Nebraska Science Festival

Sharp-tailed grouse viewing at Niobrara State Park
2026-04-03 16:00 - 2026-04-05 11:00, 2026-04-10 16:00 - 2026-04-12 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Niobrara State Park, 89261 522 Ave, Niobrara, NE, 68760-6087, United States
Experience the natural wonder of the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a grouse viewing blind at Niobrara State Park! This sunrise ritual is an ancient and glorious display from one of Nebraska’s most famous grassland birds.
Reservations
Reserve the viewing blind (free of charge) any time between March 1 and May 1, with peak viewing between March 7 and April 20. The large trailer blind can hold up to 12 guests (up to 10 comfortably). In addition, there are two small pop-up blinds available upon request for those with bigger cameras and camera stands that won’t fit in the trailer blind. Blinds are first come, first serve by reservation only. Book your spots by calling the park office at 402-857-3373.
A 2026 state park vehicle permit is required for park entry.

How Do Astronomers Learn About Things That Are So Far Away?
2026-04-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-03 20:00 - 21:00 | The UNK Planetarium, 2401 11th Ave, Kearney, NE, 68849, United States
The University of Nebraska Kearney Planetarium is offering a free show to the public! Astronomers use large telescopes to study the Universe. However, space is so vast that even with the largest telescopes, planets, stars, and even galaxies can appear just as dots. Come learn about some of the techniques that astronomers use to learn so much from such small points of light in the sky.
Free tickets will be available to reserve at 8:00 AM CT on Friday 3/27.
Shows are recommended for engaged grade school students through adults. Shows are strongly discouraged for ages 2 and under. Please be prepared to turn off phones and smartwatches, remove lighted shoes, etc., so that all participants may enjoy the show in its intended dark, quiet environment. Please arrive 5 minutes before your show, or ticket reservations may be released to allow for walk-in attendees.
In conjunction with the show, the UNK Astronomy Club will provide telescope observing, outside of Bruner Hall, at 9:00 PM (weather permitting).

The Fred G. Dale Planetarium
2026-04-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Fred G. Dale Planetarium, Gulliver Dr., Wayne, NE, 68787, United States
Doors open 20 minutes prior to the start of a show. Planetarium shows generally include a tour of the current night sky, a view of the constellations, and a full-dome video. All shows last about 45 minutes.
April Shows:
Friday, April 3
7 p.m. Planetarium show – Living Worlds
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth livable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you’ll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances – and develop a new appreciation for the one-of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet. Narrated by Daveed Diggs.
Saturday, April 4
1 p.m. Planetarium show – STARS
Friday, April 10
7 p.m. Planetarium show – Liquidverse
Liquidverse invites you into an audiovisual symphony exploring the micro- and macro-scale of the universe. Contemplate the vastness of our galaxy, the tininess of microorganisms, and the kinship of all life in the universe through vibrant, abstract visuals and the sonic power of an orchestra, enveloping you in sound.
Saturday, April 11
1 p.m. Planetarium show – Edge of Darkness
Edge of Darkness features amazing scenes of places never before seen gathered by key space missions, culminating with groundbreaking discoveries in 2015. It features a spectacular flight though the great cliffs on comet 67P, a close look at the fascinating bright “lights” on Ceres, and the first ever close-ups of dwarf binary planet Pluto/Charon and its moons. Narrated by Hayley Atwell.
Friday, April 17 – Earth Day Celebration
7 p.m. Planetarium show – Dynamic Earth
8 p.m. Planetarium show – Living Worlds
Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth’s great life support system: the global climate. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes. Narrated by Liam Neeson.
Saturday, April 18 – Earth Day Celebration
1 p.m. Planetarium show – Living Worlds
2 p.m. Planetarium show – Dynamic Earth
Friday, April 24
7 p.m. Planetarium show – Edge of Darkness
Saturday, April 25
1 p.m. Planetarium show – Tales of a Time Traveler
In Tales of a Time Traveler, you will discover that time is not so easily defined. Time is illusive, impossible to hold. It can’t be owned. It can’t be stopped. Time travel surrounds you – from the biological clock in your brain and the changing shadows on a sundial, to the history of life on Earth. Then the story expands to the lives of stars, the time scale of the Big Bang, and the distortion of time by gravity. Narrated by David Tennant.

Wings Over the Platte
2026-04-04 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-06 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-07 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-10 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Stuhr Museum, 3133 West Highway 34, Grand Island, NE, 68801
Flowing across the heart of the Great Plains, the Platte River has long been a source of life, movement, and inspiration. Wings Over the Platte celebrates the landscapes, waterways, and wildlife that define this region through the vision of artists connected to the Platte River Valley.
From sweeping prairie horizons and ever-changing skies to intimate studies of plants, animals, and waterways, this juried exhibition captures the spirit of a place where nature and people have been intertwined for generations. Artwork in painting, photography, sculpture, and more invites visitors to experience the river not just as scenery, but as a living force that shapes Nebraska’s land, history, and community. Many works will also be available for purchase, offering a chance to take home a piece of the river’s story.
Join The Stuhr Museum in honoring the connection between art and nature, and the timeless role the Platte River plays in shaping both.

North Platte Hatchery
2026-04-06 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-07 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-08 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-09 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-10 08:00 - 16:30 | The North Platte Fish Hatchery, 444 E State Farm Rd., North Platte, NE, 69101, United States
The North Platte Hatchery is open to the public and tours may be scheduled during normal working hours. Hatchery information is on display at the hatch house.
The North Platte Fish Hatchery opened in 1943. The facility utilizes the adjacent Nebraska Public Power District irrigation canal to feed 43 earthen ponds, water that ultimately is returned to the canal after being used for fish production.
The North Platte Hatchery produces a variety of coolwater and warmwater fish species including regular production of walleye, white bass, blue catfish and channel catfish. On demand, the hatchery also produces yellow perch, black and white crappie, wiper, striped bass, bluegill, muskellunge, tiger muskie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, sauger and saugeye. North Platte hatchery staff also makes annual collections of walleye and white bass eggs and milt from regional water bodies.
In addition to the hatchery, this property houses the Aquatic Conservation Facility where our team conducts mussel propagation research, as well as other aquatic work.
To prevent the spread of disease and reduce stress to fish, some areas of the facility may not be open to visitation. Contact the hatchery in advance to schedule a tour.

Birds of a Feather at Mahoney State Park
2026-04-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE, 68003, United States
Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s newly renovated James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.
This is a program is intended for elementary-aged youth and chaperones. We introduce a different birding topic each session to begin the program. When weather permits, we will head outdoors for a hike or time in the birding area. The program runs approximately 60-90 minutes.
April 7 – Feathers, Forms and Functions: Consider how the form of a bird (beak, feathers, feet) relates to the functions they do to survive and thrive in the wild.
April 21 – Raptors: Discover the differences between hawks, eagles, owls and more as soar in and study their senses, diet and adaptations.
Registration is required.

STEM: Tinker Tots
2026-04-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-07 18:30 - 19:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Join the Kearney Public Library for a hands-on STEM program designed especially for you and your preschooler. Tinker Tots is a STEM-based learning program for children ages 2–5. Fun, playful activities will engage the mind and body as your child builds their fine motor skills and creativity.
An adult caregiver must remain with the participating child.
Please log in with your library credentials to reserve your place at this event. You may also book by phone or at your nearest library.

STEM: Build, Connect, Create
2026-04-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-07 18:30 - 19:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Let your imagination run wild as you explore The Kearney Public Library’s collection of STEM toys. STEM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. By having fun with STEM activities, children will learn concepts and gain skills that enhance their creative and scientific thinking. These activities allow kids to explore STEM concepts in an entertaining and engaging way.

Please log in with your library credentials to reserve your place at this event. You may also book by phone or at your nearest library.

Science of…Ferns
2026-04-09 15:00 - 16:00 | NE
Ferns may seem like quiet, leafy plants, but their life cycle and adaptations are full of scientific wonder. This virtual program explores the different types of ferns found in Nebraska, how they reproduce through spores instead of seeds, and the roles they play in local ecosystems. You’ll learn how ferns survive in diverse habitats, their fascinating history dating back millions of years, and tips for spotting them in the wild.

This is a free virtual program, however, registration is required to attend. Please use this link to register: https://outdoornebraska.zoom.us/…/FyXCjT4cRaG-aQIOG7B9uw

Questions? Email monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov, or visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar.

Barn Girls NE SciFest Day
2026-04-10 11:00 - 14:00 | Barn Girls Farms, 5306 73rd Street, Ralston, NE, 68127, United States
Step inside a thriving urban farm and explore the fascinating world of microgreens, sustainable agriculture, and innovative growing techniques at this exciting Nebraska Science Festival event at Barn Girls Farms!
During this open house, participants will learn how tiny seeds transform into nutrient-packed microgreens, learn about urban farming, and see firsthand how fresh food can be grown right in the heart of the city.
This interactive experience is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Come grow your knowledge, taste the freshness, and see how science is helping communities cultivate a healthier future — one tiny green at a time!
Lunch will be available to purchase.

Science of Ice Cream and Dry Ice
2026-04-11 10:00 - 11:00 | eCreamery Ice Cream & Gelato, 5001 Underwood Ave, Omaha, NE, 68132, United States
eCreamery staff will conduct an informative presentation on the “Science of Ice Cream and Dry Ice.” Students will be given a small tour of the facility, a lesson on how ice cream is made, a brief history of ice cream, and the differences in density and composition between gelato, sorbet and ice cream. During the dry ice presentation, they will present the chemistry of dry ice and explain density and dissipation.
This event is for kids 12 and under.
Registration at nescifest@gmail.com opens March 1.

Little Learners: Seasonal Science
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, NE, 68005, United States
Join Fontenelle Forest for their new program learning what happens in the forest as the seasons change – Little Learners: Seasonal Science! You’ll discuss what animals do as the seasons change, and explore science stations focused on winter, spring, or fall. Plus, you’ll go on a hike looking for snowflakes, spring shoots, or falling leaves, and make your own seasonal craft to take home!

This program is geared for young children ages 7 and under. One caregiver is admitted free with their child’s registration; additional adults pay daily admission upon arrival. Caregivers are required to stay for the program. Hike will be weather-dependent, but please ensure your little learner is dressed appropriately!

This program is $10 for Members and $25 for Non-members.

Pre-registration is required. Members must sign in to receive discount which will appear in the shopping cart.

Questions or need assistance? Call the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center at 402-731-3140 or email info@fontenelleforest.org.

Seward Storm Spotter Training Session & Preparedness Fair
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Seward County Ag Pavilion, 430 N 15th St., Seward, NE, 68434, United States
National Weather Service meteorologists, in collaboration with local emergency management officials, will offer several in-person severe storm spotter training courses in the spring of 2026 to build your skills in spotting and reporting severe weather! These training sessions are free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome (but age 10 and up will probably get the most out of it)! These sessions will bring a greater understanding of severe storm features, safety around severe storms, how to report important weather information, and will do it all through an exciting combination of videos, photos, and discussion!
Preparedness fair runs from 10 AM to 2 PM. Storm spotter training will take place at 1 PM.
Pre-registration is NOT required for the live in-person sessions.

Metropolitan Community College Science Day
2026-04-11 11:00 - 15:00 | Metro Community College, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave., Omaha, NE, 68107, United States
Stop by Metropolitan Community College (Nebraska) South Omaha Campus, Mahoney building, on April 11 from 11am until 3pm, for exciting hands-on activities (with new ones added every year), which encompass a variety of science disciplines including physics, chemistry and biology.
This event is free and open to all!
