Community Events

Cranefest in March

Thousands and thousands of sandhill cranes migrate and converge along the Central Migration Flyway located north of Minden on the Platte River in February staying for an approximate 29 days. Densities of more than 12,000 cranes per half mile of river can occur. Plan to reserve a spot in one of the nearby bird-watching blinds to view these spectacular birds.

Pioneer Village Days in June

The 57th Anniversary of the Harold Warp Pioneer Village. Inventors from small towns to large cities gather to display their newest concepts, conceived in garages, sheds and kitchens and brought to life with dedication, commitment and purpose, surrounded by thousands of yesteryears' most popular inventions.

Minden Sprint Triathlon in June

The Minden Sprint Triathlon is an annual event that started in June of 2014 organized by Minden resident, Ryan Wakefield. It consists of 1/4 mile swim, 10 mile bike ride, followed by a 2.6 mile run. For more information visit the Minden Sprint Triathlon Facebook page.

FACES Rally in June

The FACES Rally is a motorcycle event to raise money and bring awareness for the National Craniofacial Association (FACES) which is a non-profit organization for children and young adults with facial birth defects. Events during the rally include a fun run, bike show, bike games, hog roast, bands, vendors, and other activities.

City Wide Garage Sales in June

City Wide Garage Sale happens one Saturday every year in June. The City Wide Garage Sale Saturday usually coordinates with a nine-county area of Nebraska's Frontier Trails Region that organizes a three-day garage sale event named Bargains on Byways.

Echoes of Independence in July

A historic celebration of our Nation's Independence at Pioneer Village as it would have been done 100 years ago with old fashioned carnival games, activities and a traditional band concert. Concert begins at 2 pm featuring the Maverick Band.

Kearney County Fair in July

The local fair is a time when locals showcase their talents. Purple ribbons, fair booths, ice cream floats, cotton candy and fair rides make the fair a fun time for everyone.

Antique Airplane Fly In in August

The Vintage & Modern Aircraft Fly-In Weekend (Fri. -Sun.) at the Minden Municipal Airport is tailored for the aircraft owner and enthusiast. Other activities include a cream can supper, an aircraft seminar and afternoon fun flying and judging; followed by a cocktail hour, a banquet and awards.

Homecoming Parade in September

Young and old poeple alike line the downtown square and support the local high school at the Homecoming Parade. Floats, clowns and candy galore fill the streets of Minden. High School Royalty are crowned and a public pep rally follows the parade.

Bandfest and Children's Halloween Parade in October

The annual Minden Bandfest, a parade of bands sponsored by the Minden Chamber of Commerce, has hosted up to 30 Junior and Senior High School bands. On this Saturday in October, Minden comes alive with the sound of instruments. The Bandfest parade is always free and vendors are plentiful. The parade is followed by field competition held on the local high school football field. There is a minimal fee to view the field competition.

Christmas Traditions in November

Christmas Traditions is a weekend that begins the holiday season with the crowing of "Miss Christmas City" and Santa's arrival in town. Participants can work in Santa workshops, watch a free movie, enjoy a parade while drinking hot cider. Lots of activities for everyone.

Light of the World Pageant and Christmas Lights in December

In 1996, Minden was proclaimed the "Christmas City" by Benjamin Nelson, past Governor of the State of Nebraska. He also proclaimed November 30, 1996 to be "The Light of The World Day." This day correlates to the first presentation of a yearly Christmas pageant that is presented in the downtown square on the first Saturday following Thanksgiving. You can see a pantomime of the Christmas Story beginning on Thanksgiving weekend, and on the first two Sundays of December. The pageant concludes with the lighting of over 12,000 Christmas lights strung from the courthouse and throughout the downtown. For more information visit the Christmas City webpage.