What to do this weekend - December 11, 2025
The last event roundup of the year!
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln.
Unfortunately, the Great Plains talk with author Rebecca Nagle — which I'd featured in several past issues of this newsletter — has been cancelled. It had already been rescheduled from October and was supposed to happen later today. But according to the Center for Great Plains Studies, it has been postponed yet again due to an illness. It sounds like the event might be rescheduled, but as of Wednesday night, there weren't any details about when that might be.
Also, with the holidays on the horizon, I've decided this will be the last event roundup I send out in December, though I'm tentatively planning to publish at least one more essay before the end of the year. Stay tuned for that. And then look for the next "What to do this weekend" email on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Thanks for supporting me this year!
Got an event (as long as it's happening next year!!!) you want to see featured? Submit it here. You can also send feedback, suggestions, compliments, criticism and ideas for things I should write about to tynanstewart@proton.me
~ Ty
Thursday, December 11
Thursday, December 11
Books: Books on Tap at Saro Cider
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
Find full details on Saro's Facebook page! But basically, you bring a favorite book; make a quick (1 to 2 minute) pitch on why other people should read it; and then stay for some silent reading.
Thursday, December 11
Film: If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
+ When: 4:50 pm | 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 4:50 pm | $12 at 7:15 pm
More details about the film: "With her life crashing down around her, Linda (Rose Byrne) attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, December 11
Film: Sentimental Value
+ When: 4:45 pm | 7:25 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 4:45 pm | $12 at 7:25 pm
More details from the Ross's website: "Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, the charismatic Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a once-renowned director who offers stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film."
More showings through December 21.
Thursday, December 11
Fundraiser: Neighbors, Not Strangers: Center for Legal Immigration Assistance Fundraiser
+ When: 5 to 7 pm
+ Where: Rembolt Ludtke LLP, 3 Landmark Centre, 1128 Lincoln Mall suite 300 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $50 general admission
More details: "Enjoy cultural food tasting, immigrant success stories, and a silent auction with items from local businesses. All funds raised will help ensure CLIA can continue serving 8/10 of clients pro-bono, especially during the holiday season and increasing need for our services."
A ticket includes food and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a mystery prize.
Thursday, December 11
Public Meeting: Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
+ When: 2 to 4:30 pm
+ Where: County/City Building, 555 S 10th St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda can be found here.
Friday, December 12
Friday, December 12
Music: Make the Yuletide Gay (presented by Star City Chorus)
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Vine Congregational United Church of Christ, 1800 Twin Ridge Rd. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but there is a $10 suggested donation.
More details:
"Here Star City Chorus comes a-caroling, just in time to make your yule tide gay. Join us for holiday songs both new and old, an ugly holiday sweater contest, and holiday carol sing-a-longs.
"We will be collecting non-perishable food donations and cold weather gear at the door to distribute with UNL Center on Children, Families and the Law.
"Join us after the concert for desserts and coco. We just cant wait to see you there!"
Friday, December 12
Film: Peter Hujar's Day
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12
More details from the Ross's website: "From filmmaker Ira Sachs (Passages), PETER HUJAR’S DAY invites audiences into a single day in 1974 with groundbreaking queer photographer Peter Hujar (Ben Whishaw)."
More showings through December 21.
Friday, December 12
Film: My Omaha
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details from the Ross's website: "Set against the backdrop of Omaha’s deep divides and burgeoning racial justice movement, MY OMAHA tells the story of filmmaker Nick Beaulieu’s personal journey to document the activism of his hometown and reconcile with his terminally ill father Randy, a staunch pro-Trump supporter. Guided by the wisdom of community activist Leo Louis II, Nick navigates the complexities of family conflict, political and racial discord, and the difficult search for common ground."
More showings through December 21.
Friday, December 12
Music: Lucas Minor Band
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 cover, collected at the door
More details: "Lucas Minor grew up in Murray, NE farming and playing music from an early age. Although he finds his roots in piano, Lucas plays over 10 instruments, all of which you may hear at a show, or in a recording. In The Lucas Minor Band, he may be seen playing guitar, lap steel, piano, bass, and even, on occasion, dobro."
Friday, December 12
Music: Ugly Sweater Contest @ Duffy's
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5
Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and win free drink prizes. Featuring music from The Groove Lagoon, Joyrager and The Vix. 21+
Friday, December 12
Sports: 2025 Husker Holiday Open (Nebraska Track & Field)
+ When: 10 am start
+ Where: Bob Devaney Sports Center, 1600 Court St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure how much tickets cost, if anything.
Find the full schedule of events here.
Friday, December 12
Sports: Freeze Out Hunger with Food Fort & the Lincoln Stars
+ When: 7:05 pm
+ Where: Ice Box, 1880 Transformation Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $10
A hockey game and a food drive. More details: "Bring two canned goods to support Food Fort and we’ll thank you with a $5 concessions voucher to use during the game."
Saturday, December 13
Saturday, December 13
Market: Winter Market @ Sower Books
+ When: 2 to 6 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free, but there will be items for purchase.
Featuring handmade goods from local vendors!
Saturday, December 13
Art: Second Saturday Holiday Event
+ When: 1 to 5 pm
+ Where: Clements Noyes Art Gallery, 119 S 9th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free?
More details from Facebook: "Join curator and Clements Noyes Art Gallery artist Janna Harsch for another chance to see the the December Focus Room show. Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping, art and snacks."
Saturday, December 13
Crafting: Printmaking for Adults Workshop
+ When: 4 to 5:30 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 for members | $15 for nonmembers
More details from the museum's website: "Join Francisco Souto, director of the School of Art, Art History & Design and professor of art with a focus in printmaking at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in an exploration of the artworks and printmaking processes in Robert Rauschenberg and the Flatbed Picture Plane. Following the conversation, Francisco will lead the group in a solvent printing workshop in the university’s printmaking studio."
Saturday, December 13
Market: Craft and Beer Makers Market
+ When: noon to 5 pm
+ Where: Code Beer Company, 200 S Antelope Valley Pkwy (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Doesn't seem to be a cover, but there will be items available for purchase!
Vendors include: 402 Made, Beer Paws, C+A Designs, Deb Lee Toth, Dotting 2aT, Jefe's Pepper Products, Kidlat Forge, Liz McCue, Made with Love Cakery, Mallory Lempke Photography, Poppy and Dough, Rubie Grace Handmade, and Scene Stitcher.
Saturday, December 13
Market: Community Free Market
+ When: 10:30 am to noon
+ Where: Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
“It’s like a yard sale, except everything is free!" More details on the event's Facebook page.
Saturday, December 13
Market: Holiday Art Market
+ When: 3 to 7 pm
+ Where: White Elm Brewing Company, 720 Van Dorn St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but there will be items available to purchase.
Saturday, December 13
Music: Andrea Von Kampen Annual Christmas Show
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $27.24
Come out and listen to the folk singer-songwriter! Find her music here.
Saturday, December 13
Music: Big Daddy Caleb & The Chargers
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 cover, collected at the door
Saturday, December 13
Music: Andrew Duncanson & Take A Ride
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 cover
Soulful blues band hailing from Illinois!
Saturday, December 13
Music: Dot Dot Curve + From This Day Forward EP Release Show
+ When: 3 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 advance | $25 day of show | Will call only, and ticket sales will close at 1 pm DOS | Buy tickets here
All ages!
Saturday, December 13
Social: Lincoln Resistance Coalition: Gift Wrapping Social
+ When: 1 to 3 pm
+ Where: The Coffee House, 1324 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join us at The Coffee House to wrap gifts for the families we adopted through CIRA. Bring your wrapping skills, and a gift or wrapping supplies if you can! Beverages and desserts are on us. Check out the wish list and RSVP here."
Saturday, December 13
Stargazing: Geminid Meteor Shower Star Party
+ When: 7 pm to midnight
+ Where: Branched Oak Observatory, 14300 NW 98th St. Raymond, NE 68428 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure!
Saturday, December 13
Volunteering: Cedar Blitz Volunteer Extravaganza
+ When: 9 am to noon
+ Where: 14th Street Entrance to Wilderness Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Organized by Friends of Wilderness Park and Lincoln Parks and Recreation. More details from the event's Facebook page:
"Volunteers will be limbing up large cedars and piling the banches. Lincoln Parks and Rec will be using equipment to clear the area of cedars to promote our beloved prairie.
Food and drink will be provided at the end of the event.
Volunteers automatically become members of Friends of Wilderness Park!
Please wear long sleeves and eye protection. Bring bowsaws and loppers if you have them. Tools will be provided if needed. Wear layers to keep cool or warm as necessary."
Sunday, December 14
Sunday, December 14
Music: Nancy Raygun + Trees With Eyes + Mouse Heart
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 cover | $10 cover for under 21
Some cool Lincoln and Omaha punk bands!
+ Nancy Raygun: insta
+ Trees With Eyes: bandcamp / spotify / insta
+ Mouse Heart: bandcamp / spotify / insta
Sunday, December 14
Books: Silent Book Club
+ When: 2:30 to 4 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
At 2:30 pm, folks will chat about their books. Then from 3 to 4 pm, it's reading time. Not sure what a silent book club is? Learn more here.
Sunday, December 14
Film: Doctor Zhivago
+ When: 1:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
A special screening for the 60th anniversary of David Lean’s epic drama.
Sunday, December 14
Market: Winter Moon Market at Milkweed
+ When: 11 am to 3 pm
+ Where: Milkweed Event Space, 6220 Havelock Ave. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free but there will be items available for purcahse
Things to do the rest of December:
Monday, December 15
Music: Lincoln Community Concert Band's Holiday Concert
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Kimball Recital Hall, 1113 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Learn more about the Lincoln Community Concert Band here.
Wednesday, December 17
Music: Mike Zito
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 advance tickets | $25 day of the show
This show is 21+ only!
Friday, December 19
Music: PONS + PROBLEMS + Pagan Athletes + Cavedivers
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5
More details: "New York dance-punk trio PONS return to Lincoln for the second time this year. PONS songs go "boom boom boom. We're also happy to welcome home our good friend Darren Keen, aka PROBLEMS, who just got a haircut, along with Pagan Athletes and Cavedivers, two of Omaha strangest and craziest bands (not hyperbole)."
Saturday, December 20
Library: Adult Spelling Bee
+ When: 4 to 5 pm
+ Where: Gere Branch Library, 2400 South 56th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but registration is required.
More details from the library: "Good spellers: unite, then divide and fight! We will have a competition where contestants spell words in ranges of difficulty. Prizes will be awarded to the winning individual or team! Registration is required."
Sunday, December 21
Comedy: Lessons In Falconry: A Comedy Showcase
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 | $10 for under 21
Featuring Ben Weber, Katie Chapin, Ethan Abramson, Noe Ramirez, Will Dougherty and Dom Jok.
Sunday, December 21
Outdoors: Winter Solstice Hike
+ When: 1 to 3 pm
+ Where: Prairie Pines, 3100 N 112th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join Nebraska Master Naturalists on a hike as we experience the winter woods and celebrate the coming of the shortest day of the year. We will meet at the Visitor’s Center, walk the woods and grasslands and discover the subtle signs of nature’s adaptations to the winter season. Come, bundle up, escape cabin fever, stretch your legs and enjoy some crisp air. Following the hike you are invited to join us indoors for hot chocolate, cider and sweet delights. Open to all ages."
Sunday, December 21
Market: Sunday Farmers' Market presents 2025 Indoor Holiday Harvest Market
+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: Lincoln FireFighter's Reception Hall, 241 Victory Ln. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but there will be items for sale!
Thursday, December 25
Music: A Very Shithook Christmas
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
Live band karaoke until midnight!
Friday, December 26
Music: Josh Hoyer's Colossal 4
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: "Please join Josh Hoyer, Myles Jasnowski, Mike Keeling and Mike Rhian for a night of Soul, Funky Blues and Jazzy R&B."
Saturday, December 27
Music: Estrogen Projection + The Other Side Of Now + Alls
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 cover
Some rad local bands!
+ Estrogen Projection: spotify / linktree / insta
+ The Other Side Of Now: bandcamp / spotify / website / insta
+ Alls: bandcamp / linktree / insta
Saturday, December 27
Music: Face + Domestica + The Obscurants
+ When: 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
All local bands!
+ Face: insta
+ Domestica: bandcamp / spotify / insta
+ The Obscurants: bandcamp / spotify / insta
Tuesday, December 30
Music: An evening of earthly delights
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 8:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 | $10 under 21
Featuring: Dirty Talker, Chevrolet Pile, Josef David, and Heavier Than Air
Wednesday, December 31
Music: A Very Pop-Punk New Year: Part Deux!
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure if there's a cover.
More details from 1867's Facebook page: "We’re back for another year of celebrating New Year’s like the 2000s never ended! Come hang at Lincoln’s best Alternative venue for a kick-ass night of music, drinks, and all your best friends as we move into 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣❗"
Things to do next year:
Saturday, January 31
Music: Bad Self Portraits + Ghostlike + Estrogen Projection
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Rococo Theatre, 140 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 advance tickets | $22 day of show
Some amazing bands here. Links to their music and stuff:
+ Bad Self Portraits: bandcamp / linktree / insta
+ Ghostlike: bandcamp / linktree / insta
+ Estrogen Projection: spotify / linktree / insta
Saturday, January 10
Festival: Nebraska Anime-Fest
+ When: 10 am to 5 pm
+ Where: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lincoln North Hotel and Conference Center, 5353 N 27th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $20
Find more details on the anime fest's website!
Friday to Sunday, Jan 16-18
Theater: Hadestown
+ When: Various times
+ Where: Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $40 and $25 for students | Buy tickets here
Saturday, January 17
Music: The Midland Band Album Release Show
+ When: 7:30 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $22.09 (includes online fees)
More details: "The Midland Band is excited to release their second full length studio album at the Bourbon Theatre January 17th, joined by Omaha’s own Grateful Dead tribute group “Unbroken Chain” and recently reunited Lincoln jam juggernauts “The Balance” for a night of music and celebration of the Midland Band’s first studio release since 2012!"
Wednesday to Saturday, Feb 11-14
Music: Lincoln Exposed 2026 - 21st Anniversary
+ When: Times TBD
+ Where: 1867 Bar | Bodega's Alley | Bourbon Theatre | Duffy's Tavern | Zoo Bar
+ Cost: All access pass is $39.08 (includes online fees)
The annual celebration of all local music returns!
Sunday, March 1
Music: Ricky Chilton
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 advance tickets | $15 day of the show | Buy tickets here
Links to music and socials: bandcamp / spotify / linktree / insta
Thursday, March 26
Community Meeting: Solutions Briefing Rally
+ When: 6:30 to 8 pm
+ Where: Southwood Lutheran, 4301 Wilderness Hills (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Organized by Justice in Action, an interfaith, grassroots coalition of faith communities in Lancaster County.
Thursday, April 30
Community Meeting: Nehemiah Action Assembly
+ When: 6:30 to 8 pm
+ Where: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Organized by Justice in Action, an interfaith, grassroots coalition of faith communities in Lancaster County.