Twice a year, a quiet stretch of farmland outside Omaha comes to life with laughter, music, and the clang of old treasures being rediscovered. Junkstock is more than just a vintage festival—it’s a gathering place for creatives, collectors, and anyone with a soft spot for rust, ruffles, and repurposed charm. The air hums with live tunes, the scent of kettle corn drifts through the breeze, and families, friends, and vintage junk-lovers roam from booth to booth like the world’s happiest junk jaunt. We found it to be where time slows down—where every chipped enamel sign or handmade trinket seems to whisper a story. The whole thing has the welcoming feel of a small-town fair. And just when we thought we’d seen it all, Spring 2025 brought a theme that swept us away.
Themed Experience
The moment we stepped onto the grounds, it was clear that Junkstock’s spring theme had cast its spell. “By the Sea” swept over the festival like a wave of creativity, transforming barns and booths into a landlocked coastal escape. The scene shimmered with nautical whimsy—sun-washed colors, playful accents, and a lighthearted energy that made the Midwest feel closer to the ocean. Even the theme touched the day’s soundtrack, lending a breezy backdrop to the treasure hunt ahead. It’s impressive how Junkstock brings its seasonal themes to life in such a full-bodied way. You don’t just see the theme—you step inside it, breathe it in, and for a little while, let it carry you someplace new. For a vintage festival in the heart of Nebraska, it sure knows how to take you places without ever leaving the pasture
A Treasure Hunter's Paradise
One thing you can count on at Junkstock is that no two booths are ever quite alike. The vendors—kindred spirits of the junk-loving crowd—go all in, creating imaginative storefronts that rival stage sets. We wandered through booths designed like a beach shack, with deck chairs and nautical-themed treasures. Others leaned into vintage elegance, with dreamy vignettes that could’ve come straight out of grandma’s attic. We spotted upcycled chandeliers, hand-lettered signs, rusted bicycles turned into planters, and a few things I’m still unsure how to describe. Every stall felt like a chapter in a bigger story. Whether you’re a seasoned picker or just someone who appreciates a good treasure hunt, this vintage festival delivers a feast for the senses. And true to its name, Junkstock is a junk-lover’s paradise that rewards those who follow their curiosity into the next booth.
Say Cheese!
Of course, no visit to Junkstock would be complete without a few snapshots to prove you were there—and the organizers know it. Scattered across the festival grounds are selfie stations that beg for a grin. A huge seashell beckons guests to pose like a landlocked mermaid. A giant “JUNKSTOCK” made a perfect backdrop for reclining in a lounger. Our favorite was their “Shell Phone” booth, which was embellished with many beachy mementos. These playful photo ops added a sprinkle of whimsy and made the day even more shareable. It’s no wonder social media lights up during festival weekends. In a world where curated content is king, Junkstock offers the kind of authentic charm that doesn’t need a filter—just a good angle and a smile.
A Festival For All Seasons
As our shopping day ended, the sea breeze turned back into a prairie wind. I already wondered what the theme would be for the next Junkstock. Held twice a year, once in spring and again in fall, they bring a fresh immersive theme that transforms the festival into a new experience. It’s part handmade market, vintage treasure hunt, and good old-fashioned gathering. Whether it’s a coastal escape like this spring or a cozy autumn affair complete with hay bales and hot cider, Junkstock always offers something new to discover. There’s something comforting about knowing that in this ever-changing world, there’s still a place where people come together to celebrate creativity, community, and a shared love for all things old and wonderful. Have you ever been to this vintage festival that makes you feel like you’d entered another world?
We went to Junkstock a few years back and ended up with a truck full of treasures we didn’t even know we needed!
That’s the Junkstock way, isn’t it? You go in for a peek and leave wondering how your life ever functioned without a vintage pie safe and a bucket of kettle corn.
We made it a girls’ weekend and had an absolute blast. Left with sunburns, cider, and a whole lotta memories!
That sounds like a perfect haul to us! Junkstock has a way of turning a simple day out into a story you tell for years.
Does anyone else go just for the food trucks?
Totally valid strategy.
The mix of junk, art, and music is right up my alley. It feels more like a treasure hunt than a flea market.
Exactly! Every corner holds a surprise—from rusty gems to handmade brilliance. It’s like Pinterest exploded in a pasture—and we mean that in the best possible way.
I’ve always wanted to check this out—looks like my kind of quirky weekend adventure. Is fall the best time to go?
You’d love it! Fall has a special magic out there—crisp air, pumpkins everywhere, and just enough breeze to make the live music sound like it’s drifting from another era.