Kearney Cultural Partners

Dedicated to bringing a rich assortment of art, music, dance, theater, movies, history, literature, and family fun to Kearney residents and visitors all year round.

The Archway

Share an epic adventure in American history that your whole family will enjoy.

Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary

Focused on the conservation of the Platte River ecosystem and the birds that rely on it.

The Bricks, Downtown Kearney

Come experience some of the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in Kearney!

Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum

Preserving our past, moving toward our future.

The American Automobile Experience

An entertaining, artful perspective on the major role that the automobile has played in our history, culture, industry, and innovation.

Crane River Theater

Breathtaking scenery, award-winning costumes, artful direction, and Broadway-caliber talent right here in Kearney!

G.W. Frank Museum of History & Culture

Located in a beautiful 1890 Gilded Age mansion, we offer a unique window into local history.

Kearney Area Arts Council

Since 1976, KAAC has promoted the arts in our community through Concerts in the Park, scholarships, and funding local arts events.

Kearney Area Children's Museum

We inspire play, exploration, and discovery through interactive experiences.

Kearney Artist Guild

Enhancing the creative art experience in Kearney with 50+ years of Art In The Park.

Kearney Community Theatre

Now in our 44th year entertaining, educating, and inspiring the public through theatrical arts, for the community, by the community!

Kearney Concert Association

Bringing Great Performances To Central Nebraska Since 1948.

Kearney Creates

We chronicle and celebrate the outpouring of creativity unique to the heart of Kearney Nebraska.

Kearney Family YMCA

Discover the Creative Arts at the Y.

Kearney Public Library

Books, technology, and a makerspace to spark your imagination and feed your mind!

Kearney Symphony Orchestra

Creating musical traditions for over 100 years.

Merryman Performing Arts Center

Serving Central Nebraska as a regional cultural center, this historical theater presents exceptional nationally touring music, theater, and family programming.

Museum of Nebraska Art

Where the power of art captures the spirit of Nebraska.

Nebraska Firefighters Museum

Dedicated to the importance of fire prevention and to the courageous firefighters of Nebraska – past, present, and future.

Prairie Art Brothers

Poetry on the prairie.

UNK Theatre & Dance

A place for young artisans to learn and express their love of theatre & dance.

The World Theatre

See classic, family, and independent films in Downtown Kearney.

The World Theatre

See classic, family, and independent films in Downtown Kearney.
Kearney YMCA Creative Arts Students Rowe Sanctuary Crane River Theater Kearney Artist Guild

About

Kearney
Cultural
Partners

The Kearney Cultural Partners is a group of vital organizations that are dedicated to bringing a rich assortment of art, music, dance, theater, movies, history, literature, and family fun to Kearney residents and visitors all year round.

Downtown Kearney, aka “The Bricks,” has been officially certified as Kearney’s very first Nebraska Creative District, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Kearney Cultural Partners! Enjoy the video, then visit creative-district to discover what the area has to offer.

@thecornbelt

In the middle of the middle of the US #nebraska #kearneynebraska @Kearney Visitors Bureau

♬ original sound – The Corn Belt
Take a self-guided mural tour and discover over a dozen murals that turn Downtown Kearney on the Bricks into a walkable gallery.

The Bricks Creative District Murals with pictures and their locations for an easy self-guided tour.

Monthly Featured Events

We will be featuring KCP members and their events, giving you a chance to meet the partners, see the great events that are planned and help you “Find The Fun” in Kearney.

November

MONA Book Club

November 4 MONA Book Club is for avid readers whose interests lie in Nebraska literature. Featured: The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis 10:30-11:30 am https://mona.unk.edu/event/mona-book-club/

Jazz at the World

November 10 Take in the music, or take part in it by bringing your own instrument and join the band. Please join us for this unique, interactive event. No charge for admission, but donations are appreciated. 7:00 pm, FREE https://www.theworldtheatre.org/about-us/events/jazz-at-the-world-2/

Brown Bag History Series

November 12 You are invited to the continuing “Brown Bag” series, hosted by the library, in partnership with the UNK History Department. Feel free to bring your lunch with you. 12:00-1:00 pm, Platte Rooms, Kearney Public Library. https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=238347

Fabulous Friday: John Klintworth

November 14 UNK Public History grad-student John Klintworth will be discussing some of the fascinating stories of Civil War veterans buried in the Kearney Cemetery.

November cont.

Free Family Fun NIght

November 20 Open to all, no need to be a member. 4:00-7:00 pm. https://kearneychildrensmuseum.org/

MONA Minis

November 21 45-minute session is designed for children ages 3-5 and includes an interactive story time, gallery exploration, and a multi-sensory art activity. Registration required. 9:30-10:15 am. https://mona.unk.edu/event/mona-minis-3/

Sophia, the Sled Dog

November 24 Musher, Karen Land and Sophia, the Alaskan husky visit our library! She is a three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. 12:00-1:00 pm & 6:30-7:30 pm. https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=235927

MCA Turkey Trot

November 27 23rd Annual Turkey Trot & Gobble Wobble. For running, walking, or volunteering to help with this event. 8:30, 9:00, 9:05 am.  https://raceroster.com/events/2025/109826/kearney-family-ymca-turkey-trot-and-gobble-wobble

December

Christmas Walk on the Bricks

December 4 Experience historic Downtown Kearney’s annual Christmas Walk on the bricks 5:00-8:00 pm https://www.bchs.us/events

Give Where You Live

December 4 Twenty-four hours of giving to Kearney area nonprofits. Since its inception in 2013, more than $13.5 million has been raised for local nonprofits. 12:00 am-11:59 pm https://www.givewhereyoulive.net/

Christmas Tree Walk

December 6-14 Join the Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum for their 38th Annual Christmas Tree Walk. 1-5 pm https://www.bchs.us/eventss.mylibrary.digital/event?id=203206

Breakfast with Santa

December 6 Breakfast, Santa photos, story time, train rides and more. 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am. Tickets required. https://kearneychildrensmuseum.org

December cont.

Jazz At The World

December 9 Take in the music, or take part in it by bringing your own instrument and join the band. Please join us for this unique, interactive event. No charge for admission, but donations are appreciated. 7:00 pm, FREE https://www.theworldtheatre.org/about-us/events/jazz-at-the-world-2/

Kearney Symphony Orchestra

December 10 “A Celebration of the Season” Holiday favorites both classic and modern. 7:30 pm, Merryman Performing Arts Center https://www.unk.edu/kso/attend/index.php

Christmas Spirit at the Y

December 12 Families will enjoy a variety of festive stations, including cookie decorating, ornament making, and Christmas crafts, fun for all ages. 4:00-6:30 pm, Registration required. https://operations.daxko.com/Online/2128/ProgramsV2/OfferingDetails.mvc?program_id=TMP135894&offering_id=SES3236365&location_id=B403

Elf the Musical

December 18-22 A modern day holiday classic based on the beloved film, “Elf The Musical” comes to life on stage in Kearney! 7:00 or 2:00 pm Merryman Performing Arts Center https://cranerivertheater.org/elf-the-musical-3/