Lincoln Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015
(Lincoln, Nebraska - NE, USA)
Live music forms an integral part of the events scene each year in Lincoln. Concerts are staged at venues around the city, such as the Bourbon Theater, Duffy's Tavern, Duggan's Pub, Knickerbockers, the Pershing Auditorium, the Pla Mor Ballroom and Red9, which stands on South 9th Street and is regarded amongst the top nightspots in Nebraska.
During the spring, the Haymarket district is called home by the Cork and Ale Festival, which takes place each April and offers the chance to sample some of the produce from breweries and vineyards around nearby towns such as Kearney, La Vista, Papillion, Pawnee City, Raymond and Roca. The following month in the Haymarket district, regular farmers' markets commence and last right the way through the summer.
The baseball season is in full-swing in the summer, with regular games and sporting events being found at Haymarket Park, which is called home by the Lincoln Saltdogs. Those visiting the Nebraskan capital in August should look out for the hugely popular Lancaster County Super Fair and the Nebraska State Fair, followed by the Capital City Ribfest. In September, highlights include the Monster Dash Fun Run, the Lincoln Arts Festival and the LPF Golf Tournament at the Highlands Golf Course.
Lincoln Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) - third Monday in January, an American holiday celebrating the birthday of this famous advocate of civil rights and equality, born on January 15th, 1929.
February
- Chocolate Lover's Fantasy - a fundraiser in early February at the Embassy Suites Hotel, including a silent auction, live music and lots of yummy chocolate treats.
- George Washington's Birthday - third Monday in February, a statewide holiday to honor this former president, whose birthday is officially on February 22nd.
March
- St. Patrick's Day - March 17th, Irish-themed celebrations take place at various venues across the city, such as the Bourbon Theater, Duffy's Tavern and the Fat Toad Pub, all of which stand on O Street and feature themed live music.
April
- ConStellation - a science fiction convention held on the fourth weekend of the month, at the Holiday Inn Downtown Hotel. The event features an art show for the public, author readings, a costume contest, gaming and more for members. Daily or weekend memberships are available.
- Cork and Ale Festival - the annual Haymarket district beer and wine-tasting festival, showcasing Nebraskan breweries and wineries.
May
- Lincoln Marathon and Half-Marathon - first Sunday of the month, with the start and finish line located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Farmers' Market - Saturdays from early May to mid-October, in the Haymarket district, featuring musical performances and stalls.
- Celebrate Lincoln - late May / early June, two days of fun and entertainment in the downtown district.
June
- Jazz in June - held on Tuesday evenings throughout the month. The evenings begin with a market on 12th Street and R Street, followed by performances on the lawn at the Sheldon Museum of Art.
- Party in the Parks - free events held one Saturday a month from June to September, predominantly at the Union Plaza. Family entertainment and crafting activities form a large part of the event.
July
- Meadowlark Music Festival - established in 2001, the MMF provides a week of chamber music performances at a variety of venues.
- Uncle Sam Jam - Independence Day celebrations at Oak Lake Park, with family games, live music performances and a fireworks show.
- ZombieFest - weekend in late July, participants parade in costume through the city.
August
- Lancaster County Super Fair - held in early August, with contests, animal shows and exhibits occurring over a ten-day period.
- Nebraska State Fair - an 11-day gathering from late August to early September, featuring agricultural displays, animal shows, rides, contests and much more.
- Capital City Ribfest - a four-day barbecue showcase with live music performances at the Pershing Center, held the second week of August.
September
- Monster Dash Fun Run - held late September / early October, this incorporates 3-mile / 5-km and 0.6-mile / 1-km fundraisers for the Child Advocacy Center.
- LPF Golf Tournament - established in 1993 and played at the Highlands Golf Course, with proceeds going to the Lincoln Parks Foundation.
- Streets Alive! - started in 2011, this event is held around the South and Everett neighborhoods and is aimed at getting families to 'play in the streets' by getting active via skating, biking, walking etc.
- Lincoln Arts Festival - late September, at the SouthPointe Pavilions shopping center, including works by artists from throughout the country, live music and numerous activities for children.
October
- Harvest Days - held annually at Lincoln Park Zoo, with a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating, music, animal fun and more.
- Lincoln Calling - a five-day music festival held each year in mid-October.
November
- Nebraska Horse Expo - mid-November, at Lincoln's Lancaster Event Center on North 84th Street. Highlights include educational programs about horses, along with clinics, demonstrations and seminars.
December
- Elks Annual Children's Christmas Party - a free event with children's entertainment and a chance to meet Santa.