What to do this weekend - November 6, 2025
Plus a cool food drive story and a roundup of news links.
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln. There's a ton of stuff happening this weekend, including First Friday gallery openings and a bunch of cool concerts. A reminder that this newsletter has no ads or sponsored events, so everything here is just something I think might be worth your time. (No guarantees, mileage may vary.)
This was cool to see. Not only did Sower Books get an overwhelming response to their call for donations to the Food Bank of Lincoln, but folks also immediately stepped up to help transport the tsunami of donations. I was going to plug their call for help today, but now there's no need! Sower also has another food drive event scheduled for Saturday, though you can drop off food and personal care items other days through November 21 (or whenever the government shutdown ends):
It's been a while since I did a roundup of news links. So here's a bunch of stuff I've been paying attention to:
- UNL faculty to hold no-confidence vote against Bennett amid budget cuts (The Daily Nebraskan)
- Committee votes against many of UNL’s $27.5M cuts, calls for delay (The Daily Nebraskan)
- Dan Osborn's Senate campaign, PAC have paid $114K to company co-owned by wife (Lincoln Journal-Star)
- Nebraska sues nonprofits, key funder, alleging they financed ballot initiatives with ‘foreign money’ (Nebraska Examiner)
- Questions, concerns cloud Nebraska SNAP food benefits, despite judge’s order (Nebraska Examiner)
- Nebraska lawmaker accused of groping staff member at party (Lincoln Journal-Star)
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
This newsletter is free to read but if you want to support my work, please consider signing up as a paid subscriber. It's just $5 a month or $50 for a year. (I also have a Patreon and a tip jar if that's more your thing.) I know times are hard, so please don't feel pressure to pay if it would hurt you financially — that's the last thing I want! (Alternatively, sharing this newsletter with a friend is free and would also be much appreciated.)
Thursday, November 6
Thursday, November 6
Lecture: Julia Blaut on the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg
+ When: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! Registration encouraged.
More details from the museum's website: "Julia Blaut, senior director of curatorial affairs at the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, will deliver a lecture about Rauschenberg’s enduring legacy with special attention to his prints and Leo Steinberg’s concept of the flatbed picture plane. This lecture is presented in conjunction with Sheldon Museum of Art’s exhibition Robert Rauschenberg and the Flatbed Picture Plane and Robert Rauschenberg’s centennial celebration."
Thursday, November 6
Film: Blue Moon
+ When: 4:50 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details from the Ross's website: "On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke) confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi’s bar as his former collaborator Richard Rodgers celebrates the opening night of his ground-breaking hit musical 'Oklahoma!'"
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, November 6
Film: The Mastermind
+ When: 7:20 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12
More details from the Ross's website: " In a sedate corner of Massachusetts circa 1970, JB Mooney (Josh O’Connor), an unemployed carpenter turned amateur art thief, plans his first big heist. When things go haywire, his life unravels."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, November 6
Music: Hannah Juanita + Mose Wilson + Sean Pratt
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $17.45
Thursday, November 6
Social: Weekly Leftist Meetup
+ When: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
+ Where: Meadowlark, 1624 South St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Organized by the Lincoln branch of the DSA: "Need a break or wanna vent a bit. Come join us for coffee and conversation at Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso these Thursdays in November."
Friday, November 7
Friday, November 7
Music: Funk Trek
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
A cool jazz funk band from Omaha!
Friday, November 7
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, November 7
Art: First Friday at the Great Plains Art Museum
+ When: 5 pm to 7 pm
+ Where: Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
All the galleries are worth visiting, but I especially recommend seeing “Wild Great Plains,” which I plugged in a previous issue of this newsletter.
Friday, November 7
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."
More showings through November 20.
Friday, November 7
Film: Wisdom of Happiness
+ When: 5 pm | 7 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5 pm | $12 at 7 pm
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."
More showings through November 13.
Friday, November 7
Food: Food Fight Night
+ When: 2 to 5:30 pm
+ Where: Indian Center, 1100 Military Rd. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free!
More details: "Food Fight Night is a zero waste event where participants will learn and connect through play in the Festival of Sustainability! You will learn about the journey of food waste from cultivation to compost. Safety glasses are provided, but you will want to bring a towel! You can also bring a shirt for screen printing!"
Friday, November 7
Fundraiser: Support Lincoln High School Theatre with A Novel Idea!
+ When: noon to 7:30 pm
+ Where: A Novel Idea Bookstore, 118 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Come buy books and raise money for a good cause!
Go shop at A Novel Idea anytime from noon to 7:30 pm. The store is donating 10% of all sales to Lincoln High School Theatre. Then, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, you can enjoy treats and the antics of costumed actors!
Friday, November 7
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."
Friday, November 7
Music: Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra: Exploring The Expanse
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $50 for adults | $10 for young professionals | $5 for 18 and under (Buy tickets here)
More details from the Lied Center's website: "Depicting the shape of a solar system in loops and spirals, LSO opens with Missy Mazzoli’s Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres). LSO principal trombonist Scott Anderson takes the stage to perform Ferdinand David’s virtuosic Concertino for Trombone. After intermission, the orchestra performs Gustav Holst’s The Planets, an epic journey through our solar system."
Friday, November 7
Music: Moxie Mauve + DJ Rugburn + DJ Beetlebitch + Melo Vibes + Cash Too
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 suggested donation
Big dance show incoming!
Saturday, November 8
Saturday, November 8
Music: 9th Annual Movember Showcase
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10. All proceeds will benefit The Wellbeing Initiative.
More details from the 1867 Bar's website: "This is an all ages event welcoming anyone & everyone! The focus is on men’s mental health issues as this is commonly overlooked in our society. As well as a cost drive for the boys at Whitehall! Come join us for a night of music to SPEAK UP about men’s mental health!"
Music from Love & Gumption, Million Dollar Veins, On Hiatus (Des Moines), and Hosting Monsters.
Saturday, November 8
Books: Meet the author: Jordan Trygg
+ When: 11 am
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Come meet a spicy small-town romance writer.
Saturday, November 8
Civic Engagement: Observer Corps Information/Training Session
+ When: 10:30 am
+ Where: Scooters - Rockledge meeting room, 2901 S. 84th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But registration is required. Only two spots left as of Wednesday afternoon!
More details about the Observer Corps here: "Observers attend governmental meetings, note what happens at the meeting and report back to the League. Observers monitor both the issues being discussed, especially issues that are League priorities, as well as how they are being discussed and acted on."
Saturday, November 8
Food Drive: Good Neighbor 2.0: Food Bank of Lincoln Collection
+ When: 4 to 6 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
Organized by Indivisible Nebraska. More details:
Drop off donations at the event or support Sower's food drive now through Nov 21 (or until the shutdown ends). Most Needed Items:
- Canned goods (Select cans with pop-top lids)
- Peanut Butter
- Boxed dinners & sides
- Instant Oatmeal, cereal
- Granola bars, dried fruit, nuts
- Personal hygiene items
Monetary donations can also be made online at www.lincolnfoodbank.org/indivisible-ne-lincoln-virtual-food-drive
Saturday, November 8
Market: Community Free Market
+ When: 10 to 11:30 am
+ Where: Loren Corey Eiseley Library, 1530 Superior St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
From the Facebook page: "It’s like a yard sale, except everything is free!” Celebrating 13 years! Find more details at the link above.
Saturday, November 8
Market: Lincoln High School Vendor & Vintage Market
+ When: 10 am to 3 pm
+ Where: Lincoln High School, 2229 J St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free to attend, but come support local artists and vendors!
Saturday, November 8
Music: The Pocket Architects + The Memphis Rejects
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More Omaha bands! Links to their music and socials:
+ The Pocket Architects: insta / youtube / website
+ The Memphis Rejects: insta
Saturday, November 8
Science: Investigate: Rocks Rock!
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall, 645 North 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Event included with museum admission.
More details from the museum's Facebook page: "Explore the rocks and minerals that make our world and the other worlds in our universe.🪨 UNSM's educators and education interns will lead a variety of hands-on activities exploring rocks and minerals throughout our universe.🪐"
Sunday, November 9
Sunday, November 9
Music: Mexican Slum Rats + Love Letter + Valley Street
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15 | $18 for under 21
Some cool bands! Links to their music and socials:
+ Mexican Slum Rats: spotify / insta / website
+ Love Letter: spotify / insta / linktree
+ Valley Street: bandcamp / insta
Sunday, November 9
Crafting: Creative Collage Club
+ When: 1 to 4 pm
+ Where: STUFF creative reuse store, 733 Hill St. Suite B. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 (Buy tickets here)
More details from STUFF's website: "Join us for Collage Club at Stuff Creative Reuse! We’ll have plenty of supplies ready for you to cut, paste, and create your own masterpiece. Feel free to bring your own favorite scraps, clippings, or bits and pieces to make it even more personal."
Sunday, November 9
Outdoors: Autumn Walk in the Woods
+ When: 1:30 to 3 pm
+ Where: Prairie Pines, 3100 N 112th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from their website: "Enjoy the change in season with nature expert, Bob Hendrickson, UNL Horticultural Program Coordinator at the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Dress for cold weather. In case of inclement weather, watch our website for updates: https://prairiepines.org/"
Sunday, November 9
Writing: Intro to Creative Writing
+ When: 2 to 3:30 pm
+ Where: Gere Branch Library, Meeting Room 2, 2400 South 56th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But registration is required.
More details from the library's website: "November is National Novel Writing Month. Join us on Sundays in November for writing sessions designed to help encourage you to write creatively. We encourage writers of all levels to join. Bring a laptop, notebook, and pen, or whatever writing tools you prefer. Registration is required."
Things to do next week:
Friday, Nov. 14 & Saturday, Nov. 15
Market: Friends of the International Quilt Museum’s annual Art Market
+ When: Friday: 11 am to 5 pm | Saturday: 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!"
Monday, November 10
Civic Engagement: Observer Corps Information/Training Session
+ When: 6:30 to 8 pm
+ Where: Zoom (Link here)
+ Cost: Free! But registration is required. Plenty of spots left!
More details about the Observer Corps here: "Observers attend governmental meetings, note what happens at the meeting and report back to the League. Observers monitor both the issues being discussed, especially issues that are League priorities, as well as how they are being discussed and acted on."
Tuesday, November 11
Public Meeting: Lincoln Board of Education
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted online.
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
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
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.
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
Music: Drumstick Dance Party
+ When: 7 to 11 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But donations appreciated
With appearances from Estrogen Projection and Get Smart!
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, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16
Festival: Lincoln Nerd Fest
+ When: Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm | Sunday: 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."
Things to do later this year:
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.
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.
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!"
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."
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."
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)