What to do this weekend - June 19, 2025
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln, a list of cool and important events happening in the Star City. Below, you'll find a bunch of stuff going on this weekend, as well as a few bonus things happening next week and next month. This newsletter has no sponsored events, and there's no algorithm harvesting your data and choosing what it wants you to see. These are just things I think might be worth your time.
I also do my best to act on some of my own suggestions. (What's the point of publishing an events round-up if I never leave my apartment?) So I went to last weekend's Pride events, including the parade and the main celebration outside Das Haus, and also stopped by the No Kings protest in downtown Lincoln.
Here's a little video I took at the protest:
I probably spent about half an hour walking up and down O Street, taking photos and watching cars go by. The protest extended for blocks and blocks, and there was a steady flow of cars, many of which honked in support. (There was one carload of losers who drove by while waving An Appeal To Heaven flag but they were vastly outnumbered.) Local reporters were on the ground, and the protest garnered plenty of coverage as I figured it would, but I still wanted to see and document it for myself.
Honestly, I was struck mostly by the fact that people were having fun. Sure, some signs were a little cringe but most were creative and funny, and folks seemed excited to be there. I don't mean to be blasé about the purpose of the protests: The Trump administration's vicious crackdown on immigrants and its political opponents is terrifying; I spend a good part of every day feeling anxious about where things are headed.
But that doesn't mean the opposition to Trump has to be dour and humorless. I think it's good when people are able to enjoy getting out in the streets! If nothing else, it gives them a reason to come back. And ideally, these kind of protests will help folks meet others in their community, build stronger social connections, and (I hope) strengthen local movements and organizations that can offer a positive political alternative to Trumpism.
Thanks for reading! 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. Please consider signing up for a paid subscription to help fund this work. I'm just one person and it takes a surprising amount of my time to find events that actually look worth your time.
That said, I know times are tough and I totally understand if you can't afford to do so. Another way to support what I'm doing here is to just tell a friend (or two or three) about this newsletter! I don't have much of an advertising budget, so word of mouth is really crucial.
Thursday, June 19 - Juneteenth
Art: Drop-In Tour of Sheldon Museum of Art
+ When: 5:45 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
This will be a guided tour of the exhibitions “Exploding Native Inevitable” and “Visualizing Survivance, Visualizing Permanence."
Books: Book Launch - Prism of Perspectives: The Life and Names of Kwame Gyamfi
+ When: 5:30 to 7 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free! But it's a bookstore so let's be real — you probably won't make it out without buying a book.
Kwame Gyamfi, the subject of the book, is local. It seems to be something like a memoir about his life, though it's co-written with four other authors.
Film: We Were Dangerous
+ When: 5 pm and 7 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5 pm, $12 at 7 pm
This is the last day this film will be playing at the Ross! See it while you can.
Juneteenth: Das Haus Juneteenth Celebration
+ When: 7 pm (dinner), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Das Haus (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15 which gets you both dinner and the show
Food! Drag! Live music! Karaoke! What's not to like?
Juneteenth: Legal Fight for Freedom: Student Research Panel and Keynote Address
+ When: 1 to 3 pm
+ Where: Love Library South, Room: 102 Library Auditorium (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
This looks extremely cool. Here's the description:
"Students working with Dr. Katrina Jagodinsky, UNL Associate Professor of History, will discuss their research findings of legal cases of freedom from Maryland, Missouri, and Nebraska.
"A keynote address by Dr. Jeannette Jones, UNL Happold Professor of History and Ethnic Studies; Director, 19th Century Studies Program, on the lives of people after enslavement will immediately follow the panel presentations."
Music: KZUM Stransky Park Concert Series: Ris, Dre.S and Ria Gold
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Stranksy Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
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.
Writing: Writers in Conversation - Third Thursdays @ Larksong
+ When: 6 pm (social), 6:30 to 7:30 pm (readings and discussion)
+ Where: Larksong Writers Place (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
It's an evening conversation between guest writers Liz Kay, poet and teacher at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, and Dillon Walker, a writer and songwriter living in Lincoln. They'll talk about the craft of creative writing.
Friday, June 20
Art: Bees, Butterflies, and Blooms - June Third Friday Event at the Clements Noyes Art Gallery
+ When: 5 to 8:30 pm
+ Where: Clements Noyes Art Gallery (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Featuring guest artists from the UNL bee lab and a brief speech from Dr. Judy Wu-Smart.
Baseball: Lincoln Saltdogs vs Kane County Cougars
+ When: 7:05 pm
+ Where: Haymarket Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $16 for seating on the grass berm. (Upper reserved tickets are sold out.)
This is a "Fireworks Friday" game. First of a three-game series.
Books: Silent Book Club
+ When: 7:30 to 11 pm
+ Where: Branched Oak Observatory (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Bring a book and read quietly at the observatory. More details on the event page!
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
Film: Movies in the Park presents Mufasa: The Lion King
+ When: It begins around 8:45 to 9 pm, depending on when the sun goes down.
+ Where: Irving Recreation Center - 2010 Van Dorn (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! No RSVP or ticket needed
This is part of a movie series sponsored by Lincoln Parks and Recreation and the Lincoln Parks Foundation. Bring a blanket or a chair for this free, family friendly movie.
Juneteenth: Weaving Together Our Common Threads: Juneteenth Reflections
+ When: 5:30 to 7 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Add this to the long list of Juneteenth events happening this weekend: It's a discussion between two textile artists, Chawne Kimber and Celeste Butler. (Butler is based in Omaha.)
Music: Exhorder / Narcotic Self / Amolador / M.A.N. / Ungoliant
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $21.23 if you buy online
The headliner is a metal band from New Orleans, and the concert also features a bunch of bands from Lincoln and Omaha. Links to their stuff: Narcotic Self, Amolador, M.A.N., Ungoliant
Music: Hardwood Dash
+ When: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
+ Where: SouthPointe Pavilions in the center courtyard area (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
This is part of the mall's Summer concert series. From the event page: "Bring your lawn chairs, grab your favorite treats from a variety of SouthPointe Pavilion restaurants, and gather your crew for this FREE outdoor concert series that’s perfect for all ages!"
Music: Friday Night Live Sessions - presented by 97.3FM The Source & The Blak Durt Experience
+ When: 7:30 pm to midnight
+ Where: Storm Cellar (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 cover
There's a cool-looking lineup of local bands: Blondo at 8 pm, Eighth Day Broken at 9 pm, River City Rejects at 10 pm, and Evil Shadows at 11pm.
Musical: The Nebraska Communities Playhouse presents Seussical
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Communities Playhouse - Hickman Theater (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $26
Not quite in Lincoln, but it looks potentially fun so I'm putting it here. It's a musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss stories.
No idea how to categorize this: Bingo Loco
+ When: 5:30 pm (doors), 7 pm (show), and it lasts 3 hours
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $42.69 if you buy online (includes fees)
I wasn't familiar with Bingo Loco before, but it's an interactive stage show/rave/concert that does seem to, at some point, involve something that resembles bingo. Actually, just watch this promo on YouTube and decide for yourself what it actually is because I'm doing a terrible job.
Saturday, June 21
Adoption event: 2025 Pup Crawl in the Telegraph District
+ When: 3 to 7 pm
+ Where: Multiple locations, including Code Beer Company, Craft Axe Throwing, Off-Leash Dog Bar, Saro Cider and The Post.
+ Cost: $15
From the organizers: "Meet dogs available for adoption from Brave Animal Rescue, Dolly's Legacy Animal Rescue, and Nebraska No Kill Canine Rescue."
Baseball: Lincoln Saltdogs vs Kane County Cougars
+ When: 6:05 pm
+ Where: Haymarket Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $14 for seating on the grass berm.
Second of a three-game series.
Crafting: Recycled Book Art
+ When: 3:30 to 4:30 pm
+ Where: Gere Branch Library (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
A chance to turn old books into art pieces! From the library: "We will provide a variety of supplies, books to be recycled, and ideas available for inspiration. We will be collecting the art through the Summer Reading Challenge at the end of July and showcase them at the libraries in August!"
Film: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life
+ When: 12:40 pm, 2:50 pm, 5 pm, and 7:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 12:40 pm, 2:50 pm, and 5 pm, $12 at 7:10 pm
Film: Fantastic Mr. Fox - Family Film Fest
+ When: 11 am
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! Tickets available at the box office on the day of the screening.
Juneteenth: 2025 Malone Center Juneteenth Celebration
+ When: noon to 3 pm
+ Where: Woods Park, J St & S 33rd St (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free or no? Any other ticket details?
A free community event with food, entertainment and booths to celebrate Juneteenth.
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.
Chris Sayre will be performing live.
Music: Art & Soul presents Summer Live Music Series: Orion Walsh
+ When: 6 to 8 pm
+ Where: Art & Soul (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure if there's a cover, but there will be drinks for purchase.
Music: Criminal Neglect, Million Dollar Veins, River City Rejects, Constant Revolt
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $13.86 if you buy tickets online. GA standing room only.
Local punk bands!
Music: Kempcke/Wooden Duo Performance
+ When: 2 to 3 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, Polley Music Library (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
From the library: "Guitarist Cole Kempcke and percussionist Kendall Wooden will visit the Polley Music Library to play a unique blend of jazz, metal, and experimental music. They'll also talk about their musical experiences and approach."
Musical: The Nebraska Communities Playhouse presents Seussical
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Communities Playhouse - Hickman Theater (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $26 with fees
Not quite in Lincoln, but it looks potentially fun so I'm putting it here. It's a musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss stories.
Show: Bluestem Miniature Horse Show
+ When: 8 am start
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Continues on Sunday.
Sunday, June 22
Baseball: Lincoln Saltdogs vs Kane County Cougars
+ When: 1:05 pm
+ Where: Haymarket Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $14 for seating on the grass berm.
Third of a three-game series.
Crafting: Recycled Book Art
+ When: 6 to 7:30 pm
+ Where: Eiseley Branch Library (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
A chance to turn old books into art pieces! From the library: "We will provide a variety of supplies, books to be recycled, and ideas available for inspiration. We will be collecting the art through the Summer Reading Challenge at the end of July and showcase them at the libraries in August!"
Crafting: Crafternoon - Pressed Flower Paper Lanterns
+ When: 2 to 4 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, Auditorium (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but registration required.
From the library: "Celebrate Summer by creating a simple, yet beautiful lantern using basic household items and pressed florals. All supplies will be provided, but space is limited. Registration is required."
Expo: The Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show
+ When: 10 am to 3:30 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 general admission, $5 for kids (7 to 12), free for kids 6 & under
Film: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life
+ When: 12:40 pm, 2:50 pm, 5 pm, and 7:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 12:40 pm, 2:50 pm, and 5 pm, $12 at 7:10 pm
Market: Sunday Farmers' Market at College View
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: 4801 Prescott Ave. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but it's a farmer's market, so be prepared to spend money.
This is honestly where I do most of my produce shopping for the week. A great market.
Also, note the slightly abbreviated hours. Due to the extreme heat warning this weekend, the market is closing one hour earlier than normal.
Musical: The Nebraska Communities Playhouse presents Seussical
+ When: 2 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Communities Playhouse - Hickman Theater (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $26 with fees
Not quite in Lincoln, but it looks potentially fun so I'm putting it here. It's a musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss stories.
Show: Bluestem Miniature Horse Show
+ When: 8 am start
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Things to do next week:
Monday, June 23
Public Meeting: Lincoln City Council meeting
+ When: 3 pm
+ Where: Council Chambers in the County/City Building (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted.
Tuesday, June 24
Concert: Jazz in June - Sam Greenfield
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Sculpture Garden (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there is also one remaining VIP ticket available for $30.
Tuesday, June 24
Public Meeting: Lincoln Board of Education meeting
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O Street (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted.
Wednesday, June 25
Film: Lovely, Still
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5
This is part of the Made in Nebraska summer series! Exactly what it sounds like: Films that were made in this state. The Ross is screening a different one every Wednesday for the rest of the summer!
Wednesday, June 25
Public Meeting: Planning Commission meeting
+ When: 1 pm
+ Where: Council Chambers in the County/City Building (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. Here's a link to the agenda.
Thursday, June 26
Books: Just Desserts
+ When: 6:30 to 7:45 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 4th Floor Auditorium (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Monthly discussion of mystery novel. This month, the group is reading the 2023 stand-alone suspense thriller None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell. Participants are encouraged to bring a dessert to share!
Friday, June 27
Books: The Nebraska Heritage Book Club
+ When: noon to 1 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 4th floor conference room (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
This month's book is It's Not the End of the Earth, But You Can See It from Here by Roger Welsch, a local folklorist and author.
Friday, June 27
Books: Literary Balderdash
+ When: 4 to 5 pm
+ Where: Gere Branch Library (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but registration is required.
From the library: "Battle your friends (and enemies) in a game of wit and heavy sarcasm. We will present a fact about a book, author, or genre, and contestants will take turns trying to convince everyone to choose answers they've invented. Your success will rely on imagination, bluffing, and good poker face!"
Saturday, June 28
Gardening: Community Crops Garden Party
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: Gere Library Garden (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
A free, family-friendly event. It's an opportunity to learn more about gardening, sustainability, pollinators, local food and more. Treats and activities!
Things to do next month:
Thursday, July 3
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!
Lots of details on the event page linked above. 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.)
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.
Friday, July 25
Books: The Nebraska Heritage Book Club
+ When: noon to 1 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 4th floor conference room (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
This month's book is Lonesome Dreamer: Life of John G. Neihardt by Timothy Anderson.
Saturday, July 26
Words: Adult Spelling Bee
+ When: 4 to 5 pm
+ Where: Gere Branch Library (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but registration is required.
Exactly what it sounds like! Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Thursday, July 31
Books: Just Desserts
+ When: 6:30 to 7:45 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 4th Floor Auditorium (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Monthly discussion of mystery novel. This month, the group is reading We Solve Murders (2024) by Richard Osman. Participants are encouraged to bring a dessert to share!