What to do this weekend - December 4, 2025
It's cold but not too cold to go do stuff.
Hi,
Welcome back to This Week In Lincoln. I hope everyone had a great holiday! I had plans to go out and do cool stuff over the long weekend, but the weather had different ideas. So I actually just sat inside. Small Business Saturday? It sounded pretty fun! Too bad the roads around my apartment were solid sheets of ice.
Fortunately, there's a ton of events happening this weekend. So many art and vendor markets that I couldn't possibly list them all, but I curated a few of the most promising ones. If you're on the hunt for Christmas or holiday presents with more personality than a gift card, you have options. (Don't sleep on First Friday events either.)
I also wanted to highlight this Saturday's benefit concert and food drive at 1867. There's a $20 cover (cash only), as well as a silent auction and raffle, and all the proceeds will go to support the Everett Free Grocery Program and The Gathering Place. The government shutdown is over, but the Trump administration is still doing its best to actively destroy programs like SNAP. Folks definitely still need support from the community. Come out on Saturday if you can! Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 7 pm.
Got an event you want to see featured in next week's event roundup? Submit it here. You can also send feedback, suggestions, compliments, criticism and ideas for things I should write about to tynanstewart@proton.me
~ Ty
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Thursday, December 4
Thursday, December 4
Music: UNL Jazz Orchestra presents Loud Voices, Bright Colors
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Kimball Recital Hall, 1113 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Can't make it in person? Check out the livestream here. Learn more about the music and musicians here.
Thursday, December 4
Film: If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
+ When: 4:50 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details from the Ross's website: "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."
Thursday, December 4
Film: Orwell: 2+2=5
+ When: 5 pm | 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5 pm | $12 at 7:30 pm
More details from the Ross's website: "From Academy Award-nominated and BAFTA-winning director, Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro), ORWELL: 2+2=5 is the definitive feature documentary on visionary author George Orwell, interweaving a portrait of the writer with an examination of how prophetic his work has become."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, December 4
Music: Winnifred Worm Friend
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover, but $10 for anyone under 21
More details from Winnifred's instagram: "ATTENTION FELLOW WORM APPRECIATORS‼️🪱 i'm playing at duffy's tavern this thursday and it's gonna be freakin sweet i think 😲 it's gonna be a whole lot of acid, gabber kicks and breaks, all powered by hardware synthesizers and a DSi 🤑"
Thursday, December 4
Music: Yo-Yo Ma
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at around $80 for students, around $100 for the public (Buy tickets)
More details: "Yo-Yo has recorded more than 120 albums, is the winner of 19 Grammy Awards, and has performed for nine American presidents. He has received numerous awards, including the National Medal of the Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, has been a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2006, and was recognized as the Lied Center’s inaugural Artist of Distinction. Experience his return to the Lied Center for a special one-night-only performance!"
Thursday, December 4
Public Meeting: 48th from Normal to Cotner Project Open House
+ When: 5 to 7 pm
+ Where: Lefler Middle School - Media Room, 1100 S. 48th St. (Google Maps)
More details from the city: "Residents are invited to attend and present relevant comments and questions. Design information will be displayed and personnel from the City of Lincoln and the design team will be present to answer questions and receive comments."
Friday, December 5
Friday, December 5
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."
I saw this on Thanksgiving. It's a masterpiece!
Friday, December 5
Art: First Friday Art Walks
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Downtown Lincoln
+ Cost: Free!
More details from Downtown Lincoln's website: "First Friday Artwalks are held on the first Friday of every month at galleries and businesses in downtown Lincoln. While the opening and closing times vary depending on the curator, typically the first receptions begin at 5:00 pm, with the last ones winding down by 10:00 pm."
Find more details about participating galleries and their special events here.
Friday, December 5
Market: Art + Thrift: The Bay's Monthly Youth Vendor Market
+ When: 7 to 9:30 pm
+ Where: The Bay, 2005 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be stuff to purchase.
More details from their Facebook page: "Art + Thrift is a space for young people (ages 8–24) to set up shop, share their creativity, and connect with the community. You’ll find everything from thrifted clothing and handmade jewelry to baked goods, art, and more, all made and curated by youth. Come support local youth, shop unique finds, and be part of a night that’s all about creativity and community! All ages are welcome to attend."
Friday, December 5
Market: Winter Makers Market
+ When: 11 am
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: There will be stuff to buy!
Friday, December 5
Music: 80 Proof Alice
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 pay at the door
Bluegrass trio from Kansas!
Saturday, December 6
Saturday, December 6
Music: Oh Snap! Sending noods to all people
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 cash only
100% of proceeds go to Everett Free Grocery Program and The Gathering Place. Featuring performances from Estrogen Projection, Leaves Brown, and Love and Gumption.
Saturday, December 6
Festival: Mini RenFaire
+ When: 11 am to 3 pm
+ Where: Walt Branch Library, 6701 S 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Hear ye, hear ye! Join us in Waltingham for its first miniature Renaissance faire! Take part in crafts, booths, presentations and musical performances. Library appropriate period costumes are encouraged, but not necessary. By decree - no weapons of any kind are allowed. Supported in part by the Staff Innovation Grant provided by the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries."
Saturday, December 6
Film: Indian Film Festival: Special Screening of English Vinglish
+ When: 4 to 7 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Union Room: Regency Suite, 1400 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public, but registration is required.
More details: "Join us as we celebrate India’s meaningful contributions to global education, culture, and innovation. This collaborative event is coordinated by UNL Global Affairs and the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, with support from the International Student Advisory Board and the Indian Student Association."
Saturday, December 6
Fundraiser: Antifa Bake Sale to support the Little Free Rainbow Pantry
+ When: 10 am to 6 pm
+ Where: 1219 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: There will be stuff to purchase!
More details: "Join us for a bake sale to support the Little Free Rainbow Pantry. Feeding people isn’t political, but withholding food and benefits is. Taco Tuesday Familia is coming together to support our community with a Little Free Rainbow Pantry that will go up at 23rd & Sumner. Bring cash or food to donate and get some yummy treats in return."
Saturday, December 6
Market: Jingle and Mingle Holiday Market
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Innovation Studio, 2021 Transformation Dr. Suite 1500 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: " Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping while supporting Nebraska Innovation Studio makers! Discover a treasure trove of unique, handcrafted gifts, art, and more — all created by talented Nebraska Innovation Studio members. Find that perfect one-of-a-kind present you won’t see anywhere else."
Saturday, December 6
Market: Love, The Locals Holiday Market
+ When: 10 am to 5 pm
+ Where: Canoyer Garden Center-Lincoln, 2601 Long Pne Rd (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $6 | Children under 18 get in free
More details: "Celebrating 10 years! Join us Saturday for the Main Holiday Market you know and love! For the last TEN years Love, The Locals has been creating a community oriented environment to shop + support local! Join us to support makers you know and love, as well as discovering new and unique items. You will have a great day supporting and shopping local."
Saturday, December 6
Music: Emo Nite at the Bourbon Theatre
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 advance tickets | $25 day of show
Saturday, December 6
Outdoors: Sensory Seek-and-Find
+ When: 2 to 3:15 pm
+ Where: Trail head/parking lot, Frank Shoemaker Marsh, N 27th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But registration is required.
More details: "In this session, we will begin as a group to explore playful practices intended to open our senses to our environment and ground sensory attunement.
Guided by exploratory prompts, we’ll venture out on a sensory “seek-and-find” through the saline wetlands to explore and discover different tactile, aural, visual and other sensory experiences, individually, in pairs, or as a small group.
After seeking and finding, we will reconvene for a closing reflection to share what we encountered, and what we hope to find next."
Sunday, December 7
Sunday, December 7
Music: Roots Music Jam & Anniversary Celebration
+ When: 4 to 7 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free or no? Any other ticket details?
More details: "To celebrate the shop’s 13th Anniversary, we would be delighted if you all would join us at the Zoo. We will have refreshments & the bar will have some drink specials. We would like to feature some local talent & have them play a bit longer set. If you’re interested, please contact the shop to reserve a spot. We will have guitar amps, bass amp, a keyboard & drum set. Bring your guitars, & drum sticks. There will be a sign up list so it’s best to come early if you want to jam."
Sunday, December 7
Film: The Grinch (2018)
+ When: 1 to 2:30 pm
+ Where: Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Sunday, December 7
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!
Sunday, December 7
Outdoors: Holiday Open House
+ When: 1 to 4 pm
+ Where: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th Street, Denton, NE 68339 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! No registration required.
More details: "We will have family craft stations using recycled materials, delicious holiday treats and beverages, and open trails for a brisk winter outing. Enjoy live music from Arbor Road throughout the open house. There will be special holiday gift deals in our nature store and from local artist Rachael Wells, who will be in attendance with art prints, cards, and more."
Sunday, December 7
Theater: Anastasia (Nebraska Wesleyan University Theatre)
+ When: 2 pm
+ Where: Elder Theatre Center, 5100 Huntington Ave (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 for adults | $15 for students and seniors
More details: "This dazzling show transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian empire to the euphoria of 1920s Paris. Not even a ruthless Soviet officer can stop brave young Anastasia from discovering the mystery of her past. Watch her join forces with a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat in an epic and magnificent musical adventure."
More showtimes through Sunday, December 14!
Sunday, December 7
Music: Lincoln Symphony Orchestra presents Deck The Halls
+ When: 2 pm | 6 pm
+ Where: Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $25 for adults | $5 for kids | $10 for young professionals
More details: "‘Tis the season! LSO’s annual celebration returns with two performances for the whole family to enjoy! Join guest conductor Lucas Waldin and guest jazz/soul singer Rajdulari for a concert full of holly, jolly, and more. LSO will bring beloved holiday songs to life alongside Bell-issimo handbell choir, Lincoln Suzuki Studios, Standing Bear High School Vocal Music Program and the adaptive dance company Dancing Beyond Limits."
Things to do next week:
Thursday, December 11
Lecture: Great Plains talk: Rebecca Nagle
+ When: 5:30 to 7 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Rebecca Nagle, the winner of the 2025 Stubbendieck Great Plains Distinguished Book Prize, will give a talk about her book as part of the Center for Great Plains Studies’ Paul A. Olson lecture series. The book, “By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land” (Harper Collins Publishers), recounts the generations-long fight for tribal land and sovereignty in eastern Oklahoma by chronicling both the contemporary legal battle and historic acts of Indigenous resistance."
Monday, December 8
Public Meeting: City Council
+ When: 3 to 5 pm
+ Where: City/County Building, 555 South 10th St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted online.
Tuesday, December 9
Public Meeting: Board of Health
+ When: 4 to 5 pm
+ Where: Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, 3131 O St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda can be found here.
Wednesday, December 10
Public Meeting: Community Forestry Advisory Board
+ When: 4 to 5 pm
+ Where: Lincoln Parks & Recreation Administrative Office, 3131 “O” Street, Suite 300 (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted online.
Thursday, December 11
Public Meeting: StarTran Advisory Board Meeting
+ When: 8:15 am
+ Where: County/City Building, 555 S. 10th Street, Bill Luxford Studio #113 (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda can be found here.
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 has not yet been posted online.
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+
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
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
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❗"
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!
More details TBD.
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.
Things to do later this year:
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
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!
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 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 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
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.