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Annual Events

Annual Events

NSAA State Dual Championships

Saturday, February 3, 2024

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 Championships

Cattlemen’s Classic

February 17-25, 2024

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 Classic

Sandhill 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 Migration

NSAA State Speech

March 20-22, 2024

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 Speech

Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo showcases fun outdoor activities at the beautiful Fort Kearny State Recreational Area. Fishing, archery, kayaking, camping and outdoor cooking are just some of the activities at this free event.

Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo

Nebraska Shrine Bowl

June 1, 2024

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 Bowl

Art in the Park

July 13, 2024

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 Park

Cruise Nite

July 16-21, 2024

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.

Cruise Nite

Buffalo County Fair

July 24-29, 2024

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.

Buffalo County Fair

Nebraska Senior Games

August 1-4, 2024

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 Games

NSAA State Cross Country

October 25, 2024

Kearney is proud to be home to the NSAA State Cross Country championships for the past 49 years. Athletes from all classes compete at Kearney Country Club in the biggest cross country event of the year.

NSAA State Cross Country

Trick-or-Treat on the Bricks

TBD

Bring your kids in their costumes down to the Bricks for a treat from participating businesses.

Trick-or-Treat on the Bricks

Gateway Farm Expo

November 20-21, 2024

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 Expo

NSAA D6 Football Championship

November 22, 2024

Two teams face-off under the lights at UNK’s Cope Stadium for the NSAA D6 (6-man) Football Championship.

NSAA D6 Football Championship

Midway PBR Challenge

December 16, 2023

The Midway Auto Dealerships PBR Challenge is returning to the Buffalo County Fairground’s LandMark Implement Arena. Watch the Touring Pro division bull riders on some of the roughest stock in the nation.

Midway PBR Challenge