Annual Events
NSAA State Dual Championships
February 7, 2026
High school wrestling teams from across Nebraska face-off in Kearney for a one-day bracket tournament to crown a dual champion at the NSAA State Dual Championship at Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney.
NSAA State Dual ChampionshipsCattlemen’s Classic
February 14-22, 2026
Cattlemen’s Classic is a premier event for regional cattlemen of all ages featuring a week of livestock shows for both juniors and open class competitors, livestock auction, ranch-horse and cattle-dog competitions, and a range of industry vendors.
Cattlemen’s ClassicSandhill Crane Migration
Mid February through mid April
Every year from late February to early April, over 600,000 Sandhill Cranes migrate on the Platte River valley in order to ‘fuel up’ before resuming their northward migration.
Sandhill Crane MigrationNSAA State Speech
March 25-27, 2026
Over the course of this three-day event, close to 3,000 high school students gather at Kearney High School to compete in this NSAA championship event.
NSAA State SpeechHeritage Day at Yanney Park
June 6, 2026
Kick off summer with Heritage Day at Yanney Park, more details to come!
Heritage DayNebraska Shrine Bowl
June 6, 2026
The Shrine Bowl is a football game to recognize the best senior football players and the efforts of great coaches in Nebraska with the goal of raising funds for Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Event also features Masonic Marching Band and a parade through downtown.
Nebraska Shrine BowlArt in the Park
July 11, 2026
Artists from around the Midwest travel to Kearney to exhibit and sell one-of-a-kind art works in the beautiful Harmon Park. Live music and food vendors help continue to make this extravaganza a signature event for the community.
Art in the ParkCruise Nite
July 14-19, 2026
Cruise Nite, the largest of Kearney’s community events celebrates the love for classic cars and features a car show ‘on the bricks’ and a series of other car shows and events during Cruise Nite Week.
2026 Cruise Nite details to come!
Cruise NiteBuffalo County Fair
July 22-27, 2026
Livestock shows, concerts, shows, carnival, bingo, fair food and beyond. The Buffalo County Fair is a summer staple and a go-to for some quality entertainment.
2026 Buffalo County Fair details to come!
Buffalo County FairNebraska Senior Games
August 5-9, 2026
Athletes aged 50 and over compete in over 15 sporting events ranging from track and field to bowling, golf to table tennis, go to name a few. Event has been hosted in Kearney since 1989 and is open to competitors from near and far.
Nebraska Senior GamesNSAA State Cross Country
October 23, 2026
Kearney is proud to be home to the NSAA State Cross Country championships for the past 50 years. Athletes from all classes compete at Kearney Country Club in the biggest cross country event of the year.
NSAA State Cross CountryTrick-or-Treat on the Bricks
October 22, 2026
Bring your kids in their costumes down to the Bricks for a treat from participating businesses.
Trick-or-Treat on the BricksGateway Farm Expo
November 18-19, 2026
Gateway Farm Expo is the longest running farm show in Nebraska and draws thousands of visitors to Kearney each year. Shop from a wide variety of vendors at the Buffalo County Fair Grounds.
Gateway Farm ExpoNSAA D6 Football Championship
November 20, 2026
Two teams face-off under the lights at UNK’s Cope Stadium for the NSAA D6 (6-man) Football Championship.
NSAA D6 Football Championship