World’s Largest American Flag Unfurling and Raising in Lincoln

The World’s Largest American Flag Unfurling and Raising is Lincoln’s community centerpiece for Memorial Day weekend. You will gather with hundreds of volunteers at the Sandhills Global Event Center to manage a 250-by-505-foot American flag that weighs about 3,000 pounds. As dusk approaches, the crew coordinates the careful unfolding and hoisting of the banner, creating a quiet, respectful tribute in Nebraska’s capital.

Your evening typically begins with a volunteer training session so the flag is handled safely and uniformly. As the light fades, the crowd settles and attention turns to the field, where you can watch the flag rise against the twilight sky. In many years, a professional drone show adds coordinated patriotic lighting overhead. The site can vary between Memorial Park and the Sandhills Global Event Center, but the scale and shared ritual remain the draw.

Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early to claim a spot on the lawn or to sign in if you are volunteering. If you plan to help, wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and bring layers for shifting evening temperatures. A lawn chair or thick blanket helps since grass often gets damp after sunset. Food is often available from local vendors, and you can also bring your own refreshments. Parking at Sandhills is plentiful, but expect slow exits after the ceremony. Good to know: between 600 and 1,000 volunteers are needed to move the flag, and you can sign up in advance to join the crew.

If you are coming from out of town, you can stay near the Haymarket District for a central Lincoln weekend, or along the 84th Street corridor for easy access to the event center. For a lake-focused holiday base, check Lake.com listings and vacation rentals near Branched Oak Lake. Entry is free. The unfurling is weather-dependent, especially in high winds, and may be delayed or moved to a rain date. While the event is outdoors, we recommend leaving pets at home due to crowd density and the movement of the flag.