It’s Friday, Lincoln! In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Park rankings rise, outdoor pools open, and America 250 flag unfurls + a stacked lineup of events this weekend. |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A rising park system: Lincoln climbed to 25th in Trust for Public Land’s 2026 ParkScore Index, reflecting a citywide commitment to building parks that serve all residents across Lincoln -- read the full story.
Summer aquatic schedule: Lincoln’s outdoor pools will open Monday, May 25, and run through Aug. 9. Family swim nights begin May 26 for $15 per family, plus the free spray ground opens too -- get all the details.
Ticket sales dates set: Husker football season tickets go on sale today, May 22. Mini plans open June 9 and single-game tickets June 30. The 2026 home slate includes Ohio State and Indiana -- see ticket sale dates.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan -- see how it works.* Highlights this week:
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02 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Chewy treat upgrade: MoDo Mochi Donut & Bubble Tea is the kind of pick-me-up that fixes a blah Tuesday, then convinces you to be the office hero. Snag a mix of glossy rings and a boba to match your mood... if you can resist inhaling them in the car.
Track-ready lids: Whether you want a custom patch on a crisp snapback or a Readymade design that channels Midwest dirt-track pride, Raceway Hats is a Nebraska-born brand making racing headwear that actually looks good. Easy to personalize, plenty of vintage vibes, perfect for garage days or grandstands this week.
Sharpen up this week: Sport fade LLC keeps Lincoln looking tidy with precision fades, sharp cuts, and easy online booking. Pop in for a fresh cut, step out feeling like your week suddenly got its act together, at least above the neckline.
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03 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Mosquito season's here, and bug spray's on sale: CVS has its full repellent lineup at buy one, get one 50% off — OFF! Deep Woods, Active, and FamilyCare, plus BabyGanics and STEM. More than 20 options from $11.49, the second half off when you grab two or more. *Shop the deal →
Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →
Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with *this pet insurance plan →
Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works. *Grab your copy here → |
04 — The event calendar Around town this weekendOur favorite events this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🍷 Stemless Wine Glasses & Cups @ Lincoln Hot Glass | Friday (5/22) at 5:00 PM – Nothing like playing with fire under adult supervision. Team up with veteran glass whisperer Marc Kornbluh to hand-shape, together, one stemless wine glass or cup in a cozy, four-person class. Closed-toe shoes, natural fibers, and a water bottle, please.
📚 Author James W. Berg @ Haymarket Farmers' Market | Saturday (5/23) at 8:00 AM – Skip the yard work and swing by the Haymarket Farmers Market Saturday morning, where local author James W. Berg is signing books, including his new The Dragon Heirs, and running bundle deals. Grab produce, a pastry, and a signed escape for your afternoon porch time.
🏐 Courts of Courage Sand Volleyball Tournament @ Spikes Beach Bar & Grille | Saturday (5/23) at 8:30 AM – Hit the sand for Courts of Courage, a coed tourney raising money for our veterans and first responders. Bring water, not coolers or booze, keep no more men than women, and plan for rain play, lightning breaks, and brisk sets; canopies and chairs welcome.
🧹 Everett Clean-Up @ Traffic Circle at 11th & D Street | Saturday (5/23) at 10:00 AM – If your weekend needs a reset, join the Everett clean-up and tidy the neighborhood. Meet at traffic circle at 11th and D, look for the Conservation Nebraska flag. Supplies and snacks are provided, so you bring neighborly charm, sturdy shoes, and your best trash talk.
🕵 The Dinner Detective @ The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel | Saturday (5/23) at 6:00 PM – Whether you fancy yourself a sleuth or just want someone else to handle dinner, this interactive murder mystery in Lincoln serves a full meal with a side of scandal. Suspects sit among you, laughs are plentiful, and bragging rights beat leftovers.
🎨 Art @ Saint Paul United Methodist Church | Sunday (5/24) at 9:00 AM – Need a quiet culture fix between errands? Swing by Saint Paul United Methodist, then politely ask to go in Paine Parlor, the tucked-away gallery with no sermon, just art. It feels like discovering a secret museum annex, and yes, the lighting is surprisingly flattering.
🇺 Celebrate America 250: World's Largest Flag Unfurling @ Sandhills Global Event Center | Sunday (5/24) at 6:00 PM – Lincoln is rolling out the world's largest American flag for America 250, plus a choreographed drone show from Fantasy Drone. Whether you still know the Pledge or just like shiny things, it is a big, bright, gloriously patriotic, lawn-chair-worthy watch-with-the-neighbors moment. Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The Lincoln report Weather forecastToday — High: 67°F — Low: 50°F — Precip: 83%
Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 64 in the afternoon. Southeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South southwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 74°F — Low: 51°F — Precip: 4%
Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind around 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. South southeast wind around 3 mph. This house is wildThis fully renovated, zero-entry lakefront home at 609 Pier 1 channels a private resort vibe, with a brand-new pool, expansive patio, fire pit, and dual walkout decks. High-end finishes frame a smart layout, including a luxe primary suite with Jack and Jill access. A flexible upper level doubles as a family room or fifth bedroom. Lake toys and furnishings negotiable.
Take a peek inside → |
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