Weekend Events in Lincoln: A Comprehensive Guide
Lincoln is buzzing with a variety of events and activities for the weekend of August 1-3. Whether you're interested in art, music, food, or outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone. Below is a detailed list of events happening throughout the city.
Multi-Day Events
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
This event runs every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the city while solving puzzles and uncovering hidden treasures.
Field Trip Across Lincoln and Beyond
This ongoing activity continues until September 5. It offers a chance to discover different parts of Lincoln and beyond through guided tours and educational experiences.
Morrill Hall
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this museum provides insight into Nebraska’s history and culture.
Exhibition Mashup
A unique showcase of art and creativity that highlights various artists and their works.
Wonderwise: Scientists in Action
An engaging exhibition that brings science to life through interactive displays and demonstrations.
Sandhills Global Event Center
Hosts several events, including the Hispanic Fest, which takes place on Sunday from 12 to 10 p.m.
Lancaster County Super Fair
Running from Thursday, July 31, through Saturday, August 9, this fair features a carnival, truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby. The Super Fair Bush Pullers Truck & Tractor Pull is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., and the Demolition Derby will be held on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Music Events
Summer Music Series - Zipline Brewing Co.
Enjoy live music performances on Friday and Saturday nights. On Friday, the Mike Semrad Duo will take the stage, followed by Denise Howe on Saturday.
Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival
A celebration of local and regional talent, featuring a variety of musical acts.
Lincoln Finale Festival Orchestra
Held at Kimball Recital Hall on Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., this concert is a must-see for classical music enthusiasts.
Lincoln Saltdogs vs. Sioux City Explorers
Catch a baseball game at Haymarket Park on Friday at 7:05 p.m., Saturday at 6:05 p.m., and Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
First Fridays
Fridays at Prairie Pines Nature Preserve
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this event offers a chance to enjoy nature and learn about local wildlife.
Founder & Friends Fridays
At Salt Mine City Brewing Co Grill & Taproom, from 4 to 6 p.m., it's a great opportunity to meet local business owners and artists.
August First Friday: Learning is Magic
The International Quilt Museum hosts this event from 4 to 7 p.m., offering a mix of education and entertainment.
First Friday at the Great Plains Art Museum
From 5 to 7 p.m., the museum presents a variety of exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
August First Friday
The LUX Center for the Arts opens its doors from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring special exhibitions and live performances.
First Friday Makers Market
Located at Tower Square from 5 to 8:30 p.m., this market showcases local artisans and craftspeople.
First Friday with Tanner Kunz
Pour Craft Beer & Spirits hosts this event from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring live music and craft beer tastings.
August First Friday Celebration with artist Tom Sheppard
Francie & Finch Bookshop welcomes visitors from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a special event celebrating local artists.
First Friday: Photographer Judson Buescher & Music with Orion Walsh
Crescent Moon Coffee hosts this event from 7 to 9 p.m., offering a unique blend of visual art and live music.
Decks Art Opening
Boiler Brewing Company opens its doors from 4 to 10 p.m., showcasing new art installations and performances.
Creed with Special Guests Daughtry and Mammoth WVH
Pinnacle Bank Arena hosts this concert, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday Events
Historic Haymarket Farmers’ Market
Open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., this market is a great place to find fresh produce and local goods.
Drop-in Plein Air Drawing Workshop
Hosted at the LUX Center for the Arts from 9 to 11 a.m., this workshop is perfect for aspiring artists.
Back to School Bash
The Lincoln Children’s Museum hosts this event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering family-friendly activities and educational programs.
Railyard Rims
Featuring youth and adult cup competitions, this event starts at 9 a.m. for the youth and 2 p.m. for adults.
Strength Saturdays
At SouthePointe Pavilions, this fitness event begins at 10 a.m.
Guided Hike Summer Series 3: Research Discover Hike
Join a guided hike at Prairie Pines from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Low/No Cost Feline Microchip Clinic
Certified Transmissions offers this service from 12 to 4 p.m.
Breakthrough T1D’s 11th Silent Auction
Held at Tavern on the Square from 1 to 3 p.m., this event supports diabetes research.
2025 Haymarket Park Beerfest
Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with general admission starting at 5 p.m.
5th Annual Waverly RibFest
Taking place at the Waverly Community Building from 4 to 8 p.m., followed by a street dance.
Nebraska Football Fan Day
Hawks Center hosts this event from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Big Red Preview - Memorial Stadium
A preview of the upcoming football season at 6:30 p.m.
Lion’s Den IV
Bourbon Theatre hosts this event, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 6:30 p.m.
Summer Music Series: The Bottle Tops
James Arthur Vineyards hosts this event from 6 to 9 p.m.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise Live with special guest Medium Build
Pinewood Bowl Theater welcomes this band, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m.
Neil Diamond Tribute with Dan Reynolds
Deer Springs Winery hosts this tribute from 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturdays at Hyde Observatory
From sundown to 11 p.m., this event offers a chance to stargaze and learn about astronomy.
Sunday Events
Sunday Farmers’ Market
Held at College View from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this market is a great place to find fresh produce and local goods.
13th Annual Back 2 School
The College of Hair Design hosts this event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering back-to-school supplies and services.
Family Day
Off Leash Dog Bar hosts this event from 12 to 8 p.m., featuring dog-friendly activities and games.
Wine and Yoga
Capitol View Winery offers this relaxing event from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Summer Sundays featuring Rich Confer
Kinkaider Brewing Lincoln hosts this event from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring live music and craft beer.
First-Plymouth Summer Courtyard Series | Music + Message
First-Plymouth Church hosts this event from 5:30 to 7 p.m., combining music and spiritual reflection.
Music Bingo
Wax Buffalo hosts this fun event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Wild Love Tigress, The Groove Lagoon, Head Change
Bourbon Theatre hosts this event, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m.
Lincoln Municipal Band presents Summer Concert Series: Echoes of Experience: A Musical Tribute to Seniors
John Shildneck Memorial Bandshell hosts this concert from 7 to 8 p.m.
Country Night featuring Rosalee & Colten Wyatt
Pla-Mor Ballroom hosts this event, with dance lessons starting at 7 p.m. and the show running from 8 to 11 p.m.
Museums and Galleries
Nebraska History Museum
Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
American Craft: Nebraska Quilts for the Nation’s 250th
This exhibit highlights the craftsmanship of Nebraska quilters.
‘Piecing Together The Past’
A historical look at the state's past through quilting.
‘Nebraska Unwrapped’
A collection of items that tell the story of Nebraska.
‘Play Unplugged: Historic Games and Pastimes’
This exhibit runs through 2026, showcasing traditional games and pastimes.
‘Portraits of Survival: Photographs by David Radler’
A powerful collection of photographs that document survival stories.
‘The True Wartime Escape: Margret & H.A. Rey’s Journey from France’
This exhibit runs through 2026, highlighting a historic escape during World War II.
Online Only Exhibits
Several online exhibits are available, including ‘Aerial Photographer’s Experience in the Pacific During WWII,’ ‘French Gratitude Train,’ ‘Historic Nebraska Mugshots,’ and ‘Villasur Expedition Hide Painting Reproduction.’
Great Plains Art Museum
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
‘The Journey: Documented Items/Undocumented Souls’
This exhibit runs until August 23.
‘Shaping the Southwest: Pottery from the Collection’
This exhibit runs until August 23.
‘Watershed: Elizabeth Rubendall Artist-in-Residence Amanda Maciuba’
This exhibit runs until September 20.
UNL
The Eloise Kruger Collection of Miniature Furnishings and Decorative Arts is available for viewing on the 8th floor of Oldfather Hall, open on First Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. or by appointment.
Sheldon Museum of Art
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with extended hours on Thursdays (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sundays (12 p.m. to 5 p.m.).
‘Collection Galleries’
This exhibit runs until December 2027.
Outdoor Sculpture
Various sculptures are on display, with no specific end date.
LUX Center
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
‘Weird Thirst’
By Christopher Hill, this exhibit runs until August 30.
‘Roots & Shoots’
By Santiago Cal, this exhibit runs until August 30.
‘Urban Encounter’
By Susan Soriente, this exhibit runs until September 2.
Kiechel Fine Art
Features Karen Matheis “Verdant Outlook” | Assurity, open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 12 to 5 p.m.
Clements Noyes Art Gallery
Curated by Dana Clements, this gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
WallSpace-Lnk Fine Arts Gallery and Salon
Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m.
Burkholder Project Gallery
Open Wednesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
‘Wide Open Spaces, Big Skies, Far Distance Horizons: This Land I Love’ by Anne Burkholder
Main Gallery exhibit.
‘Art Appreciation’ by Duane Adams & ‘Flora’ by Alan R. Smith
Outback Gallery exhibit.
‘In Wonder’ by Diane Reiber
Skylight Gallery exhibit.
New Work by Taylor Craig
Special Exhibit Space.
International Quilt Museum
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
‘Color Improvisations 3’
This exhibit runs until August 2.
‘Paula Kovarik: Herd’
This exhibit runs until September 6.
‘Within Me There is a Pinwheel’ by Sara Schellenberg
This exhibit runs until September 13.
Scribbling Women
This exhibit runs until November 22.
Chinese Quilts Today
This exhibit runs until December 13.
‘Aftershock: The Long Shadow of 2020’
This exhibit runs until January 10.
University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Sun, Earth, Universe
A comprehensive look at astronomy and space.
Poop & Paws
An exhibit focused on animal waste and pet care.
Cherish Nebraska
A celebration of the state's natural beauty.
First People of the Plains
Temporarily closed, but expected to reopen soon.
Explore Evolution
A journey through the history of life on Earth.
Hall of Nebraska Wildlife
Showcasing the state's diverse wildlife.
Paleontology of Nebraska
A look at the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area.
Mesozoic Gallery
Featuring fossils from the dinosaur era.
Photo Ark
A collection of photographs capturing the diversity of animal life.
Weapons Throughout Time
An exhibit exploring the evolution of weapons.
Bizarre Beasts
A collection of unusual and fascinating animals.
Minerals & Meteorites
A display of rare minerals and meteorites.
Toren Gallery of Ancient Life
Featuring exhibits on ancient life forms.
Jurassic Dinosaurs
A popular exhibit for children and adults alike.
