What to do this weekend - July 3, 2025
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln, a list of local events that I think are cool and important. Below, you'll find some things going down this weekend, as well as a bunch of stuff happening later in July and August.
Thanks to all the new folks who have signed up recently! I truly appreciate the support. If you find this newsletter useful, please share it with other people who might enjoy it. The best advertising I have right now is word-of-mouth.
I think there's a real need in Lincoln for a community-focused events calendar — the kind of thing that alt-weeklies provide, or used to provide back in the days when print newspapers were thriving. I can't fully replicate what a publication with multiple full-time staffers could offer, but I'm doing my best to fill part of the gap. (One of my goals is to bring more attention to organizing, mutual aid, and other such events — i.e., the things that definitely do not make it onto Visit Lincoln's calendar.)
Speaking of gaps, it's a pretty light holiday weekend. There's some Fourth of July stuff happening of course — and some of my neighbors are already shooting off fireworks literally as I write this! it's still light out! what are we doing! — but not a whole lot of concerts or other big events. BUT there is a ton of good shit happening next week and a few weeks from now: Zoo Fest 2025, the Cornhusker State Games, Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival. It all makes me excited to live here!
On a personal note, as someone who is new to Lincoln, I've really felt welcomed so far. I've written elsewhere about the process of going through a long-distance move and the ways in which putting down roots in an entirely new place is difficult and not something you can take for granted. But doing this newsletter every week and actively seeking out events where people are in community together — that helps a lot. I've met cool people and I hope to keep meeting cool people. It also helps me ward off my despair, as America continues its ugly, terrifying slide into fascism.
In other words, as much as I want this newsletter to be a community resource, it's also a passion project that's personally fulfilling! So thanks for reading and for being part of that.
Got an event you want to see featured in next week's newsletter? Submit it here. You can also send feedback, suggestions, compliments and criticism to tynanstewart@proton.me
~ Ty
P.S. I don't accept ads, or publish sponsored content, so please consider signing up for a paid subscription, if you can afford it. I don't intend to add a paywall to these weekly event round-ups because I genuinely do want them to be a community resource! But if you'd like to ensure that I can continue doing this work and continue to grow This Week In Lincoln, your support would go a long way.
Thursday, July 3
Music: Missouri Executive Order 44 + Your Own Knife + NOWHERE
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: The Juice Box (DM them on Instagram for the address)
+ Cost: $10
Links to the bands' music:
+ Missouri Executive Order 44
+ Your Own Knife
+ NOWHERE
Games: Game Night at DAME
+ When: 7 pm to 2 am
+ Where: DAME (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover as far as I know, but tip your bartender!!
From DAME's Facebook page: "Bring your favorite games or join a group already playing! This is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn new hobbies, or bring an established group into our welcoming atmosphere."
Film: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life
+ When: 5 pm and 7:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5 pm, $12 at 7:10 pm
This is the last day to see this film at the Ross!
Independence Day thing: Uncle Sam Jam
+ When: 6 pm (park opens), 7:15 pm (live music), 8:20 pm (flag lowering ceremony), 10 pm (fireworks)
+ Where: Haymarket Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Could be fun if you're into Fourth of July stuff. I'm not a huge fan of fireworks but I know other people are.
The ballpark can hold 8,500 people and once that capacity is reached, they're closing it to further entry. There will also be a free shuttle service provided! (That means you don't have to drive and don't have to find parking in Haymarket.)
Music: KZUM Stransky Park Concert Series presents Midnight Wanderers
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Stransky Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
The Papi Churros food truck will be on site. Also, here's a link to the website of The Midnight Wanderers, a local folk and bluegrass band!
Open Mic: Open Mic Night at the Hub Cafe
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: The Hub Cafe (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free, though it'd be a shame not to buy a drink while you're there.
Open to musicians, singers, comedians and poets! If you're not any of those things, well, you can still show up and listen.
Friday, July 4
Note that there are no First Friday events this week (apart from one book event) because of Independence Day. This month's First Friday is scheduled for next week on July 11, though it looks like a few galleries are skipping it.
Books: First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Cliff Taylor
+ When: noon
+ Where: Zoom
+ Cost: Free, but registration is required.
Cliff Taylor, enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, is an award-winning writer, poet, speaker, and storyteller, and the author of "The Shining Hands of My Ponca Ancestors."
Film: Dr. Strangelove (1964)
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12
Showing this weekend only! Part of a special screening event alongside Sidney Lumet’s 1964 nuclear thriller Fail Safe, which is also showing at the Ross. Time to relive Cold War-era anxiety dreams about nuclear annihilation!
Film: Tatami
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
From the Ross's website: "The first feature film co-directed by Iranian and Israeli filmmakers Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir, TATAMI follows Leila, an Iranian judo athlete who is put in political danger when her government tells her to fake an injury rather than face an Israeli rival."
Independence Day thing: JazzerSkies at Branched Oak Observatory
+ When: 7 pm (reading of the Declaration of Independence), 8 to 10 pm (jazz concert), 10 to 11 pm (night sky viewing)
+ Where: Branched Oak Observatory (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5
Guitarist Tyler Corey will be performing. From the observatory: "Skip the loud fireworks this year and instead experience something different this July 4th — music, the night sky, and peaceful moments you'll never forget."
Music: Layla & The Peacemakers + Gabe with Pants
+ When: 4 pm (Layla and The Peacemakers), 6ish pm (Gabe with Pants)
+ Where: Zoo Bar (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure if there's a cover.
Saturday, July 5
Film: Dr. Strangelove (1964)
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12
Showing this weekend only! Part of a special screening event alongside Sidney Lumet’s 1964 nuclear thriller Fail Safe, which is also showing at the Ross.
Film: Tatami
+ When: 5 pm and 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5 pm, $12 at 7:15 pm
From the Ross's website: "The first feature film co-directed by Iranian and Israeli filmmakers Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir, TATAMI follows Leila, an Iranian judo athlete who is put in political danger when her government tells her to fake an injury rather than face an Israeli rival."
Market: Historic Haymarket Farmers' Market
+ When: 8 am to noon
+ Where: Haymarket (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be plenty of vendors to buy from.
David Boye will be performing live.
Music: Summer Carillon Concert
+ When: 6:30 to 7:30 pm (following a 5:30 pm service)
+ Where: First Plymouth (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
From the church's website: "Performed by Guest Carillonneur Dr. Tin-Shi Tam, Cownie Professor of Music (University Carillonneur), Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Ice cream treats will also be served! Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets to listen to the outdoor concert."
Outdoors: Prairie Appreciation Hike
+ When: 10 to 11:30 am
+ Where: Prairie Pines Nature Preserve (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but advance registration is requested.
This outing is being organized by Conservation Nebraska. It's recommended for ages 8 and up, but open to all ages. From the event page: "Make sure to dress accordingly with the weather for the day and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during our hike."
Sunday, July 6
Film: Dr. Strangelove (1964)
+ When: 2:45 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
Showing this weekend only! Part of a special screening event alongside Sidney Lumet’s 1964 nuclear thriller Fail Safe, which is also showing at the Ross.
Film: Tatami
+ When: 12:30 pm and 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 12:30 pm, $12 at 7:15 pm
From the Ross's website: "The first feature film co-directed by Iranian and Israeli filmmakers Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir, TATAMI follows Leila, an Iranian judo athlete who is put in political danger when her government tells her to fake an injury rather than face an Israeli rival."
Market: Sunday Farmers' Market at College View
+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: 4801 Prescott Ave. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but it's a farmer's market, so be prepared to spend money.
They're still open regular hours, despite the holiday weekend.
Music: Summer Concert Series - The Spirit of American Independence
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Antelope Park, Shildneck Bandshell (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
This is the first of a summer series put on by the Lincoln Municipal Band.
Music: Tonguebyte + Pearl Parade + The Riva Band
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7, $10 for minors (+ an $0.18 service fee)
Links to the bands' music or socials:
+ Tonguebyte
+ Pearl Parade
+ The Riva Band
Things to do next week:
Monday, July 7
Music: 2025 Summer Jazz Series - Peter Bouffard Trio
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Storm Cellar (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Presented by the Capital Jazz Society.
Monday, July 7
Public Meeting: Proposed Central Library Public Information Session
+ When: 6:30 to 7:45 pm
+ Where: Southeast Community College Education Square, 1111 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public.
A chance for the public to learn more about the city's proposal for a new downtown library.
From the library's website: "Community members will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposal to repurpose the former Southeast Community College Education Square building at 1111 "O" Street. City officials, library staff and project architects will be available to answer questions and share information about the proposed features, funding and project timeline."
Tuesday, July 8
Crafting: String Into Things: Crochet Crash Course
+ When: 3 to 4:30 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but registration is required.
From the library: "This program will introduce the foundations of crochet; how to get started and basic stitches. We'll start a very simple project - a bookworm! Supplies will be provided. Registration is required."
Wednesday, July 9
Music: Live @ Telegraph - The Innocence
+ When: 6 to 9 pm
+ Where: The Mill - Telegraph (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Thursday, July 10
Poetry: Lincoln Poetry Slam! (presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective)
+ When: 6:30 pm (doors), 7 to 9 pm (event)
+ Where: Larksong Writers Place (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Thursday, July 10
Sports: Cornhusker State Games: Opening Night Ceremony
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Outside Pinnacle Bank Arena (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
This will kick off the week-and-a-half statewide amateur sports festival. Featuring a torch relay and special guests, including former Husker Volleyball player and current coach Dani Busboom Kelly.
Friday, July 11 + Saturday, July 12
Music: Zoo Fest 2025
+ When: 5 pm to 1 am (Friday), 1 pm to 1 am (Saturday)
+ Where: Outside in front of The Zoo Bar on 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Friday: $35 | Saturday: $35 | 2-day pass: $60 | Free for children 12 and under, with an adult.
Saturday, July 12
Market: 2025 East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: East Campus Mall (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be plenty of vendors to buy from.
From the event page: "The East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market 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."
Saturday, July 12
Zines! Monthly Zine Club
+ When: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
+ Where: Meadowlark Coffee (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
From the organizers: "Show up with your ideas and your friendly face and make some art with us!"
Things to do next month:
Sunday, July 20 - Saturday, August 2
Music: Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival
+ Where: Multiple locations across Lincoln and Omaha
+ Cost: Free!
This year's Nebraska Crossroads is large and diverse, with a ton of interesting artists. I'm thinking of writing a deeper-dive preview of the festival — perhaps in a stand-alone post, apart from the weekly events roundup!
Thursday, July 31 - Saturday, August 9
Fair: Lancaster County Super Fair
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15 per vehicle gets you a day pass
There's a ton going on: Vendors, exhibits, family activities, a petting zoo, competitions, live music, food, and more.
Friday, August 1
Music: Estrogen Projection + Uh Oh + Joyrager
+ When: 6:30 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Rococo Theatre (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $21 general admission, $23 day of the show
Links to the bands' music or socials:
+ Estrogen Projection
+ Uh Oh
+ Joyrager
Friday, August 8
Film: White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
+ When: 7 to 10 pm
+ Where: Black Cat House (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
A 2007 documentary directed by Steven Okazaki, featuring interviews with survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Saturday, August 9
Market: Parking Lot Party - Open Harvest turns 50!
+ When: 10 am to 4 pm
+ Where: Open Harvest Co-op Grocery (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Help celebrate the Co-op's 50th birthday! You can apply to be a vendor at the party here.
Saturday, August 9
Zines! Salt Creek Zine Fest
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: F Street Community Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
From the organizers: "Zine fests are an opportunity for lovers of indie art to buy and trade zines, a flexible and limitless medium of art that's low-cost and encourages breaking boundaries. It's also an opportunity for artists who make zines to share their work, meet other artists, and build a local community."