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 Artist Guild
Kearney Community Theatre
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 Art Brothers
UNK Theatre & Dance
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
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
May–cont.
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/
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/