HERO area
The Weekender highlights free(ish) student-focused social events happening on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons and evenings. All students are welcome.
Ongoing
Free Bowling
- Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- 5:30 p.m. to midnight Friday; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday; 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday
- Husker Bowling Center, inside the Nebraska East Union
UNL students enjoy free bowling + shoe rental w/ their NCard.
Details + Reserve a laneFebruary 1, 6, 7, 8
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, February 6, 2026
First Friday at Sheldon Museum of Art
Sheldon Museum of Art
Interested in meeting new people and engaging in conversations about art? Join us on February 6 for gallery conversation prompts and interactive games. Whether you come with friends or on your own, you’re guaranteed to have an enjoyable evening.
DetailsStarts at 5:30 pm, February 6, 2026
Spikeball
Campus Recreation Center Room: Cook Pavilion
This competition will be held on Friday, February 6, at the Campus Recreation Center in the Cook Pavilion. Please arrive by 5:30 pm to enter.
Details8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, February 6, 2026
Campus Rec GLOW Skate
Breslow Ice Center
GLOW Skate Night at Breslow – Slide into the Weekend!
On select Friday evenings, UNL students lace up the skates and hit the ice for free with a valid NCard—no strings attached!
Exclusive to current UNL students and affiliates—just flash your NCard at the door and step right onto the ice. Bring a Guest for $5 at the door using a credit card of your choice.
Affordable Skate Rentals – Don’t own skates? Rent a pair for only $5 and join the fun.
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, February 6, 2026
First Friday at the Great Plains Art Museum
Great Plains Art Museum
The Great Plains Art Museum is open late on First Friday, Feb. 6, 5-7 p.m. with four exhibitions and light refreshments. We’re launching special 50th anniversary T-shirts and sticker packs at this month’s First Friday event.
The Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St., is open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
Details9:00 am – 5:00 pm, February 7, 2026
Dinosaurs and Disasters
Morrill Hall
Join UNSM paleontologists, researchers and educators as we explore dinosaurs, natural disasters, weather phenomena, and ways science impacts our daily lives through a variety of hands-on activities and engagement stations.
DetailsFebruary 12, 13, 14, 15
Starts at 7:00 pm, February 12, 2026
Cupid’s Mixer
Nebraska Union Room: Platte River Room
Ditch the dating apps and take a chance to organically discover new friends or possibly a date for Valentine’s Day.
Think speed dating - with a twist. In a fun and lively atmosphere, attendees will enjoy conversating with new individuals and possibly connect with a potential valentine or at least, make a friend or two.
FREE for all UNL students with Event Pass.
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, February 12, 2026
Life in Lincoln Global Kitchen
Leverton Hall
Life in Lincoln is a series of select evenings for UNL students to gather and enjoy a nearby activity or tour to sample and learn about the local Lincoln culture, neighborhoods, and people.
This date’s activity is part of Life in Lincoln’s Global Kitchen cooking workshops, an interactive series that celebrates flavors from around the world.
Cook alongside fellow Huskers, learn new skills, and enjoy a shared meal while exploring global cuisines and cultures. No prior cooking experience is needed.
Details3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, February 12, 2026
Popcorn Pop-Up
Nebraska Union Room: The Crib
The best hour of the week! Every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. pop into The Crib for an afternoon social hour with 100s of other Huskers.
It’s free and every student, staff, and faculty is welcome.
Snack on fresh-popped popcorn straight from the kettle. Join in the game/activity while learning about campus organizations and departments. Mingle with friends and new acquaintances.
5:00 pm – 5:50 pm, February 13, 2026
Partner Yoga
Campus Recreation Center Room: Fitness Studio
Celebrate an appreciation for yourself and your buddy by attending this Partner Yoga class. All poses will be fun to try with a partner, so be sure to bring someone along to share the fun with.
$5 per person (included w/Semester GFit Pass)
February 19, 20, 21, 22
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, February 19, 2026
Popcorn Pop-Up
Nebraska Union Room: The Crib
The best hour of the week! Every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. pop into The Crib for an afternoon social hour with 100s of other Huskers.
It’s free and every student, staff, and faculty is welcome.
Snack on fresh-popped popcorn straight from the kettle. Join in the game/activity while learning about campus organizations and departments. Mingle with friends and new acquaintances.
11:00 am – 4:30 pm, February 20, 2026
Tea Time
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: 301
Every week Friday, Kawasaki reading room will have tea and snacks for everyone!!
Open to all UNL student.
DetailsStarts at 7:30 pm, February 20, 2026
Nebraska Rep: Tigers Be Still
Temple Building Room: Studio Theatre
Kim Rosenstock’s Tigers Be Still is a dark comedy that follows a young woman’s struggle to reclaim hope and stability after a period of depression. The play blends humor with an emotional depth, revealing the courage it takes to move forward when life feels out of control.
Performances are Feb. 19-March 1 in the Studio Theatre, 1st floor of the Temple Building.
Ticket is $15 for UNL students. For tickets and more information, visit https://nebraskarep.org.
Details
10:30 am – 11:30 am, February 22, 2026
Yoga at the Sheldon
Sheldon Museum of Art
Sheldon Museum of Art and Campus Recreation are partnering to offer an hour-long yoga class, appropriate for all levels, at the museum. Yoga is a spiritual practice that connects the mind, body, and breath through physical postures (asanas). Breathing exercises and meditation take place to promote mindfulness and listening to the body. The class is free and open to the public, but space and equipment is limited.
Please bring your own mat, towel, or blanket.
DetailsMarch 5, 6, 7, 8
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, March 5, 2026
Popcorn Pop-Up
Nebraska Union Room: The Crib
The best hour of the week! Every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. pop into The Crib for an afternoon social hour with 100s of other Huskers.
It’s free and every student, staff, and faculty is welcome.
Snack on fresh-popped popcorn straight from the kettle. Join in the game/activity while learning about campus organizations and departments. Mingle with friends and new acquaintances.
Pencil the Popcorn Pop-Ups into your schedule. Organize your friends to make it a weekly chance to socialize together and chill.
11:00 am – 4:30 pm, March 6, 2026 Time:
Tea Time
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: 301
Every week Friday, Kawasaki reading room will have tea and snacks for everyone!!
Details4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, March 8, 2026
Lead Climbing Clinic
Outdoor Adventures Center
Come and learn the basics of lead climbing on our on-campus rock wall. Student/Member: $10
Non-Member: $20
March 13, 14, 15
Starts at 7:30 pm, March 13, 2026
Angels Theatre Company’s The Rocket Men
Lied Center for Performing Arts Room: Carson Theater
Six women step into the roles of the former Nazis who sent us to the moon to share with us a story about the team that formed the backbone of NASA in the most unlikely of places…North Alabama.
The Rocket Men is a new play by award-winning playwright Crystal Skillman. This unique production is part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere happening across the country with The Phoenix Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, and Angels Theatre.
The play ticket is $23 for UNL students.
Details7:00 am – 10:00 am, March 14, 2026
ISSO Trip to Kansas City
Join us for an unforgettable day of fun and exploration in Kansas City! Enjoy sightseeing and visit iconic spots like the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, Union Station, Crown Center, and more. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure.
Details