NIC Fest 2026
June 5th, 6th & 7th with
a Block Party June 4!
Join us for NIC Fest 2026, Casper’s premier summer arts festival and a beloved community tradition now celebrating its 20th year. This four-day celebration of art, culture, music, food, and family-friendly fun brings thousands of visitors to downtown Casper each year and remains a highlight of the summer season.
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Dates: Community Block Party June 4,
NIC Fest June 5-7, 2026
Location: 400 E. Collins Dr., Casper, Wyoming
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Thursday, June 4: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Community Block Party & Art Walk
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Friday, June 5: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Saturday, June 6: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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Sunday, June 7: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Volunteer at NIC FEST
NIC Fest wouldn’t happen without volunteers. From helping artists get settled to supporting activities, welcoming visitors, and keeping the weekend running smoothly, volunteers are a huge part of what makes the festival feel like community. Whether you can help for a few hours or a full day, we’d love to have you be part of NIC Fest 2026. Sign up to volunteer and help make one of downtown Casper’s biggest weekends happen.
McMurry Gallery
Thursday, June 4
5:00 PM | Pianist Adam Smith
An evening piano performance filling the museum galleries with elegant melodies.
Friday, June 5
4:00-8:00 PM | Artist Meet & Greet with Zak Pullen
Meet celebrated illustrator Zak Pullen and connect with the artist during this special gallery event.
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Saturday, June 6
6:00 PM | Opera Wyoming Presents: Pianist Susan Stubson and Tenor Leo Williams- A Summer Tapestry
An evening of opera and classical music featuring internationally acclaimed tenor Leo Williams and renowned Wyoming pianist Susan Stubson.
Sunday, June 7
11:00 AM | Casey Rislov and Chad Lore Performing Rowdy Randy
Author Casey Rislov and one-man-band Chad Lore bring the beloved children’s book Rowdy Randy to life with storytelling and music.​
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Main Stage
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Thursday, June 4
4:00 PM | Zoe Grange
An indie duo bringing fresh takes on jazz and R&B favorites to kick off NIC Fest in style.
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6:00 PM | Ted LaRocca and the Creole Gentlemen
Straight from New Orleans, this jazz group delivers a fresh interpretation of classic Creole and jazz traditions.
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Throughout the Evening | Miranda Bressler
An Emmy Award-winning fire performer dazzling the crowd with elaborate tricks and flame-filled performances.
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8:30 PM | Sylance
A loud-and-proud Wyoming band blending thrash, punk, metal, and rock into a high-energy set.
Friday, June 5
4:00 PM | Black Powder Blues
A local blues band inspired by Clapton, B.B. King, Freddie King, and ZZ Top.
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6:00 PM | The Cory McDaniel Duo
A longtime NIC Fest favorite performing Americana tunes ranging from alt-country to cabaret blues.
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8:00 PM | The Dollhouse Thieves
This Denver-based band mixes indie-folk, rock, jazz vocals, accordion, clarinet, and trombone into a genre-bending performance.
Saturday, June 6
10:00 AM | Chad Lore
A fun-filled musical set featuring playful songs, storytelling, and family-friendly entertainment to kick off the day at NIC Fest.
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11:15 AM | Lakota Dance Group Tasunke Ota Winyan
A vibrant cultural dance performance celebrating Lakota traditions through music and movement.
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1:00 PM | Woody Spruce and The Sirloin Rangers
A new addition to NIC Fest bringing Americana and folk tunes to the festival stage.
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3:00 PM | 1620
Members of several Wyoming bands join forces for a crowd-pleasing mix of originals and rhythmic covers.
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4:30 PM | Two Tracks
Wyoming Arts Council fellowship winners known for rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and Americana soundscapes.
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6:00 PM | Emily Barnes
A contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose powerful voice and storytelling capture everyday human experiences.
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8:00 PM | Saddle Tramps
A dancehall-ready country band guaranteed to get boots stomping and crowds moving.
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Sunday, June 7
10:00 AM | Sam Lore
A laid-back folk musician bringing warm acoustic tunes to Sunday morning at NIC Fest.
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12:00 PM | Vibes
Music students and instructors teaming up for an energetic afternoon performance filled with talent and
collaboration.​
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Special Guest
The Man, The Myth, The Legend Chad Lore
NIC Fest 20th Anniversary Emcee
Musician, performer, and local legend Chad Lore keeps the festival rolling as emcee for NIC Fest’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Know Before You Go
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NIC Fest is free and open to all ages! Donations support the museum and keep NIC Fest Free.
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Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged for enjoying live music at the Main Stage.
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June weather in Casper is expected to be warm and sunny during the festival weekend, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
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Please do not leave pets in hot vehicles, even for a short amount of time.
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Friendly leashed dogs are welcome, but please leave exotic pets at home.
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Food vendors, art activities, live entertainment, exhibitions, and the Community Marketplace will be happening throughout the weekend.
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Please plan to park along the street and walk to the Museum. Be courteous of nearby businesses and residents.
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Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available for vehicles displaying valid disability placards at the Natrona County Library only. All other unauthorized parking in this area will be subject to towing.
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Street Closures
Beech Street from 2nd Street to Collins Drive, Collins Drive to Kimball Street, and Kimball Street from 2nd Street to Collins Drive will close beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM.
Streets will reopen Monday, June 8, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
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Festival Hours
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Thursday, June 4 4:00-10:00 PM
20th Anniversary Block Party & Art Walk -
Friday, June 5 4:00-10:00 PM
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Saturday, June 6 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
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Sunday, June 7 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Please note that the City of Casper noise ordinance goes into effect at 10:00 PM each evening.
Do you have old NIC Fest merch tucked away in a closet, garage, or storage box? The Nicolaysen Art Museum is looking for past NIC Fest shirts, posters, buttons, flyers, photos, and other memorabilia for a special community display celebrating the history of NIC Fest. Items may be submitted either as temporary loans for exhibition or as donations to the museum collection. Help us tell the story of NIC Fest through the objects and memories that have been part of it over the years. All submissions are reviewed by museum staff based on exhibition needs and available space.
NIC Fest is free.
Membership makes it possible.
When you become a member, you help support exhibitions, hands-on art experiences, and creative programming all year long at the NIC.
Join during NIC Fest and be part of what keeps art open and accessible in our community.
From talented regional visual artists and musicians to unique small businesses, NIC Fest showcases the best our community has to offer. Explore an exciting lineup of art booths, live performances, delicious food, and engaging activities for all ages. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, NIC Fest is the perfect kick off to summer.
NIC Fest is more than just a festival, NIC Fest fuels our local economy, supports regional talent, and brings people together in celebration of art and culture!
