Grand Island Area Farmers Market to Host 2nd Annual Harvest Festival with Free Family Entertainment

GRAND ISLAND, NE — September 16, 2026 — The Grand Island Area Farmers Market is inviting families from across the region to celebrate the arrival of fall at its 2nd Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1607 S. Locust in Grand Island.

The day will feature more than 60 local vendors, live music, and an extensive lineup of FREE family entertainment. Live music will be featured from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., providing the perfect soundtrack for a day of shopping, community, and fall fun.

Families can enjoy FREE train rides, Ferris wheel rides, barrel car rides, Pirate’s Revenge rides, a bounce house, obstacle course, mechanical bull riding, face painting, a Crazy Balloon Lady, a Touch-A-Tractor experience, a Cross Swing golf simulator, and more. The first 200 children can also receive a FREE mini pumpkin, while supplies last.

“This festival is about bringing our community together and creating an opportunity for families to enjoy a fun fall day without the cost of entertainment being a barrier,” said Misty Schaecher, President of the Grand Island Area Farmers Market. “We are incredibly grateful to the businesses, foundations, organizations, and individuals who have invested in this event and helped us make so much of the entertainment free for our community.”

The Harvest Festival would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors. Bosselman Enterprises is sponsoring the venue, with The Sherwood Foundation as a Core Level Sponsor. Platinum Level Sponsors include Union Bank & Trust, ALLO Fiber, and Velocity Clinical Research. Thrasher Foundation Repair is the Gold Level Sponsor, while Silver Level Sponsors include Ken’s Appliance, Helgoth’s, and Summit Realty. Bronze Level Sponsors include Equitable Bank, AKRS Equipment, and Railside Rides. The market also extends its appreciation to McCain Foods and the many community supporters who have contributed to the event.

The Grand Island Area Farmers Market encourages families to make a full day of the celebration by shopping with local vendors, enjoying live music, experiencing the free activities, and supporting the small businesses that make the local community unique.

EVENT DETAILS

2nd Annual Grand Island Area Farmers Market Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 19, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
1607 S. Locust, Grand Island, Nebraska