Arts and culture events in Lincoln, NE
There are 57 arts and culture events coming up in Lincoln, NE, including MAKE IT MOVE ribbon cutting, Matt Mathews, and The Great Gatsby.
Thursday Today
October 15- 8:00 AM Pokémon Trainer Day CampLincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NEA full day of Pokémon-themed activities, games and crafts for kids to explore and play. Designed for young trainers to learn and have fun.
- Star Pick 10:00 AM MAKE IT MOVE ribbon cuttingLincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NECelebrate the opening of a new STEM exhibit focused on motion and cause-and-effect with a ribbon-cutting and exhibit access. Members attend free; general admission applies.
- Star Pick 7:00 PM Matt MathewsLied Center for Performing ArtsAn evening of stand-up and original songs from a rising comedic voice blending wit and Southern charm. Expect a lively, intimate performance.
- THE INCOMERMary Riepma Ross Media Arts CenterFinal opportunity to catch this film during its limited run at the cinema.
Friday
October 16- 7:00 PM RINGU (4K Restoration)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center4K-restored screening of the original Japanese horror classic as part of Fright Fest. Expect eerie atmosphere and cinematic detail.
- 7:30 PM LumiaLied Center for Performing ArtsA high-energy theatrical spectacle blending acrobatics, stunts, visual effects and a pulse-driven soundtrack for a futuristic night out.
- 7:30 PM The Great GatsbyLincoln Community PlayhouseStage adaptation of Fitzgerald’s tale of love and excess, featuring period detail and dramatic performances.
- 9:15 PM PULSE (4K Restoration)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center4K-restored screening of Pulse as part of Fright Fest, presented with enhanced visuals and sound for horror fans.
- THE SCOUTMary Riepma Ross Media Arts CenterPaula Gonzalez-Nasser’s feature directorial debut screens during opening week; expect a festival-style premiere run.
- THE HISTORY OF CONCRETEMary Riepma Ross Media Arts CenterA 101-minute documentary that explores the history of concrete with unexpected humor and a Hallmark-movie twist.
Saturday
October 17- 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's MuseumHands-on activities and exhibits that explore math concepts for kids during weekend museum hours.
- 12:00 PM Verdi’s MACBETH (The Met: Live in HD)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts CenterLive HD transmission of the Metropolitan Opera’s staging of Verdi’s Macbeth, featuring Quinn Kelsey and Lise Davidsen.
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Visiting Author – Lynn Kalemkiarian – A Pawprint on My Soul: Adventures with BarneyFrancie & Finch Bookshop · 130 S. 13th Street, LincolnAuthor talk and Q&A about a memoir celebrating the bond between a writer and her therapy dog, followed by a book signing.
- 6:30 PM HEREDITARYMary Riepma Ross Media Arts CenterA screening of Ari Aster’s 2018 psychological horror film as part of the month-long Fright Fest series.
- Star Pick 7:30 PM The Great GatsbyLincoln Community PlayhouseA stage adaptation approved by the Fitzgerald estate exploring love, obsession and the glittering excess of 1920s New York.
- 9:15 PM CEMETERY MAN (4K Restoration)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts CenterA demented Italian fantasy-horror film restored in 4K, screening as part of Fright Fest.
- WIDOW VON DU - Mr. and Miss Fire & Brimstone's competitionBourbon TheatreA drag performance and competition featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Widow Von Du in a theatrical, high-energy show.
Sunday
October 18- 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's MuseumSunday hours offering hands-on math exhibits and activities for children and families.
- 12:00 PM Mozart’s COSÌ FAN TUTTE (The Met: Live in HD)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center · 313 N 13th Street, Lincoln, NE 68588Encore HD screening of Mozart’s comic opera about love, disguise and satire in the Met’s acclaimed production.
- 2:00 PM The Great GatsbyLincoln Community PlayhouseStage adaptation of Fitzgerald’s novel following Jay Gatsby’s obsessive pursuit of Daisy Buchanan.
- 7:15 PM TRAIN TO BUSAN (4K Restoration)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center4K restored screening of the zombie thriller as part of the Ross Fright Fest lineup.
- Star Pick Danielle Nicole BandBourbon TheatreGrammy-nominated blues vocalist and band delivering soulful, high-energy roots and blues performances.
Monday
October 19- 1:30 PM Reptile Art Day at the LibraryCharles H. Gere Branch Library · 2400 S 56th St., Lincoln, NECreate reptile-themed art with Nebraska Game and Parks at the library; hands-on activities suitable for all ages.
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Visiting Author – August Lamm – You Don’t Need a Smartphone: A Practical Guide to Downgrading Your Phone and Upgrading Your LifeFrancie & Finch Bookshop · 130 S. 13th Street, LincolnHear author August Lamm discuss her new book about simplifying life by downgrading smartphones and devices.
Tuesday
October 20- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Coffee Break TuesdayGreat Plains Art MuseumFree coffee and baked goods with gallery access to current exhibitions; a low-key way to see rotating art displays and meet other visitors.
- Star Pick 7:00 PM World Ballet Company: Swan LakeLied Center for Performing ArtsA full-scale production of Swan Lake with live orchestra, dramatic choreography and classic storybook spectacle.
Wednesday
October 21- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Wednesday Mornings (Free admission 8-9am)Lincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NEFree admission 8–9am on Wednesdays; families can stay and play in the museum for the rest of the day.
- 6 – 8 PM Fall Ikebana Flower ArrangingLux Center for the ArtsHands-on Ikebana workshop teaching basic Japanese flower-arranging techniques; bring a vase or borrow one. Take home your arrangement and a small frog.
- 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Writers' Night: Open MicCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th StPoetry and prose open mic in the Haymarket, hosted by Jeff Martinson. Sign up at 6:30. Free; buy a drink if you take a seat.
Thursday
October 22- 5:30 PM Hixson-Lied Visiting Artist Lecture: Wesaam Al-BadrySheldon Museum of ArtArtist Wesaam Al-Badry presents a public lecture on his work; the program is free and open to all.
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Visiting Author – Mohammad Rashedul Hasan – Reconceiving AI: The World as an Apple or a Blue OrangeFrancie & Finch Bookshop · 130 S. 13th Street, LincolnAuthor Mohammad Rashedul Hasan discusses his new book rethinking AI and the gaps in the public conversation. Expect a reading and Q&A with the author.
Friday
October 23- 6 – 7:30 PM Artist Lecture with Larry BullerLux Center for the ArtsHear the artist discuss his exhibition and creative practice in an illustrated talk. Q&A with the artist follows for deeper insight.
- 6 – 8:30 PM Soup Bowls & Spoons WorkshopLux Center for the ArtsLearn handbuilding techniques to create a soup bowl and spoon; instructor will glaze and fire your pieces for pick-up later. All experience levels welcome.
- 7:00 PM Nightmare on 13th Street with Cheesy BanditoRococo TheatreA Halloween-themed show where costumes are required; expect high-energy performances and a festive atmosphere. Likely loud and adult-oriented.
- 7:30 PM The Great GatsbyLincoln Community PlayhouseA staged production performance of the classic Roaring Twenties drama. Expect period costumes, jazz-age sets and theatrical storytelling.
Saturday
October 24- 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NEDrop-in hands-on math activities and games designed for children to explore numbers and problem solving.
- 10 AM – 12:30 PM Ceramic Sugar Skulls WorkshopLux Center for the ArtsDecorate a provided clay skull using colored slips to mimic sugar-icing designs for Día de Muertos. Materials supplied—bring creativity.
- 2:00 PM Curator Tour: 'Gender, Genre, Generation'Sheldon Museum of ArtCurator-led tour with Magdalena Moskalewicz exploring work by four contemporary abstract painters and the ideas behind the show.
- American Aquarium with Kalyn FayBourbon TheatreIndie-folk and Americana music from a touring band with an opening set by a solo singer-songwriter.
Sunday
October 25- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Yoga at the Sheldon Museum of ArtSheldon Museum of ArtAn all-levels, hour-long yoga class in the museum combining breath work, gentle postures and mindfulness.
- 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's MuseumSunday drop-in math activities offering hands-on games and puzzles for kids to build number sense.
- 2:00 PM The Great GatsbyLincoln Community PlayhouseA staged adaptation of the Fitzgerald classic presenting dramatic scenes, period costumes and live theater.
- 4:00 PM An Afternoon of French Romantic Chamber MusicKimball Recital HallA collaborative program of French Romantic chamber works featuring notable Chicago-based soloists and the Pacifica Quartet. Expect refined, intimate performances.
- Verdi’s MACBETH (The Met: Live in HD)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts CenterLive HD Metropolitan Opera broadcast of Verdi’s Macbeth starring Quinn Kelsey and Lise Davidsen. A grand operatic evening on the big screen.
Monday
October 26- 6 – 9 PM Spooky Needle FeltingLux Center for the ArtsLearn needle felting basics and create a spooky character using layered wool and expressive details. Materials and instruction provided.
- 6 PM Advanced Wheel Throwing: Condiment Containers & DishesLux Center for the ArtsAdvanced wheel-throwing class focused on creating specialty condiment containers and serving dishes for experienced ceramicists. Bring prior experience.
Tuesday
October 27- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Coffee Break TuesdayGreat Plains Art MuseumFree coffee and baked goods while you browse current exhibitions at the museum during a morning drop-in hour.
Wednesday
October 28- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Wednesday Mornings (Free admission 8-9am)Lincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NEFree admission for one hour on Wednesday mornings for families with young children. Arrive early—space can fill up fast.
- 6 – 9 PM Tiny Handmade SpellbooksLux Center for the ArtsOne-session workshop teaching basic bookbinding while you make a tiny handmade spellbook to take home.
- 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Writers' Night: Open MicCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th StPoetry and prose open mic in the Haymarket, hosted by Jeff Martinson. Sign up at 6:30. Free; buy a drink if you take a seat.
- 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM Catalyst SessionsZoo Bar · 136 N 14th StA showcase of local musicians blending rock, jazz and funk in a late-night set. Expect groove-focused originals and high-energy performances.
- Star Pick SunSquabiBourbon TheatreHigh-energy electronic jam with funk and improvisation from a nationally touring act known for impressive live shows and streaming success.
Thursday
October 29- 5:30 PM Hixson-Lied Visiting Artist Lecture: Laura Crehuet BermanSheldon Museum of ArtContemporary artist Laura Crehuet Berman discusses her pattern-driven work and bold use of color in a public visiting-artist lecture. Free and open to all.
- Karaoke (HALLOWEEN EDITION)Bourbon TheatreCome in costume for a Halloween karaoke night full of spooky fun and crowd‑favorite songs. Costumes encouraged; bring your bravest tunes.
- THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED (with Anvil Orchestra)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts CenterExperience live orchestral accompaniment to the classic silhouette silent film for a unique cinematic and musical evening.
Friday
November 6- Star Pick 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM First Friday ArtwalkDowntown Lincoln galleries · Haymarket and downtown, 7th to 17th StGallery openings and receptions across downtown and the Haymarket: Burkholder Project, Parrish Studios, Metro Gallery, Sheldon and more. Free to wander.
Friday
December 4- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM First Friday ArtwalkDowntown Lincoln galleries · Haymarket and downtown, 7th to 17th StGallery openings and receptions across downtown and the Haymarket: Burkholder Project, Parrish Studios, Metro Gallery, Sheldon and more. Free to wander.
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