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 Area Storytelling Festival

Professional storytellers—along with area tellers—present the art of storytelling

Kearney Artist Guild

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

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 Poets & Writers Presents

Poetry on the prairie.

UNK Art & Design

Guiding and inspiring students to become problem solvers that utilize technical processes, creative exploration, and critical thinking applicable to their personal and professional pursuits.

UNK Music & Theatre

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

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.

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.

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.

@airrush

Just completed another mural in downtown Kearney. Designed by Steve Wolf. #mural #impactart #cranes #paint

♬ オリジナル楽曲 – aqunos short music – aqunos short music

Newest mural in the Bricks Creative District. Designed by former Kearneyite Steve Wolf. Located directly south of the Museum Of Nebraska Art.

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.

August

Frozen

July 28-August 9 The magic of Disney’s Frozen comes to life on stage in a breathtaking theatrical experience for the whole family! With stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and heartwarming messages about love, courage, and sisterhood, Frozen is a spellbinding musical adventure that proves that some bonds are truly unbreakable. https://cranerivertheater.org/frozen/


Fabulous Fridays

August 14 Fabulous Fridays Speaker Series. August will feature Dennis Crawford “The Road Not Taken-Robert Kennedy” 2:00 pm Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum https://www.bchs.us/copy-of-fabulous-fridays-2023


Native Landscape Workshop

August 15 Join National Audubon Society staff for a Native Landscape Design Workshop at The Gardens at Yanney Park. Participants will receive a selection of home-friendly native plants, merch, and a resource packet. Pre-registration is required. 9:30-11:00 am https://kearneyne.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30465&fbclid=IwY2xjawS7VXZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3NThrTmFHM0poaWduVjJzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHj7aQzH2VxZd655baGQdDPiw_lwJVBVR2OCiZRJnevfbm8e5RRAQtvZIExlD_aem_U1Dt3X9xfDEZdDTj-wrGSw#activities


Wildlife Wednesday

August 19 Join a Rowe staff member and volunteer for a fun and engaging Storytime featuring three wildlife-themed books. Along the way, we’ll explore the different kinds of wildlife that live around the center. Free, but registration encouraged. 10-11:30 am. https://act.audubon.org/a/wildlife-wednesday-storytime-and-hike-rowe?aud_path=%2Fevents&aud_cta=unknown&_gl=1udcbvq_gcl_auMjA5NTkzOTIwNy4xNzgwNjAxODcz_gaNjM0Mjk4Nzc5LjE3MzgyNjEwNDg._ga_X2XNL2MWTT*czE3ODM5Njg5NzMkbzExJGcxJHQxNzgzOTY5MDE2JGoxNyRsMCRoMA..


August cont.

Wildflower Walk

August 19 Join us for a peaceful evening stroll through the prairies of Rowe Sanctuary as we explore the native wildflowers and grasses that color the Great Plains. Along the way, our staff will share stories about the plants rooted deep in prairie history and the wildlife that depends on them. 7-8:30 pm Free, but registration encouraged. https://act.audubon.org/a/wildflower-walk-6?aud_path=%2Fevents&aud_cta=unknown&_gl=11apmwe0_gcl_auMjA5NTkzOTIwNy4xNzgwNjAxODcz_gaNjM0Mjk4Nzc5LjE3MzgyNjEwNDg._ga_X2XNL2MWTT*czE3ODM5Njg5NzMkbzExJGcxJHQxNzgzOTY5MDg4JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..


FREE Family Fun Night

August 20 Join us for FREE entry into Kearney Area Children’s Museum from 4-7PM!  https://sales.kearneychildrensmuseum.org/Performance.aspx?pid=36809&cal=https%3a%2f%2fsales.kearneychildrensmuseum.org%3a443%2fcalendar.aspx

Bubble Run

August 22 Lace up, grab the family, and get ready to run, walk, and play your way through the Bubble Run! Whether you’re chasing a personal best in the timed 5K or enjoying a carefree 1-mile walk, you’ll be surrounded by bursts of bubbly fun at every turn. 5K Kickoff, 9AM,1 Mile Kickoff 9:10AM, Baby Bubble Crawl,10AM Register by August 16. https://runsignup.com/Race/NE/Kearney/KACMBubbleRun

YMCA Golf Tournament

August 28 This is the Kearney Y’s 5th year of hosting its annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser called Chip in for the Kids! The event’s proceeds will contribute to our Annual Strong Families Campaign which strive to provide equal opportunities to all who come to the Y. For details & to register https://kearneyymca.org/golf-tournament/

September

Creative District Assembly/NE Arts Conference

September 2-3 Registration is now open for the 2026 Statewide Arts Conference and Creative District Assembly! This biennial conference will take place this year Wednesday and Thursday, September 2nd & 3rd in Kearney, Nebraska at the Legacy on the Bricks 16 W 21st St., Kearney. Registration: https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/2026-nebraska-statewide-arts-conference-registration/


Come Far Away

September 10-13 Experience the award-winning musical that stole hearts around the world. Presented by Crane River Theater. 7:00 or 2:00 p.m. Merryman Performing Arts Center. https://cranerivertheater.org/come-from-away/


Law & Order

September 11 Fabulous Fridays Speaker Series. September will feature Dr. Mark Ellis “Law & Order” 2:00 pm Buffalo County Historical Society/Trails & Rails Museum. https://www.bchs.us/copy-of-fabulous-fridays-2023


September cont.

Jazz At The World

September 14 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.


FREE Family Fun Night

September 17 Join us for FREE entry into Kearney Area Children’s Museum from 4-7 p.m. 5827 4th Avenue, Kearney

Prairie Seed Collection

September 19 Join us for a hands-on Prairie Seed Collection event at Rowe Sanctuary, where volunteers and nature enthusiasts come together to help restore native grasslands. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. https://act.audubon.org/a/habitat-steward-fall-series-prairie-seed-collection?aud_path=%2Fevents&aud_cta=unknown&_gl=11ax9xzt_gcl_auMjA5NTkzOTIwNy4xNzgwNjAxODcz_gaNjM0Mjk4Nzc5LjE3MzgyNjEwNDg._ga_X2XNL2MWTT*czE3ODU5ODQwMTAkbzEzJGcxJHQxNzg1OTg1NDI1JGo1MyRsMCRoMA..

Who Can Vote

September 28 A brief history of voting rights in the U.S. Exhibit runs through October 23. Trails & Rails Museum, 710 W. 11th, Kearney https://visitkearney.org/event/new-traveling-exhibit-opening-trails-rails-museum-6/