Nebraska Science Festival

Discovery Days at The Hall of History
2026-04-21 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-22 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-23 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-24 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-25 10:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Boys Town Hall of History, 14057 Flanagan Blvd., Boys Town, NE, 68010, United States
Visit The Hall of History Museum at Boys Town, and explore their science stations.
Make your own comic books, design your own superhero outfit, learn about pottery, make a molding of a butterfly or dinosaur – to take home, and take a peek into microscopes and guess how much your brain weighs. Plus, don’t forget to stop by their “Brain Games” wall.

Free admission. The Hall of History is open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 4:30pm and on Sundays from 11am until 4pm.

Genealogy Quest
2026-04-21 14:00 - 15:00 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
If you love digging into your ancestral past, this is the study hall for you! Use the Kearney Public Library‘s resources to help you in your quest. This class won’t teach you what to do, but volunteers from the Buffalo County Historical Society and library staff will be there to give assistance when needed. So, if you enjoy delving into your ancestry but haven’t been finding time to work on it — come search with us!
This study hall is a partnership between the library and Buffalo County Historical Society, and meets in the Maker Space.

Talon Talk: Birds of Prey
2026-04-21 17:30 - 18:30 | City of Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE, 68847, United States
Join Nature’s Educators to meet and learn about 4 different birds of prey at the Kearney Public Library! Find out what they eat, where they live, special adaptations, and even have the chance to see one in flight. Be sure to bring your camera and inquiring mind!
Please be mindful that movement and noise agitates the raptors. Attending this program requires the patron to sit still for one hour. Because of this, the presentation is geared for ages 8 and older.
Bookings for this event open on March 1 at 9:00 AM at the Kearney Library (in person or via phone).

Storybook STEM Challenge
2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St., Omaha, NE, 68134, United States
After reading The Three Little Pigs, patrons will have one hour to complete this challenge: design and build a sturdy house that can withstand the “Big Bad Wolf’s” huff-and-puff wind test! At the end of the program, we’ll try out each creation to see which house stays standing strongest.
This is a free program for kids 8-10. Registration is required. Please call (402) 444-6284 to register.
Parents/caregivers must remain with their child(ren) for the duration of the program.

Rethinking Your Lawn
2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Hastings Museum, 1330 N Burlington Ave., Hastings, NE, 68901, United States
Looking for a beautiful yard that’s easier to maintain and built to thrive in Nebraska’s changing climate?
Join Conservation Nebraska and Rita Brhel, the Horticulture Aide with Nebraska Extension in Adams County, on April 21st from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Abbott Room at the Hastings Museum!
Explore ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees that can withstand drought while supporting pollinators and beneficial wildlife. Learn how incorporating native plants can create a more climate- and pest-resilient landscape that saves time, water, and effort!
This event is free and open to the public. There will be snacks and drinks available.
Let us know you’re coming in advance: https://secure.ngpvan.com/6rVE4Vl70EqIPn0O-iP8jw2
About the speaker:
Rita Bhrel coordinates the Master Gardener program and provides community education on trees, lawns, and gardening. She also shares horticulture guidance through local publications and community resources. Rita holds a B.S. in Agricultural Communications from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and is a certified Extension Master Gardener.

Bats Over Omaha
2026-04-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Omaha RiverFront, 1001 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Every year, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab (NWR) rescues and rehabilitates over 7,000 injured or orphaned native animals from across the state of Nebraska. That includes squirrels, raccoons, birds, bobcats, beavers – and many other animals! One of the most beloved patients are native bats that come into their care over the course of the winter, and every spring these bats get to spread their wings and fly free in the wild again. For the past 15 years, NWR has welcomed the public to join them to enjoy the spectacle of their flight for Bats Over Omaha, a family-friendly event that includes children’s activities, food trucks, educational tables & the stars of the show – our native Nebraska bats!
Be sure to stop by the NE SciFest booth prior to the release.

Lyrids Meteor Shower Viewing
2026-04-21 20:30 - 22:30 | Neale Woods, 14323 Edith Marie Ave., Omaha, NE, United States
Come experience the thrill of watching the Lyrids Meteor Shower at Neale Woods!
The event will begin with a brief evening hike on dirt-packed trails through the prairie and forest. Then as night falls, watch for shooting stars while learning about meteor showers, seasonal constellations, and general astronomy. Members of the Omaha Astronomical Society will be available to share their expertise (and telescopes) during the program.
This event will run from 8:30 to 10:30 PM. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Please bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on while stargazing and be ready to hike a short distance on easy to moderate terrain with your chair to the meteor shower viewing area.
This program is $10 for Members and $25 for Non-members. Pre-registration is required.

North Platte Hatchery
2026-04-22 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-23 08:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-24 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.

Homeschool Hikes at Schramm
2026-04-22 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Schramm Education Center, 21502 West Highway 31, Gretna, NE, 68028, United States
Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared towards homeschool families. Each month, families can join a naturalist for a guided hike on the Schramm Park State Recreation Area hiking trails. During the program, participants will ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. Participants will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.
The cost to participate is $5 per person per program (adult and children are same price). This includes admission to the Schramm Education Center after the program. Schramm Family Pass members participate free. This program is recommended for ages 5 and up. Please register in advance so we can estimate attendance numbers: https://arcg.is/1HO45W0 .
Participants should dress in season-appropriate layers and wear closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Hats and water bottles are recommended. The day of the program, come to the Schramm Education Center and check in and pay at the front desk upon arrival.

Wings Over the Platte
2026-04-22 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-23 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-24 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-25 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.

Cold Waters, Failing Systems: Lessons in Hypothermia from the Titanic
2026-04-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Kiewit Luminarium, 345 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Join Geoffrey Talmon, MD, professor in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, as he presents, “Cold Waters, Failing Systems: Lessons in Hypothermia from the Titanic,” at 6pm on April 22 in the Field Room of the Kiewit Luminarium in conjunction with their exhibit, “Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission.”
Dr. Talmon also serves as senior associate dean for medical education in the College of Medicine, overseeing the curriculum. In that role, he manages all graduate, undergraduate and external clinical teaching activities.
He also was the first to hold the James Linder Distinguished Residency Director Chair and was the inaugural director of the UNMC Interprofessional Academy of Educators.
Dr. Talmon has more than 110 peer-reviewed publications, along with multiple book chapters and dozens of invited presentations. He co-edited the book, “Mind the Gap: Generational Differences in Medical Education,” which was the first work dedicated to managing intergenerational conflict in medical education.
He is past president of the Nebraska Association of Pathologists and a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification and National Board of Medical Examiners.
Before the talk, be sure to experience the story of the Titanic like never before at the Kiewit Luminarium, as they host their first ever major traveling exhibition: “Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission.” Uncover hidden history once shrouded in secrecy. See real objects from the Titanic. Explore the breakthrough innovations that made the impossible possible. And relive the emotion of one of history’s most unforgettable discoveries.
The museum is open until 7pm with discounted admission on April 22.

City Nature Challenge Lincoln-Lancaster
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-30 | Lancaster County, Lincoln, NE, United States
There is nature all around us! Knowing what species are in our city and where they are helps us study and protect them. The ONLY way to do that is by all of us – scientists, land managers, and the community – working together to find and document the nature in our area.
By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also make your community a better place – for you and other species.
If you live in Lincoln-Lancaster County, you can join cities from around the world in documenting the wildlife that calls our urban environments home during the annual City Nature Challenge!
Make observations to iNaturalist- April 24th-27th
Help us ID observations on iNaturalist- April 28th-May 13th

Senior Design Showcase
2026-04-24 13:00 - 16:00 | UNL Kiewit Hall, 1700 Vine St., Lincoln, NE, 68588, United States
The UNL College of Engineering’s annual Senior Design Showcase, Nebraska’s premier undergraduate engineering student design event, is scheduled for Friday, April 24 in Kiewit Hall on UNL’s City Campus.
This event highlights new and innovative projects from teams of graduating seniors from across the college. Their projects reflect real-world professional challenges, environments and, in some cases, collaborations with industry clients to develop products and devices that could have immediate impact.
The showcase is free and open to the public.

2026 Maiben Lecture
2026-04-24 16:00 - 17:00 | UNL East Campus Union, 1705 Arbor Drive, Lincoln, NE, 68503, United States
For 136 years, the Nebraska Academy of Sciences has hosted an annual meeting designed to bring the scientific community across the state together to ‘share their science’.
In conjunction with the meeting, Dr. Deborah Bathke, a research associate professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, climate scientist, and Nebraska’s state climatologist, will deliver the annual Maiben Lecture titled, “Shifting Extremes: Understanding Nebraska’s Changing Climate and Preparing for What Lies Ahead,” at 4 p.m.
The lecture free and open to the public.

Sharp-tailed grouse viewing at Niobrara State Park
2026-04-24 16:00 - 2026-04-26 11:00 | 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.

2026 Northeast Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Plant Fair and Market Vendors
2026-04-24 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Northeast Community College Agriculture Complex, 2301 E Benjamin Ave, Norfolk, NE, 68701, United States
Held at Northeast Community College, Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex is the 2026 Northeast Extension Master Gardener Plant Fair and Market Vendors, back for its 32nd year!
Educational speakers will be present Friday and Saturday with proceeds from the fair helping to support educational speakers and horticulture scholarships to Northeast Community College.
Plus, stop by the Ask the Master Gardener booth, where a master gardener will answer all your questions!

SCC Family Science Night
2026-04-24 17:30 - 20:00 | Southeast Community College Lincoln, 8800 O St., Lincoln, NE, 68520, United States
Come celebrate Earth Day at SCC Family Science Night featuring exciting activities, great prizes, and free food.

Featuring activities such as:

Telescope viewing;
Robots;
Solar System Model;
Conservation of angular movement;
Science of fermentation;
Bio-industrial Manufacturing model station; and more!

The Fred G. Dale Planetarium
2026-04-24 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.

Lincoln Earth Day
2026-04-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Drive, Lincoln, NE, 68508, United States
The Lincoln Earth Day Celebration is an annual celebration in Lincoln, Nebraska. The exciting community event has approximately 2,500 attendees annually and their Coalition wants you to join in the fun. There will be dozens of booths that all promote, educate, and celebrate environmental stewardship, green education, and sustainable living.
Grab your friends, families and coworkers and join us for this year’s environmental education and family fun!
