What to do this weekend - May 7, 2026
Plus an unrealistic vision for O Street.
Hi,
Welcome back to This Week In Lincoln. As part of its renovations of O Street, the city has put up a bunch of street signs with messages like "Love that smell of concrete in the morning!" I can't decide whether they're cute or annoying, but I guess I appreciate that the city is at least trying to sell this public works project as a good thing.
Personally, I'd prefer if we just permanently closed O Street to vehicles and transformed it into a pedestrian-only space. We got a glimpse of how much fun that could potentially be with the block party the city threw last week! Unrealistic? Perhaps. But a boy can dream.
Here's a few things you should know:
- A reminder: There's a primary election on Tuesday, May 12. You can check out the League of Women Voters' and the Nebraska Examiner's voter guides if you need to familiarize yourself with the candidates.
- Local zine Junk Drawer is still looking for submissions for their fifth issue (theme: Out of Order). But the deadline for submitting stuff is today.
A reminder that you can submit events for future "What to do this weekend" posts. You can also just reach out and say hi. My email is tynanstewart@proton.me
I'm also, regrettably, on Letterboxd, Instagram and Bluesky so follow me there or whatever.
~ Ty
Thursday, May 7
Thursday, May 7
Theater: Suffs
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center - Main Stage, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Starting at $40 for adults | $25 for students and under 18
More details about the film: "Direct from Broadway, comes the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical Suffs about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote."
More showings through the weekend!
Thursday, May 7
Film: Erupcja
+ When: 5:10 pm | 7:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee | $12 evening show
More details about the film: "A romantic vacation goes awry when a volcanic eruption strands Bethany (Charli XCX) and her soon-to-be fiancé, Rob (Will Madden) in Warsaw, Poland. Bethany takes the explosive event as a sign to ditch her baggage, reunite with childhood friend Nel (Lena Góra) and traipse across lofts, clubs and back alleys, all the while becoming entangled in an emotional web that challenges her sense of self."
More showings scheduled through May 14! I've got a review of this on the way. It's late, but it's coming.
Thursday, May 7
Film: The Shepherd and the Bear
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee
More details about the film: "Set high in the majestic French Pyrenees, The Shepherd and The Bear explores a conflict provoked by the reintroduction of brown bears in the midst of a traditional shepherding community. The film follows an ageing shepherd who struggles to find a successor as bears prey on his flock, and a teenage boy who becomes obsessed with tracking the bears. Through its breathtaking cinematography and immersive storytelling, The Shepherd and The Bear is a modern folktale about tradition, community and humanity’s relationship with a vanishing natural world."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, May 7
Lecture: Distinguished Visiting Scholar Keynote
+ When: 3 to 4 pm
+ Where: Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall - Room: 227, 840 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "You are invited to a Distinguished Visiting Scholar Keynote presentation featuring Dr. Caroline Villiger, professor and head of the 'Family-Education-School' research program at the University of Teacher Education in Bern, Switzerland. Her presentation, 'Building Bridges Between Home and School - Insights from Switzerland,' is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools."
Thursday, May 7
Open Mic: Open Mic Night at the Hub Cafe
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: Hub Cafe, 250 North 21st St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be items available for purchase.
More details: "Calling all musicians, singers, comedians, and poets . . . 20-minute slots are available to sign-up on a first come first serve basis (all performances should adhere to public decency and respect standards). Our chefs will have a rotating monthly menu of pizza and dinner to indulge in while you support local musicians and artists!"
Friday, May 8
Friday, May 8
Film: Days and Nights in the Forest
+ When: 4:50 pm | 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee | $12 evening show
More details about the film: "Adapted from Sunil Gangopadhyay’s celebrated 1968 novel, Days and Nights in the Forest is one of director Satyajit Ray’s greatest achievements, a modern search for connection that conjures the timeless resonance of a folktale."
More showings through May 14!
Friday, May 8
Film: Back to the Future
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: SouthPointe Pavilions, 2910 Pine Lake Rd. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details about the film: "Bring the whole family out to kick off May with a free outdoor movie night! Plan to bring your own blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner from your favorite SouthPointe Pavilions restaurant, and settle in to enjoy a movie on the lawn located behind Painted Tree."
Friday, May 8
Fundraiser: 2026 Black Cat House Yard Sale Fundraiser
+ When: 8 am to 6 pm
+ Where: Black Cat House, 1601 B St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Items available for purchase!
More details: Come out and support the Black Cat House! Continues on Saturday.
Friday, May 8
Music: Twisted Chrome @ Gray’s Keg for the KZUM Give to Metal Benefit
+ When: 6 pm (doors) | 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Gray's Keg, 104 N 20th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure!
More details: "Join us for a benefit show for KZUM! Benefit starts at 6, we take the stage at 8! Lots of cool bands on the bill! Come on out!"
Friday, May 8
Music: All Knowing McGill + Quintin Siemek + Louis Place Circle
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: A night of country music!
Friday, May 8
Poetry: Poetry at the Lion - Barbara Schmitz
+ When: 5:30 to 7:45 pm
+ Where: St. Mark's on the Campus Episcopal Church, 1309 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Each month, a featured poet will read from their works and shape the evening’s experience. Poetry lovers can stop on their way to eat out or bring a brown bag meal and stay for the whole evening. Light refreshments will be provided.
"Born in Omaha, Barbara Schmitz grew up where "the Platte and the Missouri rivers meet and kiss" and taught writing and literature at Northeast Community College for thirty years, founding the Visiting Writers Series there. Two of her poetry books, including How Much Our Dancing Has Improved, have won honors from the Nebraska Center for the Book. Schmitz recounts her spiritual search in her memoir Path of Lightning: A Seeker's Jagged Journey (2012). Always The Detail won Honor Book in Poetry in 2015."
Friday, May 8
Politics: Meet-and-greet with Dan Osborn
+ When: 5 to 6:30 pm
+ Where: Meadowlark Coffee, 1624 South St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Also featuring live music from a local artist!
Saturday, May 9
Saturday, May 9
Music: Thirst Things First + Winnifred Worm Friend + Endorphins + Underbite
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Some rocking local acts plus an LA-based alt rock band.
Saturday, May 9
Art: "Hyphen American" Exhibition Tour in Vietnamese
+ When: 2 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join Thuy Ngoc Ho for a Vietnamese language tour of the exhibition 'Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity.' Tours are a great way to learn more about the art and artist at Sheldon through an interactive experience."
Saturday, May 9
Crafting: Make, Do & Mend: Tool and Material Swap
+ When: 3:30 to 5 pm
+ Where: Gere Branch Library, 2400 South 56th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Is there a textile craft you want to try, but aren't sure you want to shell out for the supplies? Or do you have textiles or tools that you don't use? Bring them on down, and we'll have a swap! Leftovers will be donated."
Saturday, May 9
Games: Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
+ When: 1 pm
+ Where: Boiler Brewing Company, 129 North 10th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20
More details: They're looking for teams of 3 to put together 500 pieces puzzle; it'll be a race with other teams with prizes on the line! You also get to keep the puzzle.
Saturday, May 9
Fundraiser: 2026 Black Cat House Yard Sale Fundraiser
+ When: 8 am to 2 pm
+ Where: Black Cat House, 1601 B St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Items available for purchase!
More details: Come out and support the Black Cat House!
Saturday, May 9
Fundraiser: Sketch Club Benefit
+ When: 11 am to 6 pm
+ Where: A Novel Idea Bookstore, 118 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Items available for purchase!
More details: "Stop by A Novel Idea Bookstore on May 9th and support Sketch Club! 5% of your purchase goes to help us continue to provide free art supplies, workshops, and community events to downtown Lincoln!"
Sketch Club will also be providing a free button and bookmark making craft time from 4 to 6 pm at Parrish Studios!
Saturday, May 9
Market: Community Free Market
+ When: 10 to 11:30 am
+ Where: Seng Park at University Place, 4925 Garland St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: “It’s like a yard sale, except everything is free!" Find more info, including tips on event etiquette, at the event's Facebook page.
Saturday, May 9
Market: Haymarket Farmers' Market
+ When: 8 am to noon
+ Where: Haymarket (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, but there will be plenty of vendors to buy from.
Saturday, May 9
Market: Mother's Day Makers Market
+ When: 3 to 8 pm
+ Where: White Elm Brewing Co, 720 Van Dorn St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Saturday, May 9
Outdoors: 2026 Lincoln Tour for Rewilding Urban Environments
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: 20th St. between B and C Streets (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "We’re highlighting the creative right-of-way gardens along 20th from B to C Street with a bonus mini-golf course feature!"
Organized by Rewilding Lincoln.
Saturday, May 9
Outdoors: Super Bird Saturday
+ When: 9 am to noon
+ Where: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! No registration required.
More details: "Our annual celebration of bird migration and Bird Month in Nebraska happens again in 2026. Join us for talks, nature crafts, bird outings, a live bird demonstration at 10 am, and at 11 am is the launch of the "Birds of the Great Plains" coloring book. The book artist, Katie Nieland, will be on hand to show her artwork, and the book will be available for purchase."
Saturday, May 9
Politics: Town hall event with Dan Osborn
+ When: 10:30 am to noon
+ Where: Lincoln Labor Temple, 4625 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from Osborn's Instagram: "My team and I will be ready to learn about the issues that matter to you and your community and ready to share our vision that everyday people can afford."
Sunday, May 10
Sunday, May 10
Music: The Spine Stealers + Bloodroots + Steady Wells (18+)
+ When: 8 pm (doors) | 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8 | $10 under 21
More details: Two Madison-based folk projects are coming to town with support from local act Steady Wells.
+ The Spine Stealers: insta / bandcamp
+ Bloodroots: insta / website
+ Steady Wells: insta / spotify
Sunday, May 10
Improv: Improvisational theater games!
+ When: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
+ Where: F Street Community Center, 1225 F St. - 2nd floor fitness room (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from their website: "Our goal is to share the ideas and spirit of improv with every person in Lincoln. Our Open Play Sessions are fun, low-stress gatherings designed to ignite joy, and to share with and teach the community how to play and improvise!"
This is an all ages event! No theater experience necessary and all are welcome. If you can't make this one, it happens every second Sunday.
Sunday, May 10
Market: Sunday Farmers Market at College View
+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: 4801 Prescott Ave. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available for purchase.
More details: Check out this week's vendors!
Things to do next week:
Saturday, May 16
Music: Speak No Evil Music Festival
+ When: 7 pm (doors) | 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps) AND Bodega's Alley, 1418 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 advance tickets | $15 day of show | Buy tickets here
More details: The inaugural festival will be a one-night event with all-local instrumental music bands and two stages. A huge lineup, including: The Machete Archive, Within Wilds, Whip Sigils, The Sub-Vectors, The Radical Sabbatical, Vector 23, Möbius, Custom Filth, Smith and Jessen, and Agrónomo.
Monday, May 11
Art: Sketch Club + Open Mic
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: Parrish Studios, S 14th St & O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come make art and participate in the open mic!
Monday, May 11
Public Meeting: City Council
+ When: 3 to 5 pm
+ Where: Council Chambers, County/City Building, 555 South 10th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
More details: The agenda for this meeting has not yet been posted, but will be found here.
Tuesday, May 12
Public Meeting: Lincoln Board of Education
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
More details: This meeting is open to the public. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been posted, but will be found here.
Tuesday, May 12
Public Meeting: Pedestrian/Bicycle Advisory Committee
+ When: 7 to 8 am
+ Where: Woods Park Place, Parks & Recreation Large Conference Room, 3131 O St., Suite 300 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
More details: The agenda for this meeting has not yet been posted, but will be found here.
Wednesday, May 13
Crafting: Craft Social with Community Critters
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: Reactor, 2124 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Come as you are. Come for community, come for crafting, come to share a skill! There is a closer [locked] door so if there are accessibility needs, message us and we can assist!"
Wednesday, May 13
Trivia: Statewide Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Night
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Code Beer, 200 S Antelope Valley Pkwy (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But you're encouraged to support the host brewery
More details: "Test your nature knowledge and team up with fellow nature lovers (teams of up to 5) to compete for fun, nerdy prizes awarded to the top three teams!" Organized by Nebraska Wildlife Education and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Thursday, May 14
Community: Crafting the Resistance (you can't be angry all the time)
+ When: 9 to 11 am
+ Where: The Hub Cafe, 250 N 21st St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Bring your crafting project or just come for coffee. (Bring a donation for Little Free Pantries.) Recurs every Thursday!
Thursday, May 14
Poetry: Lincoln Poetry Slam!
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Larksong Writers Place 1600 N. Cotner (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: This is the fourth year in a row of Lincoln's poetry slam! Presented by the Nebraska Writers Collective.
Friday, May 15
Game Show: That Lincoln Dating Show
+ When: 7 pm (doors) | 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $25.18 (including online fees)
More details: "Let's face it, dating in the modern age is impossible! This classic dating show (hosted by Sarah O'Sullivan) will take the contestants AND audience on a journey of love. ❤️ Head back to the 60s & 70s with this modernized version of The Dating Game for local singles. Bring your boogie shoes and wear something groovy, you just might meet your happily ever after!"
Saturday, May 16
Crafting: Sewing Saturday
+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free with the cost of museum admission!
More details: "Sewing Saturdays are a chance for guests of any age to learn sewing skills and create a small, take-home project! Don’t worry if this is your first sewing experience — help will be nearby if you need it."
Saturday, May 16
Social: r/Lincoln Potluck Picnic
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: Antelope Park Shelter #2 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come join us for the first Discord picnic of the year! The server spun out of the r/Lincoln subreddit but is its own community. Come join us to meet some of your neighbors. You're welcome to come even if you aren't in the server, if you'd like to join the Discord the invite link is https://discordapp.com/invite/49wKjUk
Sunday, May 17
Community: Paint + Party for Pride
+ When: 1 to 5 pm
+ Where: 2723 N 50th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Star City Pride, First United Methodist Church, and Uni Place Creative District are coming together with a community block party where we’ll be creating the official banner for Star City Pride 2026. Come hang out, get creative, and kick off the annual pride celebration."
Things to do later this year:
Sunday, May 31
Outdoors: Carrying the Torch: NeighborWorks Week 2026 Bike Tour
+ When: 9 to 10:30 am
+ Where: UPCO Park, 2931 N 40th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join us as we ride the trails from UPCO Park to the Jane Snyder Trails Center. Retracing the steps of Lincoln's post-war community builders, organizers, and neighborhood advocates, we'll retell the story of how neighbors came together to confront disinvestment and save the neighborhood, ultimately leading the creation of NeighborWorks Lincoln in 1986 – 40 years ago this year!
This year's NeighborWorks Week bike tour builds on last year's 'Northeast Radial Bike Tour,' delving deeper into the history of Lincoln's first neighborhood associations and their work to reinvest into their neighborhoods.
A bike show, 'Cyclists and Coffee' will follow at the end of the tour at 10:30 am."
Tuesday, May 19
Community: 2026 State of Civic Life Conference
+ When: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $75 | $50 for students
More details: "Civic Nebraska’s State of Civic Life Conference on Tuesday, May 19th 2026 will convene community organizers, civic educators, and system reform advocates to collaborate, educate, and plan for the future of our democracy and civic society in the heartland of the United States."
Wednesday, May 20
Film: Lumière, Le Cinema!
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details about the film: "In one of those wonderful coincidences of history, lumière, the French word for “light,” was also the last name of brothers Auguste and Louis, whose brilliant invention, the cinematograph, helped to inaugurate the most beloved art form of the last 130 years. Institute Lumière director Thierry Frémaux uses Lumière, Le Cinema! to guide the viewer through over a hundred shorts—some famous, some forgotten, some never before seen—directed by Lumière and company."
One night only!
Wednesday, May 20
Music: POET + The Almas + Embers Rise + After Arizona
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $13.86 (including online fees)
Wednesday, May 20
Theater: 'Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words'
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: UNL City Campus - Westbrook Music Building Room 130, 1104 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Drawing directly from Queen Elizabeth’s speeches, letters, and other sources, this play brings the legendary ruler to life through her own voice — revealing her wit, vulnerability, political brilliance and unshakable strength. With a masterful solo performance at its heart, the production invites audiences into the mind and spirit of a woman who defied the limitations of her time and redefined power for generations to come."
Presented by the International Quilt Museum and the Glenn Korff School of Music.
Saturday, May 23
Music: Bad Fruit Fest
+ When: 4 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15.38 (including fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: Local rapper JDreams The Alien is curating an all-local hip-hop festival.
Sunday, May 24
Music: WASTE + CATSCLAW
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $25.43 (with online fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: A night of metalcore!
Friday, May 29
Music: Star Funeral + lazarus go home + figuring it out (18+)
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Star Funeral is a Long Island-based shoegaze emo act. They'll be joined by local indie bands Lazarus Go Home and Figuring It Out.
Sunday, May 31
Books: Silent Book Club
+ When: 2:30 to 4 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come with a book of your choice and spend part of the evening reading quietly. Learn more about Silent Book Clubs here.
Wednesday, June 3
Music: Live @ Telegraph - B Street Band
+ When: 6 to 9 pm
+ Where: The Mill - Telegraph (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: All ages. Bring your family, your pets, and a chair!
Wednesday, June 3
Music: stop.drop.rewind + Blondo + Alli & I
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 advance | $12 day of show
More details: A visit from Northwest Indiana-based progressive power-pop band stop.drop.rewind! Plus local support.
+ stop.drop.rewind: insta / bandcamp
+ Blondo: insta / spotify
+ Alli & I: insta / spotify
Friday, June 5
Music: 156/Silence + The World Without Us + The Tale Untold & Spiral
+ When: 6 pm (doors)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $28.20 (with online fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: Pittsburgh-based metalcore band 156/Silence with support from Nebraska bands.
Saturday, June 6
Market: Pepe's Birthday Bash
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: Pepe's Bistro, 1311 S 11th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available to purchase
More details: Local art + local food + live music + fun!
Saturday, June 13
Music: Humboldt's Quid
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: Gray’s Keg, 104 N 20th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Saturday, July 11
Organizing: Lincoln Tenants United Meeting
+ When: 11 am to 12:30 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Our goal is to build relationships with our neighbors! Expect coffee, connections, and a special training to help us build our tenant power. Reach out to lnktenantsunited@proton.me or (402) 782-1511 if you have any questions or access needs."
Spanish interpretation will be available!
Tuesday, July 21
Music: Alls + KJ Teder + Prairie Princess + Crab Waiver
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Some cool local bands!
Saturday, August 22
Books: 4th Annual Wordstock
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: Auld Pavilion @ Antelope Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!!
More details: "WORDSTOCK attendees will enjoy unlimited books to take home, food trucks, carnival games, along with engaging stories from local celebrity readers who share our passion for literacy."
Also, be on the lookout for book drop locations around Lincoln where you'll be able to donate used books to be distributed at the event.