What to do this weekend - June 26, 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.
Some folks may know that I'm quite new to both Lincoln and Nebraska. I moved here from Texas earlier this year, and I still have a lot to learn about the city and the state. Writing this newsletter every week is, frankly, a good excuse to keep doing that.
For instance: I'm planning to join the library's Nebraska Heritage Book Club on Friday (more details below). I've been reading this month's featured book, Roger Welsch's It's Not the End of the Earth, But You Can See It from Here, a collection of folklore and local stories the author gathered from his home in rural Nebraska. Recently, I was turning pages instead of sleeping (whoops) and came across this passage:
As if by the rules in some unwritten book of driving etiquette, most rural drivers in the western reaches of the Midwest raise a finger of greeting to other drivers, just as was the habit when America's farmers met each other while driving their teams and wagons to and from town. It was considered the courteous thing to do to acknowledge other drivers, and that custom prevails still today, even at fifty-five miles per hour.
I'd love to say that I've successfully exchanged this kind of wave already. But every time I've tried so far, the other driver hasn't reciprocated! Maybe my timing is off or maybe they can just sense that I'm not a real Midwesterner yet. So I guess I have to keep writing this newsletter until that happens, at the very least.
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
I'm especially looking for recommendations on books about Nebraska and Lincoln that I should be reading! Please send those my way.
~ Ty
P.S. If you find this newsletter useful or entertaining, consider signing up for a paid subscription. It's just me here making this thing, so any support is very appreciated.
Also, tell your friends about This Week In Lincoln! Spread the good word!
Thursday, June 26
Public Meeting: Proposed Central Library Public Information Session
+ When: 6:30 to 7:45 pm
+ Where: Walt Branch Library (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."
Baseball: Lincoln Saltdogs vs Kansas City Monarchs
+ When: 7:05 pm
+ Where: Haymarket Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $14 for general admission (seating on the grass berm)
Last of a three game series!
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 a 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!
Books: Visiting Author - Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Essayist Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder is promoting her new book, Mother, Creature, Kin. You can purchase a copy at Francie & Finch.
Games: Game Night at DAME
+ When: 7 pm to 2 am
+ Where: DAME (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free. But it's a bar! So 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: Friendship
+ When: 5:10 pm and 7:20 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5:10 pm, $12 at 7:20 pm
This is the last day to see Friendship at the Ross!
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
Music: Keller Williams presents DeadPettyKellerGrass
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $39.08 (including fees)
From the Bourbon Theatre: "Bluegrass versions of Grateful Dead, Tom Petty and Keller Williams classics with harmonious singalongs and a hint of psychedelia."
Music: KZUM Stransky Park Concert Series presents Womanish Girl
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Stransky Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Play: Clyt; or, the bathtub play
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center for Performing Arts (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Regular tickets cost $25 (including fees), with cheaper options for seniors and students
From the Lied Center: "A modern, feminist exploration of Clytemnestra's tale, Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play is a darkly comedic, lyrical love letter to one of mythology's most misunderstood women."
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.
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!"
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: Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
+ When: 7 to 10:30 pm
+ Where: Black Cat House (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat is a 2024 documentary from the Belgian director Johan Grimonprez. The screening will be followed by a discussion.
Here's a description from the Black Cat House: "The film attempts to retell the complex, sordid story of U.S. government involvement in the overthrow of the democratic government of Patrice Lumumba in the newly independent African nation of Congo (including the involvement of Black-American musicians as unwitting accomplices)."
Film: Wicked (Movies in the Park)
+ When: Starts around 8:45 to 9 pm depending on the sunset
+ Where: Air Park Recreation Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
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.
Music: Best Behavior EP release party
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bodega's Alley (Google Maps)
+ Cost: I'm not sure if there's a cover or not!
Local pop-punk band After Arizona is celebrating the release of their new EP.
Music: DrUnK MoNkeY
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: Zoo Bar (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
Music: Wheelwright (Jared & The Mill)
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: Zoo Bar (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $17.20 if you buy online in advance of the show (includes fees)
Play: Clyt; or, the bathtub play
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center for Performing Arts (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Regular tickets cost $25 (including fees), with cheaper options for seniors and students
From the Lied Center: "A modern, feminist exploration of Clytemnestra's tale, Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play is a darkly comedic, lyrical love letter to one of mythology's most misunderstood women."
Rodeo: Here's The Beef Barrel Race
+ When: 5 pm (exhibitions), 7 pm (Open 5-D Barrels)
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Continues on Saturday and Sunday. From the event page: "This premier barrel racing event, hosted by S Bar S Arena and sponsored by Wackel Farms Wagyu, boasts over $11,000 in added money and a variety of exciting competitions."
Science: Climate Up Close
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Saint Paul United Methodist Church (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Climate Up Close is a group climate scientists who are committed to making the essentials of climate science accessible to a broad audience. They are currently touring Nebraska, and will be holding events in Lincoln all weekend. I've included three more opportunities to see them on Saturday, and they'll be in Omaha on Thursday and Sunday.
Saturday, June 28
Pride: Free Pride
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Please DM the organizers (freepride402) for the location details, or email me if you don't use Instagram. (They told me the location but asked that it not be posted publicly.)
+ Cost: Free!
More from the organizers: "The event will be outside, so bring a chair or a blanket if you want to be extra comfortable. Food will be potluck style, if you bring a dish to share, please label all ingredients."
Books: 3rd Chapter Boozy Book Fair
+ When: 5 to 9 pm
+ Where: White Elm Brewing Company (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but it's a book fair, so be prepared to buy some?
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
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!
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.
Kelly Oh Brian will be performing live.
Market: Y-Not Market: Queer Edition
+ When: noon to 5 pm
+ Where: Turbine Flats (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but it's a market! Come prepared to buy things.
From the organizers: "The Y Not Market is a vendor market that celebrates artisans/makers/bakers/thrifters/upcyclers, from Lincoln & Omaha and the surrounding area. At our June Market, we are featuring LGBTQ+ vendors!"
Music: Sam Morrow
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: Zoo Bar (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15 in advance, $18 day of the show
Play: Clyt; or, the bathtub play
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center for Performing Arts (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Regular tickets cost $25 (including fees), with cheaper options for seniors and students
From the Lied Center: "A modern, feminist exploration of Clytemnestra's tale, Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play is a darkly comedic, lyrical love letter to one of mythology's most misunderstood women."
Poetry: Visiting Poets - Tyler Michael Jacobs and Maria Nazos
+ When: 4:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Both poets will be reading from their newest works, The Weight of Drought and PULSE (forthcoming 2026).
Rodeo: Here's The Beef Barrel Race
+ When: 8 am (exhibitions), 10:30 am (Wackel Farms Wagyu High Steaks Race), noon (Youth 3D Barrels), 2 pm (Open 5-D Barrels)
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Continues on Sunday. From the event page: "This premier barrel racing event, hosted by S Bar S Arena and sponsored by Wackel Farms Wagyu, boasts over $11,000 in added money and a variety of exciting competitions."
Science: Climate Up Close
+ When: 10:30 am
+ Where: Unitarian Church of Lincoln (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! There will also be a livestream available
+ When: 1:30 pm
+ Where: Pioneers Park Nature Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but registration is requested.
+ When: 8 pm (with an opportunity to stargaze afterward)
+ Where: Branched Oak Observatory (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free. But note that registration is required.
Climate Up Close is a group climate scientists who are committed to making the essentials of climate science accessible to a broad audience. They are currently touring Nebraska, and will be holding events in Lincoln all weekend. They'll be in Omaha on Thursday and Sunday.
Sunday, June 29
Baseball: Lincoln Saltdogs vs Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
+ When: 1:05 pm
+ Where: Haymarket Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $14 general admission (seating on the grass berm)
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 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 back to regular hours this week!
Play: Clyt; or, the bathtub play
+ When: 2:00 pm
+ Where: Lied Center for Performing Arts (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Regular tickets cost $25 (including fees), with cheaper options for seniors and students
From the Lied Center: "A modern, feminist exploration of Clytemnestra's tale, Clyt; or, The Bathtub Play is a darkly comedic, lyrical love letter to one of mythology's most misunderstood women."
Rodeo: Here's The Beef Barrel Race
+ When: 8 am (exhibitions), 9:15 am (Pee Wee Barrels), 10 am (Open 5-D Barrels)
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
From the event page: "This premier barrel racing event, hosted by S Bar S Arena and sponsored by Wackel Farms Wagyu, boasts over $11,000 in added money and a variety of exciting competitions."
Note that the Sandhills event center website has the wrong start time listed for the exhibitions. I checked the organizer's website, and there's a more detailed schedule that confirms the correct time.
Things to do next week:
Monday, June 30
Public Meeting: Lincoln City Council meeting
+ When: 5:30 to 7:30 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, July 1
Music: Social Distortion, Plague Vendor
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $73.59
Tuesday, July 1
Music: The Jazzocracy
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Zoo Bar (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
From the Zoo Bar's website: "The Jazzocracy is Lincoln's longest running weekly jazz Jam session. Open to students and jazz musicians to come jam or for anyone to come listen. Featuring a wide variety of modern and classic jazz compositions. No cover charge."
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 4
Book: 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."
Things to do next month:
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
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!"
Sunday, July 20
Market: Uni Place Creative District Maker’s Market
+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: St. Paul Ave. between 47th St. and 49th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
This market will feature booths with local artists and other creative types, live music, food trucks, and more.
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!
The book for July 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 a mystery novel. For July, the group is reading We Solve Murders (2024) by Richard Osman. Participants are encouraged to bring a dessert to share!