McCook Gears Up for a Big Weekend: Bikes, Cars, Food & Festivities Downtown

McCook Neb. - McCook is the place to be this weekend as three major events converge to bring a surge of energy, visitors, and celebration to the community. With Tour de Nebraska, the Cruise Night & Car Show, and Bash on the Bricks all happening in tandem, downtown will be buzzing with live music, food trucks, classic cars, and cyclists from across the country.

Tour de Nebraska Riders Roll Into Town

Tour de Nebraska is officially rolling into McCook! As of Friday afternoon, cyclists have begun arriving in town, bringing a wave of energy and color to the streets. More than 350 riders and their support crew are camping near the MCC Event Center and McCook pool, exploring local shops, restaurants, and sights.

This is the first time in the event’s 37-year history that the route includes southwest Nebraska — and McCook is proudly rolling out the red carpet. Riders have already expressed excitement about the town’s vibrant downtown, thrift stores, and food scene.

To celebrate, The Broadways will perform a free live concert downtown from 4–6 p.m., followed by a Tour de Nebraska award presentation. The public is invited to join in and help give our visitors a warm McCook welcome.

Car Show, Cruise Night & New Categories

Starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, downtown McCook will fill with chrome and rumble as the annual Car Show and Cruise Night kicks off. With a new entrance near the mural by Ace Hardware, organizers are urging early arrivals and pre-registrations to help things run smoothly.

This year includes two exciting new categories:

• “Work in Progress” for unfinished or everyday-driver cars

• “16 and Under” for young enthusiasts (even Power Wheels welcome!)

There will be door prizes, food trucks, and bounce houses for the kids. Awards will be announced at 6 p.m., followed by the always-popular downtown cruise.

Bash on the Bricks

Running alongside the car show and cruise is Bash on the Bricks, hosted by the McCook Chamber of Commerce and community partners. Starting at noon, food trucks will line West First Street, offering everything from Thai noodles and pizza to ice cream and burritos. Some trucks are first-time visitors to McCook — so show them that famous small-town hospitality!

The beer garden opens at 4 p.m., and Got You Covered, a high-energy band from Omaha, will take the stage at 7 p.m. Bleachers will be set up at Norris and C Street for those who want to kick back and watch the cruise roll by.

Expect kid-friendly fun, vendor booths, and community fundraisers (including water sales by For Dancers Only). With so many people downtown, you’ll want to come early, stay late, and bring your appetite — and maybe a fan or two. It’s going to be a warm one!

Plan Your Weekend

Download the McCook Chamber app to view food truck locations, entertainment schedules, and bathroom spots. Pre-registration for the car show is still open, but walk-ins are welcome. West First Street (B to C) will be closed Saturday, and food truck setup may begin Friday night.

Whether you’re welcoming cyclists, cruising the bricks, or dancing in the street, this weekend is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best of McCook’s summer.