When the leaves begin to fall and the pumpkin spice lattes and sweaters come out, it’s time to venture to Phelps County, Nebraska, for old-fashioned fall fun!
Bring the entire family to enjoy the Nebraska Prairie Museum’s Fall Festival on Oct. 14 or an afternoon at Grandpa’s Punkinberry Patch. Plan a girls’ day out shopping at local boutiques and gift shops in downtown Holdrege, Loomis or Bertrand or at one of several upcoming craft shows.
Phelps County is a perfect date night destination. Feast on a mouth-watering steak at The Speakeasy (where you might see the ghostly Faceless Fred) and then enjoy world-class musical entertainment at The Tassel Performing Arts Center, including the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra!
We invite you to Phelps County, where you’ll find uncrowded entertainment and fun, close-up parking and family adventure at an affordable price.
Here are the details for fall fun in Phelps County:
Grandpa’s Punkinberry Patch, 10798 726 Road, Holdrege
Plunge down a 172-foot giant hillside slide into a canyon, get lost in a corn maze, ride the barrel train, pet goats and enjoy a hayrack ride to the pumpkin patch at this family-friendly attraction.
Other activities include the punkin’ cannon and slingshot, duck races, mini golf, a jump pad, adult and children’s pedal cars, go-carts and a horse merry-go-round.
Grandma’s Nook will be stocked with drinks, sweet treats and Auntie T’s famous fudge (in flavors like salted caramel, Reese’s and Snickers)!
End your afternoon with a hayrack ride to the patch to pick pumpkins of assorted sizes and colors.
Grandpa’s is open Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 23-Oct. 29. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.
Visit Grandpa’s Punkinberry Patch website for more information, a map and directions.
Glenn Miller Orchestra at The Tassel, 2701 Burlington
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will bring its big band sound to the Tassel Performing Arts Center in Holdrege on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m. The band tours the globe entertaining audiences with its unique jazz sound and will make a special stop in Holdrege!
The orchestra consists of the music director, five saxophone players, four trumpeters, four trombonists, and three rhythm musicians (piano, bass and drums). Two vocalists, one male and one female, also perform individually and as part of The Moonlight Serenaders® vocal group.
Expect the band to play some of its biggest hits, including “The White Cliffs of Dover,” “Rainbow Rhapsody,” “Everybody Loves My Baby” and “Over the Rainbow.”
For tickets, visit The Tassel website.
Nebraska Prairie Museum Fall Festival, 2701 Burlington,
The Nebraska Prairie Museum is celebrating Phelps County’s 150th anniversary with a FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bring the entire family to experience trades from the past, including blacksmithing, mountain men, weaving, quilting, leatherworking, and more!
A variety of food trucks, including a local Chuck Wagon, will serve snacks, meals and refreshments.
Fall Craft Shows
Bertrand Craft Show – October 14
Bertrand boasts one of the longest-running craft shows in the state with its 49th annual Bertrand Craft Show on October 14. 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.
More than 900 shoppers descended upon Bertrand (population 741) for the 2022 show, 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!
Bertrand will host its 6th annual Hollidazzle on from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17. Stores will be open for shopping, outside vendors will be present, and drinks will be served for a fun night of shopping and camaraderie for the girls!
Holdrege Craft Show – November 18
The Holdrege Craft Show will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Phelps County Ag Center, 1308 2nd St. in Holdrege. This is the 12th year for the show, which attracts vendors from across the state.
It will feature a variety of homemade crafts, up-cycled vintage goods, food and coffee vendors, and more!
More Shopping
Your Phelps County shopping day won’t be complete without browsing at the 308 Boutique, Stephanie’s, Gifts & Things, The Drawer, Mission Avenue Thrift, Bette Gene Vintage and My Fair Lady’s Fashions & Frills 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!
See the Visit 37 Shopping page for a list of stores
.
Good Eats in Phelps County
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!
While in Phelps County, be sure to stop by the Lost Way Brewery in downtown Holdrege for craft beer. Check the Lost Way Brewery Facebook page for dedicated events, such as food trucks, bingo and trivia nights and the Lost Way Run Club.
While in Phelps County, enjoy dining at one of our many family-friendly restaurants.
See the Visit 37 Dining Page for a full list of restaurants.
