What to do this weekend - August 6, 2026
Plus some cute stories about the county fair.
Hi,
Welcome back to This Week In Lincoln. This is my round-up of local events which goes out every Thursday. You can find the calendar below! There's a lot of fun stuff happening this weekend, next week and later in the year.
I went to the Lancaster County Super Fair last night and it was fine. Calling it "super" might be a bit of a stretch. But I watched some barrel racing, pet a few animals, walked past a bunch of booths selling plastic crap that no one could possibly need, and generally had a good time.
Check this guy out, looking like he walked out of a dang cartoon:
I enjoy digging through old local newspapers. It's both fascinating — because you can find obscure and interesting details about a place — and depressing — because it reveals the extent to which local journalism has been decimated in the past two decades.
For example, when digging through the archives this morning, I learned that the Journal Star used to provide pretty thorough coverage of the county fair. Were the stories always substantive and groundbreaking? No of course not! But the paper ran a lot of quirky, low-stakes human interest pieces. Here's two that I thought were fun:
People often talk about the disappearance of local journalism in terms of investigative and accountability reporting: When there are fewer journalists, city hall and other public institutions receive less scrutiny and, consequently, are more apt to misbehave. But we also lose these smaller, less consequential stories that make the texture of everyday life that much richer and more colorful.
This Week In Lincoln is now on Instagram so follow me there. You can also send me stuff to write about (or just say hello): tynanstewart@proton.me
~ Ty
This Week In Lincoln is an experiment. I provide these event roundups — and most of my other coverage of the local scene — for free. Everyone can benefit! But this kind of work is only sustainable if some folks are willing to pay for it. I know not everyone will (or even can!) pay for all the media they consume. Lord knows I'm subscribed to more newsletters than I could ever possibly support financially. But if you find this project valuable and have the means, please consider signing up for a paid subscription. It's $5 a month and you'll get access to the bonus subscriber perks that I do lock behind a paywall.
Thursday, August 6
Thursday, August 6
Music: The Sounds Of Many + Joyrager + Eden Park
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 | $2 minor charge
More details: KC-based band The Sounds of Many are coming to Lincoln with local support from Joyrager and Eden Park.
18+
Thursday, August 6
County Fair: Lancaster County Super Fair
+ When: Various times, check the schedule
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center, 4100 N 84th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "10 action-packed days of exhibits, competitions, free live music, exciting grandstand events like the demo derby and bull riding—plus a midway jampacked with rides, games, and all your favorite foods on a stick!"
Find the full schedule here. Of note: The Great American Ribfest starts today and continues through Saturday, August 8!
Thursday, August 6
Film: Ask E. Jean
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 evening show
More details about the film: "Ask E. Jean is the thrilling story of E. Jean Carroll’s life, from her early days as Miss Cheerleader USA to her rise as a trailblazing journalist, author, and beloved advice columnist. Carroll broke barriers as the first female editor at Esquire, Playboy, and Outside, helping to redefine women’s roles in media with her sharp wit and fearless voice. In recent years, she reignited public discourse by standing up to power, becoming the only woman to beat Donald Trump twice in court, and sparking a national conversation about truth, accountability, and resilience. This film is a portrait of an indomitable woman who proved it’s never too late to reclaim your voice, rewrite your story, and change the world."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, August 6
Film: I Want Your Sex
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee
More details about the film: "The latest from New Queer Cinema pioneer Gregg Araki ... I Want Your Sex tells the story of Elliot (Cooper Hoffman), a kind-hearted if unmotivated twentysomething whose fantasies quickly come true when he lands a job with renowned artist and provocateur Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde). When Erika breaks down office boundaries and takes Elliot on as her sexual muse and subordinate, their sexually charged relationship makes him question his own desires, boundaries, and relationships with his uptight girlfriend (Charli XCX) and repressed roommate (Chase Sui Wonders). As the stakes heighten and power dynamics shift, the film mixes satire, romantic comedy, mystery, and murder through the colorful and edgy visual language for which Araki is best known."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, August 6
Film: Nine Little Indians
+ When: 5:10 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: "Nine Little Indians is the harrowing story of the nine Charbonneau sisters and their childhood schoolmates who endured horrific abuse at St. Paul’s Indian Mission School in Marty,South Dakota, in the mid-20th century. Executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Tony Robbins, the documentary chronicles the Charbonneau sisters’ nearly two-decade-long legal battle to hold the Catholic Church accountable for the heinous crimes inflicted upon the plaintiffs listed on their lawsuit, the survivors unwilling to be named, and the children who had perished at St. Paul’s— among them, Geraldine 'Gerri' Charbonneau’s baby."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Friday, August 7
Friday, August 7
Music: Mella + Body Thief + Postdrome + Arcade Riot
+ When: 6:30 pm (doors)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $28.20 (including online fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: A night of rock. Some touring bands with support from Omaha-based Arcade Riot!
Friday, August 7
Art: First Friday Downtown Art Walk
+ When: Most receptions start at 5 pm
+ Where: Various locations downtown
+ Cost: Free!
More details: On the first Friday of every month Lincoln's galleries open their doors for the evening. Come see some cool art!
Friday, August 7
Art: Alternative Oz: Art Show and Sale
+ When: 5 to 7:30 pm
+ Where: A Novel Idea Bookstore, 118 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Featuring the work of Jeff Hebenstreit of Hebkid Art at Parrish Studios, and his series, "Alternative Oz."
Friday, August 7
Art: August First Friday - Archaeologist Richard Boston
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: A talk from Richard Boston about a quilt, donated to the museum in 2016, which was made by his great great grandmother, Caroline Boston, and features 320 hand-embroidered names of Civil War-era veterans and their military units. The presentation will focus on Boston's research into the origins of the quilt.
Friday, August 7
Art: First Friday at LUX
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: LUX Center for the Arts, 2601 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details:
- Juror Janine Wong discusses her selections and award winners from Surface Impressions: Coloratura. Janine will be at the LUX from 5 to 6:30 pm, then Constellation Studios from 7 to 9 pm.
- One print from Surface Impressions: Coloratura will be selected for acquisition by the Sheldon Museum of Art.
- Live Figure Drawing Demo with Tom Meyers in the Community Gallery.
Friday, August 7
Books: Visiting Author - Colleen Morton Busch in conversation with Judy Lorenzen
+ When: 4:30 to 5:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free?
More details: "Join us as we welcome Ex Ophidia’s 2025 winner for the Richard-Gabriel Rummonds Poetry Prize, Colleen Morton Busch, as she presents her book of poetry Smolder."
Friday, August 7
Film: Manas
+ When: 5:10 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: "Island of Marajó, Amazon rainforest. Marcielle (Tielle), 13, lives by the riverbanks with her father, mother, and three siblings. Prompted by her mother’s words, she idolizes her older sister who supposedly escaped her reality by 'finding a good man' on the barges that ply the region. As Tielle matures, her idealized visions shatter, leaving her trapped between two abusive environments. Increasingly worried about her younger sister and the bleak future they face, she decides to confront the oppressive system that controls her family and the women in their community."
More showings through Thursday, August 13.
Friday, August 7
Film: Peter Asher: Everywhere Man
+ When: 5 pm | 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee | $12 evening show
More details about the film: "Peter Asher: Everywhere Man is a feature-length documentary inspired by musician, producer, and manager Peter Asher’s celebrated cabaret show A Musical Memoir of the ’60s and Beyond. Like his stage performance, the film traces an extraordinary life lived at the center of modern music history."
More showings through Thursday, August 13.
Saturday, August 8
Saturday, August 8
Sports: No Coast Roller Derby
+ When: 4 pm (doors), 5 pm (Road Warriors), 7 pm (Mad Maxines)
+ Where: Ice Box, 1880 Transformation Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $18 GA | Buy tickets
More details: It's the season closer for No Coast! This weekend, Lincoln's Road Warriors face off against Omaha Roller Derby. Then, the Mad Maxines will play a team of No Coast alumni.
Saturday, August 8
Art: Drop in Tour: Dog Walking the Outdoor Sculptures
+ When: 2 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "An event for the dog lovers in our community. Join a Sheldon educator for a special dog walking tour of the sculptures around Sheldon and the broader UNL campus. Dogs are must wear a leash for the entirety of their time on the campus."
Saturday, August 8
Art: Coloratura Game with Creator Janine Wong
+ When: 10 am to noon
+ Where: LUX Center for the Arts, 2601 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Coloratura is a playful card game designed by Janine Wong that invites players to explore the relationships between colors. Through matching, sequencing, and creating color connections, players discover how colors interact—not only through hue, but through shifts in lightness and darkness, and through the contrast between clear, vivid colors and softer, more muted tones. Inspired by the ways artists study and organize color, the game transforms color exploration into an accessible experience for ages 8+ —encouraging observation, conversation, creativity, and a deeper awareness of the colors we see every day."
Saturday, August 8
Books: Meet Nebraska Historian Ed Zimmer
+ When: 4:30 to 5:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free?
More details: "Francie & Finch Bookshop is celebrating 10 years in the historic Telephone Building! Join us on August 8th as beloved local historian and author Ed Zimmer takes us on an in-depth journey through the history of our home, the LincolnTelephone Building and the Nebraska Telephone Company!"
Saturday, August 8
Drag: Melanin Metal
+ When: 10 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure!
More details: "Join Lincoln’s favorite cast of drag performers for a special METAL edition of Melanin Magic!!! We’re celebrating rock music from all era’s and sounds!!"
Saturday, August 8
Market: Bugeaters Vintage Market
+ When: 10 am to 4 pm
+ Where: Tower Square, 1300 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be items available for purchase!
More details: A big market with tons of vendors. It's a good chance to find end-of-summer fits and back-to-school outfits!
Saturday, August 8
Market: Community Free Market
+ When: 10 to 11:30 am
+ Where: Seng Park, 49th & Garland (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: “It’s like a yard sale, except everything is free!” Find more details at the event's Facebook page above.
Saturday, August 8
Market: East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: East Campus Mall (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! With items available for purchase
More details: "The East Campus Discovery Days at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a fun, family-friendly event for all ages. It’s more than a farmer’s market. It’s more than a science day. Come for the hands-on, science focused fun. Stay to enjoy live music and food trucks. Shop at our farmers market and vendor fair. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream at the newly renovated UNL Dairy Store. Take in the beauty of the Backyard Farmer garden. Activities are free, food and crafts are available for purchase."
Last one of the season!
Saturday, August 8
Music: Tranzit + Boy Seeking Band + Fatty Arbuckle
+ When: 5:30 pm (doors), 6 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 | $3 minor charge
More details: A fun rock night with grunge act Tranzit, pop-punk rockers Boy Seeking Band, and classic rock aficionados Fatty Arbuckle.
All ages!
Saturday, August 8
Music: Sugardeer + alls + Some People
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: The Fox Den (DM them on instagram for the address)
+ Cost: Possibly PWYC?
More details: A woman led show at Lincoln's intimate new house venue (which I previously wrote about for the newsletter).
Sunday, August 9
Sunday, August 9
Music: Mono In Stereo + Nudibrunch
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 | $3 minor fee
More details: Mono In Stereo, the Omaha power pop project led by The Millions co-founder Marty Amsler, is visiting town with support from local funk band Nudibrunch.
Sunday, August 9
Community: Freedom Summer: Make Kits for Canvassing
+ When: 1 to 3 pm
+ Where: Anderson Library, 3635 Touzalin Ave. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Come hang out and help put together informational kits with know-your-rights and voting resources, to be distributed throughout Lincoln. Sign up here."
Sunday, August 9
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, August 15
Books: Authors Against ICE: Lincoln Edition!
+ When: 6:30 (doors), 7 pm (readings begin)
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | Buy tickets here
More details: "Come on out for some author readings, art, and raffles. Our community will not be silent about the human rights violations happening in our state and beyond."
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Sower’s website. All proceeds will be split between the Center for Legal Immigration and Nebraska Appleseed.
Monday, August 10
Art: Sketch Club
+ When: 7 to 11 pm
+ Where: Parrish Studios, 1410 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come out and make art in community together!
Monday, August 10
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, August 11
History: Journey to Freedom – Researching and Writing the Grayson Sisters’ Escape
+ When: 6 to 7 pm
+ Where: Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Award-winning historian and author Gail Shaffer Blankenau shares the remarkable story behind her book, Journey to Freedom: Uncovering the Grayson Sisters’ Escape from Nebraska Territory, while taking you behind the scenes of historical research and writing."
Tuesday, August 11
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.
Tuesday, August 11
Public Meeting: Board of Health
+ When: 4 to 5 pm
+ Where: Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, 3131 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
More details: The agenda for this meeting can be found here.
Thursday, August 13
Community: Crafting the Resistance
+ 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!
Thursday, August 13
Music: Phoebe Bridgers - ‘Lost Weekend’ Release Party
+ When: 11:30 pm
+ Where: First Day Vinyl, 7301 S 27th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! | RSVP requested
More details: "there is an exclusive midnight release vinyl variant only available at this event! the ‘lost weekend’ white label edition pressed on zodiacal light vinyl (iridescent white w/blue & glitter streaks)"
Thursday, August 13
Poetry: Lincoln Poetry Slam!
+ When: 6:30 pm (doors), 7 to 9 pm (slam)
+ Where: Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N. Cotner (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! | RSVP requested
More details: "This will be the fourth year in a row that the Nebraska Writers Collective has presented Poetry Slams in Lincoln and Larksong is delighted to be able to host these energetic readings again this year. The Omaha Poetry Slam has been running for more than 20 years and we hope to help carry on that tradition! All events will also be live-streamed for our friends across the state. CASH PRIZES will be available to the winners in each city."
Friday, August 14
Film: Movies in the Park - Newsies
+ When: Around 8:45 to 9 pm, depending on sunset
+ Where: Antelope Park Bandshell, 1650 Memorial Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Grab your blanket or a few chairs and come out for a free family-friendly movie in the park. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. No RSVP or ticket needed."
Friday, August 14
Music: Dustbowl Revival + Beyond Bananas
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $28.27 GA (including fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: Folky funk band Dustbowl Revival visits from Venice, California. With local support from Beyond Bananas
Friday, August 14
Music: Witherbee Block Party
+ When: 5 to 10 pm
+ Where: 44th and N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Featuring music from Post Service Collective, John Voyage , The Owls, Oddits and Lady & The Lefty. There will also be art and a back-to-school supply drive.
Friday, August 14
Poetry: Poetry at the Lion - Robert Fernandez
+ 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."
The featured poet this month is Robert Fernandez, author of Scarecrow (Wesleyan University Press, 2016), as well as Pink Reef (2013) and We Are Pharaoh (2011).
Friday, August 14
Theater: Dear Evan Hansen
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lincoln Community Playhouse, 2500 S 56th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $16 | Buy tickets here
More details: "Seventeen-year-old Evan Hansen has felt invisible his entire life. But when a tragedy shocks his community and thrusts him into the center of a rapidly evolving controversy, Evan is given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to be somebody else. As his web of well-intentioned lies begins to unravel, though, Evan is forced to confront the fact that the price of belonging may be far steeper than he bargained for."
More showings August 15-16, 21-23, and 28-30.
Saturday, August 15
Crafting: Sewing Saturday
+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Included with the cost of museum admission
More details: "Sewing Saturdays are a chance for guests of any age to learn sewing skills and create a small, take-home project! Don’t worry if this is your first sewing experience — help will be nearby if you need it."
Saturday, August 15
Music: The Obscurants - Record Release Show
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: The band has pressed blue vinyl copies of their new album Meeting in Open Spaces, which released earlier this year. They'll be joined for this show by Tender Buttons and Luna River!
Saturday, August 15
Outdoors: Introduction to Nature Journaling!
+ When: 9 to 10:30 am
+ Where: Holmes Lake Park, 3701 S 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! | Space is limited, register here
More details: "Join Conservation Nebraska for a relaxing and creative morning at Holmes Lake! Nature journaling sharpens observation skills by documenting the outdoors using pictures, words, and numbers. We will go through a few prompts to help you get started on your own nature journal. A journal and pencil will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you prefer!"
Saturday, August 15
Zines: Salt Creek Zine Fest 2026
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: F Street Community Center, 1225 F St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: A bunch of cool local artists will be tabling! The fest has been posting previews of their work on Instagram so go check that out!
Sunday, August 16
Books: Feminist Book Club
+ When: 1 to 2 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Meets the 3rd Sunday of the month & they have a different book every month! You do not have to have read the book to attend!"
Sunday, August 16
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: Abigail E. P., Froggy's Fortune, Kinsley Cora, Link x Lou, Lovelies, Matt Bukrey Studios, Stained Glass by Abby and The Thursday Club Matcha Bar!
Things to do later this year:
Tuesday, August 25
Film: Join or Die
+ When: 5 pm (snacks), 6 pm (film), 7:30 pm (dessert & debrief)
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! Register here
More details: "The Lincoln Community Foundation and Civic Nebraska invite you to a special screening of the award-winning documentary Join or Die, a 90-minute film unraveling the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam’s 'Bowling Alone' research and the importance of community connections in America."
Monday, August 17
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, August 18
Books: LGBTQ+ Book Club
+ When: 5 to 6 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "There is a list of 20 books and members will be able to pick from those. Contact Bailee Martin at OutNebraska for more details."
Tuesday, August 18
Outdoors: Third Tuesday Bird Outing
+ When: 8 to 10 am
+ Where: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join an experienced guide and fellow birding enthusiasts for an outing along the prairie trails. We'll look for breeding species and will likely see some juvenile birds. Dress for the weather, trails may be wet and temperatures could be humid. Binoculars will be available for use."
Wednesday, August 19
Art: 'Like a Moth to a Flame' opening reception
+ When: 6 to 8 pm
+ Where: Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "'Like a Moth to the Flame' explores the Great Plains region, an ecosystem home to the Sandhill crane migration, American bison, mountain lions, foxes, badgers, and countless other mammals. Less visible, though no less essential, are the nearly 30,000 insect species that inhabit this landscape, most living unseen beneath leaves, within soil, and among grasses."
Thursday, August 20
Music: Frost Found Us + Amphibaphobia + Midusa + Cope Acidic
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 8:30 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $13
More details: An evening of posthardcore jams!
18+
Friday, August 21
Market: Uni Place Makers Market
+ When: 6 to 10 pm
+ Where: Uni Place Creative District, St. Paul Ave between N 50th and N 47th (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but there will be items available for purchase!
More details: There will be local vendors, live music and food trucks!
Artists and vendors can apply here for future markets, happening each third Friday of the month.
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.
Saturday, August 22
Market: Summer Vendor Garden
+ When: 4 to 8 pm
+ Where: Campbell's Nurseries & Garden Centers Inc., 5625 Pine Lake Rd. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free, but there will be stuff to purchase.
More details: "Get out into the community and join us for our Third Summer Vendor Garden in our front parking lot. We are going to have over 20 local craft vendors! Not to mention there will be food trucks, ice cream and much more!"
Saturday, August 22
Music: Nirvana's Hope + 2Timer + Gentz
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: Bodega's Alley, 1418 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 or PWYC
More details: A cool show with some rad midwest acts! Links to their music and stuff:
+ Nirvana's Hope: insta / spotify / website
+ 2Timer: insta
+ Gentz: insta / linktree
Saturday, August 22
Music: Virga + Very Shallow Secret Life + Ghostlike + Madeline Reddel
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Prairie goth rock band Virga and Very Shallow Secret Life — both of Lawrence — are coming to town, joined by Nebraska's Madeline Reddel and Ghostlike.
Saturday, August 22
Sale: Craft Room Clean-out Garage Sale - Fall Edition!
+ When: 9 am to 3 pm
+ Where: Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but there will be items for sale!
More details: "Our FULL HOUSE of vendors have listed the following items to be sold: fabric and quilting supplies, sewing notions, paint supplies/canvases, rubber stamps, scrapbook paper, stickers, card making supplies, laser cutting/engraving supplies, soap making tools, beads/jewelry making supplies, yarn, knitting/crochet supplies, junk journal supplies, leather/wood working supplies, embroidery/cross stitch kits and supplies, wreath making supplies, and MORE!!!"
Saturday, August 22
Zoo: Brews at the Zoo (feat. AM/FM)
+ When: 6 to 11 pm
+ Where: Lincoln Children's Zoo, 1222 S 27th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $39 | Buy tickets here
More details: "Back by popular demand, AM/FM is playing 2 nights this summer to fill the night with great 80s music! Feed the giraffes, explore the Zoo after hours, and meet animals up close! Enjoy a wide selection of local craft beer and cider. Support the Zoo — Your ticket supports animal care, conservation & education!"
Your event ticket also includes three drink tickets.
Sunday, August 23
Food: Final Brunch on the Square - Pepe's Bistro
+ When: noon to 3 pm
+ Where: Tavern On the Square, 816 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure!
More details: "Brunch will be provided by Pepe's Bistro featuring the best vegetarian Mexican food in town. Live music will be provided by Mikey Semrad and Brian McGovern. It's your last chance of the year to experience Lincoln's most unique brunch event ... Food will be available for purchase from Pepe's Bistro on site. No ticket is required to attend and enjoy the event."
Thursday, August 27 - 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: "Explore a selection of fabrics, feed sacks, books, magazines and more. Get a complementary tote bag with your purchase, too, while supplies last."
Friday, August 28 - Sunday, August 30
Film: Prairie Pride Film Festival
+ When: TBD
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: TBD
More details: "OutNebraska is proud to present the 15th Annual Prairie Pride Film Festival. For fifteen years, PPFF has amplified LGBTQ+ voices through film, bringing queer stories of identity, family, community, and belonging to Nebraska audiences."
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: 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."
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
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 deta
ils: "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, 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!
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!
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.
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: 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!
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.