East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market will return to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 9, with vendors, live music, food trucks and educational activities for all ages and more.

The events, held the second Saturday in June, July, and August, was designed to welcome the public to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus and to offer a glimpse of Nebraska agriculture, as well as the research and discovery, educational programs and outreach taking place across campus.

More than 15 vendors will sell Nebraska-grown meat, locally produced cheese, spices, coffee, popcorn, baked goods and more. Additionally, the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum will sell native plants.

At the same time, over 30 university departments will host free, hands-on educational activities for campus visitors of all ages. Participants can get an up-close look at drones, robots and other modern farm technologies at the biological systems engineering department exhibit. Faculty and students from the plant pathology department will diagnose plant disease. Nebraska 4-H will offer hands-on activities for kids. Backyard Farmer’s host and panelists, along with volunteers from the Nebraska Master Gardener program, will give guided tours of the Backyard Farmer garden. The Larsen Tractor Museum and International Quilt Study Center and Museum will be open and offer free admission. Review the complete list of activities here.

East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market was first held in June of 2021, and turnout has steadily grown since, said Jessie Brophy, director of external relations for the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and organizer of the event. Discovery Days draws current and prospective students visiting campus with their families, alumni, residents of the surrounding neighborhoods and fans of Backyard Farmer, as well as people who happen to be driving past and stop to see what’s going on.

“It’s been really cool to see East Campus Discovery Days draw so many people with so many different ties to campus – and to welcome people who are visiting us for the very first time, too” Brophy said. “That’s really the intent of the Discovery Days events – to bring people together.”

Food trucks and live music add a festive vibe. Canyon Joe’s Barbecue, MotorFood, the Corner Kitchen, Porkccentric and Kona Ice will be at the July 9 event. Musicians Emma Harner, Jonathan Leach and Will Hutchinson will provide free, live entertainment. Learn more information on vendors, NU participating departments, food trucks, musicians and more.