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.
This listing will be updated continually as events are announced.
Want your event to be considered for The Weekender? Add it to the UNL Events Calendar for us to curate into this list. RSOs can post their events on NVolveU.
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. Reserve a lane for you and your friends.
hosted by Nebraska Unions
___________________
Tea Time Fridays
- Fridays
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, Room 302
Visit the third floor reading room for a variety of different teas and snacks.
hosted by Kawasaki Reading Room
___________________
MARCH 24, 25, 26
Morning Coffee Ride
- March 24, 2023
- 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- Outdoor Adventures Center
Explore Lincoln, make new friends, and enjoy your morning coffee or tea. This relaxed morning ride leaving from the Outdoor Adventures Center will showcase some bike paths around town before you stop to enjoy morning beverages. You’ll head back to campus in time for all but the earliest classes. Bikes, helmets, and drink provided.
Free for UNL students. Preregistration required.
hosted by Campus Recreation Outdoor Adventures
___________________
Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart Tournament
- March 24, 2023
- 5 p.m.
- Campus Rec Center, Room 230C
A free 1-night tournament played on Nintendo Switch. To compete, sign up on-site when you arrive. Winners are awarded an intramural championship t-shirt.
hosted by Campus Recreation Intramural Sports
___________________
LGBTQA+ Karaoke Night
- March 24, 2023
- 6 to 8 p.m.
- Nebraska Union, The Crib
Take the stage in The Crib and perform songs by your favorite LGBTQA+ music artists. Not interested in singing? Come enjoy the performances and support your friends. A free event for UNL students.
hosted by LGBTQA+ Center
___________________
A Night In Monaco
- March 24, 2023
- 7 to 9 p.m.
- Nebraska Union, Regency Suite
The French Riveria’s glamour and gaming come to campus for a single evening of fun and festivities.
Grab a spot at any of seven casino-style gaming** tables to try your luck at playing Black Jack (4); Roulette (1); Poker (1); and Craps (1). Up to 60 students can play at the same time.
Want to skip the games and enjoy the atmosphere? Enjoy sampling and comparing three signature alcohol-free Mocktails being crafted and served exclusively for this night.
FREE for UNL students with Event Pass.
** This is a money-free non-gambling event. Cash and currency betting is prohibited. Students will be issued a set of casino chips in which to play the games.
hosted by Campus NightLife; Student Leadership, Involvement, & Community Engagement
___________________
LIFE IN LINCOLN: Night at the Lincoln Stars Hockey
- March 24, 2023
- 7:05 p.m.
- meet the group in Ice Box at Innovation Campus (1880 Transformation Dr.)
UNL students can watch a live hockey game together as the local Lincoln Stars take to the ice against the Sioux City Musketeers.
RSVP required to reserve your free ticket: https://go.unl.edu/hockey. Get your friends to RSVP, too.
FREE and open to UNL students only.
hosted by Student Leadership, Involvement, & Community Engagement; International Student and Scholar Office
___________________
MARCH 31, APRIL 1, 2
APRIL 7, 8, 9
APRIL 14, 15, 16
APRIL 21, 22, 23
Spring Drag Show
- April 21, 2023
- 8 p.m.
- Nebraska Union, Centennial Room
Student and community volunteers perform songs in two acts for the end-of-the-semester drag show. A short intermission will take place between the acts.
There is no entry fee to this event, yet attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to Husker Pantry.
hosted by LGBTQA+ Center and Spectrum UNL
___________________
The Big Event
- April 22, 2023
- Morning start; Exact time TBA
- Nebraska Union, Memorial Plaza
One Big Day to give One Big Thanks! This annual single-day-of-service benefits local nonprofits and residents in the greater Lincoln community. Hundreds of Huskers are needed to help.
Service projects will include assisting residents at private properties and residences; cleaning up at local parks; and volunteering at nonprofit organizations.
Sign-up info is coming soon. BOOKMARK: https://bigevent.unl.edu
hosted by ASUN Student Government
___________________
APRIL 28, 29, 30
End-of-the-Year Bash
- April 29, 2023
- 6 p.m.
- East Campus Mall
The perennial campus tradition is back! Cap off the school year at a FREE outdoor carnival with your Husker friends. Enjoy fun games, food, and entertainment. ** Full event details coming soon. **
FREE for UNL students with Event Pass.
hosted by Student Leadership, Involvement, & Community Engagement; Campus Nightlife
___________________
MAY 5, 6, 7 (start of 15th Week)
Lincoln Marathon and Half Marathon
- May 7, 2023
- 7 a.m. start
- Course Map The start and finish are both on UNL City Campus.
Rise early to cheer thousands of runners from all 50 U.S. states and several international countries.
This is one of the best events for spectators in Lincoln. UNL students have easy access to see the action, as both the start and finish are on City Campus. The start line is on Vine Street, between 14th and 16th Streets. The finish is on Stadium Drive, west of Memorial Stadium.
hosted by Lincoln Track Club
___________________