Events for June 30-July 7, 2026
And we are now hitting July!
We hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July! Please celebrate America’s 250 safely!
Don’t forget to get your raffle tickets…
Did you know the Platte County Historical Society has a couple opportunities to win some pretty amazing 250th Celebration prizes?! Purchase tickets for a Patriotic-Themed Quilt handcrafted right here in Columbus, NE. This one-of-a-kind work of art winner will be drawn on Sunday, July 12th at their monthly meeting.
Secondly, a God Bless America Edition Golden Boy gun is also being raffled. This drawing is taking place during Columbus Days. Head to the Platte County Museum and purchase your tickets TODAY! Need not be present to win! Proceeds support the new Museum project!
Texas Hold ‘em & Tacos
Get your cards and side of tacos for TONIGHT’S (Tuesday) Texas Hold ‘Em at the Eagles Club. Will you come out on top?? Play starts at 7pm!
America 250 – here we come!!
Platte Center is throwing a big ‘ol party and you don’t want to miss out!
Thursday, July 2 – Frog Jump & Turtle Races at Elmwood Park
Friday, July 3 – Hot Dog Cook Out hosted by Bank of the Valley
Saturday, July 4 – Parade – Main Street, Platte Center Rescue’s Lunch (Pulled Pork, Hot Dogs & all the fixin’s) & DEMO Derby!
Red, White, KABOOM!
It’s a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! Join us for Red, White, KaBoom! presented by Cargill, this Friday, July 3rd, at Ag Park. It’s time to gather your friends and family for one of Columbus’ most beloved summer traditions. Get ready for an evening filled with fun, delicious food, and a strong sense of community.
There’s a variety of food vendors, a beer garden, and plenty of activities for the little ones. And the grandstand seating is perfect for watching the live music by Freedom Road from 7:30-9:30pm and again from 10:30-11pm. To top it all off, we’ll have a spectacular fireworks display starting at 10pm.
Now, let’s talk about parking. Parking passes are $10 per vehicle when you buy them online in advance, or you can get them at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce office. If you prefer to park on the day of the event, there’s a $20 per vehicle fee at the gate. And guess what? Walk-in admission is free! So, come on down and let’s make this a night to remember! All proceeds help to keep this community tradition alive!
4th of July in Creston!
Just down the road, Creston is hosting 4th of July in the park! There will be games including community softball, food and fireworks. A free donation meal is being served from 5-7pm. Best dressed patriotic attire wins a prize!!
Summer Movie Series continues!
$2 Summer Movie at 10am on Wednesday’s at Center7. This week, watch ‘Over the Hedge’! This is one way to keep cool and out of the heat wave!
Need some extra moolah??
Stop by Cornerstone Bank’s America 250 Open House at any location on Wednesday, July 1 to enjoy a special treat and to register for a chance to win $2,500 in our cash drawing! Winner announced on July 2! Go to VisitColumbusNE.com to see full rules and details.
Hey Dirt Track Racing fans!
It’s a special race night with Malvern Bank SLMR – WEST at US 30 Speedway this Thursday, July 2! Gates open at 5pm; heat laps at 7pm and LIVE racing at 8pm. BONUS: Fireworks show following the races!
Frankfort Square Fun…
Beats and Eats is this Thursday only this week starting at 7pm! Pull up your lawn chair to The Farewell Season. Tasty eats include Judy’s Concessions and Leon on Wheels!
Let it go, Let it go…
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 7th! The Crane River Theater Company is putting on a free performance of “Frozen” starting at 1pm. It’s going to be a blast, and it’s open to all ages. Come on down to the Community Room on the 3rd floor and let’s sing along to all our favorite songs!
There’s plenty of time to participate in “Ticket TO Play!
It’s pretty easy – stop by the business, receive a punch and receive a prize! Completed tickets can be submitted at Pizza Ranch. In September, all submitted tickets will be included into a larger grand prize drawing, so you will want to participate!
So, where can we learn more?
Just click on VisitColumbusNE.com and head to our events tab to find more to do in Platte County! It’s time to make that schedule of fall fun!!
What’s happening after this week?
250 years in the making and so many fun events to attend!
- Community Baby Shower, United Way, Jul 8
- ‘Life is Better at the Lake’ Door Hanger Class, Artzy Haven, July 8
- BusinessPersons Breakfast, Ag Park, Jul 9
- Opening Reception: Beyond the Familiar Art Exhibit, Art Gallery, July 9
- Platte County Fair, Ag Park, Jul 9-13
- Esprit de Corps Musical Group, American Legion, July 10
- 2nd Annual Small City Slicers Scramble, Quail Run, Jul 11
- Geno’s Bait & Tackle Kids Fishing Derby, Lake North, July 11
- VBS Kick-Off Night Foam Party, Glur Park, July 15
- Wildlife Encounters, Community Building, July 17
- 39th Annual Bob Lauterbach Memorial Downtown Runaround, 11th St, July 18
- Lean On Foundation Cornhole & Volleyball Tournament, Westbrook Lanes, July 18
- Columbus Area Garden Tour, Columbus in Action, July 18
- Missoula Children’s Theatre Open Auditions, Federated Church, July 20
- 2026 CCH Kids Academy Camp, Fieldhouse, July 22
- 2026 Horseracing Season, Harrah’s, begins July 24
- Denim & Diamonds Spectacular, Christ Lutheran Church, July 24
And so much more!!