Events in Kearney, NE

At Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Nebraska, SoulFest’s fall show brings a full day of wonder, connection, creativity, and mystical vibes. Explore a lively marketplace of vendors and practitioners offering intuitive readings and energy work, crystals and handmade goods, and holistic wellness options. Discover natural foods, teas, remedies, and body products, along with unique art, jewelry, handcrafted treasures, and beautiful henna body art. Insightful coaching and soul-nourishing sessions are also available. New workshops and presentations unfold throughout the day. Expect swag bags available all day, trinket trading at select booths, and a community book and deck swap. Rescue cats will be there to meet and support. Create something special with make-and-take crafts and enjoy fun workshops, interactive activities, and surprises. Exclusive giveaways and vendor specials round out the experience.

This free, family-centered festival in Central Nebraska is open to everyone and features food trucks, live music throughout the day, a unique corn maze, and demonstrations of historic crafts that bring skills from the past to life. Nebraska’s Largest Pumpkin Competition takes place all day as enormous pumpkins are weighed; last year’s winner reached 1,499 pounds and a new champion will be chosen. With kid-focused activities and a warm, wholesome atmosphere, it offers a full day of fall fun for families and friends.

Attendees can watch the Huskers and take part in cornhole, while children 10 and under can bowl at no cost. The day concludes with a concert by AMFM.

Relive the heyday of 1970s album rock as PetRock takes the stage at The World Theatre with a fully live tribute. Every instrument and vocal is performed in real time, with no loops, drum machines, or prerecorded tracks, for a sound that stays true to the era. Celebrate a time when singers sang, bands played, and rock came alive on stage.

At Yanney Heritage Park in Kearney, this community walk honors those lost to suicide and supports those who are still fighting. As one of AFSP's signature fundraising events, it raises money for suicide prevention research, education, and advocacy that benefit Nebraska and beyond. The event includes check in followed by the walk. Participants walk in memory of loved ones, in support of people they care about, and to show solidarity with their community, underscoring that no one has to walk alone. The fundraising goal is 15,000 dollars.

Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary and Kearney Parks and Rec present Kearney’s third annual Fall Nature Festival. Costumes are encouraged while visitors explore booths, games, and hands-on activities for both children and adults. Highlights include seasonal crafts, an animal ambassador program featuring live raptors, owl pellet dissections, educational stations, and more. Admission is free for everyone, and donations to support the festival’s future are welcome, with a suggested contribution of $5 per family. Food trucks will be on site, public restrooms will be available, and pets should be left at home. Enjoy the activities and make an evening of family-friendly fun.

Highway Creepers Car Club presents a live music night featuring Left Lane Cruiser with guest Old Wolves. Entry is free and the event is open to all ages.

For decades, The Isaacs have crafted a signature family harmony at the heart of bluegrass and gospel. Led by matriarch Lily with Ben, Sonya, and Becky, the group marks more than 50 years together with music centered on hope and love, delivered through their distinct blend of voices.

This second round of restoration work at Oldfather Prairie brings volunteers together to remove invasive eastern red cedar and other encroaching shrubs that threaten the health of this native ecosystem. The effort also includes repairing and maintaining trails so access stays safe while the landscape is protected. It offers a chance to support local conservation, learn about prairie ecology, and make a visible difference close to home. No prior experience is required. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, use work gloves, and be ready to get a little dirty while caring for one of Kearney’s natural treasures.

This first appearance at Joe’s Honky Tonk features a $10 cover and a setlist of hits from the 90s through today, setting the stage for a full evening of dancing.

The Black Jacket Symphony performs Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet from start to finish with meticulous album-true detail. A handpicked lineup of musicians presents the entire record live, then follows it with a full set of Bon Jovi's greatest hits. The production pairs the music with an engaging visual presentation and has drawn audiences nationwide.

Author James W. Berg will appear at Nerd Nexus in Kearney, Nebraska, at Buffalo County Fairgrounds to sign and sell his books, including his newest release, The Dragon Heirs. Special bundle deals will be available throughout the event. He will also offer Funko Pops with a buy three, get two free promotion, along with comics and other collectibles with additional deals.

Celebrate the release of ACOTAR Book 6 with a gathering at the store. To help ensure enough copies are ready, pre-pay for your book and receive a $5 gift card with your pre-order. A limited number of extra copies may be available. Attendance is not required to claim a pre-paid copy, which will be held for pickup. The celebration follows a Harry Potter Sorting Hat Ceremony. The store will be open throughout the evening. Please use the East Entrance hallway. Guests may want to bring a chair or blanket for comfort. Refreshments will be provided, and friends are welcome.

This free public planetarium presentation explains how the Sun can briefly grow dim when the Moon passes in front of it. The program explores different kinds of eclipses, focuses on the many varieties of solar eclipses, and shares practical guidance for watching future events safely. It also includes a playful nod to show titles inspired by 80s power ballads. Free tickets will be available to reserve. The show is recommended for engaged grade school students through adults, and attendance by children 2 and under is strongly discouraged. To preserve a dark, quiet environment, guests are asked to turn off phones and smartwatches and remove lighted shoes. Arriving a little early is advised, as reservations may be released to walk-in attendees. Weather permitting, the UNK Astronomy Club will host telescope observing outside Bruner Hall of Science in conjunction with the show.

Learn how prescribed fire supports healthy prairies in a free, hands-on training designed for volunteers. Guided by prairie managers, the session covers the goals and planning behind a burn and emphasizes how to carry it out safely through a mix of classroom learning and practical demonstrations. This training prepares volunteers for future prescribed burn opportunities at the sanctuary. Participants will explore fire behavior, safety procedures, equipment operation, and the roles each team member fulfills during a burn. No previous fire experience is necessary, but attendees should be comfortable working outdoors in different conditions and be ready to follow safety directions closely. Lunch is included. Advance registration is required.

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with the Don Sjogren Community YMCA. For a complete lineup of what is planned, see the event flyer.