Outdoor events in Lincoln, NE

There are 18 outdoor events coming up in Lincoln, NE, including Reptile Night, Boo at the Zoo, and Husker Football vs. Washington.

Friday

October 16

11:00 AM Loco Lincoln, NE Scavenger HuntCrescent Moon Coffee · 140 North 8th Street
Start at the coffee shop and explore checkpoints around town in this community scavenger hunt.
5:00 PM Run to the PollsThe Bay
A community run to encourage voting and civic participation; open to runners and walkers of all levels.
7:00 PM Grand Island vs. Lincoln North Star |H*S_Football[10_16_2026]Lincoln North Star High School Lincoln
Local high school varsity football matchup under the lights—expect spirited crowds and Friday-night atmosphere.
8:00 PM Crete vs. Lincoln Christian |H*S_Football[10_16_2026]Lincoln High School · 2229 J St
High-school football game between Crete and Lincoln Christian. Expect varsity-level play and a lively community crowd.

October 17

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Nebraska Wesleyan Football vs Central CollegeAbel Stadium
Expect a full afternoon of competitive college football with campus crowds, concessions and halftime festivities.

October 18

1:05 PM Husker Soccer vs. IllinoisBarbara Hibner Soccer Stadium
Cheer on the Huskers during Senior Day as Nebraska faces Illinois in a spirited collegiate match.

October 21

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.

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.
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.

October 23

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.

October 24

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.

October 25

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.

October 28

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Open House at the Student Observatory Fall 2026Stadium Drive Parking Garage
Public open house to view stars, planets and the moon through campus telescopes; events may be canceled for cloudy weather. Check online before heading out.
7 PM Turn N Burn Barrel Race SeriesSandhills Global Event Center
Fast-paced barrel racing competition featuring riders racing the cloverleaf pattern. Expect loud, close-up action and family-friendly spectator seating.

October 31

Star Pick Husker Football vs. WashingtonMemorial Stadium
Halloween home game in the Sea of Red. Kickoff time TBA; watch huskers.com for the TV slot.

November 20

Star Pick 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Zoo Lights Opening NightLincoln Children's Zoo · 1222 S 27th St
Zoo Lights Powered by LES opens: light shows set to holiday music, light tunnels, 30+ lit animals, train rides, s'mores and cocoa. Runs nightly through Dec 30 (closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24-25). Timed tickets.

November 21

Star Pick Husker Football vs. Ohio StateMemorial Stadium
Final home game of the season against Ohio State. Kickoff time TBA.

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