Events in Grand Island today

At Jack Rabbit Golf Course, check-in takes place before a shotgun start. Register at the Lodge, or contact Barry Hopkins at 308-390-1363 or blhopkins59@gmail.com to sign up.

An inaugural fun run raises funds to deliver lifesaving care for local animals in need, with every registration supporting CNHS. Participants can choose a 5k run or a 1 mile walk. The 5k follows three laps around the lake, and the 1 mile covers one lap. Participants are asked to be considerate on the course by using courteous language, passing others with care, and avoiding groups that block the path. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Registration fees are Adults $30, Kids 13 and under $20, and Kids 5 and under are free with no registration required. All fees are non-refundable, and if the event is canceled, registrations will be treated as donations to CNHS to help care for the animals at the organization. Register early to secure a race shirt. After that point, shirts are distributed first come, first served while supplies last. Well-behaved dogs are welcome as running buddies. Dogs must be registered for the event and current on their rabies vaccination, and owners must provide CNHS with a copy of the rabies certificate to complete registration. Dogs must remain leashed and under their owner’s control at all times, and they should be friendly with people and other dogs. Female dogs in heat may not participate. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and their pets. If a dog or owner repeatedly ignores event guidelines, event staff will ask them to leave.

TFX Throwdown brings together athletes across multiple divisions, with options for RX, Intermediate, Scaled, Masters, and Community. New in 2026, the TFX Kids’ TDN introduces a solo, single day contest for athletes ages 8 to 14. The competition includes five scored workouts and three events. To register, form a team of three and complete sign up through the provided link.

Walk with a friendly group while listening to your own audiobook with headphones. This recurring club meets on the second Saturday of each month from March through October at Rooted Books & Gifts. The route starts at the shop, goes to Pier Park, then follows the trail east before returning along the same path. After about 30 minutes, the leader turns the group back toward the store. Nametags make it easy to show if you are open to conversation or prefer quiet listening. RSVP is requested. A special offer is available for those starting a new one-credit-per-month Libro.fm membership... use the code SWITCH to receive two audiobooks at no cost.

Unsure whether you are creative enough to be part of a group? This welcoming book club brings together artists, writers, makers, and curious minds to explore creativity through books and conversation. Each month highlights a title that addresses topics such as moving past creative blocks, building habits, and finding a personal voice. Gatherings take place in person, with an additional online session available, and the group is led by Maile. Discussion is open to readers at any stage, even if the book is not finished. For the current selection and reading list, see the event details.

Stop three of the Tap to Tap: 6/34 Highway Series comes to First Street Brewing Co. in Hastings. This 5K heads out from the taproom onto the bike trail, climbs toward the college, then returns to the brewery for a pint. The route is flat and paved, built for speed and ideal for anyone working toward a third Highway Passport stamp. Cross the finish and pick up a First Street Hastings enamel pin. After the run, spend time in the taproom, on the patio, or in the beer garden, and enjoy local fare from the food truck as First Street Brewing showcases craft, culture, and community.

A community block party featuring music, food, and plenty of fun brings people together around connection and hope. This celebratory day welcomes everyone and highlights the joy of gathering as a community.

Tamiya Mini 4x4 racing puts pure speed front and center. These cars are not remote controlled, so once launched they tear through jumps, curves, and straightaways on their own. Success comes from smart tuning and quick builds, and the course layout changes each event to keep everyone on their toes. Bring a Tamiya Mini 4x4 car and the $1 per car entry fee to participate. Categories include Box Stock, Super Stock, and Modified, with bragging rights up for grabs. All skill and experience levels are welcome. The day begins with the track opening, followed by registration and then racing.

Tim Zach is performing at Boelus State Bank in Boelus. The show starts at 9:00 PM.

Explore practical meditation methods in a welcoming session guided by an instructor with more than forty years of practice. The class is free and offered twice each month. It is intended for individuals who sincerely want to understand their own minds.

Based in Hastings, this pregnancy and infant loss support group offers a compassionate setting for anyone who has lost a pregnancy, a baby, or a young child. Experiences including early miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and stillbirth, as well as infant and toddler loss, are welcome. Whether the loss occurred recently or long ago, grief is honored and supported, with space to share experiences, connect with others, and continue healing.

The Kool-Aid Days Duck Derby brings a cheerful splash to Hastings Aquacourt while raising funds for future students. All proceeds benefit the Kool-Aid Scholarship fund for 2027. In the previous year, 12 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors across Nebraska, with the goal of helping even more next time. Admission is free, and concessions are half off during the event. Duck adoptions are available with two options: one duck for $5 or six ducks for $20. Thanks to generous sponsors including Big G Ace, Barista's of Hastings, Omaha Henry Dorley Zoo, Coach's Corner, Ben Engel Construction, Avani Day Spa & Yoga Studio, and Kool-Aid Days, participants race for three prizes. First place earns a family trip for four to Omaha featuring a two-night hotel stay at a chosen hotel, a gas card, day admission to the Omaha Zoo, day admission to Kiewet Luminarium, and food and fun at The Amazing Pizza Machine. Second place receives a 2-burner Blackstone. Third place includes gift cards for a downtown Hastings experience.

At Island Oasis Water Park, this annual Drool in the Pool fundraiser lets dogs cool off and splash around with new canine friends. Register each dog separately. Early registration is $5 per dog, the fee increases to $10 later, and it is $15 per dog at the gate. Each dog’s registration includes entry for up to two people, and any additional attendees pay a $1 entry fee, including children. Dogs must be current on rabies vaccination, and CNHS must receive a copy of the rabies certificate to complete registration. Adults may handle up to two dogs; owners with more than two dogs need another adult to assist. Dogs must arrive and leave on leash, and leashing may be required inside the event if control becomes an issue. Only dog and people friendly pets may participate, and any dog showing dominant or aggressive behavior will be asked to leave. Female dogs in heat are not permitted. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and their animals. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, including dog food or treats, though water is permitted. If a food truck is present, purchases must be eaten outside the park. People may stand in the water, but no one may swim, including children, and lifeguards will not be on duty. Owners are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their animals. Event staff may ask anyone repeatedly violating guidelines to leave.

Explore buzzworthy reads at a new Booktok-inspired book club. Discuss romance or fantasy selections with fellow readers, and enjoy snacks and mocktails matched to the monthly pick. This month’s selection is The Spell Shop by Sarah Beth Durst. Intended for adults 18 and over. No registration needed. Whether you follow Booktok or not, expect popular, trending titles and easy conversation.

Tuesday Morning Shoot is a casual generic-match competition at Gi Rifle Club. It’s a straightforward way to get on the line, test your rifle, and compete against other shooters using a basic course. Bring your firearm and ammo, get a target, and shoot in a structured format that works for dialing in a new load, practicing fundamentals, or just shooting alongside others.

Created in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, A More Perfect Union at the Plainsman Museum offers a timeline experience that pairs milestones in United States history with local stories from Hamilton County, Nebraska. The exhibition is available during regular museum hours and is included with standard admission. Banners placed throughout the museum spotlight pioneers, veterans, inventors, sports writers and others, and include interactive QR codes with read-aloud features, family trees, and additional family information. A History Detectives: Special Patriotic Edition scavenger hunt adds a playful challenge for children and kids at heart. A companion video timeline is planned for the movie theatre exhibit, showing national and county histories side by side, with availability expected soon.

1 Million Cups is a free weekly community event that brings together and supports local entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs share business ideas with the community, then participants have the chance to learn how others can help those businesses grow. It’s a great opportunity to practice your pitch, connect with local peers, and engage with a supportive entrepreneurial network.

Turn a visit to the Plainsman Museum into a patriotic mystery with a special edition of its History Detectives scavenger hunt. Pick up an activity packet at the museum desk, then tackle hint-filled puzzles whose answers are hidden throughout the exhibits and galleries. Geared toward elementary-age explorers but enjoyable for anyone who likes solving puzzles, this activity is included with general admission and requires no extra fee. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. When you finish the case, return the packet to the museum desk for special recognition. Questions can be directed to the Plainsman Museum office at 402-694-6531 or plainsman@hamilton.net. Offers to buy or sell tickets through social media or other outlets are not accepted, as admission is handled at the museum upon arrival.

Get to know your Android smartphone better through an interactive workshop focused on exploring and downloading apps. Using Senior Planet curriculum, participants will practice finding apps and installing them on their devices. This free session is geared toward ages 55+ and takes place at Hastings Public Library. Space is limited to 10 participants. To register, call Alyssa at 402-461-2346.

Kick off back-to-school shopping in Grand Island with a festive party featuring stylists ready to help you get set for the school year. Take advantage of special party deals that aim to put you ahead of the class. Spend $75 to receive a free GWP.

Buffalo Wild Wings in Grand Island, NE hosts a live, in-person trivia game where teams or individual players use their phones to follow the game link, submit answers, and earn points toward prizes. It is free to participate, and rewards go to top performers. Each show includes a mix of rounds, such as an image round and a music round, with questions that cover topics ranging from pop culture to history. Expect a lively setting with friendly competition, plenty of laughs, and an easy-to-play format suitable for newcomers and seasoned trivia fans alike.

Enjoy a cozy, creative gathering where coffee, tea, or any preferred beverage pairs with crafting alongside fellow makers. Activities include crocheting, diamond art, painting, drawing, card making, jewelry making, and more. All experience levels are welcome. Bring a project already in progress or simply relax in the creative atmosphere. This free, come-and-go event encourages conversation and creativity in a warm, welcoming space.

Grand Island HobbyTown Raceway hosts a season of 1/18 scale 1RC oval racing that emphasizes quick heats, precise lines, and close finishes. Drivers ages 7 and up are welcome at every experience level, with classes for Beginner featuring EDM and Dirt Modified, Intermediate covering EDM, Dirt Modified, Asphalt, and Dirt Late Model, and an Experienced group with an open format. To participate, bring a 1RC oval car and the entry fee. The cost is $5 per car, and a transponder is available to rent for $10. The atmosphere is welcoming for first-timers and offers plenty of competitive action for returning racers.

At Stuhr Museum, East Portico, The Midnight Wanderers share a roots-rich set shaped by more than a decade of exploring folk traditions. Founded by spouses Matt and Jenny Richardson, the five-piece blends original songs with time-honored material, taking turns on lead vocals and song selection to keep the music varied. Their sound reaches across Americana with touches of bluegrass, old-time, folk, blues, classic rock, Western swing, and country. Admission is free.