Free things to do in Lincoln, NE
There are 54 free events coming up in Lincoln, NE, including Lincoln Home & Lifestyle Show, October 16-18, 2026, Halloween in the Haymarket, and Reptile Night.
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 StMeet 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.
- 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Songwriters' Night: Open MicCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th StLincoln'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 StThursday trivia at the cocktail bar tucked behind the Rococo Theatre.
Friday
October 16- Star Pick 12:00 PM Lincoln Home & Lifestyle Show, October 16-18, 2026Sandhills Global Event Center · 4100 N 84th StFree admission to vendors, demos, and expert advice to help with home improvement projects and ideas.
- 5:00 PM Run to the PollsThe BayA community run to encourage voting and civic participation; open to runners and walkers of all levels.
- 7:00 PM At the Well - Lincoln, NE - In-person GroupCity Impact · 1035 North 33rd StreetAn in-person support group offering connection, encouragement, and open, real conversations.
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.
- 1:00 PM Lincoln Indian Center Pow-Wow 2026A community pow-wow featuring traditional drumming, dancing, vendors and opportunities to see local Indigenous arts.
- 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.
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.
Monday
October 19- 12:00 PM School Out DayThe BayDrop in for school-out activities and a free lunch served at 1 PM for kids and families.
- 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 – 7:30 PM Emily and Friends Happy HourZoo Bar · 136 N 14th StEnjoy intimate acoustic sets by Emily Bass and friends while relaxing at the bar; no cover charge.
- 6:30 PM Discuss the American RevolutionWalt Branch Library, 6701 South 14th St. · 6701 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE, United StatesJoin a free library program led by UNL's Dr. Tyler White to discuss bestselling books on the American Revolution.
- 7:00 PM Trivia Night at the Barred OwlBarred Owl at The Scarlet Hotel · 2101 Transformation Dr, 6th FloorAmerica's Pub Quiz team trivia at the Scarlet Hotel's rooftop bar on Nebraska Innovation Campus.
- 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Bluegrass Jam at the Zoo BarZoo Bar · 136 N 14th StAll pickers welcome: bring a banjo, fiddle or guitar and join the circle, or grab a drink and listen.
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.
- 7:00 PM Trivia at Bison WitchesBison Witches Bar & Deli · 1320 P St #100Weekly 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 StNeighborhood bar trivia night, America's Pub Quiz style, offering prizes of $30, $20, and $10 gift certificates for the top three teams.
- 7:00 PM Bruce Holsinger author visitLincoln High School Auditorium, 2229 “J” St.An author conversation followed by audience Q&A and a book signing with Bruce Holsinger. Open to readers and campus guests.
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.
- Star Pick 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Halloween in the HaymarketRailyard and Iron Horse Park · Canopy StFree family trick-or-treat party: Canopy Street closes and Haymarket businesses hand out candy, with games and entertainment at the Railyard. Costumes encouraged.
- 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.
- 7:00 PM Trivia at HopCatHopCat Lincoln · 601 P StWeekly 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 StWednesday team trivia at Brewsky's East, presented by America's Pub Quiz. Participants can join the fun, match wits, and win prizes.
- 7:00 PM Trivia Night WEDNESDAY 7p - Buffalo Wild Wings - Lincoln, NEBuffalo Wild Wings · 8701 Andermatt DriveBring a team for pub-style trivia, compete for prizes and enjoy a lively midweek game night. Free to play.
- 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM Open House at the Student Observatory Fall 2026Stadium Drive Parking GaragePublic open house with telescope views of stars, planets and the moon; check the calendar or Instagram for weather cancellations.
- 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM Vibe Check!Zoo Bar · 136 N 14th StSoulful, groovy live music with no cover charge; a recurring midweek showcase at the Zoo Bar.
Thursday
October 22- Star Pick 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM Reptile NightHardin HallFamily-friendly evening of reptile talks, displays and hands-on activities celebrating Nebraska Reptile Month.
- 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.
- 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Songwriters' Night: Open MicCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th StLincoln'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 StThursday trivia at the cocktail bar tucked behind the Rococo Theatre.
- Blood driveSandhills Global Event CenterDonate blood by appointment to support local patients; walk-ins may be accepted. Donors will be guided through screening and donation stations.
Friday
October 23- 11:00 AM Food Truck FridayLincoln SaltdogsBrowse a rotating lineup of food trucks with proceeds supporting a local nonprofit. Family-friendly outdoor dining and varied food options.
Saturday
October 24- Star Pick 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM Haymarket Harvest 20267th Street between P & QAn afternoon and evening street festival with live music, local makers, seasonal food and drinks in the Haymarket.
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Visiting Authors – Andrew Farkas and Danilo John ThomasFrancie & Finch Bookshop · 130 S. 13th Street, LincolnMeet and hear readings from two visiting authors, with time for questions and book signings afterward.
- 6:00 PM Trek Halloween Trick-or-Treat Ride | Lincoln, NETrek Bicycle Lincoln · 3321 Pioneers BoulevardA family-friendly Halloween-themed bike ride—costumes encouraged for a casual, community cruise.
Monday
October 26- 7:00 PM Trivia Night at the Barred OwlBarred Owl at The Scarlet Hotel · 2101 Transformation Dr, 6th FloorAmerica's Pub Quiz team trivia at the Scarlet Hotel's rooftop bar on Nebraska Innovation Campus.
- 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Bluegrass Jam at the Zoo BarZoo Bar · 136 N 14th StAll pickers welcome: bring a banjo, fiddle or guitar and join the circle, or grab a drink and listen.
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.
- Star Pick 4 – 8 PM Lincoln Police Union, Inc. Trunk or TreatSandhills Global Event CenterFamily-friendly Halloween event with costumes, candy and activities hosted by the Lincoln Police Union and department.
- 7:00 PM Trivia at Bison WitchesBison Witches Bar & Deli · 1320 P St #100Weekly team trivia downtown with bread bowls and drink specials.
- 7:00 PM Trivia at The TamThe Tam · 105 S 25th StNeighborhood bar trivia night, America's Pub Quiz style.
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.
- 6:30 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.
- 7:00 PM Trivia at HopCatHopCat Lincoln · 601 P StWeekly 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 StWednesday team trivia at the south Lincoln sports bar.
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Open House at the Student Observatory Fall 2026Stadium Drive Parking GaragePublic open house to view stars, planets and the moon through campus telescopes; events may be canceled for cloudy weather. Check online before heading out.
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.
- 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Songwriters' Night: Open MicCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 N 8th StLincoln'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 StThursday trivia at the cocktail bar tucked behind the Rococo Theatre.
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.
Sunday
December 6- Star Pick 2:00 PM Holiday Carols ConcertNebraska State Capitol Rotunda · 1445 K StFree holiday carols under the Capitol's mosaic dome.
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