single-day attendance since 2019 attracting 53,708 visitors on Sunday, Sept. 1.

"The tremendous turnout at this year’s Fair is a testament to the supportive nature of Nebraskans and their desire to be a part of this long-standing tradition,” said Jaime Parr, Nebraska State Fair Executive Director. "We are incredibly grateful to all the attendees, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, judges, entertainers, emcees, and staff who contributed to making the 2024 Fair a resounding success."

In addition to overall increase in attendance year over year, the fair saw an increase of 6.1% in total vendor sales, 5.1% increase in beverage sales and 5.9% overall on-site gate sales.

Highlights from this year included the addition of a drone and fireworks show, several capital improvement projects that supported the guest experience, new strolling acts like Safari Sam and unique stage performances including comedians, sword-swallowers and more. Fair officials say they tried to diversify programming to attract visitors from every part of the state, putting special emphasis on addressing feedback from last year.

"Our goal is to create both a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere where people can come together to celebrate the heritage, talents and youth in Nebraska,” said Courtney Glock, Marketing Director. “We tried some new things based on feedback received in 2023, and they were very well received. We get better each year and are already looking forward to additions and modifications coming in 2025.”

The Nebraska State Fair team is already hard at work planning for next year’s event, promising even more exciting attractions and activities for all to enjoy.

For more information about the Nebraska State Fair and upcoming events, please visit www.statefair.org or follow Nebraska State Fair on Facebook.

Total attendance post COVID

2021: 266,245
2022: 287,367
2023: 311,909
2024: 314,844

Daily totals 
Day Date Attendance
Friday 8/23/2024 20,220
Saturday 8/24/2024 43,466
Sunday 8/25/2024 24,612
Monday 8/26/2024 14,643
Tuesday 8/27/2024 26,887
Wednesday 8/28/2024 18,585
Thursday 8/29/2024 13,205
Friday 8/30/2024 27,297
Saturday 8/31/2024 44,179
Sunday 9/1/2024 53,708
Monday 9/2/2024 28,042
TOTALS 314,844