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.
October 22, 23, 24, 25
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, October 22, 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.
Details2:00 pm – 3:30 pm, October 23, 2026
Graduate Student Coffee Hours
Dinsdale Family Learning Commons Room: 235 East Campus
Take a break, grab a cup of coffee, and connect with fellow graduate students from across UNL. Graduate Student Coffee Hours offer a relaxed space to meet students from different disciplines while learning about Libraries resources and services that support your graduate journey.
Details7:00 pm - 11:00 pm, October 22, 2026
Screens & Screams
Meier Commons
Are you and your ghouls looking for a late-night fright? Bring your blankets and enjoy an outdoor double feature of hit horror classics “Scream” and “The Conjuring”.
But wait… did you hear something? BOO! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any scarier, there will be live scarers, brought to you by the Lazzi Improv Troupe, lurking around during the screenings!
Bring your friends and enjoy popcorn, candy, and a night of fear!
DetailsStarts at 7:05 pm, October 22, 2026
Husker Soccer vs. USC
Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium
Come cheer on the Nebraska Soccer team as they take on the USC Trojans!
https://huskers.evenue.net/event/WS26/09
Details10:30 am – 11:30 am, October 25, 2026
Yoga at the Sheldon Museum of Art
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/
DetailsStarts at 1:05 pm, October 25, 2026
Husker Soccer vs. UCLA
Barbara Hibner Soccer Stadium
Come cheer on the Nebraska Soccer team as they take on the UCLA Bruins in their final regular season game of the season.
https://huskers.evenue.net/event/WS26/10
Details6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, October 23, 2026
Campus Frightlife
Nebraska East Union Room: Great Plains Room
Campus FRIGHTLIFE: Carving and Costumes is your one-stop Halloween experience on campus this year!
Come dressed in your best Halloween costume for a chance to win prizes in categories like:
Most Creative
Dynamic Duo
Most Likely to Go Viral
While you’re showing off your look, enjoy a selection of festive mocktails crafted to get you in the Halloween spirit… No tricks, just treats!
Then, blow us away with your carving skills for a chance to go down in Campus NightLife history as the Pumpkin Carving Champion!
RSVP on NvolveU for a chance to win!
https://unl.campuslabs.com/engage/event/12514519
DetailsStarts at 7:00 pm, October 23, 2026
Smash Bros Tournament
Campus Recreation Center
Entry Fee: FREE
Play Begins: Friday, October 23
Leagues: Open
https://crec.unl.edu/activities/intramural-sports/
DetailsOctober 29, 30, 31
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, October 29, 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.
Details8:00 am – 8:00 pm, October 30, 2026
Harper Dining’s Halloween Costume Contest
Harper Dining Center
We’re hosting an all-day costume contest at Harper Dining Center on Friday, October 30th. Stop by Harper Dining at during any meal period and have a staff member snap your Polaroid picture and get your contact information.
Come back to Harper on Monday, November 2nd to vote for your favorite costume!
Winner will be announced on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Prize: Steak dinner for you and 3 friends
Also on Friday, October 30th, stop by our Halloween dessert and snack table during lunch for some spooky treats. Dirt and worm parfait cups, apples and caramel, popcorn and candy corn, spooky decorated cakes and cookies.
*Must be a meal plan holder to win*
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 30, 2026
Fall 2026 Tea Time
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: 302
Stop by the Kawasaki Reading Room on the 3rd floor of the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center every Friday from 11am to 4pm, starting August 28th and running through December 15th.
Details8:00 pm, October 29, 2026
Nightmare on R Street
Phi Delta Theta House
Nightmare on R St is a haunted house philanthropy event hosted by the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at our chapter house on R St. Attendees will walk through a themed haunted house experience designed and staffed by chapter members, featuring decorated rooms, guided pathways, and Halloween-themed effects. The event is open to students and the public, and all proceeds will be donated to Live Like Lou, Phi Delta.
DetailsNovember 5, 6, 7, 8
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, November 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 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.
Details5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, November 6, 2026
First Friday: One Piece at a Time
Architecture Hall West Room: T-Studio/ HDR Pavilion Lobby
On November 6 from 5-7 p.m., stop by the HDR Pavilion Lobby/T-Studio in Architecture Hall to experience One Piece at a Time - A Co-Creational Speculation on Mass Timber in North America (OPAT) by Professor Jason Griffiths.
One Piece at a Time is an architectural assemblage of mass timber components gathered during Griffiths’ 2024 sabbatical road trip to universities across North America. The project brings together multiple participants in a conversation about how we build with wood and explores the diverse approaches to forestry, mass timber and construction across the United States.
Details9:00 am – 4:00 pm, November 8, 2026
Fall Colors Hike
Outdoor Adventures Center
Need a quick escape from the city? Join Outdoor Adventures for a day of hiking at Platte River State Park. You’ll enjoy beautiful fall colors and scenic views of the Platte River, a delicous lunch, and great conversations with fellow hikers. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the outdoors close to home.
The cost of this trip covers all of the transportation, activity-related gear, meals while at the activity site, permits, leadership, and instruction for the program.
https://crec.unl.edu/activities/outdoor-adventures/adventure-trips-clinics/
Details12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, November 5, 2026
Cooking Demo for Students
University Health Center and College of Nursing Room: First Floor Kitchen
Join the UNL campus registered dietitians to learn how to prepare diabetes-friendly, immunity-boosting dishes.
You must register to attend. Limited to 10 attendees; first come, first served. Please only register if you can show up, otherwise, you will be taking a spot for someone who may want to attend.
Registration will automatically close when 10 people have signed up.
https://health.unl.edu/cooking-demos/
Details5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, November 6, 2026
November First Friday at Sheldon Museum of Art
Sheldon Museum of Art
Start your weekend at Sheldon Museum of Art. UNL graduate student poets will read their original poetry, inspired by art on view, in the galleries starting at 6 p.m.
Before the poetry readings, join a tour of “Remembering Modern Art” at 5:30 p.m. Admission is always free and everyone is welcome.
Funding was provided by Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
https://sheldonartmuseum.doubleknot.com/event/november-first-friday/3159103
Details5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, November 6, 2026
Lazzi Improv Show
Nebraska Union & Chimney Rock Room
A free comedy improv show put on for the public!
Details3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, November 6, 2026
First Friday at The Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures
Oldfather Hall Room: Room 831
Step into a World in Miniature!
Join us for First Friday in the Gallery, our monthly open house at The Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures. Wander through tiny worlds, discover remarkable craftsmanship, and enjoy an afternoon of big imagination in small scale.
Admission is always free and open to the public.
Details4:00 pm – 5:00 pm, November 6, 2026
Japanese Conversation Table
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: Room 301
Interested in practicing your Japanese? Come Join us every Friday from 4 to 5 PM at Kawasaki Reading Room (JGMC Room 301).
Details4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, November 6, 2026
Blind Box Bingo: Bigger & Better
The Ballroom
Back by popular demand! Take part in the blind box craze through competitive rounds of bingo with your friends! Enjoy rounds of traditional bingo mixed with fun variations!
We took your feedback from the last event: More Bingo Sheets, More Seating, and More Blind Boxes!!!
Winners will get to leave with popular, authentic blind boxes.
Now with EVEN MORE Blind Boxes from popular brands like POP MART, MINISO, and SMISKI!
Details