What to do this weekend - October 30, 2025
Small acts of communal solidarity may not be sufficient but they sure feel necessary.
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln. A lot of new folks have signed up recently, which I really appreciate. Thanks for being here.
This list of local resources seems pretty important. I don't know who put it together and I haven't vetted every link on the list, but there's enough places and names I recognize to give me confidence that it's legit. Please share it with someone who might need a little help:
And this too, which was complied by Community Critters:
About 1 in 13 Nebraskans rely on SNAP and any break in that program's funding — which now seems inevitable — is going to cause a lot of pain. I read this story a few days ago and this quote from a guy who helps organize Lincoln’s Little Free Pantries got to me:
“It’s like a tidal wave of hunger is coming our way, and we’re already dogpaddling through this ocean of terror.”
I sometimes wonder whether it's possible to live through ugly times and still come out unscathed. If you're constantly pummeled by incessant reminders of other people's cruelty, does it start to warp your soul? I hope not. But I made the dubious choice to read the Facebook comments on this Washington Post story about folks in McCook who are upset about the new ICE facility in their backyards. Don't make that mistake, unless you really want to see an endless parade of assholes saying that all Nebraskans are unrepentant bigots who deserve what they're getting.
I felt a little better when I saw this yesterday:
Like most folks I know, I try to be a good person (whatever that means). I know little individual actions are never gonna be enough when we've got massive systemic problems to solve. But also: Things would be so much worse if we gave up on the project of being halfway decent to our neighbors. Do you want to live in that world? I don't. And I also don't think any of us deserve a society that callous. So I guess what I'm saying is that small acts of communal solidarity may not be sufficient to save us right now, but they sure feel necessary.
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
Right now, I'm especially looking for any ongoing mutual aid or community projects that might be worth highlighting and including in this weekly calendar. If you know of something cool that deserves more recognition, I wanna hear about it.
~ Ty
This is where I'd usually ask you to sign up as a paid subscriber to support my writing. And I'll definitely do that again in future. But for now I'd much rather you send money to an organization that can actually help people. Maybe the Lincoln Food Bank or one of the other community groups listed in that resource doc I shared above.
Thursday, October 30
Thursday, October 30
Music: Pure Brown + Machete Archive + Sweats
+ When: 6 to 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
Killer rock bands! Links to their music and socials and stuff:
+ Pure Brown: spotify / insta
+ Machete Archive: spotify / linktree / insta
+ Sweats: bandcamp / insta
Thursday, October 30
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!""
More showings through November 6!
Thursday, October 30
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."
More showings through November 6!
Thursday, October 30
Hockey: Lincoln Stars vs. Sioux City Musketeers
+ When: 7:05 pm
+ Where: The Ice Box, 1880 Transformation Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $10 (Buy here)
Thursday, October 30
Public Meeting: Waste Matters: A Community Discussion
+ When: 5 to 7 pm
+ Where: Lux Middle School Cafeteria, 7800 High St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the city's Facebook page: "Your input is vital and will contribute to the City’s efforts to educate residents, businesses, and visitors on how we all can level-up our efforts to reduce and reuse waste in Lincoln. You are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share insights that will help community members understand why waste matters."
Friday, October 31 - Halloween
Friday, October 31
Film: Rocky Horror Picture Show
+ When: 10 pm
+ Where: Joyo Theater, 6102 Havelock Ave. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 (cash only)
Let's do the Time Warp again! Showings every Friday until the end of November.
Friday, October 31
Dance Party: Halloween w/ Moxie Mauve + DJ Rugburn
+ When: 10 pm to 1 am
+ Where: The Sitch, 1140 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure if there's a cover!
Friday, October 31
Market: Mother of All Garage Sales (Day 1)
+ When: 4 to 8 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 | Free for children 10 and under
More details: "The spring edition of Mother of All Garage Sales (held annually around the first weekend of April) has been so popular, they're adding a FALL SALE! This massive indoor sale features 300+ booths filled with new and used items, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, crafts, plants, and more. Whether you're searching for unique finds or great deals, there's something for everyone!"
The sale continues on Saturday.
Friday, October 31
Music: Beyond Bananas + The Hafnicks
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
Local bands! Links to their socials (the ones that I could find):
Friday, October 31
Theater: Little Shop of Horrors
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: The TADA Theatre, 701 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15 (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!"
This is the last show with tickets available!
Friday, October 31
Rodeo: UNL Barrels and Roping Contest
+ When: 8 am to 8 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.
Saturday, November 1
Saturday, November 1
Market: Made Here Market: Fall Edition
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: The corner of 11th & B Street (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free to attend but it's a market! Come support local artists
Also featuring food from Pepe's Bistro. More details from the event Facebook page: "Mark your calendars for our Fall Made Here Market and get ready to shop from local makers from the Everett, Near South, and South Salt Creek neighborhoods in Lincoln, NE! Shop small and local this holiday season from handmade prints and paintings, stickers and stitches, to jewelry, baked goods, vintage clothing and more!"
Saturday, November 1
Market: Mother of All Garage Sales (Day 2)
+ When: 8 am to 2 pm
+ Where: Sandhills Global Event Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 | Free for children 10 and under
More details: "The spring edition of Mother of All Garage Sales (held annually around the first weekend of April) has been so popular, they're adding a FALL SALE! This massive indoor sale features 300+ booths filled with new and used items, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, crafts, plants, and more. Whether you're searching for unique finds or great deals, there's something for everyone!"
Saturday, November 1
Music: Crobot + The Atomic Bitchwax + Evil Shadows + Twisted Chrome + Hexxer
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 6:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $27.24
Saturday, November 1
Music: Kris Lager Band
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15
Saturday, November 1
Rodeo: UNL Barrels and Roping Contest
+ When: 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
Sunday, November 2
Fundraiser: Help support Bodhi Imports
+ When: 11 am to 2:30 pm
+ Where: Pepe's Bistro, 1311 S 11th St. (Google Maps)
More info from Pepe's instagram: "Hello beautiful community. The time has come for us to come together and help out @bodhi.imports. Many of you have heard about a vehicle that came crashing through the Bodhi's storefront and caused a lot of damage. Thank goodness no one was hurt! Let's help offset some of their repair costs by giving them a boost. Pepe's will be having a burrito emergency fundraiser. Bodhi will receive 100% of proceeds."
Sunday, November 2
Books: Silent Book Club
+ When: 2:30 to 4 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
At 2:30 pm folks will chat about their books, then from 3 to 4 pm it's reading time. Not sure what a silent book club is? See this website for more details.
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."
Sunday, November 2
Music: MoonShroom
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15 advance tickets | $18 day of the show
Sunday, November 2
Visiting Publication – Meet the Flatwater Free Press!
+ When: 2 to 4 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join us at Francie & Finch Bookshop as we welcome our friends from the Flatwater Free Press (FFP)! Lincoln reporter Emily Wolf and Managing Editor Ryan Hoffman will be here to let us know what they’ve been working on, listen to guests share what stories they think FFP should work on next, and to hand out their 2025 Commemorative Edition newspaper! We can’t wait to see you there!"
Things to do next week:
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.
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
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
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
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: 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
Things to do later this year:
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!"
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.
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."
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."
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
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."
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)
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.