Kearney Cultural Partners
The Archway
Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary
The Bricks, Downtown Kearney
Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum
The American Automobile Experience
Crane River Theater
G.W. Frank Museum of History & Culture
Kearney Area Arts Council
Kearney Area Children's Museum
Kearney Area Storytelling Festival
Kearney Artist Guild
Kearney Concert Association
Kearney Creates
Kearney Family YMCA
Kearney Public Library
Kearney Symphony Orchestra
Merryman Performing Arts Center
Museum of Nebraska Art
Nebraska Firefighters Museum
Prairie Poets & Writers Presents
UNK Art & Design
UNK Music & Theatre
The World Theatre
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.
The Bricks Creative District Awarded $100,000 Development Grant
The Bricks Creative District is excited to announce it has been awarded a $100,000 Development Grant from the Nebraska Arts Council to support continued growth and investment in arts and culture in downtown Kearney.
The funding will help advance several initiatives designed to enhance the district, including the development of an Art Alleyways project, expanded artistic programming, and the engagement of an assistant to support the district’s growing efforts.
The Bricks Creative District
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.
The Bricks Creative District Murals with pictures and their locations for an easy self-guided tour.
Newest mural in the Bricks Creative District. Designed by former Kearneyite Steve Wolf. Located directly south of the Museum Of Nebraska Art.
Arts-Vibrant Community
Kearney Makes Top 100 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities
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
Going Gershwin with Ryan & Ryan
November 8 Ryan & Ryan is a dynamic father-son piano duo performing the music of one of America’s greatest composers, George Gershwin, among others. 7:30 p.m. Merryman Performing Arts Center. http://kearneyconcerts.org
Jazz At The World
November 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. 7:00-9:00 p.m. World Theatre, 2318 Central Ave, Kearney. https://visitkearney.org/event/jazz-at-the-world-6/2026-11-09/
Cranes ‘N Cars
November 10 Come see 55 pairs of beautifully painted 5 ft. Sandill cranes created by 55 NE artists. Free admission, donations accepted at the door. 5:30-8:00 pm, American Automobile Experience, 3600 US-30B.
Fabulous Fridays
November 13 The Buffalo County Historical Society (BCHS) will host a presentation by Dr. Nathan Tye, associate professor of history at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), exploring the fascinating history of the Kearney Military Academy and its origins. https://visitkearney.org/event/november-fabulous-friday-2/
November cont.
Holiday Art Market
November 13 & 14 The Kearney Artist Guild is hosting our annual art market is November 13th and 14th!
Nineteen members of the Kearney Artist Guild will be showing their one of a kind pieces of art, pottery and decor for the holiday gift giving season! https://visitkearney.org/event/kearney-artist-guild-holiday-art-market/2026-11-13/
Brown Bag
November 18 Dr. Nathan Tye will present “George Norris at War and Peace.”Kearney Public Library, Platte Room, 12:00-1:00 p.m. https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=411380
Nocturnal November
November 20 Join us for Nocturnal November, a family-friendly evening exploring the creatures of the night at Rowe Sanctuary! The event will take place Friday, November 20, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary https://act.audubon.org/a/nocturnal-november-3?aud_path=%2Frowe&aud_cta=upcoming_events
Turkey Trot & Gobble Wobble
November 26 Whether you’re ready to run, walk, wobble, trot, or gobble your way to the finish line, there’s a place for YOU! Kearney YMCA. https://raceroster.com/events/2026/141007/kearney-family-ymca-turkey-trot-and-gobble-wobble
December
Give Where You Live
December 3 Bringing our community together as one powerful chorus, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits. To support the Kearney Cultural Partners: https://www.givewhereyoulive.net/organization/kearneyculturalpartners
Holiday Open House
December 5 Bring your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of festive fun with nature-inspired crafts, games for all ages, and complimentary holiday treats to keep you cozy. 1:00-4:00 pm. https://act.audubon.org/a/holiday-open-house-2?aud_path=%2Frowe&aud_cta=upcoming_events
Breakfast With Santa
December 5 Celebrate the season with a pancake breakfast, Santa photos, Mrs. Claus story time, and so much more holiday cheer, all while supporting KACM! 8-9:30 am & 9:30-11:00 am Buffalo County Fairgrounds. To purchase tickets: https://sales.kearneychildrensmuseum.org/calendar.aspx
Holiday Ornament Sale
December 9 Annual UNK Glass Club Ornament Sale 4:30-7:30 FAB Room 406, Parking in Lot 10. https://visitkearney.org/event/unk-glass-club-6th-annual-holiday-sale-2026/
December cont.
Holiday Light Festival
December 9-19 Visit Yanney Heritage Park between 5:30-8:30PM Wednesday, December 9 through Saturday, December 19. The trees along the walkway from Peterson Senior Activity Center to the Gottschalk Tower, and around the Labyrinth will be lit by 61 local organizations!
Christmas Spirit @ YMCA
December 11 YMCA Small Gym 1:00-5:00 pm. Holiday games, crafts, cookie decorating, singing, with a visit from Santa. Fee: $5 members, $10 non-members. Creatve Arts Program.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 17-22 Full of heart, humor, and holiday magic, this family favorite delivers big laughs and an even bigger message about kindness, acceptance, and the joy of seeing Christmas through fresh eyes. https://cranerivertheater.org/best-christmas-pageant/
Tri-City Food Fight
Now-December 31 The Hastings Museum, Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, and Kearney Archway compete to collect the most food donations for their respective local food pantries. Help Kearney Win! Donate non-perishables to benefit the Kearney Jubilee Center and Little Free Pantries. Archway Drop-Off hours: Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday: noon–5 p.m. Donations can also be dropped off at the Kearney Public Library or The American Automobile Experience.