Free fishing, jazz in the sculpture garden, paddleboarding pups, hot rods and rockabilly, a deep dive into bees, and more.
June 24, 2025
Happy Tuesday, 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 week ahead:
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Community fishing 🎣
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New Goodwill 🛍️
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Paddle in the city 🛶
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Free senior fitness classes: Lincoln’s Parks & Rec and the YMCA of Lincoln kicked off free and low-cost strength, stretch, and balance sessions for adults 50+ at Air Park and Easterday centers, available now thanks to a $20,000 grant — learn how to join.
Hands-on STEM summer spark: Last week, UNL’s five-day, grant-funded academy wrapped up giving 30 Nebraska high schoolers free, hands-on science, engineering and leadership labs — read more here.
Goodwill heads to North Star: Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska is bringing one of its largest stores yet to Lincoln’s North Star Crossing, offering expanded donation drop-offs and bargain finds on clothing, furniture, electronics, and more — read more.
College funding: With fall semester approaching, it’s a good time to explore student loan options. Co-signed loans often come with better rates and higher approval odds, and many lenders provide pathways to release co-signers after establishing good payment records — CollegeAve makes the entire process a breeze.
Highlights this week
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Cuts devastate Nebraska communities
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Nebraska startup ecosystem coalesces
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Enjoy classic songs at a benefit tribute concert
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Try fishing with help and free equipment
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Kayak and dine free at a community event
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Got debt? National can help you cut ties
🫶 We got your back
Farm-to-fork thrills ahead: Craving bold, beef-free flavors? Look no further than Pepe’s Bistro for humble veggies turned rock stars. Expect inventive plant-based dishes, dairy-free twists, and desserts that’ll make you rethink vegan eats.
Shuck it to me: Nothing says coastal charm like briny, ocean-fresh oysters piled high—and Laughing Crab isn’t shy about bringing the tide straight to your table.
Two-wheel TLC: Whether you’re dodging potholes or conquering gravel trails, Cycle Works keeps your ride rolling smoother than your favorite playlist.
Tinker, create, repeat: From melted-magic 3D printers to shop-class-envious power tools, Nebraska Innovation Studio is the DIY dream factory ready to bring your wildest inventions to life (googly-eyes optional).
One enthusiastic zoomie sesh could cost you $6,000+. Between the emergency visit, X-rays, surgery, pain meds, and months of physical therapy, it adds up quicker than Spot chasing a tennis ball. The good news? This pet insurance plan offers up to 90% cash back on the bill.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🐟 Community Fishing Night: Lincoln @ Holmes Lake | Tuesday (6/24) at 6 pm – Rods, reels, bait, and expert tips: all provided for free. This chill evening hosted by Nebraska Game and Parks is great for families, first-timers, and anyone fishing for a low-key Tuesday night.
🎷 Jazz in June 2025: Sam Greenfield @ Sheldon Sculpture Garden | Tuesday (6/24) at 7 pm – Wrap up Jazz in June with saxophone wizard Sam Greenfield, whose genre-bending energy will make the sculpture garden come alive. Come early for food trucks and family fun starting at 5. It’s summer bliss with a jazz soundtrack.
🌼 Paddling in the City @ Oak Lake Park | Thursday (6/26) at 6 pm – Glide into the evening with free kayaking, canoeing, and community fun at Oak Lake. Whether you’re a total newbie or a water sports regular, this is an easygoing way to connect with nature—and neighbors.
🎉 Rebrand Launch Block Party @ Wellbeing Initiative | Friday (6/27) at 10 am – Swing by any time from 10 to 3 for food trucks, family fun, and a full-on celebration of Wellbeing Initiative’s brand new look. Think daytime party vibes with a splash of community spirit.
🖌️ June Joy of Painting: Smokey Mountains @ Urban Legends Art Studio | Friday (6/27) at 6 pm – Channel your inner Bob Ross with a guided step-by-step painting session, no experience needed. BYO happy little trees—and maybe a friend or two.
This weekend
🐶 Pup & Paddle @ Holmes Lake | Saturday (6/28) at 1 pm – Paddleboarding with your pup? Yes, please. This chill 90-minute float is part bonding experience, part photo op, and 100% adorable. Kayaks, boards, treats, and new dog-loving friends await.
🛠 Pour Your Own Epoxy @ Backswing Brewing Co. | Saturday (6/28) at 1 pm – Craft your own one-of-a-kind charcuterie board or lazy susan at this hands-on workshop with a frosty pint in hand. Premium walnut, your choice of epoxy, and all the gear is provided. Get creative, get messy, and take home something stunning (after it cures, of course).
🚗 2025 Folsom Lockdown @ Xotic Customs | Saturday (6/28) at 7 pm – Rockabilly is revving up in Lincoln with hot rods, choppers, and two blistering sets by The NitroBats and Jane Rose & The Deadends. It’s a free night of vintage flair, fast rides, and louder-than-life live music. Bonus: Tina’s Cafe is serving up the grub.
💪 2025 Nebraska Throws Festival @ University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Sunday (6/29) at 8 am – Calling all shot putters, discus hurlers, and hammer slingers — this one’s for you. Whether you’re here to compete or just admire some serious athleticism, this all-day event brings the heat (and the muscle) to Lincoln’s campus. Registration is open now for the bold and the brawny.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/24 Sam Greenfield @ Sheldon Sculpture Garden – 7 pm
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6/25 Church of Blues @ The Mill at Telegraph – 6 pm
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6/25 Calling All Captains and more @ Witches’ Brew – 7 pm
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6/25 Superstar: Karen Carpenter Tribute @ Screamers Family Restaurant – 7 pm
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6/25 The Local Honeys and more @ Bourbon Theatre – 8 pm
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6/26 Scott Meradith Acoustic @ Wilderness Ridge – 5:30 pm
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6/26 DeadPettyKellerGrass and more @ Bourbon Theatre – 8 pm
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6/27 Bobby Gadoury @ Art & Soul – 6 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Tammy Peter (Woods Bros Realty) – 5 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | Built in 1994 | 7000 sqft
Three and a half acres of prime Kensington Estates real estate means you can finally host that backyard Olympics without annoying the neighbors—or, you know, just lounge by the heated pool while your robot mower does the work. Fruit trees, a guest cottage with an upstairs suite, and a 40×60 outbuilding (with a loft and workshop, obviously) make this place feel less like a house and more like a personal resort with a side of “I win at life.”
Inside, the kitchen sports dual islands so nobody has to fight over counter space, a butler’s pantry for secret snack stashes, and appliances that could make Gordon Ramsay weep. The main floor brings drama with a bedroom suite, a home office, and a flex zone for a golf simulator or media cave. Upstairs, Jack-and-Jill baths keep the peace, while the walkout basement delivers a second kitchen, rec room, and enough storage to finally justify all those Costco runs. All this, just minutes from Lincoln—because convenience is the ultimate flex.
Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →
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