Things to do in Lincoln, NE next week

There are 76 events in Lincoln, NE next week (Oct 19 to Oct 25), including World Ballet Company: Swan Lake, Halloween in the Haymarket, and Reptile Night.

← This week

Monday

October 19
  • 9:00 AM PMP Certification In-Person Training in Lincoln, NE233 South 13th Street
    A full-day PMP prep course offering 35 contact hours, expert instruction and exam-ready strategies for project managers seeking certification.
  • 12:00 PM School Out DayThe Bay
    Drop 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, NE
    Create 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, Lincoln
    Hear author August Lamm discuss her new book about simplifying life by downgrading smartphones and devices.
  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Emily and Friends Happy HourZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Enjoy intimate acoustic sets by Emily Bass and friends while relaxing at the bar; no cover charge.
  • 6:00 PM Speed Date - Lincoln, NEVinyl · 801 O Street
    Meet new people in timed rounds of conversation designed to spark connections and laughs.
  • 6:30 PM Discuss the American RevolutionWalt Branch Library, 6701 South 14th St. · 6701 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE, United States
    Join 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 Floor
    America'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 St
    All pickers welcome: bring a banjo, fiddle or guitar and join the circle, or grab a drink and listen.
  • Comedy Night at Duffy'sDuffy's Tavern · 1412 O St
    Live stand-up every Monday at the downtown bar that has hosted everyone from Nirvana to Bright Eyes. Local comics plus touring acts passing through.

Tuesday

October 20
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Coffee Break TuesdayGreat Plains Art Museum
    Free 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Nebraska Wesleyan Women's Volleyball vs Buena Vista UniversitySnyder Arena
    Home volleyball match featuring Nebraska Wesleyan's women's team; expect collegiate-level play and a spirited campus crowd.
  • 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
  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Wednesday Mornings (Free admission 8-9am)Lincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NE
    Free 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 St
    Free family trick-or-treat party: Canopy Street closes and Haymarket businesses hand out candy, with games and entertainment at the Railyard. Costumes encouraged.
  • 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.
  • 7:00 PM Trivia Night WEDNESDAY 7p - Buffalo Wild Wings - Lincoln, NEBuffalo Wild Wings · 8701 Andermatt Drive
    Bring a team for pub-style trivia, compete for prizes and enjoy a lively midweek game night. Free to play.
  • 7 PM Turn N Burn Barrel Race SeriesSandhills Global Event Center
    Competitive barrel-racing series featuring timed runs and fast horses. Family-friendly spectator event with arena seating and seasonal classes.
  • 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM Open House at the Student Observatory Fall 2026Stadium Drive Parking Garage
    Public open house with telescope views of stars, planets and the moon; check the calendar or Instagram for weather cancellations.
  • 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.
  • Lords of AcidBourbon Theatre
    An intense industrial/electronic rock show from the long-running touring act—high energy and danceable.

Thursday

October 22
  • Star Pick 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM Reptile NightHardin Hall
    Family-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 Art
    Artist 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, Lincoln
    Author 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.
  • 6:00 PM Husker Volleyball vs. UCLABob Devaney Sports Center · 1600 Court St
    No. 1 Nebraska volleyball at home in the Devaney Center, one of the loudest gyms in college sports.
  • 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 LCM College Takeover NightLincoln Children's Museum
    After-hours museum fun with a DJ, costume contest, themed drinks and late-night snacks for college attendees. Expect hands-on exhibits and music.
  • 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 – 9:00 PM The JazzocracyZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Weekly early-evening jazz set before the late show.
  • 7:05 PM Husker Soccer vs. USCBarbara Hibner Soccer Stadium
    Cheer on the Nebraska soccer team as they take on USC in a stadium match. Expect lively support and outdoor stadium atmosphere.
  • 9:30 PM College Night with The Last Wild Buffalo, Oddits, The OwlsDuffy's Tavern
    College Night features The Last Wild Buffalo, Oddits (reunited) and The Owls for a late-night local-music bill. Expect a lively crowd and live sets.
  • 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.
  • JuvenileBourbon Theatre
    Catch a headline performance from the renowned rapper for an energetic concert night. Expect a full-band or DJ set and a packed crowd.
  • Blood driveSandhills Global Event Center
    Donate blood by appointment to support local patients; walk-ins may be accepted. Donors will be guided through screening and donation stations.

Friday

October 23
  • 8:00 AM The Great Plains Economics and Business Conference730 North 14th Street
    An academic and industry conference for presenting research and insights on regional economics and business topics. Open to scholars and professionals.
  • 11:00 AM Food Truck FridayLincoln Saltdogs
    Browse a rotating lineup of food trucks with proceeds supporting a local nonprofit. Family-friendly outdoor dining and varied food options.
  • 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.
  • Star Pick 7:05 PM – 10:05 PM Lincoln Stars vs. Muskegon LumberjacksThe Ice Box
    A fast-paced USHL hockey game featuring the Lincoln Stars and visiting Muskegon Lumberjacks. Family-friendly atmosphere with live play-by-play and in-arena entertainment.
  • 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 TVBOO: HALLOWEEN TAKEOVERThe Royal Grove
    A late-night Halloween event with costumes highly encouraged. Expect a lively, themed nightlife atmosphere.
  • 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.
  • Star Pick Boo at the ZooLincoln Children's Zoo
    Lincoln's biggest trick-or-treat event with booths handing out candy, coupons and more across the zoo. Family-friendly fall tradition running multiple days.

Saturday

October 24
  • 8:00 AM Waffle Weekend :: Lincoln, Nebraska3855 Village Lane
    Enjoy weekend waffles and a great cup of coffee—sit-down breakfast featuring house specialties and cozy vibes.
  • 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Math RoomLincoln Children's Museum · 1420 P St, Lincoln, NE
    Drop-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 Arts
    Decorate a provided clay skull using colored slips to mimic sugar-icing designs for Día de Muertos. Materials supplied—bring creativity.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Nebraska Wesleyan Football vs Loras CollegeAbel Stadium
    College football action with fans, halftime pageantry and stadium concessions for an energetic Saturday afternoon matchup.
  • Star Pick 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM Haymarket Harvest 20267th Street between P & Q
    An afternoon and evening street festival with live music, local makers, seasonal food and drinks in the Haymarket.
  • 2:00 PM Curator Tour: 'Gender, Genre, Generation'Sheldon Museum of Art
    Curator-led tour with Magdalena Moskalewicz exploring work by four contemporary abstract painters and the ideas behind the show.
  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Visiting Authors – Andrew Farkas and Danilo John ThomasFrancie & Finch Bookshop · 130 S. 13th Street, Lincoln
    Meet 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 Boulevard
    A family-friendly Halloween-themed bike ride—costumes encouraged for a casual, community cruise.
  • 6:05 PM – 9:05 PM Lincoln Stars vs. Muskegon LumberjacksThe Ice Box
    A pro-division hockey evening with a special 'Pucks N' Paws' promotion—expect fast action and concession stands.
  • Star Pick 8:00 PM Husker Volleyball vs. USCBob Devaney Sports Center · 1600 Court St
    No. 1 Nebraska volleyball at home in the Devaney Center, one of the loudest gyms in college sports.
  • 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM Vempire Album Release w/ Hair Person, Ex Lover and Luna RiverZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    Album-release night featuring several local bands playing high-energy rock and indie sets for an all-ages crowd.
  • American Aquarium with Kalyn FayBourbon Theatre
    Indie-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 Art
    An 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 Museum
    Sunday drop-in math activities offering hands-on games and puzzles for kids to build number sense.
  • 1:05 PM Husker Soccer vs. UCLABarbara Hibner Soccer Stadium
    Come cheer on the Huskers in their final regular-season soccer match against a ranked conference opponent.
  • 2:00 PM The Great GatsbyLincoln Community Playhouse
    A staged adaptation of the Fitzgerald classic presenting dramatic scenes, period costumes and live theater.
  • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Kim SchellZoo Bar · 136 N 14th St
    An intimate evening of live music featuring a solo singer-songwriter playing originals and covers.
  • 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.
  • Verdi’s MACBETH (The Met: Live in HD)Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center
    Live HD Metropolitan Opera broadcast of Verdi’s Macbeth starring Quinn Kelsey and Lise Davidsen. A grand operatic evening on the big screen.
  • Show with @toby.band and @fahr_metalDuffy's Tavern
    An evening of live bands performing a mix of original songs and covers in a casual tavern setting. Expect loud, energetic rock-oriented sets.

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