OGALLALA, Neb. (July 28, 2025) — The Keith County Fair is back this week in Ogallala, bringing a packed schedule of family-friendly entertainment, competitive events, and classic fair traditions to southwest Nebraska.
While the parade helped kick off the celebration on Sunday, the fair’s main lineup gets underway Tuesday, July 29, and runs through Saturday, August 2. Organizers say they’re especially excited for this year’s slate of events, which includes the return of crowd favorites like Survivor Games, a George Strait tribute concert, the Ranch Rodeo, and the wildly popular Combine Derby.
Survivor Games & Family Night – Wednesday, July 30 Wednesday evening is themed as family night and features the third annual Keith County Survivor Games, a free-to-watch competition in the outdoor arena where teams of four tackle events like the tire flip, tank swim, and gate hop.
“It’s just a lot of fun, and we have different age divisions so everyone can participate,” said fair board member Makenzie Spurgin. Registration has been extended through Tuesday and is available on the Keith County Fair website and Facebook page.
The evening also features the annual BBQ, kicking off the night’s festivities before families move to the arena to cheer on the contestants.
Ranch Rodeo, Karaoke, and More – Thursday, July 31 Thursday brings a full day of 4-H events, culminating in an action-packed evening with the Men’s Ranch Rodeo, Bronc Riding, and Karaoke Night. Spurgin said the karaoke contest continues to be a crowd favorite, adding to the variety for all ages.
George Strait Tribute Concert – Friday, August 1 A major highlight of the week is Friday night’s performance by the Strait Country Tribute Band, which pays homage to country legend George Strait.
“If you’re a George Strait fan, you’ll want to be at this concert,” Spurgin said. “The performer looks and sounds just like him—it’s uncanny.”
VIP meet-and-greet tickets, which include drink tickets, are selling quickly, though general admission tickets are also available online or at the gate. A beer garden will be on-site.
Saturday Spectacular – August 2 Saturday is jam-packed with events starting early with the Fair Board Breakfast, Little Mr. Keith County and Little Miss Ogallala contests, and the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull. Activities continue throughout the day with mud volleyball, face painting, bounce houses, a video game trailer, and a free watermelon feed. The 4-H Livestock Sale begins at 2 p.m.
The day caps off with the Combine Derby and lawnmower races, two of the fair’s most anticipated events.
“These lawnmowers are going 40 miles per hour—it’s wild,” Spurgin said. “It might be more dangerous than the Combine Derby.”
Gates open at 6 p.m. for Saturday night’s events, with lawnmower races at 6:30 and the Combine Derby at 7. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 6–15, and free for children 5 and under.
Carnival Returns Wednesday–Saturday The traveling carnival, a key feature for young fairgoers, returns Wednesday through Saturday. Provided by the same operator as the Cheyenne County Fair in Sidney, Spurgin said the goal is to keep the attraction as a yearly staple in Ogallala.
For full schedules, ticket information, and registration forms, visit KeithCountyFair.com.
“Come out and enjoy the fair,” Spurgin said. “There’s something for everyone this week.”