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.
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 laneApril 24, 25, 26
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April 24, 2026
Life in Lincoln: Latin American Home Cooking
Leverton Hall
Experience the warmth and flavor of Latin American home cooking in this hands-on workshop. You’ll pick up easy cooking tips while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere.
The group will work as a team to create budget-friendly classics:
- black beans
- seasoned rice
- vegetable quesadillas
- fresh pico de gallo
Only 20 spots are available for UNL students.
RSVP in advance to secure a spot: https://unl.campuslabs.com/engage/event/12130930
Starts at 7:30 pm, April 24, 2026
Nebraska Rep: Bright Star
Temple Building Room: Howell Theatre
“Bright Star,” produced by the Nebraska Repertory Theatre in association with UNL Opera, with music, book and story by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, is a bluegrass-infused musical that weaves together past and present as it follows a woman’s search for redemption and reunion in 1940s North Carolina.
Performances are April 16-26 in Howell Theatre, located on the first floor of the Temple Building.
For tickets and more information, visit https://nebraskarep.org.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm, April 25, 2026
Lincoln Earth Day
Nebraska Innovation Campus
Lincoln Earth Day is a free event designed with the whole family in mind! There will be 50+ booth exhibitors, live music, local food vendors, a bike rodeo and a city wide clothing swap. Grab your friends, family and coworkers and enjoy this Earth Day celebration!
More info: https://lincolnearthday.org/.
10:30 am – 11:30 am, April 26, 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.
DetailsMay 1, 2, 3
11:00 am – 1:00 pm, May 1, 2026
FriYAY Fest
Nebraska Union Room: Plaza
Take a study break and unwind with a midday farmers market and party on the plaza outside the Nebraska Union. Enjoy with free food, local farmer vendors, and relaxing activities, including:
* Free Pulled Pork sandwich with cabbage slaw from Harper Smokehouse Food Truck (while supplies last)
* Commencement cap decorating
* Games: Cornhole, Ladder Golf, etc.
* Sidewalk chalking
* Music, prizes, and more
Free for UNL students with NCard
11:00 am – 4:30 pm, May 1, 2026
Tea Time
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: 301
Every week Friday, Kawasaki reading room will have tea and snacks for everyone!!
Details3:30 pm – 5:00 pm, May 1, 2026
End of Semester Party
Louise Pound Hall Room: Atrium
Celebrate the end of the semester with us! Join in for an evening of fun, music, and relaxation as we wrap up the academic term. Take a break, enjoy good company, and let’s end the semester on a high note!
Details5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, May 1, 2026
First Friday at Sheldon Museum of Art
Sheldon Museum of Art
Start your weekend by celebrating the end of spring semester classes at Sheldon Museum of Art. May’s First Friday offers lawn games, activities, and refreshments, with drop in tours available at 6:00 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public.
https://sheldonartmuseum.doubleknot.com/event/first-friday-end-of-year-celebration/3132508
Details3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, May 2, 2026
End of Year Bash
Nebraska Union Room: Memorial Plaza + Meier Common
The perennial campus tradition is back! Cap off the school year at a free outdoor carnival with your Husker friends.
FREE for UNL students with Event Pass.
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Enjoy fun games, food, and entertainment:
* INFLATABLE GAMES: X-Treme Radical Run; Warped Wall Obstacle Course
* MECHANICAL BULL
* YARD GAMES: Cornhole; Spikeball; Ladder Golf.
* SNACKS: Cotton Candy; Popcorn
* SPECIAL FEATURE: Therapy Dogs from Domesti-PUPS
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INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of rain or severe inclement weather, this event is canceled and will not be rescheduled.