What to do this weekend - August 27, 2026
A pop-punk show, a film festival, and more.
Hi,
Welcome back to This Week In Lincoln. This is my round-up of local events that goes out every Thursday at 11 am (ish).
You can find the calendar below! There's plenty of fun stuff happening this weekend. And here's a link to submit events for future posts. I'm especially looking for stuff happening in September and October! I need to start filling out that calendar. So if you're organizing a cool event that you think would fit in the newsletter, get in touch.
My paid supporters help keep this newsletter going. They are really cool people. If you want to join their ranks and become a really cool person, please consider signing up as a monthly (or yearly) supporter of the newsletter. It's $5 a month or $50 for a year, and you'll get access to my The Good Life? column which I publish whenever I feel like it.
A reminder that the Prairie Pride Film Festival starts on Friday. Since I wrote a whole thing about it earlier this week, I'm not including it in the calendar below. But here's that post again, including the film lineup and showtimes:
Tynan Stewart
A few more things:
- Local zine Junk Drawer has put out a call for submissions for its upcoming sixth issue. The deadline is September 10 and the theme is "Midwest Macabre."
- The Sheldon Museum of Art has a book club! It's called Curated Chapters, and it seems to meet near the end of each month. While it might be a little late to join for August (the meeting is Sunday), the club is reading "The Masterpiece" by Fiona Daivs for next month's meeting (which will take place Sunday, September 27).
- I personally don't want to relieve the flash mob era of the early 2010s, but apparently that's what we're doing because the Lincoln Zombie Walk is returning to downtown after a decade-long hiatus. It runs 4:30 to 8 pm on Saturday. Find more details here.
This Week In Lincoln is on Instagram so follow me there. You can also send me stuff to write about (or just say hello): tynanstewart@proton.me
~ Ty
Thursday, August 27
Thursday, August 27
Music: When the Sun Sets + Fall Break + Edith + Party Cove
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 day of the show
More details: The Chicago pop-punk band When the Sun Sets comes to town. With support from Lincoln's Fall Break, Edith, and Toledo-based Party Cove.
All ages show!
Thursday, August 27
Crafting: Paper and Collage Portraits: Stitch & Bitch
+ When: 5 to 9 pm
+ Where: Mana Games, 701 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free?
More details: "We’re super excited to spend time at Mana Games, eating on some pita pizzas and sipping some yummy drinks! As always, come and go as you please, bring your own projects if you’d like, and enjoy some free, safe, and creative crafting time with your community!!"
Thursday, August 27
Film: The Invite
+ When: 5:10 pm | 7:25 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee | $12 evening show
More details about the film: "Joe and Angela’s marriage is on thin ice. When they invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors for a dinner party, the night spirals into unexpected places. Have they reignited the spark or lit the match that burns it all down?" Directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Seth Rogen, Wilde, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton.
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, August 27
Film: Maddie's Secret
+ When: 5 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: "Maddie's Secret is comedian, writer, and actor John Early’s critically acclaimed directorial debut starring himself as Maddie, a plucky dishwasher who leaps to viral superstardom at a trendy food content creation company."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, August 27
Film: Sing Sing
+ When: 5:45 to 7:45 pm
+ Where: Bennet Martin Library, 4th floor auditorium, 136 S 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free/PWYC
More details: "We will be showing the 2023 movie 'Sing Sing.' This movie explores a prison group who uses theatre and community to navigate the intense emotions of being incarcerated, living in an overwhelming oppressive society and what it means to rely on one another through grief, fear, and the want of freedom. Masks encouraged & dessert is provided!"
Organized by Black Rose Bakery. Part of their Desserts & Discussions study club.
Thursday, August 27
Music: College Night: Joyrager + Big Fat Cow + Eden Park
+ When: 8:30 pm (doors), 9:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover | $10 for minors
More details: College is back in session and so are Duffy's college nights. Come out and hear some local bands.
18+ show!
Thursday, August 27
Sale: Book and Fabric Sale
+ When: 10 am to 4 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be items to purchase!
More details: There will be a selection of fabrics, feed sacks, books, magazines and more. Get a free tote bag with your purchase while supplies last.
Continues on Friday and Saturday!
Thursday, August 27
Social: Weekly Leftist Meetup
+ When: 5 to 7 pm
+ Where: Crescent Moon Coffee, 140 N 8th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: If you're looking to find other progressive or left-leaning people, check out this weekly meetup. You can talk politics or just hang out. Organized by Lincoln's chapter of the DSA!
Friday, August 28
Friday, August 28
Music: Wyrmwood + Swaul Pope
+ When: 9 pm (show)
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: A night of rock, folk, prog, psychedelia, and groove. Wyrmwood is visiting from Omaha with local support from Swaul Pope.
21+ show!
Friday, August 28
Block Party: Porchlight Apartments Ribbon Cutting
+ When: 5:30 to 8 pm
+ Where: 1020 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join Hoppe Development and other neighborhood partners to celebrate the opening of Porchlight Apartments with free art activities, live music by Nebraska Jr., and food from Pepe’s Bistro and El Chaparro. Limited free health screens will also be provided by Clinic with a Heart!"
Friday, August 28
Film: Late Fame
+ When: 5:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee
More details about the film: "The great Willem Dafoe lends his delicate gravitas to the role of Ed Saxberger, a forgotten New York poet who works in the post office. After an eager and flattering young admirer (Edmund Donovan) appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of twentysomething admirers who anoint him as a rediscovered genius."
More showings through Thursday, September 3.
Friday, August 28
Film: Underland
+ When: 7:20 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 evening show
More details about the film: "Oscar-nominee Sandra Hüller narrates this cinematic adaptation of Robert Macfarlane’s bestselling book, UNDERLAND. The documentary voyages into worlds rarely glimpsed by human eyes to explore the world beneath our feet. One not of fear and darkness, but rather of knowledge and wonder that can be found nowhere else."
More showings through Thursday, September 3.
Friday, August 28
House Party: A Sweaty Love-Letter to the 2010s Rager
+ When: 9 pm (doors), 9:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $23.12 GA (including fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: A night of mid-2000s party anthems, EDM, hip-hop and remixes.
Friday, August 28
Music: Cultus Black + Ex Nihilo + TBD
+ When: 6 pm (doors)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $21.39 advance tixs (including fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: A metalcore show. Links to the bands' stuff:
+ Cultus Black: bandcamp / instagram
+ Ex Nihilo: instagram
All ages show!
Friday, August 28
Music: DJ Rugburn in da Beer Garden
+ When: 9:30 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover
More details: Featuring DJ Rugburn and his Beer Garden Brigade.
21+ show
Friday, August 28
Music: Layla and The Peacemakers
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: A Friday afternoon with Layla, the Lubker Brothers, and Mike Wiese.
Friday, August 28
Music: Hub & Soul Music Series
+ When: 6 to 9 pm
+ Where: Union Plaza (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "A free community event designed for people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate music, local food, and Lincoln’s parks."
Friday, August 28
Party: Reactor Prom
+ When: 7 to 11 pm
+ Where: Reactor, 2124 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: "A $10 ticket gets you into the SWANKIEST dance floor, 1 raffle ticket (feel free to buy 120 more though!), some guaranteed awkward prom pictures, and a classic post-prom performance from a magician!!! Bring a date, bring your mom, bring oomf, bring yourself!! Don’t be afraid to dress UPPP in whatever makes you wanna dance!! Start campaigning for your favorite past experiment to win a spot on the royalty court, and keep your eye out for some Reactor promposals"
Friday, August 28
Sale: Book and Fabric Sale
+ When: 10 am to 4 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be items to purchase!
More details: There will be a selection of fabrics, feed sacks, books, magazines and more. Get a free tote bag with your purchase while supplies last.
Continues on Saturday!
Saturday, August 29
Saturday, August 29
Art: Summerfest
+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: LUX Center for the Arts, 2601 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Our biggest community event of the year is coming up, and you don't want to miss it! This year, we're closing 48th Street – where there will be live installations of three new crosswalk murals , a steamroller printing demo, art activities for the whole family, food trucks, live music and more!"
Saturday, August 29
Books: Visiting Author - Alexandra Hayne
+ When: 4:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the author: Omaha author Alexandra Hayne will present her debut novel What Ruth Learned, a novel of “secrets, reinvention, and the stories we inherit.”
Saturday, August 29
Community: Crafting the Resistance
+ When: 9 to 11 am
+ Where: Meadowlark Coffee, 1624 South 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 Saturday!
Please note the new location!
Saturday, August 29
Community: Lincoln Discord Potluck
+ When: 5:15 to 8 pm
+ Where: Bethany Park Enclosed Shelter, 65th and Vine (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Bring a dish or just bring yourself. You can join the Lincoln Discord here. (I know Discord isn't for everyone, but this one is a good, well-moderated space with good people.)
Saturday, August 29
Market: Mini Vendor Fair
+ When: 11 am to 4 pm
+ Where: Meadowlark Coffee, 1624 South St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be items available to purchase!
More details: Some cool looking local vendors. Check out the full list here.
Saturday, August 29
Market: Plus Pop
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there be items available for purchase.
More details: "Plus Pop is a plus size pop-up featuring gender inclusive vendors sizes L/Xl+ and fat-centered artists, designers, and makers. Plus Pop is for individuals of all identities sizes 12/36-38 & up."
Find more details including a list of vendors at the link above.
Saturday, August 29
Music: Church of Blues
+ When: 5 pm (show)
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at the door
More details: Lincoln's Church of Blues features Josh Hoyer on keys and vocals, Levi William on guitar and vocals, David Boye on bass, and Joe Gourlay on drums.
Saturday, August 29
Music: The Hafnicks Band
+ When: 9 pm (show)
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: The blues/rock cover band returns to the Zoo Bar!
Saturday, August 29
Music: Ideal Perception’s 20th Anniversary Show + Album Release
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Listen to Ideal Perception's new album Hello Sunshine and come out to support! They'll be joined by Bombs Blast and DSM-5!
All ages show!
Saturday, August 29
Music: "Taking Flight: The Eighth Wonder of the World" with the Bel Canto Duo
+ When: 2 to 4 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! | Registration is encouraged
More details: "We're proud to host the Bel Canto Duo as they provide a live film score of their award-winning documentary 'Taking Flight: The Eighth Wonder of the World.' This documentary explores the annual Crane migration that take place in North Platte every year. After the performance, the Bel Canto Duo will also share about their extensive work in the field of NueroArts and how they center community and wellness in their art practice."
Saturday August 29
Sale: Book and Fabric Sale
+ When: 10 am to 4 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be items to purchase!
More details: There will be a selection of fabrics, feed sacks, books, magazines and more. Get a free tote bag with your purchase while supplies last.
Last day of the weekend sale!
Saturday, August 29
Theater: One-Ham Manlet
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Eastmont Living Performance Stage, 6315 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Flatwater Shakespeare Company presents a one-man production of Hamlet! It's a free show but it's also a fundraiser to help FSC continue producing Shakespeare for the Lincoln community.
Sunday, August 30
Sunday, August 30
Music: Blankslate + alls + Eden Park
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 | $3 minor charge
More details: Denver's indie duo Blankslate plus the local emo punk band alls and Eden Park.
All ages show!
Sunday, August 30
Music: Violin Duets
+ When: 4 pm
+ Where: Meadowlark Coffee, 1624 South St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But you should buy a coffee or a treat to support Meadowlark.
More details: Featuring a strings performance from Kayla Albright and Lux Collins.
Things to do next week:
Friday, September 4
Music: Remo Drive + sports. + Equipment + Grand Motel
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 6:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 | $5 minor charge
More details: DIY punk/indie rock group Remo Drive visit from Minnesota band alongside sports., a three-piece Midwest-emo band. Plus support from Equipment and Grand Motel.
All ages show!
Monday, August 31
Art: Sketch Club
+ When: 7 to 11 pm | 9 pm (open mic)
+ Where: Parrish Studios, 1410 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come out and make art in community together!
Monday, August 31
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.
Thursday, September 3
Books: Visiting Author - Van Jensen
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the author: Jensen will conduct a reading and signing of his new sci-fi novel, Godfall.
Friday, September 4
Music: Hazzium Presents: On Fire Hip Hop Showcase
+ When: 7 pm (doors)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 GA advance | $15 GA day of show | $2 under 21 fee at the door
More details: A big lineup of artists and DJs, including Lip Pil, Swayyyz, Kahmai and more.
18+ show!
Saturday, September 5
Books: Quirky Book Club
+ When: 10 am to noon
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Quirky Book Club meets monthly on the first Saturday of every month. It's a fun group that gets together and talks about whatever they're currently reading!
Sunday, September 6
Music: Half Ivory + Jadyn Keller + Tyson A.M.
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $3 minor charge
More details: New York-based Half Ivory visits Lincoln with support from locals Tyson A.M. and Jadyn Keller
18+ show!
Things to do later this year:
Thursday, September 10
Music: Mini Trees - Slow It Down North American Tour
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $25.18 GA (including fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: The LA based indie rocker Mini Trees visits the Bourbon. Joined by Montreal's Frown Line.
Tuesday, September 8
Music: Keddies Resort + Midusa + happy John + Boy Seeking Band
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 6:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Portland-based power pop trio Keddies Resort is visiting! With support from the grungegaze band Midusa down from Omaha and locals happy John and Boy Seeking Band.
All ages show!
Tuesday, September 8
Public Meeting: Lincoln Board of Education
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Boardroom of the Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O 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, September 9
Music: LONG/LAST + Like Ghosts + The Breakroom + Sunsilk
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: LONG/LAST and Like Ghosts are making a stop on their Scary Stories tour. With support from locals The Breakroom and Sunsilk. This looks like a fun night of rock!
All ages!
Thursday, September 10
Books: Weeknight Silent Book Club at Saro!
+ When: 5:30 to 7 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N 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. One hour of silent reading and a half hour of optional chat time!
Saturday, September 12
Festival: Latino Festival
+ When: 2 to 7 pm
+ Where: Antelope Park, 1650 Memorial Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "This wonderful event celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures which make our community so vibrant. Best of all? It’s free! Featuring delicious food and drink, performances, local vendors, community resource booths and more, you won’t want to miss it."
Saturday, September 12
Market: Art in the Garden
+ When: 10 am to 6 pm
+ Where: Sunken Gardens, 2600 D St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "It's the 14th annual Art in the Garden! Dozens of local and regional artists will fill the Sunken Gardens with their original art for you to view and purchase. Enjoy live music and food trucks. This all-ages event is free to attend and has free parking. This year's theme is Patchwork Garden, inspired by the International Quilt Museum. Mark your calendars and get ready to join us!"
Saturday, September 12
Music: The Groove Lagoon + Wild Love Tigress + Joyrager
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $17.45 GA (including fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: Some fun rock bands play the Bourbon!
Sunday, September 13
Market: Summer Sundays
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: Curio, 1356 S 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available for purchase.
More details: Local artists, makers and vintage finds. The vendor lineup includes: Dominique Ellis, DJ HairBrain, Justin Grabenschroer Photography, Kaptains Port, Lemon's Loaves Sourdough Bakery, Megan Schroll Art and Rag Mountain Vintage!
Sunday, September 13
Music: Drs. Orders + Eden Park + Gentz
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 | $3 minor charge
More details: A celebration of bands and venues that support music! Featuring performances from Drs. Orders, Eden Park and Gentz.
18+ show!
Sunday, September 13
Music: Porch Jam 2026
+ When: 1 to 5 pm
+ Where: Cooper Park, 600 D St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Porch Jam is a FREE all ages community event that takes place at Cooper Park and porches of the South Salt Creek Neighborhood. Porch Jam will have a total of 6 stages including one student stage, food vendors, and more! More details will be announced closer to the date."
All ages show!
Wednesday, September 16
Books: Panel Discussion – The Lives of Immigrants and Refugees
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come out and hear stories from the new University of Nebraska Press book, The Lives of Immigrants and Refugees: Tales of Migration, Hope, Grief, and Finding Home in Nebraska, featuring words from writers who contributed to this book of essays.
Friday, September 18
Music: Body Corrosion EP Release Show
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Bodega's Alley, 1418 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $5 minor fee
More details: Support from FAHR, JIBLETS and Cold Glock.
18+ show!
Friday, September 18
Theater: Dear World
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Annie L. McDonald Theatre, Nebraska Wesleyan (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20
More details: "There's oil beneath this Paris bistro. And these rapacious corporate executives won't let a few artists, outcasts and madwomen impede their progress. But who's the true eccentric in this struggle between cultural preservation and corruption? Greed and desire go on trial underground in this poetic satire musical written by the same composer as Hello, Dolly! and Mame."
More showings September 19-20.
Saturday, September 19
Music: Cuddlebone Album Release Show
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $18.48 (including fees) | Buy tickets here | $2 Under 21 fee at the door
More details: Local prog rock band Cuddlebone is celebrating the release of a new album! With support from Turquoise, Pure Brown and Within Wilds.
All ages show!
Thursday, October 1
Music: Shadow Work + Jet Set! + Mouse Heart
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $3 minor charge
More details: Denver's indie psych-rock band Shadow Work is coming to town with support from the Lincoln punks in Jet Set! and Omaha riot grrrls Mouse Heart.
All ages show!
Thursday, October 15
Music: Social Cinema + Dog Party + Sweet Gloom
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $3 minor charge
More details: Social Cinema returns for a show in Lincoln for the first time in a while! They'll be joined by Sacramento's Dog Party and LA's Sweet Gloom.
18+ show show!
Wednesday, October 21
Music: Schaffer the Darklord + Coolzey + Leaves Brown
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $3 minor charge
More details: Schaffer the Darklord, a New York City-based rapper, drummer and comedian, comes to town. With support from Iowa-based multi-genre act Coolzey and a local favorite of mine, Leaves Brown.
18+ show show!