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 laneMarch 5, 6, 7, 8
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, March 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 straight from the kettle. Join in the game/activity while learning about campus organizations and departments. Mingle with friends and new acquaintances.
Pencil the Popcorn Pop-Ups into your schedule. Organize your friends to make it a weekly chance to socialize together and chill.
9:00 pm – 11:55 pm, March 6, 2026
Movies and Waffles After Dark
Willa Cather Dining Complex Room: Red Cloud Room
Gather with friends for a cozy, comforting and nostalgic night indoors, with a double-feature showing of the two films SPY KIDS (2001) and THE ADVENTURES OF SHARKBOY AND LAVAGIRL (2005).
Wear your favorite pajamas/sleepwear. Bring pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and similar items to stake a spot on the floor where you and friends can gather and be comfortable. Chairs will be provided.
Throughout the night, you can enjoy a variety of board games and craft activities, too.
From 9:30 to 11 p.m. the event goes to the next level: Free Waffles and Chicken Tenders to eat.
The entire event is FREE for UNL students only with Event Pass.
11:00 am – 4:30 pm, March 6, 2026 Time:
Tea Time
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: 301
Every week Friday, Kawasaki reading room will have tea and snacks for everyone!!
Details4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, March 8, 2026
Lead Climbing Clinic
Outdoor Adventures Center
Come and learn the basics of lead climbing on our on-campus rock wall. Student/Member: $10
Non-Member: $20
March 13, 14, 21
Starts at 7:30 pm, March 13, 2026
Angels Theatre Company’s The Rocket Men
Lied Center for Performing Arts Room: Carson Theater
Six women step into the roles of the former Nazis who sent us to the moon to share with us a story about the team that formed the backbone of NASA in the most unlikely of places…North Alabama.
The Rocket Men is a new play by award-winning playwright Crystal Skillman. This unique production is part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere happening across the country with The Phoenix Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, and Angels Theatre.
The play ticket is $23 for UNL students.
Details7:00 am – 10:00 am, March 14, 2026
ISSO Trip to Kansas City
Join us for an unforgettable day of fun and exploration in Kansas City! Enjoy sightseeing and visit iconic spots like the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, Union Station, Crown Center, and more. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure.
DetailsStarts at 11:00 am, March 21, 2026
Tristan und Isolde (The Met: Live in HD)
Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center-Van Brunt Visitors Center Room: Ross Theaters (123 & 124)
Showing at The Ross on Saturday, March 21 at 11am and Sunday, March 29 at 11am. Visit theross.org for tickets and more information.
After years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives in cinemas worldwide on March 21 as the electrifying Lise Davidsen tackles one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano: the Irish princess Isolde in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death.
TICKETS: $5 UNL Students, $24 General Admission, $22 Seniors, $17 Members, Students, Military,
DetailsMarch 27, 28, 29
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm, March 27, 2026
Glow Night: Climbing and Karaoke
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. We will have a different event each month, so come and check them all out!
Free event for members, non-member fee: $15
Details10:30 am – 11:30 am, March 29, 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.
DetailsStarts at 11:00 am, March 29, 2026
Tristan und Isolde (The Met: Live in HD)
Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center-Van Brunt Visitors Center Room: Ross Theaters (123 & 124)
Showing at The Ross on on Saturday, March 21 at 11am and Sunday, March 29 at 11am. Visit theross.org for tickets and more information.
After years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives in cinemas worldwide on March 21 as the electrifying Lise Davidsen tackles one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano: the Irish princess Isolde in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death.
TICKETS: $5 UNL Students, $24 General Admission, $22 Seniors, $17 Members, Students, Military.
DetailsApril 3, 4, 5
Starts at 2:00 pm, April 3, 2026
Life in Lincoln: Easter Egg Hunt
Louise Pound Hall Room: Atrium (near Room 130)
Life in Lincoln is a series of select evenings for UNL students to gather and enjoy a nearby activity or tour to sample and learn about the local Lincoln culture, neighborhoods, and people.
Meet in Louise Pound Hall (near Room 130).
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THIS WEEK’s ACTIVITY:
An Easter egg hunt. Learn about this popular spring tradition and participate in a real egg hunt on campus, searching for hundreds of candy-filled eggs.
Learn more about egg hunts and the tradition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_hunt
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm, April 3, 2026
Campus Rec GLOW Skate
Breslow Ice Center
GLOW Skate Night at Breslow – Slide into the Weekend!
On select Friday evenings, UNL students lace up the skates and hit the ice for free with a valid NCard—no strings attached! Glide under the lights from 8–11pm at the Breslow Ice Center, where all the brisk fun happens.
Exclusive to current UNL students and affiliates—just flash your NCard at the door and step right onto the ice. Bring a Guest for $5 at the door using a credit card of your choice.
Affordable Skate Rentals – Don’t own skates? Rent a pair for only $5 and join the fun.
11:00 am – 4:30 pm, April 3, 2026
Tea Time
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: 301
Every week Friday, Kawasaki reading room will have tea and snacks for everyone!!
Details2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, April 3, 2026
First Fridays at The Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures
Oldfather Hall Room: Room 831
Join us on the First Friday of each month through May 1st at The Eloise Kruger Gallery of Miniatures. Open to students, faculty, alumni, staff, and the public. Experience student- and staff-curated miniature exhibits, featuring this semester’s highlight: a Nebraska Sod House by local artist Marjorie Bailey.
Admission is always free.
DetailsStarts at 1:00 pm, April 5, 2026
The Audience (National Theatre)
Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center-Van Brunt Visitors Center Room: Ross Theaters (123 & 124
Showing at The Ross on Wednesday, April 1 at 7:15pm and Sunday, April 5 at 1:00pm. Visit theross.org for tickets and more information.
Returning to cinemas for the first time in over a decade, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award(R) -winning hit production, directed by Stephen Daldry.
TICKETS: $5 UNL Students, $18 General Admission, $15 Seniors, $12 Members, Students, Military.
DetailsApril 10, 11, 12
11:00 am – 4:30 pm, April 10, 2026
Tea Time
Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room: 301
Every week Friday, Kawasaki reading room will have tea and snacks for everyone!!
Details5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, April 12, 2026
Lead Climbing Clinic
Outdoor Adventures Center
Come and learn the basics of lead climbing on our on-campus rock wall. Student/Member: $10
Non-Member: $20
Starts at 7:30 pm, April 12, 2026
Chamberfest 1
Westbrook Music Building Room: 130
This event is free and open to the public.
Please note that there are three Chamberfest performances:
Chamberfest 1 is Sunday, April 12.
Chamberfest 2 is Monday, April 13.
Chamberfest 3 is Tuesday, April 14.
April 17, 18, 19
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, April 17, 2026
Smash It! Rage Room
Nebraska East Union Room: Great Plains Room
Enjoy the liberating experience of destruction…without ever making a mess! Smash your tension into tiny pieces and unleash your frustrations inside a wickedly-fun indoor playground. It’s optimal enjoyment with ZERO mess!
Have a blast playing these immersive live action experiences:
• Zombie Axe Throw
• Nerf Target Blasting
• Rubber Chicken Stomp
• Wobble Guy Boppers
FREE for UNL students only with Event Pass.
Watch more in this video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/913123536
Starts at 6:30 pm, April 17, 2026
Life In Lincoln: World Cup Soccer Tournament
Mabel Lee Rec Fields
Life in Lincoln is a series of select evenings for UNL students to gather and enjoy a nearby activity or tour to sample and learn about the local Lincoln culture, neighborhoods, and people.
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THIS WEEK’s ACTIVITY:
An action-packed 8-team tournament featuring fast-paced 8-a-side games. Each team will compete in 20-minute matches, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and determination in a friendly yet competitive environment.
Join in for a evening of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and thrilling soccer action. Whether you’re playing or cheering, there will be excitement for everyone.
Free for UNL students with Event Pass.
Starts at 1:00 pm, April 19, 2026
All My Sons (National Theatre)
Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center-Van Brunt Visitors Center Room: Ross Theaters (123 & 124)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge).
Filmed live from the West End, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon), and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) also feature in this disturbingly prescient play.
Additional Public Info:
TICKETS: $5 UNL Students, $12 Members, Students, Military, $15 Seniors, $18 General Admission.