Upcoming Local Events.
Uncover the Best Local Happenings in Valentine, NE and Surrounding Areas Near Lord Ranch Resort!
Annual Nebraska Star Party
Merritt Reservoir is a short drive from the Lord Ranch Resort, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay here while enjoying the Annual Nebraska Star Party.
If you enjoy star gazing or want to learn more about it, the Nebraska Star Party is a wonderful group to get to know.
Pumpkin Patch Craft Fair
Saturday, Oct 10th! Is the day!!
Fall is in the air!
The Pumpkin Patch Craft Fair is almost here! Come and enjoy this long-awaited event.
We have very talented crafters from the area bringing one-of-a-kind crafts!!
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With crafts, food, and fun, this event is sure to bring plenty of Autumn Joy!!
Sandhills Catfish Classic Fishing Tournament
First Place $3,000
At Merritt Reservoir
For more information, visit Tooth and Whisker Outdoors Facebook Page
Old Settler's Rodeo
Small sports will start at 10am with Bowery program to follow! Rodeo will start at noon!!
Cherry County Fair & Rodeo
2026 Cherry County Fair & Rodeo
August 4th - 9th at the Cherry County Fairgrounds in Valentine, NE.
Learn More at www.cherrycountyfairgrounds.com
2026 Bull Bash
The Heart City Bull Bash will allow you to showcase your bulls and gain exposure to potential bull buyers from central Nebraska and south central South Dakota. Plus, local businesses plan special activities and events for the entire family.
Early Deadline: December 20, 2025
Late Deadline: January 5, 2026
Early Entries Receive a 1/4 Zip Sweater!
Cork Thornton Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament
The Valentine Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 Cork Thornton Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament.
Valentine Chamber of Commerce
valentinecc66@gmail.com
402-322-5950
Winterfest Craft & Gift Show / Bake Sale
Shop handcrafted gifts from local crafters at the Cherry County Fairgrounds.
Prairie Grouse Technical Council
35th Prairie Grouse Technical Council biennial meeting
Prairie Grouse Technical Council
The Prairie Grouse Technical Council is a group of grouse advocates, enthusiasts, scientists, managers and others who enjoy grouse and their habitats. The group meets in odd-numbered years in the various prairie and great lakes states where these birds are found.
Old West Days
For over 30 years, poets, musicians, and storytellers have come from all over the country to share their talents and to celebrate the time-honored traditions of our childhood's hero's - The American Cowboy! They tell stories of the days of yesteryear and of the time when cowboys were kings! You can almost hear the spurs jingling and the old camp cook calling the riders to a hot meal of the finest beef, biscuits, beans, and boiled coffee.
Thursday, April 24
7:30 p.m. OLD TIME Melodrama - $5.00 - Valentine High School Auditorium
Friday, April 25
9 am - 4 pm - Free Poetry & Music Sessions - Valentine High School
10 am - 7 pm - Western Art, Trade Show - Valentine High School
7:30 pm - Featured Performances, $15 tickets - High School Auditorium
Surprise Guest, David Paul, Floyd Beard, Brooke Turner.
Saturday, April 26
9 am - 12 pm - Free Poetry & Music Sessions - Valentine High School
10 am - 7 pm - Western Art & Trade Show - Valentine High School
1:30 pm - Featured Performances, $15 tickets - High School Auditorium
Performers include Aspiring Poet/Musician, Dave Stamey, Lindy Simmons, Brooke Turner
7:30 pm - Featured Performances, $15 tickets - High School Auditorium
Performers include Surprise Guest, David Paul, Floyd Beard, and Dave Stamey
Sunday, April 27
Special Church Services at Various Churches around Town
3 pm - OLD TIME Melodrama - $5.00 - High School Auditorium
Prairie Chicken Viewing at the Refuge
An Amazing Wildlife Viewing Opportunity
Get ready to witness an awe-inspiring spectacle as you see the prairie chicken mating dance! This incredible display, performed by one of Nebraska's most iconic grassland birds, is a timeless tradition that has captivated audiences for years. Don't miss your chance to witness this natural wonder firsthand!
You can contact the Valentine Wildlife Refuge at 402-376-1889 to reserve your spot in the viewing blind (free of charge). Please review the instructions for viewing grouse from the blind. You’ll want to arrive at the blind one hour before sunrise.