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.
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.

July

The Little Mermaid

July 1-2 Crane River Theater presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” – see this underwater adventure come to life on stage! 7:00 pm, KHS Concert Hall & Theatre https://cranerivertheater.org/the-little-mermaid-2/

Rowe Sanctuary

Flying Higher-Summer Camp

July 1-10 Grades 6-8
Flying Higher is a hands-on, ecology camp geared for middle school students. 9:00 am-12:00 pm http://app.campdoc.com/register/audubon

The Boys of Summer

July 1-August 10 Buffalo County Historical Society Trails and Rails Museum presents “The Boys of Summer” A temporary exhibit celebrating the history of baseball in Buffalo County. http://bchs.us

Brown Bag History Series

July 9 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.

July cont.

Plein Air on the Bricks / Lois Smith

July 10 Meet outside the Museum to paint the scenery of Downtown Kearney, weather permitting. For anyone interested in exploring plein air painting. Some painting experience will be helpful. For more information and to register https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r/month/2025/7/1

Art In The Park

July 12 KAG presents the 54th Annual Art In The Park. Artists from across the state exhibit and sell their work. The event includes a silent auction, food vendors and activities for kids too. 9:00-5:00 pm, Harmon Park. https://www.kearneyartistguild.com/2018-art-in-the-park

Free Family Fun NIght

July 17 Open to all, no need to be a member. 4:00-7:00 pm. https://kearneychildrensmuseum.org/

Legally Blonde

July 29-Aug 10 Crane River Theater presents “Legally Blonde The Musical” A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. https://cranerivertheater.org/legally-blonde/

August

Legally Blonde

August 1-August 10 Crane River Theater presents “Legally Blonde The Musical” A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. https://cranerivertheater.org/legally-blonde/

The Boys of Summer

August 1-August 10 Buffalo County Historical Society Trails and Rails Museum presents “The Boys of Summer” A temporary exhibit celebrating the history of baseball in Buffalo County. http://bchs.us

Wagons West

August 3 This is a free and fun family event that features our large property housing historical Buffalo County buildings, activities, and demonstrations. Included: Baseball Game-6:00 pm, Hot Air Balloon, Live Music, Delicious Food, Exhibitors, Pioneer Demonstrators/ Impersonators, Pioneer Melodrama, 2:00-5:00 pm, FREE https://www.bchs.us/about-4-1

Roadway Heroes

August 9 Join us for Roadway Heroes and explore those trucks and vehicles that keep our community going each day! This year, our event will be a free-will donation. Your generous support helps us inspire play, exploration, and discovery each and every day! 9:30-11:30 am, Buffalo County Fairgrounds. kearneychildrensmuseum.org

August cont.

Jazz at the World

August 11 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

Poetry at the Library

August 12 Writers Workshop with Sarah Brown 12:00 pm. Registration required. https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=203030

Reading by Sarah Brown 7:00 pm FREE https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=203031

Brown Bag History Series

August 13 You are invited to the continuing “Brown Bag” series, hosted by the library, in partnership with the UNK History Department. Presenters will focus on a different historical topic in each session. Feel free to bring your lunch with you. 12:00-1:00 pm, Platte Rooms

Bubble Run

August 23 Join us for a fun morning full of exercise, bubbles and a foam pit at the finish line! Proceeds benefit Kearney Area Children’s Museum Caring and Sharing Scholarship Program ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be inspired to play, explore and discover. 9:00-11:00 am, Yanney Heritage Park, To Register: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/106653/kacm-bubble-run