Events

Upcoming Events

Join author Alan J. Bartels at one of Nebraska's most interesting event venues ª The Most Unlikely Place, in Lewellen, Nebraska. It is also a café, art gallery, and so much more. Alan will speak, and maybe present a slideshow, before signing books.

May

Upcoming Event

Custer County Historical Society Museum

In his second event of the day, author Alan Bartels comes to Broken Bow to present a slideshow and share with attendees how several bits of Custer County history made it into his new book, Secret Nebraska Sandhills: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Event begins at 2 p.m. and runs until 4 p.m. or until local residents run out of questions!

May

Upcoming Event

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park

"Death on the Plains: 1876 at Fort Hartsuff" is a commemorative event at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park in Nebraska (May 16–17, 2026) honoring the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Blowout and the death of Sergeant William Dougherty. The 1876 battle involved a skirmish between soldiers, led by Lieutenant Heyl, and Lakota Sioux, resulting in the sergeant's death.

The Battle of the Blowout is featured in Secret Nebraska Sandhills: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. On May...

May

Upcoming Event

Broken Bow Public Library

Visit the Custer County Library in Broken Bow on May 20 to check out (haha) an author panel featuring Alan J. Bartels and other Nebraskan authors. Book sales and singing to follow the panel discussion. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.

Past Events

May

Past Event

Herbie's Speakeasy

Join author Alan J. Bartels at Herbie's Speakeasy in Stapleton. Alan will sign books from 11 a.m. to noon. Herbie's Speakeasy is in Alan's new book, Secret Nebraska Sandhills: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.

April

Past Event

Francie & Finch Bookstore

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with Francie & Finch Bookstore in Lincoln, Nebraska and author Alan J. Bartels from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Other authors also appearing.

April

Past Event

Nebraska Grown Art Festival - Golden Husk Theater - Ord

Alan will be set up in the lobby of the famous Golden Husk Theater in Ord, Nebraska, as part of the Nebraska Grown Art Festival. Come for a book or two and stay for this amazing festival that will feature an electrifying tribute to Elvis Presley performed by Joseph Hall! Follow the link below to learn about all of the events that day.

See Alan from 4pm - 5 pm. Elvis takes the stage at 7 p.m. https://www.goldenhuskarts.org/

April

Past Event

Thomas County Library, Thedford

The Thomas County Library welcomes Alan J. Bartels, author of Secret Nebraska Sandhills: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, on April 11 at 11:00 a.m. Alan will talk about the new book, show some of his Sandhills photography, and answer questions from the public. The new book will be available for purchase. Alan's previous book, 100 Things To Do In The Nebraska Sandhills Before You Die, will also be available.

Alan LOVES signing books!

April

Past Event

BOOK RELEASE

Join author Alan J. Bartels at Plains Trading Company Booksellers in Valentine, Nebraska on April 10 for the OFFICIAL BOOK RELEASE event for his new book, Secret Nebraska Sandhills: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.

This will be the inaugural event for Plains Trading Co.'s brand new event center!

Plains Trading Company Booksellers is located at 269 N. Main Street in Valentine.

4p.m. - 6 p.m.