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 12, 13, 14
10:00 AM TO 11:45 PM, September, 12 2025
Mana Games Week
Mana Games Cafe
Mana Games is a gaming café in the Haymarket's historic Creamery building where you can grab a quick bite and a great cup of coffee while you connect with other gamers. Featuring a full menu, a huge library of board games, RPG manuals, and gaming accessories, as well as unique and local retail items.
Details6:30 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.
Details5:00 TO 7:00 p.m. September 19, 2025
Steak Fry
UNL East Campus Animal Science Complex
Block and Bridle is hosting their annual Steak Fry. Come eat great steaks, cheesy potatoes, and cookies while connecting with other UNL students, current Block and Bridle members, East campus faculty, and members of our community.
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, 29
3:00 TO 4:00 p.m. September 25, 2025
Popcorn Pop-Up: SLICE - Husker Vote Coalition
Nebraska Union: The Crib
The best hour of the week! Pop into The Crib for an afternoon social hour with 100s of other Huskers. Snack on fresh-popped popcorn straight from the kettle. Join in the game/activity while learning about campus organizations and departments. Mingle with friends and new acquaintances.
It’s free and every student, staff, and faculty is welcome.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Fun, fellowship, laughter, friends, and smiles.
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!
Details3:00 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.
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.
Details5:00 pm TO 7:30 pm, September 26, 2025
Fiesta on the Green
Nebraska Union Room: Union Plaza
Enjoy an evening filled with vibrant art, music, dance, and delicious food as a lively celebration to honor the history, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Explore opportunities to get involved with recognized student organizations, strike a pose at the 360 Touch Photo Booth, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Free papusas for the first 500 and free churro snacks for attendees.
FREE to attend. A family-friendly event that is open to all students and public.
Details8:00 pm TO 10:00 pm, September 29, 2025
Showtime at the Coliseum
Coliseum
Watch recognized student organizations and Greek chapters battle against each other with choreographed dances for ultimate bragging rights.
This is a student event.
DetailsOctober 2, 3, 4, 5
12:30 pm TO 2:30 pm, October 2, 2025
Ice Cream Social on East Campus
Dinsdale Family Learning Commons Room: Outdoor Plaza
Enjoy a free scoop of dairy store ice cream and live music by local artist Jonathan Leach.
Details5:00 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$
DetailsOctober 10, 11, 12
5:30 p.m. October 10, 2025
Badminton Doubles Tournament
Campus Recreation Center
FREE EVENT! Winners will receive this year’s intramural sports championship t-shirt!
Leagues: Co-Rec, Women’s, Men’s, and Open
Sign-up on site to enter. All participants will need to be checked in on-site by 5:30pm to participate in the tournament.
2:00 p.m. October 11, 2025
Drop-in Tour at Sheldon Museum of Art
Sheldon Museum of Art
Sheldon’s drop-in tours are a great way to learn more about the Sheldon’s architecture, exhibitions, and collection.
Drop-in tours are free and open to everyone. No registration is required.
Details