Events & Festivals in Lincoln

Ice augers snarl across frozen Pawnee Lake while anglers jockey for prizes. The metallic tang of fresh-caught walleye drifts through thermos steam in the sub-zero air.

Local chocolatiers roll out truffles laced with Nebraska honey, the perfume of melted dark chocolate drifting through the historic Telegraph building.

Incense curls through the Cathedral of the Risen Christ as worshippers receive ashes, the ancient rite opening Lent for Lincoln's Catholic community.

Sneakers squeak and crowds roar inside Pinnacle Bank Arena as teams battle under the lights, Runza sandwiches sliding across concession counters.

Hyacinth perfume floods the Lancaster Event Center while master gardeners demo compost tricks and kids tuck marigolds into recycled pots.

Candles flicker in the breeze as the solemn procession slips from First-Plymouth Church to the Capitol, hymns bouncing off limestone walls.

Dawn light spills across the Sunken Gardens as worshippers pull blankets tighter. Birds strike up their morning chorus beside traditional hymns celebrating resurrection.

Runners hammer past blooming lilacs in the Arboretum, greeted by cheers and the sharp green scent of freshly cut grass along the 26.2-mile route.

Saxophone lines glide across the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus as sunset paints the sky amber, vendors scooping pulled pork onto buns.

Campfire smoke drifts from Dutch-oven demos while kids notch arrows, the splash of canoe paddles echoing from the demo pond.

Local bands swing from bluegrass to indie rock while families stake blankets under century-old oaks, fireflies starting their nightly routine as music warms the dark.

Banjo strings snap beneath string lights strung above food trucks dishing bison burgers, dancers kicking dust on the makeshift floor under starlight.

Carnival lights shimmer on spinning rides, the smell of deep-fried funnel cakes tangling with livestock barns and the growl of distant tractor pulls.

Neon buzzes overhead as food trucks line the street, steam curling from Korean tacos while shoppers flip vintage vinyl and handmade jewelry under paper lanterns.

Pottery wheels whirl beside watercolor demos while acoustic guitar drifts through Sunken Gardens, painting the park in creative static.

Scarlet floods Memorial Stadium, the collective roar climbing as the band fires up 'Hail Varsity' and popcorn scent rides the crisp fall wind.

Bass rattles through multiple venues as indie fans drift between the Bourbon Theatre and Duffy's Tavern, discovering new bands over cold craft beers.

Kids shriek through corn mazes while parents cradle warm apple cider, the earthy smell of harvested pumpkins thick in the cool autumn air.

Polka bounces between long wooden tables, steins clinking as yeasty pretzel aroma duels with smoked bratwurst from the grill.

Marigold petals blanket the Grand Manse floor while traditional dancers spin to drums, pan de muerto scent curling through the ornate ballroom.

Leaves crunch underfoot as runners circle Holmes Lake, crisp air laced with the distant promise of turkey dinners in the oven.

Ice sculptors chip glistening figures beneath twinkling lights while the crowd nurses hot cocoa, counting down to midnight fireworks that flash across the Capitol building's golden dome.

Twinkling lights glow over stalls of handcrafted ornaments, roasting chestnut smoke drifting from food trucks as carolers sing beneath heated tents.