Annual Events in Lincoln, Nebraska
Explore the top annual events in Lincoln Nebraska including festivals, fairs, and community gatherings that showcase the town’s vibrant culture.
Lincoln Arts Festival – Where Creativity Takes Center Stage
Each September, downtown Lincoln transforms into a colorful outdoor gallery for the Lincoln Arts Festival. This event has been a staple in the city’s cultural calendar for over two decades, bringing together more than 100 local and national artists.
Here, you can stroll through booths featuring paintings, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and photography, while live music fills the streets. The festival also includes hands-on art activities for kids and food vendors offering everything from gourmet snacks to local favorites.
The Lincoln Arts Festival celebrates creativity, community, and culture — perfectly reflecting the city’s growing arts scene.
Husker Football Game Days – The Ultimate Lincoln Tradition
No list of annual events in Lincoln would be complete without mentioning the city’s biggest tradition: Nebraska Cornhuskers football.
On game days, Lincoln becomes one of the largest “cities” in Nebraska, as more than 85,000 fans pack Memorial Stadium to cheer on their beloved Huskers. Streets fill with a sea of red, tailgates fire up, and the air buzzes with excitement.
Even if you’re not a football fan, the energy of game day is contagious. Restaurants and bars across town host viewing parties, and locals welcome visitors like old friends.
For Lincoln, Husker football isn’t just a sport — it’s a community celebration that happens every fall weekend.
Lincoln Marathon and Half Marathon – A Race with Heart
Held each May, the Lincoln Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Runners from across the nation come to test their endurance on scenic city routes lined with cheering crowds.
The race winds through Lincoln’s parks, neighborhoods, and landmarks, showcasing the city’s natural beauty and vibrant energy. It’s more than just a race — it’s a celebration of determination, fitness, and community spirit.
Even if you’re not running, you can join in by volunteering, cheering on participants, or enjoying the post-race festivities at the finish line inside Memorial Stadium.
Jazz in June – A Summer Tradition of Smooth Sounds
Every summer, Jazz in June turns the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus into an outdoor concert venue filled with rhythm, relaxation, and community vibes.
This free concert series has been a Lincoln tradition for over 25 years. Each Tuesday evening in June, hundreds of locals gather with lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy performances from both local and national jazz artists.
The event also features a lively marketplace with local food trucks, artisans, and handmade crafts. Jazz in June perfectly captures Lincoln’s easygoing charm — where great music meets great company under the open sky.
Star City Pride Festival – Celebrating Diversity and Love
Every June, Lincoln lights up with color, joy, and unity during the Star City Pride Festival. This annual celebration honors the city’s LGBTQ+ community with a weekend full of parades, live music, performances, and family-friendly activities.
The highlight of the festival is the Pride Parade, where floats, costumes, and rainbow flags take over the streets in a dazzling display of inclusion and pride.
Lincoln’s welcoming spirit shines brightly during this event, reminding everyone that love, equality, and acceptance are at the heart of what makes this city special.
Boo at the Zoo – Family Fun for Halloween
For families, fall in Lincoln means pumpkins, costumes, and one of the city’s favorite traditions: Boo at the Zoo.
Held each October at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, this event transforms the zoo into a whimsical Halloween wonderland. Kids can trick-or-treat through themed exhibits, meet friendly costumed characters, and enjoy festive decorations.
It’s a safe, family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween — complete with treats, laughter, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Whether you’re five or fifty, Boo at the Zoo brings out the child in everyone.
Haymarket Farmers Market – Fresh Flavor All Season Long
From May through October, Saturday mornings in Lincoln are reserved for the Haymarket Farmers Market, one of the city’s most beloved weekly traditions.
Located in the Historic Haymarket District, this open-air market features more than 200 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, local crafts, and handmade products. Street musicians play upbeat tunes while families shop and socialize in the sunshine.
The market is a cornerstone of Lincoln’s community life — supporting local farmers and artisans while creating a welcoming space for neighbors to connect.
If you want to experience Lincoln like a local, grab a cup of coffee, stroll through the stalls, and enjoy the atmosphere that defines Saturday mornings downtown.
Lincoln’s Veterans Parade – Honoring Heroes
Each November, Lincoln comes together to honor the brave men and women who have served our country during the Veterans Parade.
This touching event features military bands, community groups, and local schools marching through downtown Lincoln in recognition of veterans and active-duty personnel.
Crowds line the streets waving flags, while local organizations host events throughout the weekend to show gratitude. It’s a heartfelt reminder of Lincoln’s strong sense of patriotism and community pride.
Lincoln Beer Week – A Toast to Local Craft Brewers
Beer lovers rejoice! Every spring, Lincoln hosts Lincoln Beer Week, a weeklong celebration of the city’s growing craft beer scene.
Local breweries like Empyrean Brewing Company, Zipline Brewing Co., and Code Beer Company join forces to create special brews, host tasting events, and organize pub crawls across town.
From beer dinners to educational workshops, this event offers something for every type of beer enthusiast. Lincoln Beer Week has become a local favorite — proof that Nebraskans know how to raise a glass and have a good time.
Capital City Ribfest – A Feast for the Senses
Get ready to eat your heart out at Capital City Ribfest, Lincoln’s annual barbecue extravaganza.
Held each summer near the Pinnacle Bank Arena, this mouthwatering event draws pitmasters from across the country, all competing for the title of best ribs in Nebraska. The smoky aroma fills the air as visitors sample ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and more.
With live music, beer tents, and family-friendly activities, Ribfest is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of flavor, fire, and community.
Lincoln Earth Day – Go Green and Give Back
Every April, Lincoln celebrates environmental awareness during Lincoln Earth Day, one of the largest eco-friendly events in the state.
Held at Union Plaza, the event features educational booths, live performances, recycling drives, and fun family activities designed to promote sustainability and conservation.
From solar energy demonstrations to tree planting, Lincoln Earth Day inspires locals to protect the planet while enjoying a fun, festive day outdoors.
First Friday Art Walks – A Monthly Creative Showcase
Lincoln’s art community thrives year-round, but the First Friday Art Walks give locals a reason to celebrate creativity every month.
On the first Friday of each month, galleries and studios across downtown open their doors for free public exhibitions. Visitors can meet artists, view new collections, and enjoy live music and refreshments.
The event encourages exploration, creativity, and connection — making it one of Lincoln’s most consistent and accessible cultural traditions.
Uncle Sam Jam – Lincoln’s Fourth of July Celebration
Each Independence Day, Lincoln lights up the sky with its spectacular Uncle Sam Jam celebration.
Held at Oak Lake Park, this free, family-friendly event includes food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, and one of the largest fireworks shows in Nebraska.
Families spread out picnic blankets, children wave glow sticks, and everyone joins in singing patriotic tunes before the fireworks burst above the lake. It’s a tradition that perfectly embodies Lincoln’s sense of community and pride.
Lincoln Calling – Music, Arts, and Innovation Festival
For music lovers, Lincoln Calling is one of the city’s premier cultural events. This multi-day festival, held each fall, showcases emerging and established artists across genres, from rock and hip-hop to indie and electronic.
In addition to live performances, Lincoln Calling features panel discussions, art installations, and workshops that promote creativity and community engagement.
With venues spread throughout downtown Lincoln, the festival transforms the city into a dynamic stage for talent and expression.
Cornhusker State Games – The Olympics of Nebraska
Every summer, athletes of all ages and skill levels gather for the Cornhusker State Games, a massive amateur sports festival that brings together thousands of participants from across Nebraska.
Featuring more than 60 sports, including basketball, swimming, cycling, martial arts, and archery, the event promotes fitness, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
The Opening Ceremonies — complete with fireworks, parades, and live entertainment — are a highlight for both participants and spectators.
It’s one of the largest multi-sport events in the nation and a proud tradition that shows off Nebraska’s athletic spirit.
The Lincoln Airshow – Aviation at Its Finest
When the Lincoln Airshow comes to town, all eyes look to the skies. This thrilling event features high-flying performances by military jets, stunt pilots, and historic aircraft.
Held at the Lincoln Airport, it’s a family-friendly spectacle that combines education, excitement, and awe-inspiring skill. Kids love exploring the aircraft displays, while aviation enthusiasts can meet pilots and learn about the history of flight.
The roar of engines, dazzling formations, and patriotic atmosphere make the airshow one of Lincoln’s most anticipated events.
Winter Lights Festival – A Dazzling Downtown Display
To end the year, Lincoln sparkles with holiday magic during the Winter Lights Festival.
Downtown streets and parks are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, and local shops extend hours for special holiday promotions. The event often includes carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and hot chocolate stands that warm the spirit of the season.
The Union Plaza area and Sunken Gardens are particularly stunning, offering picture-perfect backdrops for family outings and romantic walks.
Lincoln’s Winter Lights Festival proves that even in the chill of winter, this city shines brighter than ever.
Conclusion
From spring marathons to summer jazz, fall festivals to winter lights, Lincoln, Nebraska’s annual events celebrate everything that makes this city remarkable — its creativity, diversity, and community pride.
Each event tells part of the city’s story — one filled with music, laughter, tradition, and heart. So, the next time you visit the Cornhusker capital, plan your trip around one of these unforgettable celebrations. Because in Lincoln, there’s always a reason to gather, smile, and celebrate together.
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