Recreation
Events Whooper’s & Hooper’s Basketball Tournament in March is the largest adult basketball tournament in the Midwest. From beginners to elite players, Hastings played host to over 140 teams from across the country.
Cottonwood Festival in June is one of Nebraska’s best two-day arts festivals in historic Brickyard Park. Festival goers wander through multiple art forms, food vendors, national-act music, children’s activities, crafters and fur traders.
Kool-Aid Days in August includes events such as kardboard boat races, free concerts, family oriented vendors, games and community booths as well as the world’s largest Kool-Aid stand.
The Downtown Celebration of Lights in November offers a great way to kick off the holiday season. As Santa makes his grand entrance onto 2nd Street, music fills the air and white lights outline historic buildings against the night sky. Food vendors, face painting and live reindeer round out this family event.
The following attractions are available for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike throughout the year:
The Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History features a variety of exhibits providing an experience filled with insight into animals, people on the plains, rocks, minerals and fossils and the vehicles that have moved us into the 21st century. Traveling exhibits also provide a new and exciting facet to the museum every time you go. In addition, the museum also has the Lied Super Screen Theatre and the J.M. McDonald Planetarium, which is included in the price of admission to the Hastings Museum and is the only planetarium between Denver and Chicago.
The Hastings Family YMCA provides two great places for families to participate in fun/fitness activities and provides a variety of activities for all ages. Between the 16th and 18th Street locations, the YMCA boasts an Olympic-size pool, an indoor track, three waterslides, a two-story climbing maze, an 18-hole miniature golf course and go-karts.
One of Hastings’s greatest forms of wealth is its rich history. Self-guided tours of the World War II Ammunition Depot, which was the world’s largest during that time, and the Downtown Walking Tour provide an in-depth look at the industries and architecture that have shaped the city you see today.
The Hastings Community Theater has been entertaining the community of Hastings for over 50 years providing an opportunity for performers and patrons alike. The four performances every year keep the stage busy showcasing Hastings homegrown talent.
The Hastings Symphony Orchestra has concerts throughout the year. Two are free to the community as a gift from the orchestra to Hastings residents, encouraging community involvement and appreciation of the arts.
The Smith Softball Complex, adjacent to the Softball Hall of Fame, is home to the Nebraska Softball Foundation. This premier facility welcomes thousands of softball enthusiasts and their families throughout the spring,
The Hastings Aquacourt has it all, whether you visit for a day of fun or rent the facility to have an exclusive party. The park includes a wave pool, diving boards, family water slides, flute slide, tube slide, drop slide, lazy river and concession stand.
Motorsport Park Hastings offers just what racing fans are looking for in this popular sport. MPH is a multi-million dollar racing facility including a 2.33-mile, 14-turn track drawing racing enthusiasts from all over the nation. From motorcycles and vintage race cars to tractors, MPH roars with excitement.
The Adams County Fairfest always includes concerts from well-known performers and the excitement of demolition derbies and motocross competitions with festival foods and carnival rides. The PRCA Oregon Trail Rodeo is held every Labor Day weekend, providing an opportunity for everyone to appreciate a sport that has a big part in the heritage of the state.
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