What to do this weekend - October 16, 2025
I want to give you the impression that I'm out every night obliterating my eardrums.
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln.
For someone who plugs music events so much in the newsletter, I don't make it out to nearly enough shows. I want to give you the impression that I'm out every night obliterating my eardrums cause that's way cooler than what I actually do (i.e., rotting on my couch while obliterating my brain cells on YouTube). But I'm proud to report that I was up way too late last night for a thing at Duffy's. I'm less proud to report that I bowed out before the headliner played, but I still made an appearance. I got to see local punk icons Estrogen Projection perform, so that's something. They're great and oh hey, they've got another gig on November 15. Show up!
I also went out to the Great Plains Art Museum last week to see the new Wild Great Plains exhibit in their downstairs gallery. Saw this guy:
I took a few more photos of cool art. Gonna post them down below to break up the monotony of my events calendar. Still, my pictures don't really do the exhibit justice, so I suggest you go check it out for yourself. The museum's hours kinda suck for anyone who has to work a normal job for a living, but what can you do.
Even though I'm a homebody who doesn't make it to most concerts, I do actually manage to drag myself to a good number of art shows. If you're a new subscriber (thank you by the way), you might enjoy this write-up of the International Quilt Museum's Aftershock exhibit I did a few months back:
Tynan Stewart
Here's a bit of what I wrote at the time:
When I walked into the International Quilt Museum yesterday, I told the woman working the front desk that I was looking for "the Covid exhibit." I knew, on some level, that this wasn't fully accurate; I knew the museum's latest display wasn't just about the pandemic. But, consciously or not, that's clearly what I expected from an art installation explicitly about the year 2020.
To be sure, "Aftershock: The Long Shadow of 2020," which opened earlier this month, contains plenty of artwork about our collective experience of Covid-19. But it's more than just a retrospective on the ravages of death and disease. It's also an examination of that year's chaotic political climate; a reflection on the nationwide uprisings against police violence sparked by the murder of George Floyd; and a visual representation of the crushing emotional reality of surviving a tumultuous, endless year, one agonizing day at a time.
The Aftershock exhibit is open through January, and I really encourage you to go see it, even (especially) if you don't think quilts are your thing. It might open your mind a bit.
What's left to say? I don't know, I'm too tired. I guess I'll shout-out the Uni Place Creative District Maker’s Market, which is happening this Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. I'll be there, selling zines. Come say hello.
Here are some links that caught my eye:
- Lincoln Public Schools paid its former superintendent six figures. He did no work. (Flatwater Free Press)
- Medical marijuana advocates criticize restrictions on cannabis access at hearing (Nebraska Public Media)
- Republican activists launch petition effort to eliminate Nebraska's 'Blue Dot' (Lincoln Journal-Star)
- McCook ICE facility operational by November, Nebraska governor’s office confirms (WOWT)
- UNL relied on statistics to choose programs to cut. Statistics faculty say the analysis was done poorly. (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
Also: Tell your friends about This Week In Lincoln. Word of mouth is my best advertising!
~ Ty
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, October 16
Film: Linda Linda Linda
+ When: 4:50 pm | 7:20 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 4:50 pm | $12 at 7:20 pm
More details from the Ross's website: "Three Japanese teens recruit a Korean exchange student to become the singer of their rock band, in Nobuhiro Yamashita’s effervescent and tenderhearted snapshot of youth, returning to theaters in a 4K restoration for the film’s 20th anniversary."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, October 16
Film: Suspended Time
+ When: 5 pm | 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5 pm | $12 at 7:15 pm
More details from the Ross's website: "A film director returns to his childhood home in provincial France with his brother and his girlfriend and discovers isolation to be an artistic curative in this neurotic comedy from master filmmaker Olivier Assayas."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, October 16
Lecture: Phil Clark, Professor of International Politics at SOAS University of London (2025 Carroll R. Pauley Lecture)
+ When: 4 to 5:30 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Union Room: Platte River Room South, 1400 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from UNL's website: "The 2025 Pauley Lecture examines Rwanda’s paradoxical trajectory since Paul Kagame became President in 2000. While the country has attracted regular criticism for its crackdown on dissent at home and abroad and its involvement in conflict in the wider Great Lakes region, it has experienced a remarkable recovery since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi."
Thursday, October 16
Lecture: Cultural historian Margaretta Lovell (Hixson-Lied Visiting Artist & Scholar Lecture)
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: Ethel S. Abbott Auditorium, Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from UNL's website: "Lovell works at the intersection of history, art/architectural history and anthropology. She holds the Jay D. McEvoy, Jr., Chair in the History of American Art at the University of California Berkeley and studies material culture, painting, architecture and design in England, France and North America from the 17th century to the present."
Thursday, October 16
Music: Nebraska Jazz Orchestra 50th Anniversary Concert 1: 1975-1984
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: The Lincoln Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, 333 South 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $28 for adults | $10 for students
The first of five concerts covering the orchestra's five decades of existence. Learn more here.
Thursday, October 16
Social: Nerd Nite: Tea, Shadow People, & The Politics of Higher Education
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
More details: "October Nerd Nite brings an evening steeped with talks! Nerd Nite is a casual monthly event featuring fun talks, audience participation, & booze. Nerds & non-nerds alike gather to meet, drink and learn about all kinds of cool stuff."
Thursday, October 16
Theater: Two Pink Lines
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Johnny Carson Theater, Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $26 | $22 for seniors | $18 for students
An OmniArts Nebraska production. More details: "Told with humor and with gravity, Two Pink Lines invites you into the interconnected lives of several people experiencing pregnancy or lack thereof, adoption, and the exploration of reproductive rights. Focusing on a female point of view, the queer perspective is also featured. Everyone faces different challenges, but it’s a small world after all…"
More showings through Sunday, October 19!
Friday, October 17
Friday, October 17
Film: Alien (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 6:45 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "In Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic, the crew of the starship Nostromo is awakened from cryo-sleep to investigate a distress call from a desolate planet, inadvertently unleashing a monstrous alien lifeform."
Friday, October 17
Film: Sunshine (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 9:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "With dazzling visuals, an iconic film score, and claustrophobic horror, Danny Boyle’s twisty sci-fi thriller follows a group of astronauts on a dangerous mission to reignite Earth’s dying Sun."
Friday, October 17
Film: Strange Journey
+ When: 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12
More details from the Ross's website: "A joyful and wild ride through the tale of the cultural juggernaut that is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. From its humble origins as a London fringe theater play, the documentary tracks its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection to become the biggest cult film of all time."
More showings scheduled through October 22.
Friday, October 17
Film: Urchin
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details from the Ross's website: "Slyly funny and imbued with a warm humanity, Harris Dickinson’s thrilling directorial debut follows a young addict living on the streets of London."
More showings scheduled through October 23.
Friday, October 17
Music: Musical Bookworms and Instrument Petting Zoo with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra
+ When: 10:30 to 11 am
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 South 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the library's website: "We're partnering with Lincoln Symphony Orchestra to help spread their mission of inspiring experiences for families to discover and cultivate a connection with orchestral music. LSO will join us at this music-themed storytime and share their Instrument Petting Zoo after!"
Friday, October 17
Social: Nebraska Tamagotchi Club, October Meetup
+ When: 5 to 9 pm
+ Where: Mana Games, 701 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from their Instagram page: "We’ll be meeting up at @managameslnk on October 17th in their party room. We have the room reserved from 5-9 so feel free to come hang out with us. I’ll be bringing stuff to make little perler bead magnets for everyone. I can’t wait to see you and your tamas there ❤️"
Friday, October 17
Theater: Hamlet
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $16.50 for students, $26.00 for the public (Buy tickets)
A dance production of The Bard's classic tragedy.
More details: "Experience Shakespeare’s exhilarating tale of revenge, love, and madness in a groundbreaking collaboration between Toronto dance company Côté Danse and renowned multidisciplinary company Ex Machina. This spectacular fusion of theater and dance combines the artistic visions of Robert Lepage (Cirque du Soleil, The Metropolitan Opera) and Côté Danse’s founder Guillaume Côté in “a can’t-miss dance event of the year” (The Toronto Guardian). Immerse yourself in a world of deceptive appearances, where ghosts and humans rub shoulders among light and shadows in this innovative retelling of the classic Shakespearean drama."
Saturday, October 18
Saturday, October 18
Film: Sinners (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 6:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. A masterful fusion of visual storytelling and toe-tapping music, writer-director Ryan Coogler’s horror blockbuster reveals the full scope of his singular imagination."
Saturday, October 18
Film: Vampire Hunter D (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 9:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "A special 40th anniversary screening of the cult classic anime. In the year 12,090 AD, technology and the supernatural have overtaken the world. When Doris is chosen as the next bride for a vampire Count, she hires a mysterious vampire hunter known only as D in an attempt to escape her ill-gotten fate."
Saturday, October 18
Music: Hannah Sandoz + Happy John + KJ Teder
+ When: 6:30 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Reactor, 2124 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
Some cool acts! Links to socials and music and stuff:
+ Hannah Sandoz: bandcamp / website / insta / linktree
+ Happy John: spotify / insta
+ KJ Teder: website / spotify / insta
Saturday, October 18
Protest: No Kings 2.0
+ When: 10:18 am
+ Where: Capitol, 1445 K St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: It's a protest! It's free! Just show up!
More details from the organizers: "Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together."
Saturday, October 18
Stock Show: Regional Nebraska Tower on the Plains Rabbit Show
+ When: 8:30 am
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Rabbits! So cute!
Sunday, October 19
Sunday, October 19
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.
Sunday, October 19
Market: Uni Place Creative District Maker’s Market
+ When: 10 am to 2 pm
+ Where: 2649 North 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
I will also be tabling here!!! Come by and get some of my zines!!!
Sunday, October 19
Music: Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra: Emotional Tapestry
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $25 for adults
More details here: "After opening with Franz Schubert’s romantic Unfinished Symphony, LSO performs Sarah Gibson’s warp & weft, a work for orchestra inspired by traditional women’s art techniques, specifically weaving. Following intermission, internationally acclaimed pianist Michael McHale joins LSO to perform Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s stunning Piano Concerto No. 1."
Things to do next week:
Monday, October 20
Public Meeting: City Council
+ When: 3 to 5 pm
+ Where: Council Chambers, County/City Building, 555 South 10th St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted.
Tuesday, October 21
Birds: Third Tuesday Bird Outings
+ When: 8 to 10 am
+ Where: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th St., Denton, NE 68339 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But registration is required.
More details: "Join an experienced birding guide and fellow birding enthusiasts for an outing along the prairie trails. Learn the birds of the prairie from spring migration to summer breeding and fall migration. Great for beginners and experts alike. Binoculars will be available for use."
Wednesday, October 22
Workshop: Photography: The Art of Noticing
+ When: 6 to 7 pm
+ Where: Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the church's website: "Photography is more than using a camera — it’s about learning to see. In this two-session workshop, join professional photographer and educator Antonio M. Rosario as he shares simple ways to notice the details, light, and moments that make images more engaging, and build “visual literacy” by looking at and discussing great photographs. All cameras are welcome — from smartphones to DSLRs — and the workshop is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced photographers looking for fresh ideas."
Thursday, October 23
Literary: Nebraska Storytelling Festival
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: The Scottish Rite Ballroom by Venue, 332 Centennial Mall S (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 cash at the door
A little light on details but sounds potentially cool: "The festival will bring together 10 people who have interesting and compelling personal stories to tell."
Thursday, October 23
Theater: Little Shop of Horrors
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: The TADA Theatre, 701 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $22.25 | $20.18 for students (Buy tickets)
More details from the theater's website: "This show is a non-stop blast, sci-fi horror comedy, love story and rock musical that has become one of the most treasured pieces of American musical theatre. Paying homage to doo-wop and Motown recordings, the story follows a luckless florist shop worker, who raises a wisecracking carnivorous plant. He delights in the fame and fortune that his ever-growing plant attracts, including his co-worker Audrey, the girl of his dreams. But soon the plant has ideas of its own, including world domination!"
The show is playing from October 16 to November 2, but many nights are already sold out!
Friday, October 24
Spooky: Nightmare On White Elm Street: A Halloween Party
+ When: 2 to 10 pm
+ Where: White Elm Brewing Company, 720 Van Dorn St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Doesn't seem to be a cover!
More details from their Facebook page: "It’s almost that time… our HUGE family-friendly Halloween brewery bash is just over two weeks away! You guys really made last year special, and we can’t wait to celebrate the spookiest day of the year again this October 24th! Come get spooky with us at White Elm for a full day of beer, bites, music, and mystical mischief 🍂"
Saturday, October 25
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.
Sunday, October 26
Music: Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra: The Orchestra Moves
+ When: 4 pm
+ Where: Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 for adults | $5 for youth
More details: "Join LSO for “The Orchestra Moves,” a national program of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, to learn about how melodies are shaped and music moves us! Together we’ll explore rhythm, musical characters, and the instruments of the orchestra. Join us one hour before the concert for complimentary face painting, an instrument petting zoo, crafts, and other family activities. This event is presented in collaboration with the Lied Center for Performing Arts."
Things to do later this year:
Wednesday, October 29
Music: Callback + Joyrager + Infielder + Red Maker
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 | $10 for minors
Links to music, websites and socials:
+ Callback: spotify / insta
+ Joyrager: linktree / spotify / insta / youtube
+ Infielder: spotify / insta
+ Red Maker: spotify / insta
Wednesday, October 29
Trivia: Spooky Movie Trivia
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details on their Facebook page: "From cult classics to creepy slashers, we’re testing your fright-night knowledge."
Friday, Oct. 31 & Saturday, Nov. 1
Rodeo: UNL Barrels and Roping Contest
+ When: Friday: 8 am to 8 pm | Saturday: 9 am to 3 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Tons of events, including breakaway roping, goat tying and barrel racing jackpots. Find a full list of events on the Sandhills Event Center's website.
Sunday, November 2
Music: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $24.50 for students, $39 for the public (Buy tickets)
More details: "Experience an evening of unparalleled artistry and musical mastery with the sensational Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by nine-time Grammy Award winning trumpeter and music director Wynton Marsalis. Bringing the art form of jazz from the heart of New York City to audiences around the world, this sensational 15-member ensemble celebrates the spirit of jazz and its enduring influence performing a vast repertoire from historic compositions to newly commissioned works."
Monday, November 3
Community Meeting: Justice in Action's Community Problems Assembly
+ When: 6:30 pm
+ Where: Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! Everyone is welcome.
More details from Justice in Action's Facebook page: "At this gathering, hundreds of people from across our community will come together to hear the results of Justice in Action’s listening process — dozens of house meetings where community members shared their concerns, struggles, and hopes for Lincoln and Lancaster County. Based on what we heard, we will vote to select a new community priority to work on, adding to our ongoing campaigns on pre-trial diversion and pre-eviction mediation."
Tuesday, November 4
Music: Ada Lea + Madeline Reddel
+ When: 6:30 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Reactor Coffee (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 advance tickets | $12 DOS
Links to their music and cool stuff:
+ Ada Lea: bandcamp / linktree / insta
+ Madeline Reddel: website / insta / youtube
Wednesday, November 5
Trivia: A24 Filmography
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
More details from Saro's Facebook page: "From Hereditary to Everything Everywhere All At Once, from Lady Bird to The Green Knight — it’s time to test your knowledge of the studio that gave us some of the most iconic, unsettling, and beautiful films of the past decade."
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.
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.
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
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!"
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, 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."
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.
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)
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.
