Free events in Lincoln, NE

Inside NWU offers a deeper look at Nebraska Wesleyan University than a standard campus visit. Participants take part in group sessions to learn about the university, experience academics with welcoming faculty in their classrooms, and get a well rounded view of student life by visiting residence halls, hearing about clubs, and learning about support services. A dedicated financial aid presentation is included. The Bean Box Coffee Trailer will be on site for a relaxing break. Registration is free.

The Bethany Neighborhood Garage Sale Weekend brings a two-day, community-wide shopping experience to Lincoln, with garage sales spread throughout the Bethany area. Shoppers can explore dozens of participating homes offering clothing, kids items, toys, furniture, household goods, and more, with plenty of chances to find back-to-school deals. A map of participating homes will be available to help plan a route and pinpoint the items you are seeking. The event is also a chance to meet neighbors, support local households, and discover something new while exploring the neighborhood. Residents interested in hosting a sale can share details in the event page so shoppers know what to expect and how to find them. Organizers are working on adding coffee or food options around the neighborhood, along with a few hub locations where multiple sales are grouped together. Spreading the word to friends, family, and neighbors helps grow participation.

Experience an evening of art, creativity, and connection at the Create 48 First Friday Art Walk. Wander on your own, come with a friend, or share it with family while taking in murals, sculpture, and paintings, plus the occasional mannequin. Featured artists include Kinzee Hillis and Dan Terpstra, each showcasing original work. Kinzee will be in the front gallery space of kate 48, and Dan will be a few buildings away. Explore local artwork at your own pace in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Enjoy a no cost, family friendly screening in the park at the Air Park Community Center. The feature is Wicked for Good, the second installment in a two part adaptation of the Broadway musical that follows Elphaba, future Wicked Witch of the West, and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. It runs 138 minutes, is rated PG, and stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Kristin Chenoweth. Seating is picnic style, so attendees can bring blankets or lawn chairs. No registration or tickets are needed. If weather becomes an issue, the movie will be shown inside the gym instead. Films generally begin around sunset. Presented by Lincoln Parks and Recreation and the Lincoln Parks Foundation.

Strength Saturdays returns to SouthPointe Pavilions with free outdoor fitness classes in the Center Court throughout the summer. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle to stay comfortable during the session. Class specifics will be announced soon. A waiver from the hosting fitness provider may be required during registration or upon arrival before participating. By attending, participants accept the risks associated with the activity, acknowledge that SouthPointe Pavilions, its owners, affiliates, and management are not liable for injury, loss, or damage, and agree to follow the Code of Conduct.

Share useful items and connect with others at a community market where everything is free. Similar to a yard sale without price tags, participants can bring clean, working items to give away and also look for things they can use. There is no requirement to contribute in order to take something, and everyone is encouraged to take what they need. Please plan to take home anything you brought that remains unclaimed when you leave. Bringing a folding table or a blanket can help display items. On-site voter registration will be available, and masks are welcome. Local volunteers host this gathering in partnership with The Lincoln Tree of Hope and Lincoln’s Little Free Libraries, and community or nonprofit partners are welcome to participate in future outdoor editions. This ongoing effort celebrates 14 years of a free-exchange culture, and help with setup and cleanup is appreciated.

Marking six years of ECHO, this community-centered celebration at Turbine Flats features free games, food, and activities. The event takes place indoors in the front gallery, and overflow parking is available on the street. Support comes from premier sponsors Copple Insurance and OMT! Divine Women's Resale, supporting sponsors Eagle Printing & Sign, Southeast Community College, and West Gate Bank, and community sponsor Rosa Martinez with Wood Bros Realty.

Live music sets the tone for an evening at Alchemy in the Haymarket. There is no cover charge.

The Lincoln Municipal Band presents the fifth concert in its summer series at the John Shildneck Memorial Bandshell in Antelope Park. Conducted by Tony Falcone, the program features French horn soloist Justin Mohling. Admission is free and open to all. Pack a picnic and settle in for an evening of music with family and friends.

Open to all ages, this bingo event at the Lincoln City Libraries - Charles H Gere Branch features the classic game with chances to win prizes. It offers a friendly setting for participants of any age.

Every Tuesday, The Upside Bar and Lounge in Lincoln hosts a music bingo night. Pick up a card, listen for the songs, mark your squares, and you could be one of the winners. It is free to participate and simple to learn. On Tuesdays the venue also features deals on import and craft beers along with specials on all burger baskets, offered in a neighborhood bar setting.

1 Million Cups is a free weekly community event for local entrepreneurs where people share business ideas and get feedback from the community. It also gives attendees a chance to refine their elevator pitch, connect with others who can support their work, and learn about training and resources available through the local 1 Million Cups community.

At Hub Cafe, the Hub Farmers Market features a participating vendor offering heritage pork along with farm fresh chicken, duck, and quail eggs.

An inclusive yoga session at Wild Root Yoga welcomes participants of varied abilities, with options to tailor the practice to individual needs throughout. Free admission is available to military personnel, veterans, frontline healthcare workers, and their adult family members. The class is open to everyone and aims to be accessible for most bodies. Advance registration is required.

Buffalo Wild Wings in Lincoln presents an interactive trivia night featuring a blend of rounds, with photo and music challenges built into each event. A host runs the game on site while teams or solo players use their phones to join through a link, send in answers, and earn points on questions that span pop culture, history, and more. Participation is free, and competitors vie for prizes in a friendly, team centered setting.