Welcome to the

HINGE

Welcome to the

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.

Recycled Letters Project: RHCD’s first public art project

Winning Project: Everyone Belongs by Omaha Artist Ilaamen Pelshaw

Ralston Creative District HINGE Omaha Metro

Mission | Vision | Values

Live, Work, Play, Eat, Shop

Find What You’re Looking for in the Ralston Hinge Creative District.

Goodlife Craft & Candle

Goodlife Craft & Candle: Handcrafted candles and soaps. https://goodlifecandle.com/

Lemon Tree Cafe

Lemon Tree Cafe: Offering homemade breakfast and lunch. https://www.facebook.com/people/Lemontreeneb/100091305221236/

Lovely Brewing Company

Lovely Brewing Company: Freshly brewed beer, crafted cocktails, and light eats. https://www.lovelybrewco.com/

Deb Joy Groesser Fine Art

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art: The Gallery's mission is to bring to our area some of the highest quality original fine art being created by top nationally recognized, award winning artists from all over the country...particularly impressionist and plein air paintings. https://www.debrajoygroesserfineart.com/

Rawhide Tattoo

Rawhide Tattoo: A 2020 Omaha Choice Award Winner https://www.rawhidetattoostudio.com/

A Flower Basket

A Flower Basket: Local florist with beautiful arrangements. https://www.aflowerbasketshop.com/

Hinge Flats

The Hinge Flats offer 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments in downtown Ralston. https://www.urbanwaters.com/the-hinge-flats

Barn Girls Farms

Barn Girls Farms: Specializes in microgreens, organic foods, and specialty foods locally made. www.barngirls.com

Annual Events

Independence Day Celebration

July 3-4, 2026

Independence Day Parade Downtown Ralston, NE

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.

Douglas County Fair

July 18-19, 2026

Douglas County Fair is hosted at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Entries include animals, produce, crafts, and more. For more information, please see www.douglascountyfair.org.

HEARTLAND PLEIN AIR ARTS FESTIVAL

Inaugural Event: September 13-19, 2026

More information coming soon!

Plein Air Painting Arts Festival Ralston Omaha Metro

Since its inception, the Hinge Creative District has envisioned the Heartland Plein Air Art Festival as its signature event. Plein air—a French term meaning “open air”—refers to artists painting outdoors, capturing the environment, light, and atmosphere in ways that cannot be replicated in a studio setting. These festivals attract nationally recognized artists whose followers often travel to observe them work, generating meaningful economic benefits for local hotels, restaurants, and retailers. Once established, festivals typically become self-sustaining through ticket sales and painting auctions.