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 has been officially certified as Kearney’s very first Nebraska Creative District, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Kearney Cultural Partners! Visit creative-district to discover what the area has to offer.

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.

May

Grand Opening, Traveling and Local Exhibit

May 1 “Vaquero: The Genesis of the Texas Cowboy,” a traveling exhibit from Humanities Texas, and a local exhibit, “Dirt, Animals and Clean Fun,” on Buffalo County rodeo, will open on May 1, Trails & Rails Museum, 710 W. 11th St. Kearney, 4-4:30pm, Engineers; 4:30-5pm BCHS members; 5-6pm general public. www.bchs.us/events

Concert At The Merryman

May 2 The Association & The Cowsills. These original groups from the 60’s stunning musicianship combine with hits like “Along Comes Mary” from The Association and “Hair” from The Cowsills. 2PM and 7PM. https://merrymancenter.org/

MONA Grand Reopening

May 3 MONA The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) will reopen on Saturday, May 3, 2025.  MONA will unveil its revitalized historic building and a brand-new expansion, marking a new chapter for Nebraska’s art and cultural community. 9:30 am – 5:00 pm https://monet.unk.edu/mona/

Jim Witter & Band

May 9 Celebration of hit after hit of Billy Joel with Award winning Canadian recording artist Jim Witter and his incredibly talented band. 7:30 pm http://kearneyconcerts.org

Maycont.

May Fabulous Friday

May 9 Valerie Vierk will share highlights of her grandfather, John Pesek’s illustrious life, from his beginnings as a Buffalo County farm boy to his pinnacle of success as “World Champion Wrestler” in 1937. Trails & Rails Museum, 710 W. 11th St. Kearney, 2-3pm https://www.bchs.us/copy-of-fabulous-fridays-2023

Once Upon A Time

May 22-23 Crane River Theater presents “Once Upon A Time” Celebrating the songs of Disney 7:00 pm Yanney Park https://cranerivertheater.org/once-upon-a-time/

Rowe Sanctuary

Breakfast With The Birds

May 24 Spend time outdoors and learn more about your local birds with Rowe Sanctuary staff and volunteers on a guided birding walk. 8:30-10:30 am. https://rowe.audubon.org/events

Free Family Fun NIght

May 29 We will be celebrating Kearney Area Children’s Museum’s birthday in honor of Alia Arram, whom our building is named for with cake & ice cream, and bounce houses! 4-7PM. https://kearneychildrensmuseum.org/event/kacms-birthday-in-honor-of-alia-arram/

June

Walking Tour Downtown Kearney Murals

June 5 Enjoy downtown Kearney’s colorful murals while learning a bit of history! Join Elaine Batenhorst from Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum for a new walking tour! Meet at the coffee bar area in the Kearney Public Library. 9:30-11:00 am https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=180453

Fishing With First Responders

June 8 This event, which takes place at The Archway Lake, offers a day of fishing for families alongside firefighters, EMS, police officers, and other first responders. Fishing equipment is provided by Nebraska Game and Parks, making it a free event for all participants. 1:00-6:00 pm https://nebraskafirefightersmuseum.org/

Saddle Making

June 13 Fabulous Fridays-Saddle Making presented by Lyle Henderson 2:00 pm Trails & Rails Museum https://www.bchs.us/copy-of-fabulous-fridays-2023

Wagons West

June 14 The 40th Annual Wagons West Celebration at the Trails & Rails Museum is a free and fun family event. 10:00 am-1:00 pm. https://visitkearney.org/event/wagons-west-celebration-40th-annual/

June cont.

Archway 25th Celebration

June 14 Celebrate 25 years with the Archway! 3-9:30 PM. https://visitkearney.org/event/the-archway-25th-anniversary-celebration/

Vaquero: Gensis of the Texas Cowboy

June 1-15 This display comes to us via Texas Humanities and “Dirt, Animals and Good Fun” is a Buffalo County Historical Society exhibit focused on Rodeos in Buffalo County. https://www.bchs.us/events

The Little Mermaid

June 24-29 Crane River Theater presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” – see this underwater adventure come to life on stage! 2:00 or 7:00 pm, KHS Concert Hall & Theatre https://cranerivertheater.org/the-little-mermaid-2/