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 laneSeptember 5, 6, 7
5 to 8 p.m. September 5, 2025
Paint at Sheldon + Sheldon After Hours
Sheldon Museum of Art
Screen print a tote bag or paint a terra cotta pot to hold a small plant. Enjoy live jazz music performances and free Kona Ice.
FREE for UNL students with EventPass.
Details8 to 11 p.m. September 5, 2025
GLOW Skate
Breslow Ice Center
UNL students ice skate for free with their N Card. Skate rental is $5.
DetailsSeptember 12, 13, 14
6:30 p.m. September 12, 2025
Life in Lincoln: Global Dessert Competition
The Hub Cafe
Indulge your sweet tooth and love for international cuisines with the Global Dessert Competition, a delicious event for students to showcase their culinary skills by preparing desserts from their home countries or cultures. Whether you’re baking a beloved family recipe or trying your hand at a new treat from a different part of the world, this is your chance to share flavors, stories, and traditions with the campus community.
Attendees will sample desserts, vote for their favorites, and enjoy a sweet celebration of global cultures. FREE to attend. Open to all UNL students with Event Pass.
DetailsSeptember 19, 20, 21
7:00 p.m. TO 9:30 p.m. September 19, 2025
Community Climbing Event
Outdoor Adventures Center
Come join us for a monthly night of climbing and a special event at the Outdoor Adventures Center Climbing Wall! Whether we perform some karaoke or pedal our smoothie bike, friends will be made and good times will be had by all.
Details11:30 a.m. TO 1:30 p.m. September 20, 2025
Welcoming Week Tailgate at Sheldon Museum of Art
Sheldon Museum of Art
Join us for a Welcoming Week tailgate bringing Husker Nation and multicultural performances together in one fabulous celebration! Sample international foods and enjoy talented local performers.
This is a FREE and family-friendly event.
DetailsSeptember 26, 27, 28
3:00 p.m. TO 4:45 p.m. September 26, 2025
Open Skating
John Breslow Ice Hockey Center
Join us for open skating! Free for UNL students (with NCARD) and their families with proof of Family Weekend registration.
Skate rental is available for $5 a pair.
Details5:30 p.m. September 26, 2025
Free Throw Contest
Campus Recreation Center
The tournament will be played at the Campus Recreation Center on Friday, September 26th on Courts 7 and 8. All participants will need to be checked in on-site by 5:30pm to participate in the tournament.
FREE EVENT! Winners will receive this year’s intramural sports championship t-shirt!
Details11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. September 27, 2025
Family Weekend Picnic
Nebraska Union Room: Outdoor Plaza - North Side
Step outside on a gorgeous fall afternoon for a BBQ picnic with your fellow students and families. Play lawn games and listen to music all while enjoying a delicious prepared BBQ meal with your student and family.
Event is free but requires Family Weekend Registration to attend.
DetailsOctober 3, 4, 5
5:00 p.m. TO 8:00 p.m. October 3, 2025
Cornstock Festival
Memorial Stadium East Plaza
Cornstock offers a memorable evening for Husker fans of all ages. Check out the homecoming parade, enjoy food trucks (free for students with NCard), mocktails, balloon twisting & face painting, tattoo station, tractor hayrack rides, live music and more!
Details6:00 p.m. October 3, 2025
Homecoming Parade
Nebraska Union Room: South Side - R Street
Come celebrate Homecoming by watching student organizations, community groups, homecoming royalty, the Cornhusker Marching Band and some special guests as they perform in our annual parade. Participants will include floats, golf carts, balloons, performances and more!
The Lincoln community, alumni and friends of the university are all invited to watch along the parade route, which starts outside the Nebraska Union and makes its way down 16th Street and Vine Street, ending up in the East Memorial Stadium Loop.
Details8:00 p.m. TO 11:00 p.m. October 3, 2025
GLOW Skate
Breslow Ice Center
UNL students lace up the skates and hit the ice for free with a valid NCard.
Skate rental is 5$
Details