East Campus Discovery Days kick off June 8

The East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10 on the East Campus Mall.

The fun, family-friendly events are an opportunity for community members to visit East Campus and learn about research, teaching and extension work within the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The events also provide science and agricultural literacy activities for youth.

“It’s a free opportunity for kids and families to learn in a safe and comfortable environment,” said Jordan Slagle, event manager for East Campus Discovery Days.

In addition to learning activities, the events feature food trucks; live music; and a variety of vendors selling goods such as fresh flowers, coffee, baked goods, handmade jewelry and bath products. Children can practice their roping skills at the Rodeo Club booth, and visitors can support several Husker students who have launched businesses as part of the university’s Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. Other highlights include produce grown locally by Tribal Extension and a race car built by the Husker Racing Baja Society of Engineers.

While the activities and vendors will be on the East Campus Mall, participants are encouraged to explore the rest of the campus, including the Backyard Farmer Garden, Dairy Store and Maxwell Arboretum.

Event coordinators are hoping to get more departments involved and have invited City Campus to join in on the East Campus fun.

Currently, there are 50-plus booths registered for East Campus Discovery Days. Vendor applications for July and August are still being accepted. Vendors can visit https://discoverydays.unl.edu and click on the “Join Us” tab to get registered.

Each of the three dates will have the staple activities and vendors, but there will be some booths that rotate activities or departments that rotate the group representing them. The 2024 BugFest, hosted by the Department of Entomology, will coincide with the Aug. 10 event.

The events are rain or shine and should not be impacted by the current construction of the Legacy Meadow on East Campus.

For more information, including full lists of vendors, activities, food trucks and entertainers, click here.