What to do this weekend - September 4, 2025
Also: The new proposed ICE facility in McCook is still in the news and it still sucks.
Hi,
Welcome to This Week In Lincoln.
We've got First Friday art events and a football game this weekend. I'm excited for one! Not so much the other. I'll be staying inside all of Saturday, as far away from game day as I can manage.
I'm still recovering from a whirlwind weekend trip to the Paper Plains Zine Fest in Lawrence, which was cool. But it was also a lot (a lot of driving, a lot of people, a lot of everything). Still, I managed to drag myself up off the couch and pull together today's events roundup for you.
On a more serious note, I suggest you go read this story published in the Flatwater Free Press this morning. It follows up on last month's high-profile news about a human trafficking bust at several Omaha hotels, and it's a look into the genuinely ugly way ICE is treating an undocumented immigrant who helped the cops.
Per the story:
Despite his cooperation with police, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Cuéllar Martínez during the bust and shipped him to an Iowa jail. As he heads into a Friday immigration hearing without a lawyer, he faces the prospect of deportation to Venezuela.
He’s part of a group of 14 undocumented immigrants detained during the raid who “were living alongside the trafficking victims” but were not victims themselves, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Cuéllar Martínez’s arrest comes as the Trump administration moves to detain more “collaterals” — undocumented immigrants encountered incidentally while serving warrants on other suspects.
Speaking of immigration, the new proposed ICE facility in McCook is also still in the news. There's a public hearing of the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee scheduled for next Friday morning, and lawmakers plan to discuss whether potential overcrowding in the prison could violate building codes. (More details from Nebraska Public Media here.)
Here's a link to the Legislature's committee hearings page, where you can find an option to submit a comment online.
There was also a protest in front of the Capitol last Friday. I was there and documented a few of the signs. In total, I'd say about three dozen or so folks were there to oppose the new ICE prison. Nothing resembling the turnout for the No Kings protest back in June, but I'm glad that people were willing take time out of their Friday afternoon to show up.
Here's some coverage of the protest from the Journal Star and 10/11 News.
Thanks for reading! Got an event you want to see featured in next week's newsletter? 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 if you want to follow me there.
~ Ty
P.S. Please consider signing up for a paid subscription to fund this newsletter. This weekly events roundup will be always free to everyone because I consider it a community resource! But if you've got the means and want to support the work I'm doing, it would help a lot. Every new paying subscriber means I can devote a bit more time to making this thing better.
Thursday, September 4
Thursday, September 4
Community Discussion: Central Library Sustainability Town Hall
+ When: 5:30 to 7 pm
+ Where: Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the library's website: "Project architects will share their vision for an adaptive, low-carbon, people-centered downtown library. Attendees can learn about planned sustainability features, ask questions, and share ideas. Refreshments will be provided."
Thursday, September 4
Community Discussion: Zoom Lunch and Learn: Civic Nebraska's Heidi Uhing on Ballot Initiatives
+ When: noon to 1 pm
+ Where: Zoom
+ Cost: Free and open to all!
A discussion about Nebraska's ballot initiative process organized by the League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County. To attend, use this link. (Meeting ID: 859 7860 3156)
Thursday, September 4
Film: East of Wall
+ When: 5:10 pm | 7:25 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5:10 | $12 at 7:25 pm
More details from the Ross's website: "EAST OF WALL is an authentic portrait of female resilience in the ‘New West’ inspired and played by the women and girls who live it. Set in the Badlands of South Dakota, Tabatha, a young, rebellious rancher, who rescues and resells horses, must make hard decisions to deal with her fractured family, financial uncertainty, and unresolved grief, all while providing refuge for a group of wayward neighborhood teens."
More showings scheduled through September 11!
Thursday, September 4
Film: Sunset Boulevard
+ When: 5 pm | 7:20 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 5 pm | $12 at 7:20 pm
More details from the Ross's website: "Iconic, darkly comedic, and thrilling, Billy Wilder's SUNSET BOULEVARD returns to the big screen for its 75th anniversary. Fame isn’t forever—just ask Norma Desmond. Once a Hollywood legend, now a forgotten relic, she refuses to fade away. When struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis stumbles into her decaying mansion, he becomes trapped in her web of obsession, control, and delusion. What starts as an opportunity soon spirals into something far more dangerous."
Last chance to see this at the Ross!
Thursday, September 4
Sports: UNL Women's Soccer vs. Oregon State
+ When: 7:05 pm
+ Where: Hibner Soccer Stadium (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $9
Friday, September 5
Friday, September 5
Art: First Friday Art Walks
+ When: 5 pm
+ Where: Downtown Lincoln
+ Cost: Free!
More details from Downtown Lincoln's website: "First Friday Artwalks are held on the first Friday of every month at galleries and businesses in downtown Lincoln. While the opening and closing times vary depending on the curator, typically the first receptions begin at 5:00 pm, with the last ones winding down by 10:00 pm."
Find more details about participating galleries and their special events here.
Friday, September 5
Art: Bugs & Bones: September First Friday at the Resonator
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: Resonator Gallery at Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the event's Facebook page: "Join us at the Resonator Gallery this coming First Friday and enjoy locally made art, vendors and more! The exhibit "BUGS & BONES", features the unique works by local artists Caleb Dutton and Scott McDonald."
Friday, September 5
Art: September First Friday at The Burkholder Project
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: The Burkholder Project, 719 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Seems to be free!
More details from their website: "Join us for our newest shows, including Dale Minter and Sharon Ohmberger in the Main Gallery. Susan Hart in the Outback Gallery. Janette Amberg will be on display in the Skylight Gallery. We have guest artist Ramon Guzman in the Special Exhibit Space."
Friday, September 5
Art: September First Friday at the Great Plains Art Museum
+ When: 5 to 7 pm
+ Where: Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
The museum is open late for First Friday. Light refreshments will be provided and three exhibitions will be on view:
+ Reflections of Our People, Our Ways, Our Land
+ Big Blue Reservation: Struggles and Hope of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe
+ Watershed: Elizabeth Rubendall Artist-in-Residence Amanda Maciuba
Friday, September 5
Art: September First Friday at the LUX
+ When: 5 to 8 pm
+ Where: LUX Center for the Arts, 2601 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
A bunch of cool sounding exhibitions are opening! Go check them out!
More details from their website: "See work from Nathan Murray in Undercurrents in the West Gallery, Lead Me to Loose Me by Maddie Hinrichs in the East Gallery, the Lincoln Modern Quilt Guild Fall Exhibition in the Community Gallery, plus a brand new exhibition in the Lux Print Gallery."
Friday, September 5
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: I mean it's free to show up, but you should at least buy a book!
This event has two parts: (1) 30% off any books you purchase to donate to the store's Little Free Library bin and (2) a celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Friday, September 5
Community Discussion: Self-Defense Within Oppressive Systems
+ When: 7 to 9 pm
+ Where: Black Cat House, 1601 B St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Co-hosted with the READ Network. More details from the Black Cat House's Instagram: "A discussion about how we protect ourselves in everyday situations."
Friday, September 5
Community Meeting: Lincoln Town Hall on Passenger Rail with Senator Margo Juarez
+ When: 6 to 7:30 pm
+ Where: First Presbyterian Church, 840 S 17th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the senator's Facebook page: "There will be a presentation about passenger rail by ProRail Nebraska to provide ideas on how to improve Nebraska’s rail and public transportation systems."
"You are also invited to provide feedback by this digital survey created by my team in collaboration with PollTheVote.com, a civic engagement platform created by Nebraskans. The poll will gather information on your perspectives on Nebraska’s passenger rail and public transportation system statewide."
Here's a link to that poll. (You'll have to create an account with the polling website.)
Friday, September 5
Market: First Friday Makers Market
+ When: 6:30 to 10 pm
+ Where: 1867 Bar, 101 N 14th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Find a list of vendors on the 1867 Bar's Facebook page.
Friday, September 5
Market: First Friday at Tower Square
+ When: 5 to 8:30 pm
+ Where: Tower Square at 1300 P St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the event's Facebook page: "Join us downtown for a makers market with live music in Tower Square at 1300 P Street. We will takeover the area surrounding the public art piece, Ascent, the colorful, lit-up tower! Come out to meet (25) local artists, photographers, makers, woodworkers, metalsmiths, stitchers, collectors, and bakers at this special event."
Saturday, September 6
Saturday, September 6
Birds: Lincoln Bluebirding Workshop
+ When: 10 am
+ Where: Turpin Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N 44th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the event's Facebook page: "Join Bluebirds Across Nebraska for an exciting and educational workshop on attracting bluebirds to nest boxes. How to monitor your bluebirds during the nesting phase. Presentation by knowledgeable bluebird enthusiasts, educational materials, installing bluebird nest boxes, and a Q&A session to follow. Enjoy refreshments and the company of others that enjoy birds and nature. This workshop is open to the public and you may RSVP to Heather Donahoe at (402) 471-6141 but walkins are welcome."
Saturday, September 6
Tennis: NWU Women's Tennis vs. Wartburg College
+ When: 10 am
+ Where: LSF Sports Complex, 7600 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Sunday, September 7
Sunday, September 7
Community: Lincoln Unites
+ When: noon to 4 pm
+ Where: Lincoln Community Foundation Gardens, 1417 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the Lincoln & Lancaster County Welcoming Plan's website: "Lincoln Unites! is an annual festival that brings community members from all walks of life together who are proud that Lincoln is inclusive and welcoming to all of our neighbors, including immigrants and refugees. Celebrating new citizens and sharing art, music, and heritage of the many faces of Lincoln helps create one strong and vibrant community. Everyone is welcome!"
Sunday, September 7
Film: A Little Prayer
+ When: 1:15 pm | 3:15 pm | 5:15 pm | 7:15 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Center (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 at 1:15 pm, 3:15 pm and 5:15 pm | $12 at 7:15 pm
More details from the Ross's website: "A loving father (David Strathairn) grapples with how to protect his daughter-in-law (Jane Levy) when he discovers that his son is having an affair in a sensitive and searching portrait of a Southern family."
More showings scheduled through September 11!
Sunday, September 7
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, September 7
Music: Jazz Night – Hosted by Pablo Arza
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Bodega’s Alley, 1418 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free for folks 18+ | $2 cover for minors
Sunday, September 7
Soccer: UNL Women's Soccer vs. Kansas State
+ When: 1 pm
+ Where: Hibner Soccer Stadium (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Tickets start at $11
Sunday, September 7
Yoga: PLAY (Parks, Lincoln, and Yoga)
+ When: 10 to 11 am
+ Where: Antelope Park at the bandshell (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the city's website: "The event called PLAY (Parks, Lincoln, and Yoga) offers classes that are accessible to almost anyone, no matter their level of yoga experience. Teachers are hand-selected by PLAY’s organizer for their ability to offer all-level classes that allow attendees to experience the joy and energy of an outdoor community yoga event."
Things to do next week:
Monday, September 8
Film: Across the Creek (2014) & Finding Refuge (2015)
+ When: 7:20 pm
+ Where: Ross Media Arts Theater (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Part of the Native American Film Series! More details from the Ross's website:
"ACROSS THE CREEK: Broken by the legacy of colonialism, Lakota Tribes struggle for restoration, healing and rebuilding. This film is a conversation between the elder and younger generations about reclaiming their stories and culture. By looking at traditional family structure, spirituality, language and values, they hope to build a vision for the future. (27 minutes)
FINDING REFUGE: A dying woman’s effort to preserve her Native culture doesn’t end when she passes, but prompts a renewal in finding pride in that culture. She confronts the violent event over two centuries ago that began the destruction of her people and the shame that colonialism created. (26 minutes)"
Monday, September 8
Public Meeting: City Council
+ When: 3 to 5 pm
+ Where: City Council Chambers, County/City Building, 555 S. 10th St. (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted.
Tuesday, September 9
Music: Mugshot + Iced Wrist + Your Own Knife
+ When: 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $10 advance tickets, $12 day of the show
Links to the bands' music and socials:
+ Mugshot: linktree / insta / merch
+ Iced Wrist: bandcamp / linktree / insta
+ Your Own Knife: bandcamp / linktree / insta
Tuesday, September 9
Public Meeting: Pedestrian/Bicycle Advisory Committee
+ When: 7 to 8 am
+ Where: Woods Park Place, Parks & Recreation Large Conference Room, 3131 O St., Suite 300 (Google Maps)
Note the morning start time!! The meeting is free and open to the public. The agenda has not yet been posted.
Thursday, September 11
Books: Books on Tap
+ 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.
Friday, September 12
Public Meeting: Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the McCook Work Ethic Camp (i.e., the proposed ICE Facility)
+ When: 9 am
+ Where: Nebraska Legislature, Room 1507 (Google Maps)
This meeting is open to the public! Show up.
More details from Senator Megan Hunt's Instagram page: "the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on potential building code violations at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, which Governor Pillen has proposed turning into a 300-bed ICE detention facility."
Here's a link to the Legislature's committee hearings page, where you can find an option to submit a comment online.
Saturday, September 13
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.
Sunday, September 14
Social: Nebraska Tamagotchi Club’s first meet up!
+ When: noon to 3 pm
+ Where: Antelope Park by the Bell Tower (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
I know very little about Tamagotchi but this sounds cool! More details from the organizer's Instagram page: "I’m here to invite you to Nebraska Tamagotchi Club’s first meet up! I wanted to make a fun and safe space for all virtual pet lovers to meet and share our love for Tamagotchis! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a tama-expert or just curious!"
Things to do later this year:
Tuesday, September 16
History: Lunchbox Lecture: The Archeology of Courthouse and Jail Rocks: 12,000 Years in the Making
+ When: noon to 1 pm
+ Where: Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall N (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the State Historical Society's website: "Celebrate Nebraska Archeology Month during September’s Lunchbox Lecture program led by our very own Nebraska State Archeology team member, Nolan Johnson! Nolan will share insights into the fascinating history of the Courthouse and Jail Rocks, highlight his own research and fieldwork, and explore the important archeology conducted by the Nebraska State Historical Society. Don’t miss this chance to dig into Nebraska’s past with an expert guide!"
Thursday, September 18
Social: Nerd Nite
+ When: 7 pm
+ Where: Saro Cider, 1746 N St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: No cover!
Friday, September 19
Film: John Q (2002)
+ When: 7 to 10 pm
+ Where: Black Cat House, 1601 B St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
A description from the film's Letterboxd page: "John Quincy Archibald is a father and husband whose son is diagnosed with an enlarged heart and then finds out he cannot receive a transplant because HMO insurance will not cover it. Therefore, he decides to take a hospital full of patients hostage until the hospital puts his son’s name on the donor’s list."
Saturday, September 20
Art: Art in the Garden
+ When: 10 am to 6 pm
+ Where: Sunken Gardens (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Presented by Clements Noyes Art Gallery. More details from the event's Facebook page: "Join us for our annual family-friendly Art Show & Sale in Lincoln's beautiful Sunken Gardens. We will have art, artists, live music, dance and food trucks."
Sunday, September 21
Art: EMERGE LNK: Mural + Street Art Festival
+ When: 10 am to 3 pm
+ Where: LUX Center, 2601 N 48th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
This will be taking place concurrently with the Uni Place Maker's Market (see below).
Sunday, September 21
Books: Silent Book Club
+ When: 2:30 to 4 pm
+ Where: Sower Books, 914 N 70th St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
Sunday, September 21
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!!!
Friday, September 26
Music: Hub & Soul Music Concert Series
+ When: 6 to 9 pm
+ Where: Union Plaza Amphitheatre, 21st and Q St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the city's website: "Hub & Soul is a free community event designed for people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate music, local food, and Lincoln’s parks."
Friday, Sept. 26 - Sunday, Sept. 28
Film: 2025 Flatwater Film Festival
+ Where: Rivoli Theater in downtown Seward (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $8 general admission weekend pass | $5 for students and seniors
Not quite in Lincoln! But it looks cool and I wanted to highlight it. Find the full film lineup and schedule on their website.
Sunday, September 28
Music: Neon The Bishop + Blondo + Sexy Ca$h
+ When: 8 pm (doors), 9 pm (show)
+ Where: Duffy's Tavern, 1412 O St. (Google Maps)
+ Cost: $7 | $10 for under 21
The Denver indie pop band comes to town with some cool-looking supporting acts. Links to their stuff:
+ Neon The Bishop: website / spotify / insta
+ Blondo: bandcamp / insta
+ Sexy Ca$h: insta
Sunday, September 28
Music: Porch Jam 2025
+ When: noon to 5 pm
+ Where: Cooper Park and surrounding blocks (Google Maps)
+ Cost: Free!
More details from the festival's website: "Porch Jam is a celebration of community and folk stylings of music! Playing music on the porch was once a more common experience and we want to bring that back!! We will be hosting bands to play through the afternoon, as well as food trucks and kid activities! We encourage everyone to come to the South Salt Creek Neighborhood to celebrate music and community."
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 newsletter: "Stacy Asher from UNL's art department will be here teaching us how to screenprint t-shirts. That's not only a great way to promote political messages; it should also be a lot of fun!"
Monday, October 13
Protest: Columbus Day Counter-Protest
+ When: 4 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.
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
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