What to do this weekend - April 23, 2026

Thursday, April 23
Crafting: Hand Lettering Workshop with Holly

+ When: 4:30 to 6:30 pm
+ Where: STUFF Creative Reuse Store, 733 Hill Street, Suite B (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 per person | Buy tickets here

More details: Want to create beautiful handmade cards or design your own decorative banners? This class is for you.

Join Holly, a certified art educator and hand lettering enthusiast, as she walks you through the building blocks of hand lettering in a relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop. You’ll learn:

+ Simple strategies for learning any font
+ The foundational shapes and lines used in hand lettering
+ How to use tools you already have to create gorgeous lettering

Thursday, April 23
Film: Immediate Family

+ When: 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 evening show

More details about the film: "IMMEDIATE FAMILY tracks the rise and collaborations of a group of legendary session musicians Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel through the 1970s and onward, chronicling their illustrious partnerships and their formidable record of hit-making."

Last chance to see this at the Ross!

Thursday, April 23
Film: Mr Nobody Against Putin

+ When: 5:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee

More details about the film: "As Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, primary schools across Russia are transformed into recruitment stages for the war. Facing the ethical dilemma of working in a system defined by propaganda and violence, a brave teacher films what’s really happening in his own school."

I reviewed this for the newsletter. Last chance to see this at the Ross!

Thursday, April 23
Music: Joyrager + The Sounds of Many + Lazarus Go Home

+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure if there's a cover!

More details: Some cool local and localish bands. Links to their stuff

+ Joyrager: spotify / insta
+ The Sounds of Many: bandcamp / insta
+ Lazarus Go Home: spotify / insta

Thursday, April 23
Social: Weekly Leftist Meetup

+ When: 5 to 7 pm
+ Where: Jake's Beercade Jr., 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: Organized by Lincoln DSA. More from their Instagram post: "Looking to find other left leaning people? Want to get more involved in local Sstate and/or national politics? Needing something more to do to make a difference? Join us at Beercade Jr. these Thursdays! Drop in and out at your leisure."

More meetups are scheduled for every Thursday in April.

Friday, April 24
Art: An Evening of Japanese Boro: Talks by Yoshiko Wada and Sandra Dudley

+ When: 4:30 pm (doors) | 5:15 pm (programming begins)
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: "At 5:15 pm, Sandra Dudley will present 'Boro: The Hidden and the Visible in the Museum' — a special talk merging the topic of Japanese Boro with her own research on material culture and the anthropology of displacement.

At 6 pm, join Yoshiko Wada for an in-depth guided tour of 'Boro: The Hidden and the Visible in Japanese Mended Textiles,' in which she will share fascinating insights from her years of studying Japanese boro textiles as well as from guest curating the exhibition."

Friday, April 24
Film: I Swear

+ When: 4:50 pm | 7:20 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee | $12 evening show

More details about the film: "Kirk Jones’ emotionally engaging, funny and compelling film charts John Davidson’s Tourette’s diagnosis at the age of 14 years old. Set within 1980s Britain, the story follows him throughout his troubled teens and early adulthood, and explores this little known and entirely misunderstood condition, along with his attempts to live a ‘normal’ life against the odds."

More showings through Thursday, April 30.

Friday, April 24
Film: Nika & Madison

+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 evening show

More details about the film: "In this tense and emotionally charged story, two childhood friends find themselves testing their resilience and loyalty in an ultimate fight for justice. Madison, a University of Toronto student, is sharp and career focused while Nika prefers the solitude and simplicity of life on the reservation. During a weekend back home, Nika rescues Madison from a sexual assault by a policeman, but the violent encounter leaves the officer critically injured. Fearing they won’t be believed, the Indigenous women go on the run; first seeking refuge on the reserve and then deep into the wilderness, until they’re chased back to the city. Two sharp-eyed detectives begin to uncover the truth, but when the case involves one of their own, the justice system reveals its deeply ingrained biases, blurring the lines between right and wrong."

More showings through Thursday, April 30.

Friday, April 24
Music: The Steppers

+ When: 8 pm (doors), 8:30 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10

More details: An Oklahoma jamgrass/fusion string band comes to 1867!

Friday, April 24
Plants: Spring Affair Plant Sale

+ When: 2 to 6 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N 84th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: The biggest plant sale on the Great Plains! There will be more than 800 varieties of perennials, annuals, grasses, herbs, trees and shrubs for sale.

The sale continues on Saturday. There is also a ticketed preview of the event on Thursday. Learn more about that and buy tickets here.

Saturday, April 25
Books: Elleinad Books Grand Re-Opening

+ When: 9 am to 6 pm
+ Where: Elleinad Books - New Location! 4724 Prescott Ave (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: Elleinad Books is moving to a new location in the College View neighborhood. They are holding a fully day of cool events to celebrate both the move and Independent Bookstore Day. Find a full schedule here.

Saturday, April 25
Market: Magic in Bloom

+ When: 10 am to 3 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N 84th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: "Step into a blooming world of spring enchantment at Magic in Bloom, a unique seasonal market celebrating creativity, spirituality, and handmade goods. This one-day gathering invites visitors to explore a vibrant mix of mystical experiences, local makers, and botanical-inspired treasures. Guests can discover everything from crystals and botanicals to artisan creations while connecting with local makers and holistic practitioners."

Saturday, April 25
Music: A Lotta Slobber + Pilot Light + The Amber Gene + Cope Acidic + Realms Of Death

+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10

More details: Some local and Omaha-based hardcore/post-punk acts.

Saturday, April 25
Music: The Breakroom + Smoke In The Sunlight + Hold Your Breath

+ When: 8 pm (doors) | 8:30 pm (show)
+ Where: MBX, 1330 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover! PWYC

More details: Some cool rock bands! Links to their music and socials:

+ The Breakroom - Groovy alt rock. Listen to their newest EP Just Think. Follow them on instagram
+ Smoke In The Sunlight - Indie rock. "The official band of sexual frustration." Listen to their EP Recess Demos. Follow them on instagram
+ Hold Your Breath - Pop punk. Listen to their single "A Way To Get By." Follow them on instagram

Saturday, April 25
Music: Humboldt's Quid

+ When: 10 pm
+ Where: Bodega's Alley, 1418 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: The Grand Island-based punk rock cover band returns to Lincoln!

Sunday, April 26
Market: Opening Day - Sunday Farmers Market at College View

+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: 4801 Prescott Ave. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available for purchase.

More details: "We are so excited to kick off the 2026 Farmers Market season! Join us and welcome back many of our vendors from last season plus some new vendors! Listen to music and enjoy brunch/lunch as you shop through the market! Leashed dogs welcome!"

Sunday, April 26
Outdoors: Arbor Day LNK

+ When: noon to 3 pm
+ Where: Antelope Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: Come celebrate Arbor Day in Lincoln! There will be over 450 free trees available in a variety of species. (First come, first serve!) There will also be live music, outdoor yoga, local food trucks, and free Papi Churros.

Monday, April 27
Public Meeting: City Council

+ When: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
+ Where: Council Chambers, County/City Building, 555 South 10th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!

More details: The agenda for this meeting has not yet been posted, but will be found here.

Tuesday, April 28
Film: Cronos (1992)

+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10

More details about the film: "Guillermo del Toro made an auspicious and audacious feature debut with Cronos, a highly unorthodox tale about the seductiveness of the idea of immortality. Kindly antiques dealer Jesús Gris (Federico Luppi) happens upon an ancient golden device in the shape of a scarab, and soon finds himself the possessor and victim of its sinister, addictive powers, as well as the target of a mysterious American named Angel (a delightfully crude and deranged Ron Perlman). Featuring marvelous makeup effects and the haunting imagery for which del Toro has become world-renowned, Cronos is a dark, visually rich, and emotionally captivating fantasy."

One night only!

Tuesday, April 28
Public Meeting: Lincoln Board of Education

+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!

More details: This meeting is open to the public. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been posted, but will be found here.

Wednesday, April 29
Film: Four Nights of a Dreamer

+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10

More details about the film: "The rarely screened Four Nights of a Dreamer is Robert Bresson’s great forgotten masterpiece, a stark yet haunting ode to romantic idealism and the capriciousness of love. Adapted from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s 'White Nights,' Four Nights follows Jacques (Guillaume des Forêts), a lonely artist who roams bohemian Paris in search of the girl of his dreams. One night he saves a beautiful young woman, Marthe, from plunging into the Seine in despair over her rejection by an avoidant lover (Maurice Monnoyer). Jacques compassionately attempts to reunite Marthe with her beau, but his feelings for his new friend soon become less than platonic and his investment in her personal drama far from selfless."

One-night only screening!

Thursday, April 30
Community: Nehemiah Action Assembly

+ When: 6:30 to 8 pm
+ Where: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: Organized by Justice in Action, an interfaith, grassroots coalition of faith communities in Lancaster County.

Thursday, April 30
Community: Crafting the Resistance (you can't be angry all the time)

+ When: 9 to 11 am
+ Where: The Hub Cafe, 250 N 21st St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: Bring your crafting project or just come for coffee. (Bring a donation for Little Free Pantries.) Recurs every Thursday!

Friday, May 1
Art: First Fridays at the International Quilt Museum: “Sunshine Joe” Mallard

+ When: 4 pm (doors) | 5 pm (talk begins)
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: "Join us for a one-of-a-kind gallery talk with quilt artist 'Sunshine Joe' Mallard during First Friday on May 1! Learn about Sunshine Joe’s quilting journey as well as his work currently on display in the exhibition 'Spread Love Defeat Hate: Quilts by "Sunshine Joe" Mallard' now showing in the Beavers Gallery at the IQM. Mallard’s work made headlines last year for being accepted to the Obama Presidential Center Museum. As delightful storyteller and quiltmaker, Mallard captivates and inspires audiences as evidenced in our past Textile Talk. "

Also enjoy free access to the museum's galleries from 4 to 7 pm as part of First Friday!

Friday, May 1
Music: So-Called + Coup De Kill + The Sparrows

+ When: 8 pm (doors), 8:30 (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10

More details: So-Called and Coup De Kill, pop-punk emo groups from Wyoming, with support from local band The Sparrows!

Saturday, May 2
Market: Bethany in Bloom

+ When: 10 am to 3 pm
+ Where: N. Cotner Blvd from Holdrege to Aylesworth (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available for puchase.

More details: "Bethany in Bloom returns on May 2, bringing vendors, music, poetry, local businesses, and community organizations back to N. Cotner Blvd from Holdrege to Aylesworth. With 20 vendors already signed up, this year’s festival continues to grow into a full day of neighborhood activity."

Saturday, May 2
Organizing: Lincoln Tenants United Meeting

+ When: 11 am to 12:30 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: "Our goal is to build relationships with our neighbors! Expect coffee, connections, and a special training to help us build our tenant power. Reach out to lnktenantsunited@proton.me or (402) 782-1511 if you have any questions or access needs."

Spanish interpretation will be available! The next meeting will be Saturday, July 11.

Sunday, May 3
Music: Make Believe Residency + Lazarus Go Home + Midusa

+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at the door | $13 for under 21 | 18+ show

More details: Some Nebraska bands! Links to their music and stuff:

+ Make Believe Residency: bandcamp / insta
+ Lazarus Go Home: spotify / insta
+ Midusa: spotify / insta

Wednesday, May 6
Market: Hub Farmers Market - Opening Day!

+ When: 5 to 7 pm
+ Where: Near the Hub Cafe, 250 N 21st St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items to purchase.

More details: The season will run every Wednesday of May through September.

Thursday, May 7
Community: Crafting the Resistance (you can't be angry all the time)

+ When: 9 to 11 am
+ Where: The Hub Cafe, 250 N 21st St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: Bring your crafting project or just come for coffee. (Bring a donation for Little Free Pantries.) Recurs every Thursday!

Friday, May 8
Poetry: Poetry at the Lion - Barbara Schmitz

+ When: 5:30 to 7:45 pm
+ Where: St. Mark's on the Campus Episcopal Church, 1309 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: "Each month, a featured poet will read from their works and shape the evening’s experience. Poetry lovers can stop on their way to eat out or bring a brown bag meal and stay for the whole evening. Light refreshments will be provided.

"Born in Omaha, Barbara Schmitz grew up where "the Platte and the Missouri rivers meet and kiss" and taught writing and literature at Northeast Community College for thirty years, founding the Visiting Writers Series there. Two of her poetry books, including How Much Our Dancing Has Improved, have won honors from the Nebraska Center for the Book. Schmitz recounts her spiritual search in her memoir Path of Lightning: A Seeker's Jagged Journey (2012). Always The Detail won Honor Book in Poetry in 2015."

Tuesday, May 12
Public Meeting: Lincoln Board of Education

+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!

More details: This meeting is open to the public. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been posted, but will be found here.

Wednesday, May 13
Trivia: Statewide Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night

+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Code Beer, 200 S Antelope Valley Pkwy (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But you're encouraged to support the host brewery

More details: "Test your nature knowledge and team up with fellow nature lovers (teams of up to 5) to compete for fun, nerdy prizes awarded to the top three teams!" Organized by Nebraska Wildlife Education and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Friday, May 15
Game Show: That Lincoln Dating Show

+ When: 7 pm (doors) | 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $25.18 (including online fees)

More details: "Let's face it, dating in the modern age is impossible! This classic dating show (hosted by Sarah O'Sullivan) will take the contestants AND audience on a journey of love. ❤️ Head back to the 60s & 70s with this modernized version of The Dating Game for local singles. Bring your boogie shoes and wear something groovy, you just might meet your happily ever after!"

Saturday, May 16
Music: Speak No Evil Music Festival

+ When: 7 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 advance tickets | $15 day of show

More details: The inaugural festival will be a one-night event with all-local instrumental music bands and two stages. A huge lineup, including: The Machete Archive, Within Wilds, Whip Sigils, The Sub-Vectors, The Radical Sabbatical, Vector 23, Möbius, Custom Filth, Smith and Jessen, and Agrónomo.

Tuesday, May 19
Community: 2026 State of Civic Life Conference

+ When: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $75 | $50 for students

More details: "Civic Nebraska’s State of Civic Life Conference on Tuesday, May 19th 2026 will convene community organizers, civic educators, and system reform advocates to collaborate, educate, and plan for the future of our democracy and civic society in the heartland of the United States."

Wednesday, May 20
Music: POET + The Almas + Embers Rise + After Arizona

+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $13.86 (including online fees)

Sunday, May 24
Music: WASTE + CATSCLAW

+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $25.43 (with online fees) | Buy tickets here

More details: A night of metalcore!

Sunday, May 31
Books: Silent Book Club

+ When: 2:30 to 4 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: Come with a book of your choice and spend part of the evening reading quietly. Learn more about Silent Book Clubs here.

Friday, June 5
Music: 156/Silence + The World Without Us + The Tale Untold & Spiral

+ When: 6 pm (doors)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $28.20 (with online fees) | Buy tickets here

More details: Pittsburgh-based metalcore band 156/Silence with support from Nebraska bands.

Saturday, June 6
Market: Pepe's Birthday Bash

+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: Pepe's Bistro, 1311 S 11th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available to purchase

More details: Local art + local food + live music + fun!

Saturday, July 11
Organizing: Lincoln Tenants United Meeting

+ When: 11 am to 12:30 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!

More details: "Our goal is to build relationships with our neighbors! Expect coffee, connections, and a special training to help us build our tenant power. Reach out to lnktenantsunited@proton.me or (402) 782-1511 if you have any questions or access needs."

Spanish interpretation will be available!

Tuesday, July 21
Music: Alls + KJ Teder + Prairie Princess + Crab Waiver

+ When: 7 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10

More details: Some cool local bands!