Hanging around in Lincoln this summer with nothing to do?
Here’s some fun campus and community events to get you out of the house (or the lab!) and experience the best of what the Lincoln has to offer!
Field Trip Across Lincoln & Beyond
Several Lincoln area sites have joined forces to encourage families to get out and explore art, nature, and history by visiting local museums and outdoor spaces. Throughout the summer, participants can visit locations and complete activities provided in the official passport. In exchange for visiting five (5) or more locations, participants can complete an online form to be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win prizes. Prizes include classes, family museum memberships, and more! Visit the Morrill Hall website for more info!
East Campus Summer Grill Outs
East Campus Summer Grill-outs are back! The 2025 grill outs will highlight different barbecue styles from around the country each week, taking visitors on a culinary road trip through the United States. Aside from the delectable proteins visitors can choose from, dining staff also create sauces, sides, and desserts from the week's featured region.
Date/Time/Location: Thursdays and Fridays from 11-2pm @ East Campus Union
Haymarket Farmers' Market
Add the Haymarket Farmers’ Market to your Saturday schedule this summer! There you’ll find standard market fare (baked goods and other yummy stuff!), exceptional quality produce and dried/cooked meats, and innovative jewelry and crafts, as well as performances from local artists and groups!
Date/Time/Location: Saturdays from 8am-12pm @ 7th & P Street
Jazz in June
Celebrating 34 years of outdoor music, the iconic Jazz in June features free performances by top national jazz artists creating unforgettable evenings of soulful sounds and community spirit. Each week, you’re invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy jazz in the beautiful setting of the Sheldon Sculpture Garden. After you’ve grabbed a spot, enjoy delicious food from 16 different food trucks as part of the Jazz in June Food Festival.
Date/Time/Location: Tuesdays in June at the Sheldon Art Museum Sculpture Garden; food is available starting at 5pm, with live performances to follow at 7pm
Juneteenth Events
Join the University Libraries and the International Quilt Museum to commemorate Juneteenth, memorializing the end of slavery in the United States:
- Legal Fight for Freedom: Student Research Panel and Keynote Address
- Juneteenth Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
- Weaving Together Our Common Threads: Juneteenth Reflections
The Malone Center will also hold their 2025 Juneteenth Celebration to honor the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of Black Americans who have fought for liberation, justice, and dignity for generations – join us for free food, entertainment, booths, fun, and more!
Summer Tea Time Fridays
Explore Japanese culture, art, language and history over a cup of tea with the Kawasaki Reading Room every Friday during the summer. All UNL students are welcome!
Date/Time/Location: Fridays from 11am-3pm @ Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room 302
Family Film Fest
Head to The Ross on Saturday mornings for the Family Film Fest and enjoy a free screening of a family-friendly movie! Tickets are available at the box office the day of the show, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Date/Time/Location: Saturdays starting at 11am @ The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center
Tanabata
Tanabata, or the star festival, is a popular festival celebrating an ancient Chinese legend about star-crossed lovers Altair and Vega. In Japan, these two stars are called Orihime and Hikoboshi. According to legend, the lovers are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet on one night a year. Join the Kawasaki Reading Room as they commemorate the day with activities and bubble tea! All students are welcome!
Date/Time/Location: July 7 from 12pm-2pm @ Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center Room 302
East Campus Discovery Days & Farmers Market
The East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a fun, family-friendly event for all ages. It’s more than a farmer’s market. It’s more than a science day. Come for the hands-on, science-focused fun. Stay to enjoy live music and food trucks. Shop at our farmers market and vendor fair. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream at the UNL Dairy Store. Take in the beauty of the Backyard Farmer garden. Activities are free, and food and crafts are available for purchase.
Date/Time/Location: July 12 from 10am-1pm @ East Campus Mall