HERO area
The Weekender highlights free(ish) student-focused social events happening on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons and evenings. All students are welcome.
The Weekender returns in August 2026
with a new listing of fall semester events.
Enjoy the summer.
August 27, 28, 29, 30
8:30 pm – 10:30 pm, August 27, 2026
Muppets From Space
Willa Cather Dining Complex Room: Green space/lawn
Bring your blankets, chairs, some snacks, and your friends to enjoy a FREE late night, outdoor movie on a huge inflatable screen! Snacks and beverages provided. Join the Residence Hall Association (RHA) for this classic adventure with the Muppets to save Gonzo and reunite him with his long-last family!
In case of inclement weather, the movie will be moved into the Nebraska Union Swanson Auditorium.
https://unl.campuslabs.com/engage/event/12554810
Details11:00 am – 4:00 pm, August 28, 2026
Fall 2026 Tea Time
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: 301
Every Friday, starting on the 28th of August 11am - 4pm to the 18th of December.
Join us each week to enjoy fresh tea! at JGMC room 302
Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 30, 2026
Boat Exploration Day
Outdoor Adventures Center
Join this collaboration between Outdoor Adventures, Club Rowing, and Club Sailing at Pawnee Lake where you can try various types of watercraft and learn about the resources available in Lincoln. This is a FREE event for UNL students.
Additional Public Info:
An Engagement activity within Husker Student Power. Learn more: https://go.unl.edu/power.
Starts at 7:05 pm, August 27, 2026
Husker Soccer vs. Omaha
Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium
Come cheer on Nebraska Soccer as they take on the Omaha Mavericks! It’s our Hounds at Hibner game so be sure to bring your dogs out!
https://huskers.evenue.net/event/WS26/04
Details3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, August 29, 2026
All Are Welcome Reception
Willa Cather Dining Complex Room: Red Cloud Room
A free social event to foster community bonding as the new academic year begins. It is an excellent opportunity for new and current international students, scholars, alumni and staff/faculty to meet and learn from one another.
Attendees will engage with one another through fun activities like Human BINGO, Husker Dialogue playing cards, and Culture Tags. Winners will receive prizes from some of our amazing campus partners.
Free to attend and open to all.
Full details can be viewed at https://studentculture.unl.edu/all-welcome/.
DetailsTime: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, August 30, 2026
Learn to Ride Clinic
Outdoor Adventures Center
Regardless of skill level, come meet other bike enthusiasts on campus and learn about the biking services on campus. These introductory events are free and will show routes around Lincoln along with some biking basics.
Additional Public Info:
An Engagement activity within Husker Student Power. Learn more: https://go.unl.edu/power.
Starts at 7:05 AM, August 28, 2026
Life in Lincoln: Husker Night at the Ballpark
Haymarket Park
Get ready for an evening of fun, community, and Husker spirit at Husker Night at the Ballpark! Join fellow students, faculty, and staff for a memorable night at Haymarket Park as we cheer on the Lincoln Saltdogs.
Important RSVP Information:
All attendees must RSVP through NvolveU to receive ticket access. After registering, you will receive an email sent to your university email account with detailed instructions on how to claim your ticket for the game. Be sure to RSVP early, as tickets may be limited.
*Faculty and staff are welcome to join us but need to purchase their tickets from the Saltdogs at their website using the promo code HUSKER .
https://unl.campuslabs.com/engage/event/12500625/rsvp
Details10:30 am – 11:30 am, August 30, 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. The class is free and open to the public, but space and equipment is limited. Please bring your own mat, towel, or blanket. Doors to Sheldon open at 10:20 am.
https://crec.unl.edu/activities/activities/group-fitness/
DetailsSeptember 3, 4, 5
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 3, 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 directly from the kettle. Join in the activity while learning about campus organizations and departments. Mingle with friends and new acquaintances.
**********
What to expect:
Fun, fellowship, laughter, friends, and smiles.
There will always be fresh popcorn, including special mix-ins.
DetailsTime: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, September 3, 2026
Learn to Ride Clinic
Outdoor Adventures Center
Regardless of skill level, come meet other bike enthusiasts on campus and learn about the biking services on campus. These introductory events are free and will show routes around Lincoln along with some biking basics.
Additional Public Info:
An Engagement activity within Husker Student Power. Learn more: https://go.unl.edu/power.
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, September 4, 2026
September First Friday at Sheldon Museum of Art
Sheldon Museum of Art
Start your weekend and celebrate the start of the school year at Sheldon Museum of Art. This month the museum is open until 8 p.m. Admission is always free and everyone is welcome.
Explore the new fall exhibitions. Sketch in the galleries. Join a tour: Remembering Modern Art tour at 5:30 p.m.; drop-in tour at 6 p.m. Complete an art scavenger hunt to be entered to win a prize.
September 10, 11, 12, 13
Starts at 7:05 pm, September, 10, 2026
Husker Soccer vs. Indiana
Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium
Come cheer on the Nebraska Soccer team as they take on the Indiana Hoosiers!
https://huskers.evenue.net/event/WS26/05
Details3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, September 10, 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 directly from the kettle. Join in the activity while learning about campus organizations and departments. Mingle with friends and new acquaintances.
**********
What to expect:
Fun, fellowship, laughter, friends, and smiles.
There will always be fresh popcorn, including special mix-ins.