What to do this weekend - September 3, 2026
Maybe stay away from downtown on Saturday morning.
Hi,
Welcome back to This Week In Lincoln. This is my round-up of local events that goes out every around Thursday at 11 am. (Or at least that's the goal. Sometimes I miss my self-imposed deadlines.)
You can find the calendar below! And here's a link to submit events for future posts. I'm still slowly filling out stuff going on October and November so if you know of any cool stuff going on, send it my way.
Thanks to everyone who supports This Week In Lincoln with a paid subscription. If you'd like to join them in supporting local independent media, consider signing up to become a monthly (or yearly) supporter of the newsletter.
A reminder that I don't accept ads or sponsorships. Not that anyone has offered — but it's the principle that counts! I try to keep things punk rock over here.
Husker football starts again on Saturday morning at 11 am. So act accordingly. Given the probability that ongoing construction downtown will make traffic a lot worse, maybe stay away from the whole area. Unless you're going to the game, in which case — good luck!
Better news: It's First Friday this weekend! There's a bunch of new exhibitions at galleries around town, including cool-looking stuff at the Sheldon and Great Plains Museum. I've included a few First Friday events below in the calendar!
This Week In Lincoln is on Instagram so follow me there. You can also send me stuff to write about (or just say hello): tynanstewart@proton.me
~ Ty
P.S. Sorry for any typos. I was up pretty late putting this one together. But I'm also trying to embrace the idea that little mistakes are actually fine because they are a sign that there's a real, flawed human being on the other end, rather than an LLM. And personally, I'd rather stop writing altogether and break my fingers with a hammer than outsource my work to Gemini or ChatGPT. So I guess yay for typos?
Thursday, September 3
Thursday, September 3
Art: Hixson-Lied Visiting Artist Lecture: Hannah Webb
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art Room: Ethel S. Abbott Auditorium, 451 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Webb, also known as 'The Obanoth' on social media, is a Los Angeles-based artist with a focus on dynamic abstracted realism. Although her signature art style is graphic, the work is rooted in a fine arts background, and she begins all pieces with a brush regardless of the size of the project."
Thursday, September 3
Books: Visiting Author - Van Jensen
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the author: Jensen will conduct a reading and signing of his new sci-fi novel, Godfall.
Thursday, September 3
Film: Late Fame
+ When: 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 evening show
More details about the film: "The great Willem Dafoe lends his delicate gravitas to the role of Ed Saxberger, a forgotten New York poet who works in the post office. After an eager and flattering young admirer (Edmund Donovan) appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of twentysomething admirers who anoint him as a rediscovered genius."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, September 3
Film: Underland
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 matinee
More details about the film: "Oscar-nominee Sandra Hüller narrates this cinematic adaptation of Robert Macfarlane’s bestselling book, UNDERLAND. The documentary voyages into worlds rarely glimpsed by human eyes to explore the world beneath our feet. One not of fear and darkness, but rather of knowledge and wonder that can be found nowhere else."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, September 3
Social: Weekly Leftist Meetup
+ When: 5 to 7 pm
+ Where: Code Beer Company, 200 S Antelope Valley Pkwy (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: If you're looking to find other progressive or left-leaning people, check out this weekly meetup. You can talk politics or just hang out. Organized by Lincoln's chapter of the DSA!
Friday, September 4
Friday, September 4
Music: Remo Drive + sports. + Equipment + Grand Motel
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 6:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20 | $5 minor charge
More details: DIY punk/indie rock group Remo Drive visit from Minnesota band alongside sports., a three-piece Midwest-emo band. Plus support from Equipment and Grand Motel.
All ages show!
Friday, September 4
Art: First Friday Downtown Art Walk
+ When: Most receptions start at 5 pm
+ Where: Various locations downtown
+ Cost: Free!
More details: On the first Friday of every month Lincoln's galleries open their doors for the evening. Come see some cool art!
Friday, September 4
Art: First Friday at Tower Square
+ When: 5 to 9 pm
+ Where: Tower Square, 1300 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available for purchase
More details: Come find real art, trendy treats, and free live music by Ryley James.
Friday, September 4
Art: First Friday in Uni Place
+ When: 4 to 9 pm
+ Where: Uni Place District (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Stop by @create__48 from 4-9pm and dig in to a Greek plate from @kouzinafoodtruck, and enjoy all the art the gallery has to offer! This month features six artists, including Kinzee Hillis and Lindsey in the Create48 building and Aiden Weishaar, Dan Terpstra, Aurelia Thomas, and Danny Reneau at the MT Piano building!
Visit @nwugalleries from 5-7 and enjoy the reception of artist Madeline Cass at Rachel Ann Lucas Hall on campus. Then, visit the Studio House an open house provided by the @nwu.art.club, starting at 5pm!"
Friday, September 4
Art: Craft Night at the Sheldon
+ When: 6 to 8 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free with UNL event pass
More details: "Explore your artistic side with a variety of hands-on craft activities, including painting tote bags, designing charm jewelry, creating macramé keychains, and painting your own custom coasters. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone to enjoy."
Note: This is an event for UNL students.
Friday, September 4
Books: Benefit for Lincoln’s Little Free Libraries
+ When: noon to 7:30 pm
+ Where: A Novel Idea Bookstore, 118 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be books to purchase.
More details: You'll get 30% off any used books you purchase in order to donate to Little Free Libraries. Cash donations are also accepted!
Friday, September 4
Film: Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp
+ When: 5:10 pm | 7:10 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 evening show | $10 matinee
More details about the film: "Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp, is the first feature documentary to explore the history, music, and traditions of Sacred Harp singing, the oldest distinctively American form of music. This haunting music has survived over 200 years tucked away from sight in the rural deep South and occurs mostly at community singing events, which typically include anywhere from a dozen to a couple of hundred singers."
More showings through Thursday, September 10. There will be no screenings on Saturday because of the football game!
Friday, September 4
Film: So Surreal: Behind the Masks
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center, 313 N 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $12 evening show
More details about the film: "So Surreal: Behind the Masks is a feature documentary that traces the storied journey of Indigenous masks from the far reaches of Turtle Island (North America) into the hands of European Surrealists, influencing the work and worldview of some of the most well-known modern artists and writers of all time including Max Ernst, André Breton, Roberto Matta and Joan Miró – all while following the dramatic quest to return a mask that was brutally stolen from the Kwakwa̱ka̱ ʼwakw people on Canada’s northwest coast over a century ago."
More showings through Thursday, September 17. There will be no screenings on Saturday because of the football game!
Friday, September 4
Market: Art + Thrift
+ When: 7 to 9:30 pm
+ Where: The Bay, 2005 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free, but there will be items for sale!
More details: Vintage clothes, art, baked goods and more! It's a chance to shop for fall fits and support local artists.
Friday, September 4
Music: Hazzium Presents: On Fire Hip Hop Showcase
+ When: 7 pm (doors & show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 GA advance | $15 GA day of show | $2 under 21 fee at the door
More details: A big lineup of artists and DJs, including Lip Pil, Swayyyz, Kahmai and more.
18+ show!
Friday, September 4
Music: Jet Set + Boy Seeking Band + Drs. Orders + Price of Humility
+ When: 6 pm (doors)
+ Where: The Mudhole (A new basement venue, DM them for the address)
+ Cost: PWYC
More details: A stacked night of jams with a bunch of local bands.
Friday, September 4
Music: Josh Hoyer's 50th Birthday Party
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Featuring music from Church of Blues, Sons of 76, Josh Hoyer's Colossal 4, and Vibe Check.
Friday, September 4
Music: Tranzit + Toby + Gentz + Anxiety + Still Dreaming?
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: This is a huge lineup of cool Nebraska bands! Come out for a night of dreamy alt-metal, indie rock and more.
All ages show!
Friday, September 4
Sale: PlantNebraska
+ When: 12:30 to 4:30 pm
+ Where: Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Greenhouse, 2150 N 38th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be plants available for purchase.
More details: "Native and well-adapted plants suited to Nebraska’s climate and growing conditions will be available for purchase, including trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, grasses and herbs. PlantNebraska members receive a 15% discount on plant purchases."
Continues on Saturday!
Saturday, September 5
Saturday, September 5
Books: Quirky Book Club
+ When: 10 am to noon
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Quirky Book Club meets monthly on the first Saturday of every month. It's a fun group that gets together and talks about whatever they're currently reading!
Saturday, September 5
Community: Waste Matters - Trash and Recycling
+ When: 1 to 2 pm
+ Where: Gere Branch Library, 2400 South 56th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Come learn about all the work that happens to keep Lincoln running! The City of Lincoln's Solid Waste Management Division will present and share their unique perspective on the municipal services they provide. The Civic Lowdown series is a way for library patrons to connect to the City's many departments, stay informed about what is going on locally, and better appreciate the work that City workers put in to make this town a fantastic place to live."
Saturday, September 5
Community: Crafting the Resistance
+ When: 9 to 11 am
+ Where: Meadowlark Coffee, 1624 South St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Bring your crafting project or just come for coffee. (Bring a donation for Little Free Pantries.) Recurs every Saturday!
Saturday, September 5
Football: 1867 Pregame and Watch Party
+ When: 9 am
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: 1867 now has a 140 inch LED wall in their concert venue.
Saturday, September 5
Music: The Riva Band
+ When: 9:30 pm
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
More details: A midwest blues rock band!
21+ show
Saturday, September 5
Sale: PlantNebraska
+ When: 9 am to noon
+ Where: Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Greenhouse, 2150 N 38th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be plants available for purchase.
More details: "Native and well-adapted plants suited to Nebraska’s climate and growing conditions will be available for purchase, including trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, grasses and herbs. PlantNebraska members receive a 15% discount on plant purchases."
Sunday, September 6
Sunday, September 6
Music: Half Ivory + Jadyn Keller + Tyson A.M.
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $3 minor charge
More details: New York-based Half Ivory visits Lincoln with support from locals Tyson A.M. and Jadyn Keller
18+ show!
Sunday, September 6
Music: Of The Orchard + Arcade Riot + Eden Park
+ When: 7:30 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $15
More details: Minneapolis pop-rockers Of The Orchard are making their Lincoln debut! With support from Omaha's punk group Arcade Riot and local alt pop rock band Eden Park.
All ages show!
Sunday, September 6
Music: Roots Music Jam
+ When: 4 to 7 pm
+ Where: The Zoo Bar, 136 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Not sure if there's a cover
More details: "We will have guitar amps, bass amp, a keyboard & drum set. Bring your guitars, & drum sticks. There will be a sign up list so please come early. Solo performers & group performances are welcome. We’ll have some openings for individuals to sit in with the opening band. If you need accompaniment we’ll have players to back you."
Layla & the Peacemakers will be the night's featured band!
Things to do next week:
Saturday, September 12
Market: Art in the Garden
+ When: 10 am to 6 pm
+ Where: Sunken Gardens, 2600 D St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "It's the 14th annual Art in the Garden! Dozens of local and regional artists will fill the Sunken Gardens with their original art for you to view and purchase. Enjoy live music and food trucks. This all-ages event is free to attend and has free parking. This year's theme is Patchwork Garden, inspired by the International Quilt Museum. Mark your calendars and get ready to join us!"
Monday, September 7
Art: Sketch Club
+ When: 7 to 11 pm
+ Where: Parrish Studios, 1410 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come out and make art in community together!
Monday, September 7
Books: Sower Books Birthday Bash!
+ When: All day!
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Sower is turning 2! They'll have an author event happening at 1 pm, plus snacks, sales, spooky fairy gardens (at-will donation to Taco Tuesday Familia), giveaways, and more.
Tuesday, September 8
Community: Table Talk - Volunteer Night
+ When: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
+ Where: Reactor, 2124 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Join your neighbors to talk about current issues and how to get more involved in your community ahead of the 2026 General Election. This is a space for Nebraska Table volunteers, supporters, and community members who want learn more about all the upcoming opportunities available to boost voter turnout in Lincoln while building meaningful connections with their community. There will be drinks and sweet treats!
Tuesday, September 8
Music: Keddies Resort + Midusa + happy John + Boy Seeking Band
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 6:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: Portland-based power pop trio Keddies Resort is visiting! With support from the grungegaze band Midusa down from Omaha and locals happy John and Boy Seeking Band.
All ages show!
Tuesday, September 8
Public Meeting: Lincoln Board of Education
+ When: 6 pm
+ Where: Boardroom of the Steve Joel District Leadership Center, 5905 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
More details: The agenda for this meeting has not yet been posted, but will be found here.
Tuesday, September 8
Public Meeting: Pedestrian/Bicycle Advisory Committee
+ When: 7 to 8 am
+ Where: Woods Park Place, Parks & Recreation Large Conference Room, 3131 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free and open to the public!
More details: The agenda for this meeting has not yet been posted, but will be found here.
Wednesday, September 9
Music: LONG/LAST + Like Ghosts + The Breakroom + Sunsilk
+ When: 8 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10
More details: LONG/LAST and Like Ghosts are making a stop on their Scary Stories tour. With support from locals The Breakroom and Sunsilk. This looks like a fun night of rock!
All ages!
Wednesday, September 9
Music: Nebraska Bluegrass Concert Series - The Jacob Jolliff Band
+ When: 5 pm (food), 6 pm (music)
+ Where: Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Jacob Jolliff is visiting Lincoln for some live bluegrass music! With support from locals, The McGovern String Band.
All ages!
Thursday, September 10
Art: Elsewhere / The Prairie Was Ours: Artist Talk by Elizabeth Burden
+ When: 5:30 to 7 pm
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art, 451 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Situated within ongoing public debates about land, settlement, identity, and United States history, 'Elsewhere' considers how the prairie functions as both material landscape and ideological terrain shaped by settler colonialism, migration, and inherited narratives of place, which remain in rhizomatic relation. In this artist talk, Burden will engage audiences in thinking about the layered histories of the landscapes we inherit and how art can create space to unearth and unsettle, remember, and reimagine them."
Thursday, September 10
Books: Weeknight Silent Book Club at Saro!
+ When: 5:30 to 7 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come with a book of your choice and spend part of the evening reading quietly. Learn more about Silent Book Clubs here. One hour of silent reading and a half hour of optional chat time!
Thursday, September 10
Music: College Night - Velvet Daydream + Gentz + The Sparrows
+ When: 9 pm (doors), 9:30 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover | $10 for minors
More details: Old school rock n roll band Velvet Daydream, known for their retro 70s-inspired style, are on tour and visiting Lincoln. With support from Gentz and The Sparrows.
18+ show!
Thursday, September 10
Music: Mini Trees - Slow It Down North American Tour
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $25.18 GA (including fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: The LA based indie rocker Mini Trees visits the Bourbon. Joined by Montreal's Frown Line and Omaha singer-songwriter Madeline Reddel.
Friday, September 11
Art: Second Friday at LUX
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: LUX Center for the Arts, 2601 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: The West Gallery will feature local artist Mallory Lempke who'll give an artist talk during the evening. Her exhibition Beyond Place will be on display as well!
Friday, September 11
Market: Bugeaters Vintage
+ When: 2 to 7 pm
+ Where: Tower Square, 1300 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available for purchase.
More details: Come shop for 1000s of handpicked vintage items! This is legitimately a cool market, so check it out.
Friday, September 11
Music: Emanuel Ax with Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Lied Center, 301 N 12th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $5 for 18 and under | $10 for young professionals (19 to 39) and music educators | $25 to $50 for regular tickets | Buy here
More details: Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra is kicking off its centennial season with a big night of music that will culminates with 7-time Grammy Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax who'll join the orchestra to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22.
Saturday, September 12
Books: Midwestern Chrome - author signing event
+ When: 11 am to 1 pm
+ Where: Barnes and Noble at Southpointe (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Local author Michael Bettendorf will be at the store signing copies of his new novel, Midwestern Chrome.
Saturday, September 12
Festival: Latino Festival
+ When: 2 to 7 pm
+ Where: Antelope Park, 1650 Memorial Dr. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "This wonderful event celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures which make our community so vibrant. Best of all? It’s free! Featuring delicious food and drink, performances, local vendors, community resource booths and more, you won’t want to miss it."
Saturday, September 12
Music: Foxpelt + Rattlesnakes & Pearls + Gaby B
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (show)
+ Where: The Fox Den, (DM them on Instagram for the address)
+ Cost: Past shows have been PWYC!
More details: Headliner Foxpelt is an emo band visiting from Sioux City. They'll be joined by local treble folk group Rattlesnakes & Pearls and Omaha's Gaby B.
Saturday, September 12
Music: The Groove Lagoon + Wild Love Tigress + Joyrager
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $17.45 GA (including fees) | Buy tickets here
More details: Some fun rock bands play the Bourbon!
Sunday, September 13
Market: Summer Sundays
+ When: 10 am to 1 pm
+ Where: Curio, 1356 S 33rd St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! But there will be items available for purchase.
More details: Local artists, makers and vintage finds. The vendor lineup includes: Dominique Ellis, DJ HairBrain, Justin Grabenschroer Photography, Kaptains Port, Lemon's Loaves Sourdough Bakery, Megan Schroll Art and Rag Mountain Vintage!
Sunday, September 13
Music: Drs. Orders + Eden Park + Gentz
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 | $3 minor charge
More details: A celebration of bands and venues that support music! Featuring performances from Drs. Orders, Eden Park and Gentz.
18+ show!
Sunday, September 13
Music: Porch Jam 2026
+ When: 1 to 5 pm
+ Where: Cooper Park, 600 D St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Porch Jam is a FREE all ages community event that takes place at Cooper Park and porches of the South Salt Creek Neighborhood. Porch Jam will have a total of 6 stages including one student stage, food vendors, and more! More details will be announced closer to the date."
All ages show!
Things to do later this year:
Tuesday, September 15
Community: Pizza and Door-knocking: National Voter Registration Day
+ When: 4:30 to 8 pm
+ Where: West Lincoln Park (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Join the Lincoln GOTV Coalition leading an all hands community canvass and event on National Voter Registration Day. They'll be educating our neighbors in West Lincoln about what's at stake in the 2026 general election and Get Out The Vote! There will also be time to chat share free pizza!
Tuesday, September 15
History: Lunchbox Lecture: Pawnee Archeology
+ When: noon to 1 pm
+ Where: Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "The people of the Pawnee Nation have lived in Oklahoma since 1873, but their homeland is Nebraska, where they resided for many centuries. Much of their story has been told through archeological investigation combined with oral tradition. Retired Nebraska State Archeologist Rob Bozell has spent years studying this history, and he’ll share what the records reveal"
Tuesday, September 15
Outdoors: Third Tuesday Bird Outing
+ When: 8 to 10 am
+ Where: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join an experienced guide and fellow birding enthusiasts for an outing along the prairie trails. We'll look for breeding species and will likely see some juvenile birds. Dress for the weather, trails may be wet and temperatures could be humid. Binoculars will be available for use."
Wednesday, September 16
Books: Panel Discussion – The Lives of Immigrants and Refugees
+ When: 5:30 pm
+ Where: Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come out and hear stories from the new University of Nebraska Press book, The Lives of Immigrants and Refugees: Tales of Migration, Hope, Grief, and Finding Home in Nebraska, featuring words from writers who contributed to this book of essays.
Thursday, September 17
Outdoors: Climate & Culture Conversations: Art Speaks
+ When: 6:30 to 8 pm
+ Where: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Join us for an evening stroll through the prairie while discussing climate art and then create your own artwork. All materials will be provided."
Friday, September 18
Market: Uni Place Makers Market
+ When: 6 to 10 pm
+ Where: Uni Place Creative District, St. Paul Ave between N 50th and N 47th (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but there will be items available for purchase!
More details: There will be local vendors, live music and food trucks!
Artists and vendors can apply here for future markets, happening each third Friday of the month. The last one of the season is happening October 16!
Friday, September 18
Music: Body Corrosion EP Release Show
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Bodega's Alley, 1418 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $5 minor fee
More details: Support from FAHR, JIBLETS and Cold Glock.
18+ show!
Friday, September 18
Theater: Dear World
+ When: 7:30 pm
+ Where: Annie L. McDonald Theatre, Nebraska Wesleyan (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $20
More details: "There's oil beneath this Paris bistro. And these rapacious corporate executives won't let a few artists, outcasts and madwomen impede their progress. But who's the true eccentric in this struggle between cultural preservation and corruption? Greed and desire go on trial underground in this poetic satire musical written by the same composer as Hello, Dolly! and Mame."
More showings September 19-20.
Saturday, September 19
FlatFest: Raygun Popup Shop
+ When: 2 to 4 pm
+ Where: Raygun, 1219 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free with items available to purchase!
More details: "We are kicking off our Flatwater Festival this year with new merch at a popup at Raygun in Lincoln! Celebrate our fifth anniversary with some fresh designs and say hello to our Lincoln reporters."
Saturday, September 19
Music: Cuddlebone Album Release Show
+ When: 7 pm (doors), 8 pm (show)
+ Where: Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $18.48 (including fees) | Buy tickets here | $2 Under 21 fee at the door
More details: Local prog rock band Cuddlebone is celebrating the release of a new album! With support from Turquoise, Pure Brown and Within Wilds.
All ages show!
Saturday, September 19
Improv: Movement improv
+ When: 2 to 4 pm
+ Where: F Street Community Center, 1225 F St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: "Move your bod; playful; low-stakes. No experience necessary. All bodies and ages welcome. Masks encouraged and provided."
Sunday, September 20
FlatFest: Community Conversations: Flatwater Forum
+ When: 5 pm (doors), 5:30 pm (start)
+ Where: Sheldon Museum of Art12th and R St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free! Registration required
More details: Join Flatwater staff for an evening of panel discussions, featuring UNL alumna and current senior editor at the Atlantic Jenna Johnson; Leah Wambui Keinama, Director of Civic Journalism at Nebraska Journalism Trust; and Flatwater’s own Yanqi Xu.
Tuesday, September 22
FlatFest: Nebraska trivia night with the Flatwater Free Press
+ When: 6 to 8 pm
+ Where: HopCat, 601 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Join Flatwater Free Press reporters and editors who will ask you questions about Nebraska news, history, sports and more. Some answers come from Flatwater reporting so read their recent stories for a better chance to win prizes including: free tickets to FlatFest, gift cards to The Mill and a book basket from Francie & Finch!
Tuesday, September 22
Politics: State Senator Candidate Forum
+ When: 6:30 pm
+ Where: Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come out and hear from local candidates for the Unicameral. Candidates who are confirmed to appear at the forum:
+ Caitlin Knutson (D2)
+ George Dungan (D26)
+ Patty Pansing Brooks (D28)
+ Colby L. Woodson (D28)
+ Janet M. Bock (D30)
+ Cally Ideus (D30)
+ Shay Smith (D32)
Organized by the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County.
Wednesday, September 23
FlatFest: 2026 Flatwater Free Press Festival
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: Roca Berry Farm, 16531 S. 38th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $150 | Buy tickets here
More details: There will be food, drinks, music, merriment, a September Nebraska sunset and chances to chat with FFP journalists. There will also be a conversation between featured guest George Packer of The Atlantic and Flatwater editor Matthew Hansen. Come celebrate the FFP's 5th birthday!
Wednesday, September 23
Politics: Lancaster County Candidate Forum
+ When: 6:30 pm
+ Where: Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details: Come out and hear from local candidates for Lancaster County Sheriff, Lancaster County Attorney, and District 3 Lancaster County Commissioner. Candidates who are confirmed to appear at the forum:
+ Sheriff: Ben T. Houchin (R), Jay Pitts (D)
+ County Attorney: Pat Condon (R), Randall Ritnour (D)
+ District 3 County Commissioner: Matt Schulte (R), Bryan Seck (NP)
Organized by the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County.
Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27
Film: Flatwater Film Festival
+ When: Various times | Find the schedule here
+ Where: Rivoli Theatre in downtown Seward (Google Maps)
+ Cost: GA Standard Weekend Pass: $8 | GA Senior/Student Weekend Pass: $5 | Buy tickets here
More details: "The Flatwater Film Festival is an annual event committed to bringing together established and first-time filmmakers from across the state of Nebraska to celebrate their art."
Thursday, October 1
Music: Shadow Work + Jet Set! + Mouse Heart
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $3 minor charge
More details: Denver's indie psych-rock band Shadow Work is coming to town with support from the Lincoln punks in Jet Set! and Omaha riot grrrls Mouse Heart.
All ages show!
Wednesday, October 7
Outdoors: Music & Meadowlarks
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, 11700 SW 100th St, Denton, NE 68339 (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $40 for an individual ticket
More details: "Music & Meadowlarks will be a lovely night of music, food, & friends on the prairie featuring live music from Emily Bass & The Near Miracle, with an opening performance by Kellyn Wooten & Vince Learned."
A fundraiser for the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center.
Thursday, October 15
Music: Social Cinema + Dog Party + Sweet Gloom
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $3 minor charge
More details: Social Cinema returns for a show in Lincoln for the first time in a while! They'll be joined by Sacramento's Dog Party and LA's Sweet Gloom.
18+ show show!
Wednesday, October 21
Music: Schaffer the Darklord + Coolzey + Leaves Brown
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 | $3 minor charge
More details: Schaffer the Darklord, a New York City-based rapper, drummer and comedian, comes to town. With support from Iowa-based multi-genre act Coolzey and a local favorite of mine, Leaves Brown.
18+ show show!
Saturday, October 24
Books: Spooky Book Fair
+ When: 10 am to noon
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free but there will be items available for purchase!
More details: Browse thrillers, horror books, and other good reads, and enjoy drinks from Alvin Coffee. This event is aimed at adults but Sower will also have children’s books available and a Halloween-themed crafting opportunity.
Saturday, November 21
Poetry: Tri-State Showdown
+ When: 11 am (workshop), noon (writing social), 2 pm (open mic), 6 pm (showdown slam)
+ Where: The Ellery, 1247 S 11th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Sliding scale entry fee ($5 to $20) | Buy tickets here
More details: An annual collaboration between the Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa poetry scenes! It's an effort to build and uplift the tri-state area’s poetry community. All poets are welcome to join, and any poet living in Nebraska/Missouri/Iowa is welcome to sign up to compete.