Sunrise paddling, reptile expo, a floral pop-up, a caffeine birthday bash, country hits, and more.
June 20, 2025
Happy Friday, Lincoln. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Lincoln Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
-
Sand volleyball 🏐
-
Sunrise paddle ☀️
-
Reptile expo 🦎
-
Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Youth fitness action plan: Community leaders in Lincoln unveiled a five-point roadmap this week to boost physical activity and sports access for grades 4–8—read the full recommendations.
Inmate graduates mark milestone: Fifteen students at Nebraska State Penitentiary graduated with a Business Administration Certificate from Southeast Community College, the first cohort to complete the program inside a correctional facility — read more.
UNL architecture students break ground: The University of Nebraska–Lincoln grads broke ground on two prefabricated, modular homes in North Omaha designed to meet first-time buyers’, aging residents’ and single families’ needs — read more.
Highlights this week
-
Hospitals launch NE High Value Network
-
Nebraska confirms ash borer infestations
-
Enjoy beer and support cancer
-
Play cornhole beside classic cars
-
Play sand volleyball for charity
-
Compare auto insurance rates for free
🫶 We got your back
Fresh fields, fresher flavors: Get ready to dig in—The Hub Cafe is where your fork meets the farm. From sun-kissed heirloom tomatoes to pasture-raised delights, every plate tells a story of nearby soil, sustainable practice, and that sweet “I-can’t-believe-this-is-good-for-you” sensation.
Steep your senses: When you need a timeout from the daily grind, The Green Leaf Tea Company brews up serenity one leaf at a time. Whether you’re chasing floral oolongs or smoky pu’ers, they’ve got the perfect pour-over to turn any afternoon into a moment worth savoring.
Desk not required: Tired of your same old home-office setup? FUSE Coworking hands you the Wi-Fi, the office plant (sort of), and that soft‐serve of creative energy you’ve been craving. Plug in, brainstorm, and bond over communal snacks—without the awkward water-cooler small talk.
Strike the right chord: Ready to riff? Roots Music Shop is your one-stop shop for everything from ukuleles that whisper to drum kits that roar. Whether you’re a fret-shy beginner or a pedal-tapping pro, they’ll have you making music—and maybe memories—before you can say “encore.”
Degrees without the squeeze: Want to help your kiddo or grandchild through college? Co-signing their student loan helps them unlock lower rates and increases their chances of getting approved. Some lenders release co-signers after enough on-time payments, so it doesn’t have to be forever. Avoid last-minute headaches by acting now!
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
Own or manage a local business? Thousands of your future fans read our emails — advertising your products, services, listings, and events with us is easy.
You can advertise with us or submit an event for free.
📆 Lincoln happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🏍️ Indian Motorcycle Demo Days @ Indian Motorcycle of Lincoln | Friday (6/20) at 10 am – Test-ride the latest 112 Power Plus Indian motorcycles at Elway Powersports’ demo extravaganza. With extended hours on June 20th and 21st, you’ve got plenty of time to feel the power, learn the specs, and find your dream ride. No ticket required—just bring your license and a sense of adventure.
📸 Professional Headshot Pop Up @ Lighthouse | Friday (6/20) at 10:30 am – Freshen up your LinkedIn, resume, or senior year portfolio with a polished headshot in just 10 minutes. Hosted by The 1895 Project and The Lighthouse, this pop-up is exclusively for graduating and rising seniors—spots are limited, so snag yours now for only $10. Dress to impress, and we’ll handle the lighting.
🎵 Rodney Atkins with Drew Phillips Band @ Ice Box (arena) | Friday (6/20) at 8 pm – Saddle up for a night of chart-topping country hits from Rodney Atkins, backed by the Drew Phillips Band. With six #1 songs and billions of streams under his belt, Atkins brings that authentic honky-tonk vibe you crave. Grab your cowboy hat and get ready to two-step the night away at The Ice Box.
This weekend
🚣 Wake up & Paddle @ Holmes Lake | Saturday (6/21) at 8:30 am – Trade your snooze button for a sunrise kayak or paddleboard session and start your weekend waterside. Sip fresh Bagels & Joe coffee, munch a treat from Slow Your Dough, and glide through glassy morning waters. No experience needed—just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe sunglasses). Spaces are snug, so reserve your spot and find your zen on the lake.
🎉 30th Birthday Party @ The Coffee Roaster | Saturday (6/21) at 9 am – It’s three decades of brewed perfection, and everyone’s invited to the roast-iversary blowout. Face painting, sugar scrubs, and ice-cold treats mingle with signature pour-overs and community cheer. Swing by anytime between 9 AM and 4 PM for games, giveaways, and a caffeine-fueled trip down memory lane. Here’s to 30 more years of beans and beats!
🌸 Bloom Bike @ Elleinad Books | Saturday (6/21) at 10 am – Roll into a floral pop-up where bouquets come to you on two wheels. Grab a ready-made arrangement or craft your own masterpiece with Linnea’s expert touch. It’s the perfect blend of books, blooms, and breezy Saturday vibes. Stop by, smell the petals, and add a little color to your morning.
🎲 Free RPG Day @ HobbyTown | Saturday (6/21) at 12 pm – Dice, character sheets, and free adventures await at this tabletop takeover. Whether you’re a dungeon-delving veteran or a roll-your-first-die rookie, there’s a demo game calling your name. Snag exclusive giveaways, network with local GMs, and forge epic tales—no RSVP required (but highly encouraged). Ready your party and make some dice-rolling magic happen!
🐢 Lincoln Reptile Expo @ Show Me Reptiles | Sunday (6/22) at 9 am – Dive headfirst into a slithery spectacle at the Show Me Reptile Show, where scales and tails steal the spotlight. From majestic pythons to quirky axolotls, this is your chance to geek out over nature’s coolest creatures. Feeling bold? Handle a friendly gecko or cozy up to a gentle tortoise and prove you’ve got the reptile whisperer touch. When you’re ready to commit, browse the bustling marketplace to bring home your very own scaly sidekick!
🎨 Yes Chef @ Robber’s Cave | Sunday (6/22) at 3 pm – Celebrate creativity and community at Yes Chef’s inaugural craft fair, where handmade art, jewelry, baked goods, and more line the halls. Sip at the cash & card bar while you hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures from Blissful Blends to Garden by Jodi. With free admission and all booths indoors, it’s the perfect Sunday pick-me-up to support local makers. Grab your crew and your shopping tote for vibes that are as great as the finds!
🎶 Live music & entertainment
-
6/20 Bobby Gadoury @ Art & Soul – 6 pm
-
6/20 Hardwood Dash and more @ SouthPointe Pavilions – 6:30 pm
-
6/20 Jesse Rice @ Annabell Gardens – 7 pm
-
6/20 Blondo and more @ Storm Cellar – 7:30 pm
-
6/20 Rodney Atkins @ Ice Box – 8 pm
-
6/20 Big Daddy Caleb and more @ Crescent Moon Coffee – 8 pm
-
6/20 Paper Canaries @ The Zoo Bar – 9 pm
-
6/21 Doctor P B2B Flux Pavilion @ The Royal Grove – 8 pm
-
6/21 Whisky River @ Tanks Country – 9 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Lincoln edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Jessica States (Keller Williams Lincoln) – 5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | Built in 1991 | 5902 sqft
Three acres of pure bragging rights, right at 56th & Yankee Hill. Soaring ceilings, a two-story entry, and a kitchen so fresh it practically still has that “new cabinetry” smell. The formal dining room is ready for feasts, the main-floor office is primed for “working,” and the primary ensuite could make a spa jealous. Upstairs, bedrooms and a bonus room await, while the walk-out basement hides a rec room, study nook, and even a secret garden shed escape hatch.
Outside, the party never stops: over 1,000 sq ft of composite deck, a covered patio, and a pool that’s both heated and chilled—because why not? The outbuilding is basically a grown-up clubhouse with a bar, wood stove, and polished concrete floors. Underground sprinklers keep the garden flex lush, and the new HVAC and water heater mean zero drama.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
Lincoln Brief may receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter. Content marked with an * is paid advertising. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
You received this email because you are signed up for emails from Lincoln Brief.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2025 Lincoln Brief
1402 Jones Street
Omaha, NE 68102, United States of America
