Date night ideas in Lincoln, NE

There are 88 date-night picks coming up in Lincoln, NE, including Matt Mathews, The Burroughs - Funk/Soul outta CO!, and The Great Gatsby.

Thursday Today

October 15
  • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Visiting Author – Jessica Willis Fisher – UNSPEAKABLE: Surviving My Childhood & Finding My VoiceFrancie & Finch Bookshop · 130 S 13th St
    Meet the author for a reading and book signing, with a chance to hear about her memoir and ask questions. Music elements reflect the author's singer-songwriter background.
  • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Tijuana GigolosZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Live high-energy set from the Tijuana Gigolos; tickets required. Expect a lively night with a crowd and full bar service.
  • 6:00 PM – VIP Entry / 7:00 PM – General Admission A Great Gatsby Evening!Lincoln Community Playhouse
    A 1920s-themed fundraising gala with hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and live music supporting the community playhouse. Dress in era attire if you like.
  • 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Songwriters' Night: Open MicCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th St
    Lincoln's long-running singer-songwriter open mic, hosted by Mark Lowe. Sign up at 6 PM; first-timers welcome.
  • Star Pick 7:00 PM Matt MathewsLied Center for Performing Arts
    An evening of stand-up and original songs from a rising comedic voice blending wit and Southern charm. Expect a lively, intimate performance.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at Barrymore'sBarrymore's · 124 N 13th St
    Thursday trivia at the cocktail bar tucked behind the Rococo Theatre.
  • 7:00 PM Nerd Night with Ryan PozziSaro Cider
    Read the book ahead and join a casual group discussion led by Ryan Pozzi, with cider and conversation.
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Jazzocracy at the Zoo BarZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Weekly early-evening jazz set before the late show.
  • 9:00 PM Social Cinema Band one year anniversaryDuffy's Tavern
    Local band celebrates their one-year anniversary with support from touring acts Dog Party and Sweet Gloom.
  • 9:30 PM – 11:55 PM Live Band Karaoke at the Zoo BarZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Sing your pick with a full live band behind you. A Lincoln Thursday tradition.

Friday

October 16
  • 7:00 PM RINGU (4K Restoration)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center
    4K-restored screening of the original Japanese horror classic as part of Fright Fest. Expect eerie atmosphere and cinematic detail.
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Performance by Love and GumptionCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th St
    Live acoustic set in a cozy coffeehouse setting. Drop in for coffee and local tunes.
  • 7:30 PM LumiaLied Center for Performing Arts
    A 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 Playhouse
    Stage adaptation of Fitzgerald’s tale of love and excess, featuring period detail and dramatic performances.
  • Star Pick 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM The Burroughs - Funk/Soul outta CO!Zoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Energetic funk and soul performance with tight horns and a driving rhythm section—a danceable, late-night show.
  • 9:15 PM PULSE (4K Restoration)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center
    4K-restored screening of Pulse as part of Fright Fest, presented with enhanced visuals and sound for horror fans.
  • 10:00 PM Y2K Party Vol. 3The Royal Grove
    Dance all night to your favorite hits from the 2000s spun by a live DJ.
  • 10:00 PM Afrobeats nightDuffy's Tavern
    A high-energy night of Afrobeats and dancing—come ready to move the floor.

Saturday

October 17
  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Visiting Author – Lynn Kalemkiarian – A Pawprint on My Soul: Adventures with BarneyFrancie & Finch Bookshop · 130 S. 13th Street, Lincoln
    Author talk and Q&A about a memoir celebrating the bond between a writer and her therapy dog, followed by a book signing.
  • 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM GoodingZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Singer-songwriter performs rootsy, genre-blending originals that draw on life growing up on the Great Plains.
  • 6:30 PM HEREDITARYMary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center
    A screening of Ari Aster’s 2018 psychological horror film as part of the month-long Fright Fest series.
  • 7:00 PM Lincoln Halloween Singles Mixer 2026McKinney's Irish Pub · 151 North 8th Street
    Drink specials, name tags and easy icebreakers to help local singles meet in a relaxed, Halloween-themed setting.
  • Star Pick 7:30 PM The Great GatsbyLincoln Community Playhouse
    A stage adaptation approved by the Fitzgerald estate exploring love, obsession and the glittering excess of 1920s New York.
  • 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM Husker Football on Big ScreenZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Watch the Husker game on a big screen in a lively bar setting with food and drinks available.
  • 9:15 PM CEMETERY MAN (4K Restoration)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center
    A demented Italian fantasy-horror film restored in 4K, screening as part of Fright Fest.
  • 10:00 PM PERREO Y2KThe Royal Grove
    A late-night reggaeton dance party spinning hits from J Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny and other Latin pop favorites.

Sunday

October 18

Monday

October 19

Tuesday

October 20
  • Star Pick 7:00 PM World Ballet Company: Swan LakeLied Center for Performing Arts
    A full-scale production of Swan Lake with live orchestra, dramatic choreography and classic storybook spectacle.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at Bison WitchesBison Witches Bar & Deli · 1320 P St #100
    Weekly team trivia at Bison Witches Bar & Deli, where teams of up to 5 people can battle it out over 3 rounds to win prizes including $30, $20, and $10 gift certificates.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at The TamThe Tam · 105 S 25th St
    Neighborhood bar trivia night, America's Pub Quiz style, offering prizes of $30, $20, and $10 gift certificates for the top three teams.
  • 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM Shake a Tail Feather TuesdayZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Weekly late-night soul, funk and R&B dance party at Lincoln's legendary blues bar.

Wednesday

October 21
  • 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sailing in SoupZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Live roots-rock and blues from a veteran ensemble performing originals and covers ranging from Ben Harper to Buddy Guy. Expect an intimate, soulful set.
  • 6 – 8 PM Fall Ikebana Flower ArrangingLux Center for the Arts
    Hands-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 St
    Poetry 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.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at HopCatHopCat Lincoln · 601 P St
    Weekly team trivia in the Haymarket with a huge craft beer list and Cosmik Fries.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at Brewsky's EastBrewsky's Food & Spirits East · 2840 S 70th St
    Wednesday team trivia at Brewsky's East, presented by America's Pub Quiz. Participants can join the fun, match wits, and win prizes.
  • 9:00 PM Schaffer the Darklord with CoolzeyDuffy's Tavern
    High-energy nerdcore rap performance with local support; expect fast-paced, no-filter lyrics and an engaged crowd.
  • 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM Vibe Check!Zoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Soulful, groovy live music with no cover charge; a recurring midweek showcase at the Zoo Bar.

Thursday

October 22

Friday

October 23
  • 6 – 7:30 PM Artist Lecture with Larry BullerLux Center for the Arts
    Hear 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 Arts
    Learn 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 Theatre
    A Halloween-themed show where costumes are required; expect high-energy performances and a festive atmosphere. Likely loud and adult-oriented.
  • 7:00 PM Live at the BayThe Bay
    An evening of live performances featuring local acts. Expect a casual night of music and community gathering at the venue.
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Special Performance by Ron Coniglio and Steve HansonCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th St
    An intimate evening of original singer-songwriter material blending storytelling, history and seafaring-inspired themes. Expect warm, living-room style performances.
  • 7:30 PM The Great GatsbyLincoln Community Playhouse
    A staged production performance of the classic Roaring Twenties drama. Expect period costumes, jazz-age sets and theatrical storytelling.
  • 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM Jonathan LeachZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    An evening of jazz fusion and R&B-influenced piano with soulful vocals and thoughtful lyrics. Expect immersive performances and strong piano solos.

Saturday

October 24

Sunday

October 25
  • 4:00 PM An Afternoon of French Romantic Chamber MusicKimball Recital Hall
    A collaborative program of French Romantic chamber works featuring notable Chicago-based soloists and the Pacifica Quartet. Expect refined, intimate performances.
  • 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Davina and the VagabondsZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    High-energy roots and blues-influenced live set led by Davina Sowers and her tight, stylish band. Expect lively vocals and tight musicianship.

Monday

October 26
  • 6 – 9 PM Spooky Needle FeltingLux Center for the Arts
    Learn 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 Arts
    Advanced wheel-throwing class focused on creating specialty condiment containers and serving dishes for experienced ceramicists. Bring prior experience.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia Night at the Barred OwlBarred Owl at The Scarlet Hotel · 2101 Transformation Dr, 6th Floor
    America's Pub Quiz team trivia at the Scarlet Hotel's rooftop bar on Nebraska Innovation Campus.
  • Star Pick 7:30 PM Chris Stapleton's All-American Road ShowPinnacle Bank Arena · 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr
    Chris Stapleton (rescheduled date) with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.
  • 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Bluegrass Jam at the Zoo BarZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    All pickers welcome: bring a banjo, fiddle or guitar and join the circle, or grab a drink and listen.

Tuesday

October 27
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at Bison WitchesBison Witches Bar & Deli · 1320 P St #100
    Weekly team trivia downtown with bread bowls and drink specials.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at The TamThe Tam · 105 S 25th St
    Neighborhood bar trivia night, America's Pub Quiz style.
  • 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM Shake a Tail Feather TuesdayZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Weekly late-night soul, funk and R&B dance party at Lincoln's legendary blues bar.

Wednesday

October 28
  • 6 – 9 PM Tiny Handmade SpellbooksLux Center for the Arts
    One-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 St
    Poetry 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.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at HopCatHopCat Lincoln · 601 P St
    Weekly team trivia in the Haymarket with a huge craft beer list and Cosmik Fries.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at Brewsky's EastBrewsky's Food & Spirits East · 2840 S 70th St
    Wednesday team trivia at the south Lincoln sports bar.
  • 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM Catalyst SessionsZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    A showcase of local musicians blending rock, jazz and funk in a late-night set. Expect groove-focused originals and high-energy performances.

Thursday

October 29
  • 5:30 PM Hixson-Lied Visiting Artist Lecture: Laura Crehuet BermanSheldon Museum of Art
    Contemporary 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.
  • 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Songwriters' Night: Open MicCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th St
    Lincoln's long-running singer-songwriter open mic, hosted by Mark Lowe. Sign up at 6 PM; first-timers welcome.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia at Barrymore'sBarrymore's · 124 N 13th St
    Thursday trivia at the cocktail bar tucked behind the Rococo Theatre.
  • 7:00 PM Archer with IntegrapinkDuffy's Tavern
    California rock band archer oh returns with special guests INTEGRA PINK for a high‑energy evening of original rock. Expect a loud, electric set.
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM The JazzocracyZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Weekly early-evening jazz set before the late show.
  • 8:00 PM Shades of HUNKS at La Cabana Nightclub (Lincoln, NE) 10/29/26La Cabaña · 3223 Cornhusker Highway
    A high‑energy ladies‑night event with music, dancing and nightclub vibes. Expect a party atmosphere and performances late into the evening.
  • 9:30 PM – 11:55 PM Live Band KaraokeZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Sing your pick with a full live band behind you. A Lincoln Thursday tradition.

Friday

October 30
  • Star Pick 7:00 PM Ella LangleyPinnacle Bank Arena · 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr
    Country star Ella Langley with Kameron Marlowe and Gabriella Rose.

Friday

November 6
  • Star Pick 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM First Friday ArtwalkDowntown Lincoln galleries · Haymarket and downtown, 7th to 17th St
    Gallery openings and receptions across downtown and the Haymarket: Burkholder Project, Parrish Studios, Metro Gallery, Sheldon and more. Free to wander.

Thursday

November 19
  • Star Pick 7:00 PM Zac Brown BandPinnacle Bank Arena · 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr
    Zac Brown Band with special guest Grace Potter.

Friday

November 20

Friday

December 4
  • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM First Friday ArtwalkDowntown Lincoln galleries · Haymarket and downtown, 7th to 17th St
    Gallery openings and receptions across downtown and the Haymarket: Burkholder Project, Parrish Studios, Metro Gallery, Sheldon and more. Free to wander.

Saturday

December 5

Thursday

December 10

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