Don’t miss out on the fall fun in Phelps County! This season, dive into the excitement with a newly named haunted house, enjoy new events at the Nebraska Prairie Museum’s fall festival including a giant pumpkin contest, immerse yourself in art at the inaugural Iron Horse Arts Festival, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bertrand Craft Show. There’s so much to discover—make sure you’re part of the fun!
Here are 10 ways to take a break from the fast lane in Phelps County this fall.
Iron Horse Arts Festival – September 14
Be inspired by artisans from around the state and country at the first annual Iron Horse Arts Festival in the new Iron Horse Arts District in downtown Holdrege.
The day begins with a FREE Artisan Expo from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. around the Phelps County Courthouse. See and experience a variety of art including film, music, sculpture, woodworking, ceramics, poetry, culinary and more. Holdrege native and Emmy-award winning animator Ryan Quincy will give a presentation and show his work. Visit the Iron Horse Arts District website for a complete list of artisans and food vendors who will be at the event.
In the evening, country music singer Logan Mize will perform on the Flyover Country Concert Stage sponsored by Ag Service Associates. Opening acts will include Holdrege’s own Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee Luke Mills, The Voice Star Savanna Chestnut, The Kyle Sayler Band and Hockett. Music begins at 6 p.m. on West Avenue in front of the Iron Horse Station. Tickets range from $30-$75 (plus fees) and are on sale now.
Holdrege Bronze Sculpture Tour
The Holdrege Bronze Sculpture Tour has drawn visitors to Phelps County all summer as part of the Nebraska Passport Program. Holdrege may have the most bronze sculptures per capita thanks to several famous native sculptors and the Citizens for Bronze Art Committee, which has raised funds each year to continue adding sculptures across Holdrege.
Stop at the Nebraska Prairie Museum to pick up a map and brochure of all 14 sculptures or download a map from the Visit 37 website. You can also take a digital tour on the Discover 37 app!
Watch Husker football on the big screen!
If you can’t make it to Lincoln for the Husker football game, the next best thing is watching them play on the big screen at The Holdrege Sun Theater & Event Venue in downtown Holdrege. Cheer on the Huskers with your friends and community in a climate-controlled environment!
The theater will host tailgate parties on Saturday, Aug. 31; Friday, Sept. 20; and Saturday, Sept. 28. Food trucks will be on hand, and drinks and snacks will be available to purchase.
National Girls Night Out – Sept. 26
Get the girls together for a night of shopping, pampering, drinks, food, and prizes on Thursday, Sept. 26, in downtown Holdrege. Local retailers will have specials and games throughout the evening.
Watch for details on local retailers’ social media pages as the event draws closer.
Your Phelps County shopping day won’t be complete without browsing at the 308 Boutique, Gifts & Things, The Drawer, Mission Avenue Thrift, Bette Gene Vintage, My Fair Lady’s Fashions & Frills and Blessed Trio Boutique in downtown Holdrege. Just a 15-minute drive from Holdrege is Pretty & Fabulous, Divine Boutique and Cross Country Market and Gift Shop in downtown Bertrand. And, if a wedding is in your near future, stop at Bridal Isle, a wedding boutique that spans most of downtown Loomis!
Nebraska Prairie Museum Fall Festival – Sept. 28
A giant pumpkin growing contest and a corn maze are just a few of the events planned for The Nebraska Prairie Museum’s FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Bring the entire family to experience trades from the past, including blacksmithing, mountain men, weaving, quilting, leatherworking, and more!
A variety of food trucks will serve snacks, meals, and refreshments.
This is a free event, and more information can be found on the museum’s Facebook page.
Live Music at The Tassel Performing Art Center
Enjoy the music of Hank Williams at this special show on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Tassel Performing Arts Center in Holdrege. This nostalgic look at Hank Williams and his early influence on country music is amazing. It stars Jason Petty, an award-winning singer who brings Hank’s music back to life in this insightful and energetic show.
Also in October (Thursday, Oct. 24), the instrumental folk artist group WÖR will bring their high-energy show to the Tassel with their reinterpretations of old Belgian tunes. Their band includes bagpipes, fiddle, accordion, guitar and saxophone. Their music might be called classic or folk, but most would say it sounds more like rock ‘n’ roll.
Purchase tickets on The Tassel website.
50th Annual Bertrand Craft Show – Oct. 12
The Bertrand Craft Show is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Oct. 12, 2024! Bertrand boasts one of the longest-running craft shows in the state. The event, organized by the Bertrand Agricultural Society, takes place all over town, including in the Bertrand Public School, the Bertrand Community Building and in downtown Bertrand.
Nearly 1,000 shoppers descended upon Bertrand (population 741) annually for this event, which features local, regional and out-of-state vendors.
This is the perfect opportunity to shop for yourself or get a head start on your Christmas shopping!
The craft show is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Arrive early for the best shopping!
Grey’s Twisted Manor – Weekends in October
After a year hiatus to transition to a new owner, a haunted house is returning to Holdrege. Grey House Haunts is now Grey’s Twisted Manor. If you are looking for a spine-chilling scare, Grey’s Twisted Manor is a half-acre full of screams and things that go bump in the night that are sure to give you a hair-raising experience.
Opening night is Oct. 4, and the attraction will be open every Friday and Saturday in October from 7-10 p.m.
Eat at a Haunted Restaurant – The Speakeasy
Have you heard the legend of Faceless Fred? He is still known to haunt The Speakeasy located in the small settlement of Sacramento just east of Holdrege. While you may have a slim chance of seeing him these days, you will have a great chance to enjoy one of the best steaks around at this well-known restaurant. Be sure to make reservations as you are unlikely to get a table without one!
Enjoy Scenic Nature Walks and Hikes
The cooler weather and stunning fall foliage make it an ideal time to explore the natural beauty of Phelps County. Head to the Funk Waterfowl Production Area for a tranquil hike. The scenic trails offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Another great spot is North Park Lake, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the water’s edge while taking in the vibrant autumn colors.
While in Phelps County, we invite you to relax at one of three quality hotels:
The Cobblestone Inn & Suites (new in 2020)
The Rodeway Inn (remodeled in 2022)
The Plains Hotel
