What to do this weekend - October 9, 2025
Plus a mini-essay on the slightly fraught history of Nebraska's poet laureate.
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln. The usual roundup of events is below, plus a mini-essay about the history of Nebraska's poet laureate position. But first:
One of the biggest, ongoing local stories is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's plan to eliminate academic programs and faculty positions as part of sweeping budget cuts. I've talked about this before in the newsletter, and I know a least a few of my subscribers would be directly impacted. So I just wanted to make folks aware that more public hearings on the proposed cuts are happening today and tomorrow. You can find a full schedule here.
Also, Nebraska's chapter of the American Association of University Professors is organizing demonstrations in support of the affected programs and faculty today and tomorrow during the hearings. The demonstrations are currently scheduled for 2:30 to 5:30 pm at the Mill on UNL's Innovation Campus (2021 Transformation Dr.), though organizers said the location is subject to change. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates!
Finally, here's a few links to recent coverage of the budget cuts process:
- UNL faculty tell regents budget-cutting process flawed, ask for more time (Lincoln Journal-Star)
- Regents hear faculty complaints about budget-cutting process (The Bugeater)
- ‘Both programs will suffer': UNL music, theater schools facing budget cuts (Nebraska Public Media)
Hey look, I've got a new story in the Flatwater Free Press. Pretty cool.
It's a profile of our state poet, Jewel Rodgers, who serves as Nebraska's chief advocate for, well, poetry (obviously) but also for literacy and literature more broadly. Basically, it's Jewel's job to get as many people as possible excited about poetry — which isn't a simple task. I mean, I'm interested in poetry but statistically, I'm an exception. (The best data I could find suggests that only about 9 to 12% of people in the U.S. have recently read or listened to poetry. While that's still tens of millions of people, I don't think it's enough to suggest Barnes & Noble will expand their diminutive poetry section anytime soon.)
You should go read the whole story, but I wanted to talk a bit about the history of the state poet position in Nebraska, both because I find it fascinating and because I did a bunch of research that didn't make it into the final draft. For good reason! The story was about Jewel and what she's doing, and too much rambling about old dead poets would've distracted from that.
Here's a few paragraphs of the historical stuff that I did include:
In 1921, Nebraska became the second state in the union to name a poet laureate, an honor it bestowed upon John Neihardt. While best known today for his book “Black Elk Speaks,” at the time Neihardt was lauded for his verse, including a multi-volume epic about the settlement of the Great Plains.
“Nebraskans, for all their proverbial hardy ruggedness and practical sensibility, showed themselves among the first to appreciate Dr. Neihardt’s quiet poetic genius — enough so to create by an unprecedented legislative act the post of poet laureate,” wrote the Lincoln Star in 1971.
After Neihardt’s death in 1973, the Nebraska Legislature didn’t appoint another poet laureate. The state began searching seriously in 1981 — a process that became unexpectedly tense after an Omaha World-Herald story suggested the new laureate might be recognized during the halftime show of an upcoming Nebraska-Iowa football game.
Poets in the state revolted.
Over a dozen potential candidates, including future U.S. poet laureate Ted Kooser, wrote an outraged letter to the Nebraska Committee for the Humanities, which also ran in several newspapers, claiming their work was “cheapened by the publicity.” Honoring any single writer as poet laureate, they argued, would devalue “the many literary artists who contribute to the rich diversity of creative activity within Nebraska.”
While the committee didn’t completely heed the letter’s call to “abandon its quest,” it did change course. Slightly.
Instead of appointing a new poet laureate, the state created a new position — state poet — and selected Bill Kloefkorn, a professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University, to fill it. Meanwhile, Neihardt was designated poet laureate “in perpetuity.”
As I noted, Nebraska wasn't the first state with a poet laureate. California was first: Bay Area poet Ina Donna Coolbrith was named the state's laureate in 1915. However – and I decided not to get into this in the Flatwater story — Nebraska can technically say it was the first state to appoint a state poet by an act of the state legislature. Coolbrith was named poet laureate by a group of fellow California authors, though according to newspaper reports from the time, elected officials attended the ceremony and seemed to approve. But Neihardt's appointment had the force of law. So you could say, not inaccurately, that Nebraska was the first state with a poet laureate officially appointed by the state.
It feels a bit silly to make a big deal out of that distinction. (This was a ceremonial position without any serious power or official duties. Is a poet laureate better or more consequential because politicians picked them rather than other poets and writers?) But a lot of newspaper editors in 1921 would disagree with me! There were a bunch of stories proclaiming that Nebraska was a trendsetter and a pioneer for doing this.
Another interesting bit of historical trivia: Though Neihardt lived much of his life in Bancroft, he had actually just moved to Branson, Missouri — e.g., Las Vegas if it were run by Ned Flanders — when the Nebraska legislature named him poet laureate.
As Timothy Anderson's biography of Neihardt, Lonesome Dreamer, tells it:
Almost immediately it became clear that the move had come at an awkward moment for Neihardt. Within a month of moving he learned that the Nebraska Legislature was considering naming him the state's poet laureate. "Now, of course, I see how funny this could be," Neihardt wrote to [his friend George] Sterling, "but there's evidently some affection in it, & I can't feel funny about any expression of affection."
And:
The audience [on the day of Neihardt's appointment] represented a new crowd of listeners for Neihardt, and they responded enthusiastically. No one mentioned that Nebraska's new poet laureate actually lived in Missouri until the university officials took Neihardt to catch his train home: Though the state resolution contained no appropriation to pay Neihardt, they wondered if he would return to live in Nebraska if the university could come up with a suitable salary—and no duties. Neihardt returned to Branson without giving the university an answer, and Sterling could not help teasing him about the situation. "I have to grin every time I think of it: as soon as your devoted Nebraskans crown you laureate, you light out for Missouri! How in Hell do you explain it to them? I should think they'd lynch you, or revoke the honor!"
An earlier draft of the resolution that honored Neihardt would have actually granted him the title of "the poet laureate of Nebraska and the prairies." But it was narrowed to just Nebraska after a senator objected that the geographic sweep of "the prairies" was way too broad. Perhaps if the resolution hadn't been narrowed then a poet laureate who moved to Missouri might've seemed a bit less ridiculous — as long as it was northwest Missouri. Alas, "the prairies" still wouldn't have encompassed Branson, which sits squarely in the Ozarks.
The same senator, Charles Eperson of Clay Center, also argued the poet laureate should actually be paid, a suggestion that didn't sway his colleagues. And this is, of course, the irony of a position like poet laureate — or the modern iteration of state poet — at least in Nebraska. Public officials can point to it and say, "Look! We do care about the arts!" But actually paying a state poet a living wage or making a meaningful financial investment in the arts and literature? That's a more difficult ask. As an editorial in the Lincoln Star wryly observed over a century ago:
Very gratifying to the soul of a poet is the "recognition," official or otherwise, of the merit of his endeavors, but talk is cheap, and an endorsement by the legislature or a county board doesn't pay for gasoline.
Jewel, as I reported in my story, gets paid a whopping $20,000 for her entire five-year term. Some things haven't changed much!
Thanks for reading. 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
I'm also on Instagram and Bluesky (kind of) if you care about those things. And tell your friends about this newsletter!
~ Ty
Thursday, October 9
Thursday, October 9
Books: 1984 Book Discussion: Banned Books Week
+ When: 6:30 to 7:30 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 South 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the library's website: "In honor of the 2025 Banned Books Week theme "Censorship is so 1984," we will be hosting a book discussion of Orwell's classic novel. Whether you read it many years ago or it's on your to-be-read list, now is your chance to discuss this classic work and why it has been one of the most challenged books of all time."
Thursday, October 9
Books: Books on Tap at Saro Cider
+ When: 6 to 8 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
Find full details on Saro's Facebook 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, October 9
Music: Cobranoid + Trillion Ton Beryllium Ships + Within Wilds
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
Thursday, October 9
Music: Songwriting/Composing Club
+ When: 6 to 7 pm
+ Where: Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 South 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the library's website: "Are you a songwriter or composer interested in sharing your work? Need help with writers block or a particular part that doesn't feel quite right? Join the Songwriting/Composing Club at the Polley Music Library and meet other musicians in the area! Bring an instrument, your laptop, sheet music, lyrics, or just come to talk about what you're working on."
Thursday, October 9
Public Meeting: Historic Preservation Commission
+ When: 2 to 4:30 pm
+ Where: County/City Building, 555 S 10th St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda is posted here.
Thursday, October 9
Theater: TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $40 for the public and $25 for UNL students and kids 18 and under
More details from the Lied Center's website: "TINA–The Tina Turner Musical is the triumphant story of the Queen of Rock n’ Roll set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits! TINA–The Tina Turner Musical presents Tina’s journey against all odds to become one of the world’s most beloved artists of all time. Featuring iconic songs, including “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Proud Mary,” and “Hero”, TINA–The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Katori Hall."
Friday, October 10
Friday, October 10
Film: Outdoor Movie Night | Hocus Pocus
+ When: 6 to 8:45 pm
+ Where: 2530 Q St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Organized by NeighborWorks. More details at their website.
Friday, October 10
Film: Phantom of the Paradise (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 9:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "Brian De Palma’s subversive and absurd horror/comedy/rock opera is the epitome of a cult classic. Featuring music by the legendary Paul Williams, PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE is the Faustian story of a gifted rock composer (William Finley) who plots revenge after a devious record producer (Williams) steals his music and the woman he loves."
Friday, October 10
Film: Tenebrae (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "After cracking skulls and souls with the supernatural one-two punch of SUSPIRIA and INFERNO, Dario Argento went back to basics with TENEBRE—a brilliant Giallo and one of the filmmaker’s most assured achievements. The story follows a famous horror novelist who, while promoting his latest book in Rome, finds himself at odds with a black-gloved lunatic on a mutilation spree."
Friday, October 10
Music: The Droptines + Hank Weaver + Hockett
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $27.24
Friday, October 10
Descrip: LaPerm + Powerful Science + Amphibaphobia + Benjamin Gear X
+ When: 9 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
Links to the bands' music and socials:
+ LaPerm: bandcamp / facebook
+ Powerful Science: bandcamp / insta
+ Amphibaphobia: insta
+ Benjamin Gear X: linktree / bandcamp / insta
Saturday, October 11
Saturday, October 11
Crafting: BYOP: Stitch and Bitch
+ When: noon to 3 pm
+ Where: Pepe's Bistro, 1311 S 11th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
More details: "Bring your own project, coloring book, or something to share… and of course all your friends, to enjoy some food and share community 🩷🕷️🕸️ see you soon!! // NOTE FROM PEPE: Just a gentle reminder. No outside food or drinks. Unless it's a chai from Crescent moon. In which case. I would love a hot chai latte made with oat milk."
Saturday, October 11
Film: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 6:50 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "This dazzling, whip-smart remake of the 1956 spine-tingler stars Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, and Leonard Nimoy in an eerie tale of possession by alien pod-people. " 4K Restoration!
Saturday, October 11
Film: Us (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 9:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "Jordan Peele follows his acclaimed GET OUT with this surreal and chilling story of a family terrorized by their nightmarish doppelgängers."
Saturday, October 11
Film: Us (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 9:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8
More details from the Ross's website: "Jordan Peele follows his acclaimed GET OUT with this surreal and chilling story of a family terrorized by their nightmarish doppelgängers."
Saturday, October 11
History: A Jane's Walk of O Street
+ When: 4 pm
+ Where: 129 N 10th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Organized by Strong Towns Lincoln. More details from the event Facebook page: "Downtown Residents, Urbanists, and City Nerds from anywhere in town! Join us for a Jane's Walk of O Street in small groups. Bring friends, or come on your own! We'll start with a little history of O street in early Lincoln, how it has changed over time, and the coming changes through "Project O"! Meet us after at Saro Cider for a drink and open conversation."
Saturday, October 11
Market: Community Free Market
+ When: 10 to 11:30 am
+ Where: Seng Park, 49th & Garland (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, October 11
Music: Capitol Punishment 45th Anniversary Party
+ When: 7:30 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
Featuring: Capitol Punishment + Contestant Revolt + Minne Lisa + For Against One/Cartoon Pupils + The Czech Mates + The Emberrassmen(T)
Saturday, October 11
Workshop: How To Screenprint T-Shirts
+ When: 1 to 3 pm
+ Where: Black Cat House, 1601 B St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the Black Cat House's Facebook page: "We'll be learning about low-tech ways to customize clothing with inspirational graphics. Do-it-yourself screen printing is a great way to fight waste and express your creativity and values, and these skills can be applied to printing everything from hoodies or bags to banners.
"Freshly laundered, second-hand T-shirts will be provided, but we also encourage everyone to bring their own shirts to print on, ensuring a good fit. We are currently hoping to hold this workshop in the front yard, but it will be moved indoors if the weather isn't cooperative."
Saturday, October 11
Zines: Salt Creek Zine Club
+ When: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
+ Where: Meadowlark Coffee, 1624 South St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Come out and make zines!
Sunday, October 12
Sunday, October 12
Books: Lincoln Feminist Book Club
+ When: 1 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
The book club will be discussing The Bonobo Sisterhood by Diane Rosenfeld. More details: "All are welcome! Even if you haven't read the entire book, feel free to come for community and discussion."
Sunday, October 12
Books: Visiting Author - Rebecca Lexa
+ When: 3 to 4:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the bookstore's website: "Fellow nature lovers, book lovers, and all of those who love to pick up new hobbies, come meet author and naturalist Rebecca Lexa as she talks about “Five Reasons to Be an Everyday Naturalist”, highlighting some great benefits of learning to identify the living beings around you. We will have copies of her book for you to purchase and she will sign when the talk is over. We can’t wait to see you there!"
Sunday, October 12
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 12
Music: Mount Pom + Cavedivers + Strange Pain + Wedding + KJ Teder
+ When: 8 pm (show), 9 pm (doors)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 | $10 for under 21
Huge lineup of cool acts! Links to the bands' music and socials:
+ Mount Pom: website / bandcamp / insta
+ Cavedivers: spotify / insta
+ Strange Pain: insta
+ Wedding: linktree / bandcamp / spotify / insta
+ KJ Teder: website / spotify / insta
Sunday, October 12
Music: Samuel Aaron & Glass Beagle + Swaul Pope + Banjo Player
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $17.45
Things to do next week:
Monday, October 13
Protest: Columbus Day Counter-Protest
+ When: 4:30 to 6 pm
+ Where: The corner of 16th and O Streets, in front of the Federal Building (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Organized by the Black Cat House.
Tuesday, October 14
Public Meeting: Board of Health
+ When: 4 pm
+ Where: Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, 3131 O St., Room 2222 (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda can be found here.
Tuesday, October 14
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.
Wednesday, October 15
Film: Scream (Fright Fest 2025!)
+ When: 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8 | $1 student tickets at the box office (NOT available online)
More details from the Ross's website: "STUDENT NIGHT VIEWER’S CHOICE WINNER! Suburban teens are menaced by a knife wielding maniac with a love of horror movies in horror icon Wes Craven’s sly, witty, and surprisingly effective deconstruction of the slasher genre."
Wednesday, October 15
Music: Social Cinema + Sego + Estrogen Projection
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $13 advance tickets | $15 day of the show
Some awesome local bands playing along with LA-based alt-pop act Sego:
+ Social Cinema: website / bandcamp / insta
+ Sego: linktree / bandcamp / insta
+ Estrogen Projection: linktree / spotify / insta
Wednesday, October 15
Public Meeting: Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission
+ When: 1 pm
+ Where: Hearing Room 112, County/City Building, 555 S. 10th St. (Google Maps)
The commission will hold a public hearing on Comprehensive Plan conformance of the Cornhusker Highway Blight Study and Extreme Blight Study. For more information, call the Urban Development Department, 402‑441‑7857.
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
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 ❤️"
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
Protest: No Kings 2.0
+ When: 10:18 am
+ Where: Capitol, 1445 K St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: It's a protest! 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."
Sunday, October 19
Music: Emotional Tapestry (Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra)
+ 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."
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!!!
Things to do later this year:
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.
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.
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
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
Saturday, November 15
Books: 2025 Nebraska Celebration of Books
+ When: 10 am
+ Where: University of Nebraska Union & Jackie Gaughn Multicultural Center, 1400 R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
More details from the event website: "This year's Book Awards Celebration will be a combined event with the Nebraska Book Festival, called "The Nebraska Celebration of Books" which aims to celebrate Nebraska’s literary heritage and contemporary authors. The event will feature several Nebraska authors, and presentation of the Nebraska Center for the Book's Nebraska Book Awards, Mildred Bennett Award and Jane Geske Award."
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."