HINGE
HINGE
About Ralston HINGE Creative District
Ralston Hinge Creative District (RHCD) facilitates a culture for appreciation of and participation in creative expression throughout Ralston, making it a more vibrant and welcoming community for our residents, visitors, and businesses.
RHCD was officially designated as a Nebraska Creative District by the Nebraska Arts Council in 2024. It is operated by a volunteer board of directors.
Explore
LIVE
RELAX
ENJOY
DINE
Find What You’re Looking for in the Ralston Hinge Creative District.
If you are interested in opening a creative business or finding studio space, please email us at RalstonCreativeDistrict@gmail.com!
RHCD extends from the 5-Point Intersection downtown, east along Main Street to 72nd Street, and then north to the arena.
Events
Many HINGE businesses have weekly or monthly creative and social activities
Make candles at Goodlife Candle & Craft
Learn about tarot readings at Hearthside Candle & Curios
Make new friends at themed meet-up events at Barn Girls Farms
Attend a painting workshop at Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Studio
Learn country line dancing at Guitars and Cadillacs
Game nights at Ground Zero Comics
…just to name a few!
Annual Events Throughout the Creative District
1st Thursday: May-Sept. 2026 from 7 to 9 PM
Movies for the whole family on the 1st Thursday evening of the Month from May through Sept. at Granary Green (7401 Main Street, Ralston).
Come and enjoy the show!
3rd Thursday: May – Sept. 2026 from 6 to 8 PM
A time for community gathering on Thursday evenings for live music at the Gazebo in Independence Square at the 5-Points Intersection downtown.
Bring a chair, pack some snacks and enjoy the music.
Memorial Day Service
TBA for 2026
A service honoring our fallen military men and women.
Due to renovation of Eternal Flame Plaza, location will be announced at a later date.
July 3, 2026
An evening enjoying live music outdoors at Granary Green with views of the Independence Day Fireworks.
July 3-4, 2026
Every year our small community of 6,500 attracts 40,000 visitors to our Independence Day Celebration featuring a parade, family-friendly activities, a fire department water fight, and a large fireworks show.
July 18-19, 2026
Each July Douglas County hosts its annual fair at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena.
Ralston Days
Labor Day Weekend: Sept. 4-7, 2026
Fair rides, music, food, and fun for the whole family! Located at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena.
September 13-19, 2026
Artists paint cityscapes and landscapes throughout the Metro-area. Visitors are welcome to watch these nationally renowned artists at work and purchase one-of-a-kind professional art pieces. Please click here for more information.
Oktoberfest
2026: Date TBD
A toast to this German tradition! Check Lovely Brewing Company’s
Check Lovely Brewing Company’s Facebook page for details.
Fall Fest
2026: Date TBD
A partnership with Ralston Public Schools.
Schedule and location to be determined for 2026.
Veterans Day Service
November 11, 2026
A service to celebrate and honor our veterans at Eternal Flame Plaza at the 5-Point Intersection downtown.
Holiday Magic
2026: Date TBD
Holiday Magic features visits from Santa, kids’ activities at the library, Ralston Fire Department’s Chili Feed, and carriage rides. Events are centered around the 5-Point Intersection downtown.
September 13-19, 2026
“Plein air” is a French term meaning “open air.” Unlike studio painting, plein air artists create their work outdoors, capturing the light, atmosphere, architecture, and natural beauty of a place in real time. This immersive approach results in vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the true spirit of a community.
Throughout the week, approximately 25 nationally recognized artists will paint at more than 20 scenic locations across Douglas County and Sarpy County. These will include historic neighborhoods, tourist attractions, scenic vistas, and more. Visitors are encouraged to explore these sites, observe the artists at work, and experience the creative process up close.
The festival culminates in a public exhibition and auction, where attendees can view the complete collection and purchase original works that showcase the beauty and character of the greater metro area. Each painting is created on-site during the festival, making every piece a unique and lasting tribute to the region.
Please check our Heartland Plein Air Festival website for a list of artists and events. We hope to see you there!
Gallery
Donate
In addition to the Heartland Plein Air Festival, the RHCD is currently fundraising for the new Eternal Flame Veterans’ Memorial, which will be located at the 5-Point Intersection. While final details are still being discussed, the memorial will serve as the centerpiece of the Eternal Flame Plaza in front of City Hall.
In addition to site grading designed to better accommodate community events, the Plaza will feature six benches and six corresponding flagpoles representing the six branches of the United States Armed Forces. At the center of this open circular space, a tall eternal flame will stand as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices of our military service members and their families throughout history.
We are working on offering an electronic payment, however, in the meantime, the preferred method for donations are for checks made out to:
Ralston HINGE Creative District
Please send to: Ralston City Hall, 5500 S. 77th Street, Ralston, NE 68127
Memo: Veterans’ Memorial
Artist Littleton Alston presenting the mockette of the future eternal flame for the Veterans Memorial Plaza.
New LaDonna Johnson Fountain and Veterans Memorial Plaza