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.

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.

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Contact Us

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.

@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.

January

MONA Book Club

January 6 MONA’s Book Club is for avid readers whose interests lie in authors from Nebraska or reading about Nebraska or art are welcome, and may join at any time. 10:30-11:30 am FREE January – Girl Braiding Her Hair by Marta Milner https://mona.unk.edu/events/category/programs/

Jazz At The World

January 12 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 https://www.theworldtheatre.org/about-us/events/jazz-at-the-world-2/

Brown Bag History Series

January 14 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 KPL Platte Room https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=238348

Merryman Concerts

January 15 & 22
Jan 15, “Thunderbeard “ZZ Top Tribute band, Jan 22, “The Brothers Doobie” Tribute Band. For information: https://merrymancenter.org/calendar/

January cont.

Glitter Gala

January 30
Children will enjoy a night full of sparkle, shine, and get princess hair done by Amplify Salon and nails painted by Joseph’s College of Beauty! Registration required. https://sales.kearneychildrensmuseum.org/PatronEducation.aspx?pid=36571&cal=https%3a%2f%2fsales.kearneychildrensmuseum.org%3a443%2fcalendar.aspx


February

Storytelling Festival

February 3-7
Welcome to the Kearney Area Storytelling Festival. You’re invited to come hear professional storytellers—along with area tellers—present the art of storytelling in many area venues.
https://kearneystorytellingfestival.org/index.html

MONA Book Club

February 3 MONA’s Book Club is for avid readers whose interests lie in authors from Nebraska or reading about Nebraska or art are welcome, and may join at any time. 10:30-11:30 am FREE February – Son of a Gamblin’ Man by Mari Sandoz https://mona.unk.edu/events/category/programs/list/?tribe-bar-date=2026-02-03


Jazz At The World

February 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 pm, FREE https://www.theworldtheatre.org/about-us/events/jazz-at-the-world-2/

Brown Bag History Series

February 11 You are invited to the continuing “Brown Bag” series, hosted by the library, in partnership with the UNK History Department. February-German POW’s in Nebraska 12:00-1:00 pm KPL Platte Room https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=280192

February cont.

Family Fun Night

February 19
Join us for FREE entry into the Kearney Area Children’s Museum from 4-7PM! https://visitkearney.org/event/free-family-fun-night-kacm/2026-02-19/

Merryman Concerts

February 26
Lovin’ Spoonful concert. For information: https://merrymancenter.org/calendar/


Family Fun

Literature

Museums

Music

Outdoor Fun

Theatre