What to do this weekend - April 30, 2026
There's a primary election coming up.
Hi,
Welcome back to This Week In Lincoln. Sorry in advance if there are more typos and broken links than usual. I lost a lot of time yesterday because of Boring Life Tasks and also this nightmare:
Tynan Stewart
The bottom-line of that post which I maybe should've emphasized a little more (given the tenor of some of the Reddit comments about the situation) is this: No matter how you personally feel about First Day Vinyl smashing Kanye's music, please don't be weird to Travis and the staff about it.
Here's a few other things you should know:
- Dan Osborn is coming back to Lincoln next weekend. He's hosting a meet-and-greet from 5 to 6:30 pm on Friday, May 8 at Meadowlark Coffee and a town hall event 10:30 am to noon on Saturday, May 9 at the Lincoln Labor Temple, 4625 Y St. Longtime readers know I have reservations about Osborn as a candidate, but these events are probably still worth checking out.
- Speaking of political candidates: There's a primary election on Tuesday, May 12. Both the League of Women Voters and the Nebraska Examiner put together voter guides if you need to familiarize yourself with the candidates. Also, tomorrow is the deadline to register to vote! The online option is closed (at least for purposes of this primary), but you still have time to register in person at the Lancaster County Election Commission's office, 601 N 46th St. Even if you're already registered, I still encourage you to double-check — just in case!
- Tomorrow is also First Friday, which means cool art events and gallery openings happening. Support local art!
A reminder that you can submit events for future "What to do this weekend" posts. You can also just reach out and say hi. My email is tynanstewart@proton.me
I'm also, regrettably, on Letterboxd, Instagram and Bluesky so follow me there or whatever.
~ Ty
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Thursday, April 30
Thursday, April 30
Music: Project NO Street Block Party
+ When: 6 to 10:30 pm
+ Where: 14th and O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Featuring performances from local bands AM/FM and the Church of Blues. Alcohol will be served. See more on the city's website, including locations for free parking this evening!
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
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."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, April 30
Film: Nika & Madison
+ When: 5:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee
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."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Friday, May 1
Friday, May 1
Plants: Pot and Plant Sale
+ When: 7 to 10 pm
+ Where: The Garten - Parish Studios, 1418 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free to visit, but there will items available for purchase (obviously)
More details: "pick out a plant and a handmade pot for it to live in! we’ll have a range of plants and pots to choose from made by artists at The Garten"
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
Film: Erupcja
+ When: 5:10 pm | 7:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee | $12 evening show
More details about the film: "A romantic vacation goes awry when a volcanic eruption strands Bethany (Charli XCX) and her soon-to-be fiancé, Rob (Will Madden) in Warsaw, Poland. Bethany takes the explosive event as a sign to ditch her baggage, reunite with childhood friend Nel (Lena Góra) and traipse across lofts, clubs and back alleys, all the while becoming entangled in an emotional web that challenges her sense of self."
More showings scheduled through May 14!
Friday, May 1
Film: The Shepherd and the Bear
+ When: 5 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: "Set high in the majestic French Pyrenees, The Shepherd and The Bear explores a conflict provoked by the reintroduction of brown bears in the midst of a traditional shepherding community. The film follows an ageing shepherd who struggles to find a successor as bears prey on his flock, and a teenage boy who becomes obsessed with tracking the bears. Through its breathtaking cinematography and immersive storytelling, The Shepherd and The Bear is a modern folktale about tradition, community and humanity’s relationship with a vanishing natural world."
More showings scheduled through May 7!
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!
Friday, May 1
Social: Turbine Flats Crawfish Boil 2026
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free with a donation to their non-profit MakeShift
More details: "It's that time of year again! Turbine Flats invites you to join us for our annual community crawfish boil! We'll be serving 300 lbs of fresh crawfish, medleyed with corn, potatoes, sausage, mushrooms, onions, cornbread, and refreshments. Adult and youth tee shirts will be available for purchase."
Saturday, May 2
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 purchase.
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
Comedy: Not For Everyone Comedy Show
+ When: 8:30 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at the door
More details: Featuring: Sarah O'Brien, Erin Clough, Kent Masloskie, Fernando Villanueva and Elandra Rae.
Saturday, May 2
Market: Haymarket Farmers' Market
+ When: 8 am to noon
+ Where: Haymarket (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be plenty of vendors to buy from.
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
Sunday, May 3
Music: Make Believe Residency + Lazarus Go Home + Midusa (18+)
+ 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
More details: Some Nebraska bands! Links to their music and stuff:
+ Make Believe Residency: bandcamp / insta
+ Lazarus Go Home: spotify / insta
+ Midusa: spotify / insta
Sunday, May 3
Plants: Plants for Food Swap
+ When: noon to 2 pm
+ Where: 1200 Eldon Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Bring a donation of food for local Little Free Pantries and get a plant in return! Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, perennials and bulbs will be available.
Sunday, May 3
Film: Turner & Constable
+ When: 1:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details about the film: "Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition."
A one-day only showing!
Sunday, May 3
Market: 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: Check out this week's vendors!
Things to do next week:
Saturday, May 9
Music: Thirst Things First + Winnifred Worm Friend + Endorphins + Underbite
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Some rocking local acts plus an LA-based alt rock band.
Monday, May 4
Public Meeting: City Council
+ When: 3 to 5 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.
Wednesday, May 6
Film: Yi Yi
+ When: 6:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details about the film: "The extraordinary, internationally embraced Yi Yi (A One and a Two . . .), directed by the late Taiwanese master Edward Yang, follows a middle-class family in Taipei over the course of one year, beginning with a wedding and ending with a funeral. Whether chronicling middle-age father NJ’s tentative flirtations with an old flame or precocious young son Yang-Yang’s attempts at capturing reality with his beloved camera, the filmmaker deftly imbues every gorgeous frame with a compassionate clarity. Warm, sprawling, and dazzling, this intimate epic is one of the undisputed masterworks of the new century."
A one-night only showing!
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.
Wednesday, May 6
Music: Dean Batten + Taylor Carnell + Eden Park (18+)
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 | $10 under 21
More details: The Nashville motorcycle troubadour visits Lincoln with support from local singer-songwriter Taylor Carnell and a debut performance from brand new band Eden Park.
+ Dean Batten: bandcamp / insta
+ Taylor Carnell: spotify / insta
+ Eden Park: insta
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."
Saturday, May 9
Outdoors: 2026 Lincoln Tour for Rewilding Urban Environments
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: 20th St. between B and C Streets (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "We’re highlighting the creative right-of-way gardens along 20th from B to C Street with a bonus mini-golf course feature!"
Organized by Rewilding Lincoln.
Sunday, May 10
Improv: Improvisational theater games!
+ When: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
+ Where: F Street Community Center, 1225 F St. - 2nd floor fitness room (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from their website: "Our goal is to share the ideas and spirit of improv with every person in Lincoln. Our Open Play Sessions are fun, low-stress gatherings designed to ignite joy, and to share with and teach the community how to play and improvise!"
This is an all ages event! No theater experience necessary and all are welcome. If you can't make this one, it happens every second Sunday.
Things to do later this year:
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.
Monday, May 11
Public Meeting: City Council
+ When: 3 to 5 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, 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.
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!
Friday, May 29
Music: Star Funeral + lazarus go home + figuring it out (18+)
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Star Funeral is a Long Island-based shoegaze emo act. They'll be joined by local indie bands Lazarus Go Home and Figuring It Out.
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.
Sunday, May 31
Outdoors: Carrying the Torch: NeighborWorks Week 2026 Bike Tour
+ When: 9 to 10:30 am
+ Where: UPCO Park, 2931 N 40th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join us as we ride the trails from UPCO Park to the Jane Snyder Trails Center. Retracing the steps of Lincoln's post-war community builders, organizers, and neighborhood advocates, we'll retell the story of how neighbors came together to confront disinvestment and save the neighborhood, ultimately leading the creation of NeighborWorks Lincoln in 1986 – 40 years ago this year!
This year's NeighborWorks Week bike tour builds on last year's "Northeast Radial Bike Tour", delving deeper into the history of Lincoln's first neighborhood associations and their work to reinvest into their neighborhoods.
A bike show, 'Cyclists and Coffee' will follow at the end of the tour at 10:30 am."
Wednesday, June 3
Music: Live @ Telegraph - B Street Band
+ When: 6 to 9 pm
+ Where: The Mill - Telegraph (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: All ages. Bring your family, your pets, and a chair!
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!
Saturday, August 22
Books: 4th Annual Wordstock
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: Auld Pavilion @ Antelope Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!!
More details: "WORDSTOCK attendees will enjoy unlimited books to take home, food trucks, carnival games, along with engaging stories from local celebrity readers who share our passion for literacy."
Also, be on the lookout for book drop locations around Lincoln where you'll be able to donate used books to be distributed at the event.