What to do this weekend - November 13, 2025
Plus a rant about Dan Osborn.
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln.
I'm leaving town this weekend — in fact I'll be on a plane when this issue of the newsletter hits your inbox — and I'm mad about it. There's so much I'd be doing if I was staying in Lincoln: A film festival! The quilt museum's annual art market! The Lincoln nerd fest! An Estrogen Projection concert! Go find something fun and email me about it so I can live vicariously through you.
But before you do, I've also got an update to one of the local(ish) stories I've been following:
The Nebraska Examiner wrote about Dan Osborn, but if you're someone who pays even cursory attention to Nebraska politics, their story probably won't tell you anything you don't already know. The only thing that stuck out to me is what Osborn had to say about immigration — which, again, is not new. But his decision to style himself as someone who'll be "tough on the border" but like in a professional way (whatever that means) continues to disturb me. From the Examiner:
Osborn said he supports stronger border security. He ran an ad in the previous cycle offering to help Trump build his border wall. He said Trump has done a good job securing the border but he doesn’t like how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Trump have been making light of enforcement.
ICE and other government agencies have used online memes to gain attention and rile up a part of the GOP base. Homeland Security, for instance, posted an AI-generated photo of a cornfield this year with ears wearing ICE hats and a caption of “Coming Soon: The Cornhusker Clink.”
Trump posted “‘I love the smell of deportations in the morning” with an edited photo of himself depicted as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore from the Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now.
“Even if you think it’s funny, that is not professional coming from the White House,” Osborn said.
Sure, the memes are repulsive. I hate them deeply! But I don't think the problem with the Trump administration's deportation policies is that they aren't serious and dignified enough. It's that ICE is shooting people, kidnapping toddlers and terrorizing whole communities. The aesthetic horror of DHS posting AI slop on Twitter is ultimately far less concerning than the actual material suffering that ICE is inflicting on citizens and non-citizens, and it would be nice if the Osborn campaign could at least acknowledge that!
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
Thanks for reading!
~ Ty
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Thursday, November 13
Thursday, November 13
Film: No Man's Land Film Festival
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 to 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Nebraska Union: Swanson Auditorium, 1400 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
More details: "As the premier all-women adventure film festival, No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF) celebrates the full scope of female athletes and adventurers. The goal of the NMLFF is to “un-define feminine” in adventure and sport through film by creating safe and inclusive platforms that further champion women, transgender, and gender-fluid communities and show them the respect, support, and media recognition they deserve."
Learn more about the No Man's Land Film Festival here.
Thursday, November 13
Books: Books on Tap at Saro Cider
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
Find full details on Saro's Instagram page! But basically, you bring a favorite book; make a quick (1 to 2 minute) pitch on why other people should read it; and then stay for some silent reading.
Thursday, November 13
Books: Visiting Author – Max Perry Mueller in conversation with Gabriel Bruguier
+ When: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
They'll be discussing Mueller's new book, Wakara’s America: The Life and Legacy of a Native Founder of the American West.
Thursday, November 13
Film: Nuremberg
+ When: 6:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12
More details from the Ross's website: "As the Nuremberg trials are set to begin, a U.S. Army psychiatrist (Rami Malek) gets locked in a dramatic psychological showdown with accused Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) in this gripping thriller."
Thursday, November 13
Film: Wisdom of Happiness
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details from the Ross's website: "In this deeply intimate documentary, Tenzin Gyatso, known to billions around the world as the Dalai Lama, talks directly to the camera about inner peace, happiness and potential for a peaceful and happy 21st century."
Last chance to see this at the Ross.
Thursday, November 13
Food: Snap Back at Hunger Community Potluck
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: DAME, 2713 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
The first of two community meals hosted by DAME this month! More details from their Instagram: "At both events, you are welcome to come and enjoy a warm meal, community, companionship, and conversation, regardless of whether you can contribute. DAME is our community's home and we are your family. Come enjoy an evening with us!"
For more information, reach out to Cassie via DAME's social media accounts or email dame.lincoln.ne@gmail.com
Thursday, November 13
Poetry: Lincoln Poetry Slam
+ When: 6:30 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N. Cotner (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 suggested donation
Monthly open mic and poetry slam! Find more details here if you want to perform.
Thursday, November 13
Public Meeting: Historic Preservation Commission
+ When: 2 to 4:30 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.
Thursday, November 13
Public Meeting: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
+ When: 4 to 5 pm
+ Where: Woods Park Place, Parks and Recreation (3rd floor, Large Conference Room) 3131 O St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted online.
Friday, November 14
Friday, November 14
Market: Friends of the International Quilt Museum’s annual Art Market
+ When: 11 am to 5 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, and includes entry to the museum! But there will be art for sale.
More details from the museum's Instagram: "Featuring the work of several artists from the surrounding area, Art Market is a perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local artists. Explore pottery, stained glass, textiles and so much more!"
Continues on Saturday.
Friday, November 14
Books: Kailee Pedersen
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from Sower Books's instagram: "Friday Night Fright with horror author Kailee Pedersen -- returning to her hometown of Lincoln to celebrate the paperback release of her blood-soaked, Nebraska-based Sacrificial Animals."
Friday, November 14
Film: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 | Free tickets for UNL students
More details from the Ross's website: "ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST tells the story of a free-spirited rogue (Jack Nicholson) who takes over the ward of a mental hospital by a combination of chutzpah and ingenuity. The film is based on Ken Kesey’s best-selling novel published in 1962. Using the madhouse to symbolize the individual against the system, the story gets its power from its unforgettable ensemble of characters and accretion of details that reveal what life is about inside a mental institution."
One other showing at 3 pm on November 15.
Friday, November 14
Music: Humboldt's Quid + Gravekey + Sonny B + The Vellichors
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
Some local-ish rock bands!
Friday, November 14
Music: Ro Hempel Band
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details from the Zoo Bar's Facebook page: "Formed in 2013 and hailing from the heart of the Midwest, this Nebraska quintet will keep you moving and entertained with a solid mix of original reggae, rock, ska and funk."
Saturday, November 15
Saturday, November 15
Books: 2025 Nebraska Celebration of Books
+ When: 10 am to 5:30 pm
+ Where: Second floor of the Nebraska Union, 1400 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
A big celebration of Nebraska authors and books. There's a bunch of cool events and talks happening all day, and the festival will conclude with the announcement of this year's pick for the One Book One Nebraska program.
Saturday, November 15
Art: Sip + Shop
+ When: 10 am to 5 pm
+ Where: LUX Center for the Arts, 2601 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free, but there will be art available for purchase
More details from the LUX Center's website: "Make your holiday shopping even more festive with Sip + Shop Saturdays at the LUX! Every Saturday during Gifted 2025, enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while browsing a curated collection of handmade art, jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, textiles, prints, and more from local and national artists."
Saturday, November 15
Market: Friends of the International Quilt Museum’s annual Art Market
+ When: 10 am to 4 pm
+ Where: International Quilt Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free, and includes entry to the museum! But there will be art for sale.
More details from the museum's Instagram: "Featuring the work of several artists from the surrounding area, Art Market is a perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local artists. Explore pottery, stained glass, textiles and so much more!"
Saturday, November 15
Music: Drumstick Dance Party
+ When: 6 pm (documentary screening), 7 to 11 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But donations appreciated
Come out and celebrate the legendary Lincoln music venue. There will be music from Estrogen Projection and Get Smart! What's not to like!
Saturday, November 15
Music: Katy Guillen & The Drive
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12
Saturday, November 15
Music: The Zooeys + Smoke In the Sunlight + The Owls
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $13.86
Some cool local acts! Links to their music and socials:
+ The Zooeys: bandcamp / website / linktree / insta
+ Smoke In the Sunlight: spotify / linktree / insta
Saturday, November 15
Festival: Lincoln Nerd Fest
+ When: 10 am to 8 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 for adults | Free for kids 12 & under
More details from the organizers: "Lincoln Nerd Fest is a family friendly event that offers a variety of entertainment options. Buy, Sell and Trade as you explore artist alley. Hop in on a DND one shot or join an MTG, Pokemon or Lorcana tournament. Embrace your inner child as you play themed carnival style games like ring toss Diglett."
Continues on Sunday.
Sunday, November 16
Sunday, November 16
Books: Book Signing and Conversation with Pastor Rebecca J. Craig
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free!
Rebecca will be discussing her book, Through Her Eyes: Biblical Women Speak.
Sunday, November 16
Festival: Lincoln Nerd Fest
+ When: 10 am to 6 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 for adults | Free for kids 12 & under
More details from the organizers: "Lincoln Nerd Fest is a family friendly event that offers a variety of entertainment options. Buy, Sell and Trade as you explore artist alley. Hop in on a DND one shot or join an MTG, Pokemon or Lorcana tournament. Embrace your inner child as you play themed carnival style games like ring toss Diglett."
Sunday, November 16
Music: UNL Opera: Hansel and Gretel
+ When: 2 pm
+ Where: Kimball Recital Hall, 1113 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $21.50 for adults | $11.50 for students and seniors | Buy tickets here
Other showings (including a reduced cost, piano-only show especially intended for families with young children) on Friday and Saturday. See all showtimes here.
Sunday, November 16
Science: Sunday with a Scientist
+ When: noon to 3 pm
+ Where: University of Nebraska State Museum, Morrill Hall, 1335 U St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free with museum admission!
More details: "Sunday with a Scientist gives people the opportunity to learn from real scientists about special topics and careers within the scientific field. Learn from Dr. Limei Zhang & Dr. Kurt Piepenbrink from UNL’s College of Arts and Sciences about biochemistry!"
Sunday, November 16
Stock Show: Nebraska State Poultry Show
+ When: Showroom opens at 8 am
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Sunday, November 16
Theater: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
+ When: 2 pm
+ Where: Miller Lab Theatre, Elder Memorial Speech and Theater Center, Nebraska Wesleyan, Huntington Ave. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure about ticket prices! | Buy tickets here
More details: "This holiday season, give yourself the gift of Jane Austen. The Bennet sisters gather for Christmas at Darcy's Pemberley estate. And love could finally be in the air for spinster Mary--assuming the soulmates can pull their noses out of their books long enough to smell it. Will Mary meet her match in this Pride and Prejudice sequel? It might just take a Christmas miracle. Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon"
Things to do next week:
Sunday, November 23
Fundraiser: Harvest Burrito Benefit at Pepe's Bistro
+ When: 11 am to 3 pm
+ Where: Pepe's Bistro, 1311 S 11th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: All proceeds will benefit ECHO Collective
More details: "Pepe's menu will feature burritos and beverages. Our entrepreneurs will be selling tasty desserts, and you can catch the ECHO team helping out in the kitchen."
Monday, November 17
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, November 18
Public Meeting: Pedestrian/Bicycle Advisory Committee
+ When: 7 to 8 am
+ Where: Woods Park Place, Parks & Recreation Large Conference Room, 3131 O St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted online.
Thursday, November 20
Music: Gasoline Lollipops + Clarence Tilton
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15 | Buy tickets here
Links to the bands' music and socials:
+ Gasoline Lollipops: spotify / youtube / linktree / insta
+ Clarence Tilton: spotify / youtube / linktree / insta
Friday, November 21
Books: Silent Book Club
+ When: 6:30 to 10 pm
+ Where: Branched Oak Observatory, 14300 NW 98th St. Raymond, NE 68428 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Find more details on the observatory's website. Not sure what a silent book club is? See this website for more details.
Saturday, November 22
Community Meeting: Lincoln Alliance November Meeting
+ When: 10:30 am to noon
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Learn more about the Lincoln Alliance here.
Saturday, November 22
Market: Who Arted? The Holiday Edition
+ When: 4 to 8 pm
+ Where: Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items for puchase.
Organized by Gilded Gecko.
Sunday, November 23
Market: Lincoln Totally Rad Vintage Festival
+ When: 11 am to 3 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8 in advance | $12 day of the event | $25 for early entry
More details: "Step into a time warp of style and nostalgia at Totally Rad Vintage Fest! Our totally radical vendors specialize in iconic clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras, while also offering a diverse selection of records, toys, video games, home goods, and more to complete your ultimate nostalgic shopping experience!"
Things to do later this year:
Thursday, November 27
Food: 2nd Annual Chosen Family Thanksgiving Dinner
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: DAME, 2713 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
The second of two community meals hosted by DAME this month! More details from their Instagram: "At both events, you are welcome to come and enjoy a warm meal, community, companionship, and conversation, regardless of whether you can contribute. DAME is our community's home and we are your family. Come enjoy an evening with us!"
For more information, reach out to Cassie via DAME's social media accounts or email dame.lincoln.ne@gmail.com
Friday, November 28
Music: The Surfrajettes + Bethlehem Shalom
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 advance tickets | $25 DOS (Buy tickets)
Tuesday, December 2
Music: Nebraska Jazz Orchestra 50th Anniversary Concert II: 1985-1994
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: The Lincoln Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, 333 South 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $28 for adults | $10 for students
The second of five concerts covering the orchestra's five decades of existence. Learn more here.
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 $50 for student, 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!"
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."
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 from the event Facebook page: "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."
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: $12.00 for members | $15.00 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: $15 advance | $20 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❗"
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."
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 in 2026:
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, January 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
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