Originally founded as the village of Lancaster in 1856, present-day Lincoln became the county seat of Lancaster county in 1859. This era was marked by the westward expansion of the American population.
Like most small towns on the plains, Lincoln had small beginnings due to it being situated away from major waterways, the main pathways of transportation prior to the railroads.
Located on the east bank of Salt Creek, early settlers were attracted to the area for its abundance of salt to preserve meat.
By 1868, the area grew to approximately 500 people, and in 1869, the town’s name was officially changed to Lincoln. That same year, the state legislature founded a state university near the capitol building.
The first train arrived to Lincoln in 1870 by way of the Burlington and Missouri railroads. Later on, Union Pacific arrived in 1877. Lincoln eventually became a major rail hub, hosting six different routes.
1885 brought electricity, and the city continued to expand with the founding of St. Elizabeth’s hospital in 1889. The Lincoln downtown area, with its convenient shops, bars, and restaurants, has long been a bustling place, with the focal point being the Haymarket district, formally established in 1874. The beautiful blocks surrounding these areas thrived as a prominent location for business and entertainment for several decades in the beginning of the century.
In 1975, Lincoln’s first female mayor, Helen Boosalis, supported Lincoln’s downtown beautification project. In 1979, the iconic Centrum, a two-level shopping mall, was opened and connected to buildings with a skywalk.
Those fortunate to take a stroll through downtown Lincoln today will find no shortage of historic landmarks, including the Governor’s mansion, the State Capitol, the Ferguson house, and the Kennard house. The Woods Brothers building, built in the Roman Eclectic architectural style, and the Nebraska Telephone Company building, first organized in 1880, are also notable landmarks of the rich, historic area.
There’s so much more to learn about the area’s rich cultural history, but don’t take our word for it. The business district and its community welcomes you to uncover the historic wonders of the uniquely treasured downtown Lincoln!
HISTORY OF THE HAYMARKET
From humble beginnings in the late 1800s to the bustling pace of today, Lincoln’s historic Haymarket district has long been a destination for authentic Lincoln experiences.
The Haymarket dates back to as early as 1867. Pioneers would gather in the open-air “Market Square” between O and P streets from 9th to 10th streets for produce and livestock. A popular gathering place, immigrants set up camp with their wagons for a night’s respite from long days on the Oregon Trail. Refueling their horses with hay bought in the market, the pioneers became revived by Lincoln’s offerings.
In 1874, early settlers convinced the federal government to erect a post office and a courthouse in Lincoln by popular demand. The city and state donated “Market Square” and the market was relocated two blocks north to 8th and P streets and renamed the “Haymarket.”
In 1985, the city of Lincoln embarked on a redevelopment plan to revitalize the Haymarket by constructing a mixed-use community including entertainment locations, residences, offices, and retail shops and boutiques.
Nebraskans and visitors alike are fortunate to benefit from the hard work and planning efforts by concerned citizens and community members to refresh the Haymarket. Rehabilitation projects and public structure improvements were made on the warehouses that were first built during Lincoln’s booming decade of the 1880s. The town’s rapid growth attracted railroads to the Salt Creek bottom lands, taking the population from just over 13,000 to more than 55,000. In 2009, the American Planning Association designated the Haymarket as a “Great American Neighborhood.” Then, in 2014, the area was certified by the National Park Service as the equivalent of a district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Luxury lofts and dwelling units outline the area that boasts an assortment of eating and drinking locales, including Nebraska’s first brewpub. There’s no shortage of tasty options, from Indian, to traditional steakhouses, to sports bars for catching the game just blocks from Memorial Stadium.
Whether UNL students, traveling Husker fans, or convention attendees from the Midwest region, visitors can take in the whispers of yesteryear while exploring all there is to offer in the former warehouse district’s brick-covered streets.
DOWNTOWN/HAYMARKET ENTITIES
Bennett Martin Public Library | 136 S. 14th St.
City/County Building | 555 S. 10th St.
City/County Property Management | 920 O St.
Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education | 140 N. 8th St.
Denney Federal Building, General Services Administration | 100 Centennial Mall N.
Lancaster County Human Services | 555 S. 10th St.
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce | 1128 Lincoln Mall
Lincoln Commission on Human Rights | 555 S. 10th St.
Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau | 1128 Lincoln Mall
Lincoln Specialty Care | 1128 Lincoln Mall
Lincoln Visitors Center | 201 N. 7th St.
Nebraska Abstracters Board of Examiners | 301 Centennial Mall S.
Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry | 1128 Lincoln Mall
Nebraska Child Support Payment Center | 421 S. 9th St.
Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy | 140 N. 8th St.
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services | 301 Centennial Mall S.
Nebraska Dept. of Property Assessment and Taxation | 301 Centennial Mall S.
Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism | 301 Centennial Mall S.
Nebraska Library Commission | 1200 N St.
Nebraska Public Service Commission | 1200 N St.
Nebraska Real Estate Commission | 301 Centennial Mall S.
Nebraska State Historical Society/Archeology Department | 1500 R St.
Nebraska Worker’s Compensation Court | 1010 Lincoln Mall
Social Security Administration | 100 Centennial Mall N.
State Capitol | 1445 K St.
State Department of Tourism | 301 Centennial Mall S.
State of Nebraska - Office of CIO | 501 S. 14th St.
State of Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance | 1526 K St.
State of Nebraska Risk Management/Claims Board | 1526 K St.
U.S. Post Office, Main Station | 700 R St.
Urban Development Department | 555 S. 10th St.
INFORMATION
PARKING
Parking in the Haymarket:
In addition to the locations below, metered parking is available throughout the Downtown / Haymarket. Hours are 8 AM - 6 PM Mon. - Sat.
Carriage Park Garage | 1128 L St.
Center Park Garage | 1120 N St.
City Parking Services & Development | 1100 N St.
Cornhusker Square Garage | 1220 L St.
Haymarket Garage | 848 Q St.
INS Lot | 701-789 N 9th St
Lumberworks Garage | 700 N St.
M Street Parking Garage | 1318 M St.
Market Place Garage | 925 Q St.
Matt Lot | 605 N. 8th St.
Que Place Garage | 1111 Q St.
Red 1 Garage | 555 R St.
University Square Garage | 101 N. 14th St.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Courtyard Marriott | 808 R St.
Drury Plaza Hotel l 920 Q St.
Embassy Suites Lincoln | 1040 P St.
Graduate Lincoln | 141 N. 9th St.
Hampton Inn l 1033 O St.
Hilton Garden Inn | 801 R St.
Holiday Inn Express | 905 O St.
Hyatt Place Hotel | 600 Q St.
The Kindler Hotel | 216 N. 11th St.
The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel | 333 S. 13th St.
Residence Inn by Marriott | 850 R St.
The Scarlet Hotel l 2101 Transformation Dr. Townhouse | 1744 M St.
The Mill at Innovation Campus (2021 Transformation Dr.)
The Mill at Haymarket (800 P St.)
Miller Time Pub & Grill (333 S. 13th St.)
Misfits (311 N. 8th St.)
Misty’s Steakhouse and Brewery (200 N. 11th St.)
MoDo Mochi Donut & Bubble Tea (1317 Q St.)
Muchachos (416 S. 11th St.)
FOOD & DRINK
N Zone Sports Bar & Grill (728 Q St.)
Napoli’s Haymarket (800 Q St.)
Open Harvest Co-op Grocery (330 S. 21st St.)
The Oven (201 N. 8th St.)
Panda Express (1317 Q St.)
Papa Johns Pizza (1601 Q St.)
Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe (1442 O St.)
Pinoy Style (1601 Q St.)
Pita & Naan (1434 O St.)
QDOBA Mexican Eats (211 N. 12th St.)
The Rabbit Hole Bakery (800 Q St.)
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers (201 N. 14th St.)
Reactor (2124 Y St.)
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse Lincoln (737 P St.)
Safaa Middle Eastern Restaurant (230 N 17th St.)
Salt Mine Brewing Co Grill & Taproom (801 R St.)
Screamers Family Restaurant (803 Q St.)
Sharetea (1900 K St.)
Shokunin Sushi and Japanese Cuisine (440 N. 8th St.)
Single Barrel (141 N. 9th St.)
Snack Korner (128 N. 13th St.)
Southwest Pit BBQ (1601 P St.)
Starbucks (1201 P St.)
Stories Coffee Company (1248 O St.)
Sultan’s Kite (1309 O St.)
Sweet Things by Marcy (1413 N St.)
Tico’s (317 S. 17th St.)
Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina (800 Q St.)
Toppers Pizza (1226 P St.)
Vincenzo’s (808 P St.)
The Waffle Cone (311 N. 8th St.)
Well & Good (2101 Transformation Dr.)
Wendy’s (1336 Q St.)
Yes Chef Catering (235 S. 11th St.)
Yia Yia’s Pizza (1423 O St.)
Zen Coffee Company Lincoln (1339 O St.)
SHOPPING
Antiques
Burlington Antiques | 201 N. 7th St.
Timeless Treasures | 1717 O St.
Banks
Chase Bank | 144 N. 14th St.
City Bank & Trust Co. | 940 P St.
First Interstate Bank | 947 O St.
FNBO | 601 R St.
Midwest Independent Bank | 140 N. 8th St.
Nebraska Bank of Commerce | 250 N. 14th St.
Nebraska State Employees Credit Union | 330 S. 16th St.
Pinnacle Bank | 1401 N St.
UBT Bank | 1940 O St.
Union Bank & Trust | 1248 O St.
University Nebraska Federal Credit Union | 1720 P St.
US Bank | 233 S. 13th St.
US Bank (Drive-Thru) | 344 S. 13th St.
Wells Fargo Bank | 1600 P St. | 210 N. 14th St.
Books
A Novel Idea Bookstore | 118 N. 14th St.
Bluestem Books | 137 S. 9th St.
Francie & Finch Bookshop | 130 S. 13th St.
CBD, Vape, & Smoke Shops
50 Shades of Green | 1903 O St.
The Cannabis Factory | 122 S Antelope Valley Pkwy.
Cliff’s Smoke Shop | 140 N. 12th St.
Double Barrel Smoke | 310 S. 10th St.
Downtown Smoke Shop & Vape | 1601 Q St.
Express Smoke Shop | 1340 L St.
Grateful Green THC Dispensary | 1701 O St.
Jake’s Cigars & Spirits | 101 N. 14th St.
Wally’s Tobacco & Vape | 1317 O St.
Clothing
3 Daughters Boutique | 311 N. 8th St.
Alumni Hall’s Husker Headquarters | 1120 P St.
Exclusive Hype | 1624 O St.
Forever Faithful | 321 N. 8th St.
Great Plains VTG | 701 P St.
Husker Store | 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive
Parrish Studios | 1410 O St.
RAYGUN | 1221 P St.
Ruby Begonia’s | 1321 P St.
Shannon Formalwear | 1630 O St.
Threads - Footloose & Fancy | 1222 P St.
Tsuru | 114 N. 14th St.
Underground Printing | 144 N. 14th St.
Best of Big Red | 321 N. 8th St.
Lincoln Running Company | 1213 Q St.
Goodwill | 1731 O St.
SHOPPING
Convenience & Groceries
Canopy Street Market | 140 S. Canopy St.
Casey’s 1601 Q St.
Eurasia The Russian Store | 809 P St.
KT Asian Mart | 230 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
Lincoln Mediterranean Market | 1618 O St.
N Street Drive In | 1801 O St.
Open Harvest Co-op Grocery | 330 S. 21st St.
Rojo’s Goods | 824 P St.
Snack Korner | 128 N. 13th St.
Super C | 1700 L St.
U Stop | 2140 K St.
U-Stop Convenience Shop | 610 S 10th St.
U-Stop Convenience Shop | 240 N 17th St.
Walgreens Drug Store | 1301 O St.
Florists
Abloom | 1451 O St.
Hillis & Company | 230 N. 7th St.
Gifts & Speciality
Eurasia Russian Store | 809 P St.
Gomez Art Supply | 120 N. 14th St.
From Nebraska Gift Shop & James Arthur
Vineyard Tasting Room | 803 Q St.
Lincoln Children’s Museum Store | 1420 P St.
Roots Music Shop | 233 N. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
Ten Thousand Villages | 140 N. 8th St.
Jewelry
Fred Witt Jewelers L.L.P. | 100 N. 12th St.
Lincoln Jewelry Co. | 101 N. 14th St.
Nebraska Diamond | 1248 O St.
Sartor Hamann Jewelers Outlet | 1150 O St.
Laundry
Services
Hangers | 2102 G St.
Laundry Land | 2042 J St.
SOAP Full Service Laundry | 116 S. 16th St.
Pawnbrokers
Express Pawn | 1921 O St.
Moore Pawn & Furniture | 1621 M St.
Automotive
SERVICES
A1 Automotive Auto Repair | 1117 L St.
Agee’s Automotive Repair | 1323 M St.
Alan’s Auto Sales | 2040 O St.
The Auto Connection | 2037 P St.
Colours Inc | 2034 O St.
Djomo Motors | 1742 O St.
Firestone Tire & Service Center | 1139 N St.
Freedom Motors | 122 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
J D Casey Co. | 320 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
Lincoln Clutch and Brake Supply | 211 S. 20th St.
Los Amigos Auto Repair | 1640 M St.
Midtown Body and Paint | 332 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
N Street Express Lube | 1646 N St.
Nebraska Auto Glass | 212 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
Walker Tire and Quick Nick’s | 830 M St.
Bicycle & Skateboard Sales & Repair
Monkey Wrench | 233 N. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
Precision Skateboards | 1622 O St.
Salty Dog Cyclery | 1640 O St.
Event Venues
Apothecary Lofts & Ridnour Room | 140 N. 8th St.
DelRay 817 | 817 R St.
Foundry | 211 N. 14th St.
Grand Manse | 129 N. 10th St.
Ironhorse Bar & Event Room | 728 Q St.
The Jasmine Room by Venue | 129 N. 10th St.
Kimball Recital Hall | 1113 R St.
Lincoln Station Great Hall | 201 N. 7th St.
Morrill Hall | 645 N. 14th St.
Nebraska Champions Club | 707 Stadium Dr.
Salt: The Event Space l 801 R St.
Scottish Rite Ballroom | 332 Centennial Mall S.
Starlite Lounge & Banquet Room | 247 N. 8th St.
Talon Room | 230 N. 12th St.
Wick Alumni Center | 1520 R St.
Salon & Spas
Black Dahlia Salon | 701 P St.
The Captain’s Chair | 1315 P St.
Oasis Barbershop | 124 N. 12th St.
SERVICES
College of Hair Design- Downtown | 304 S. 11th St.
Elle Esthetics | 1601 N St.
Estella A Salon | 325 S. 9th St.
From Within Holistic | 800 P St.
Hat Killers Barbershop | 824 P St.
Iasan & Sebastian Studio Salon | 213 S. 9th St.
Jet Salon | 315 S. 9th St.
O Street Barbershop | 2047 O St.
Onyx Barbershop | 314 S. 13th St.
Salon Frankie | 133 S. 9th St.
Salon JDV | 105 N. 8th St.
Salon Sodo | 325 S 11th St.
Sisu Hair Salon | 801 R St.
Spruce Hair Co | 246 S. 16th St.
Straight Edge Barber Shop | 206 S. 13th St.
Sweet Jane | 1725 O St.
University Barber Shop | 1622 O St.
W Hair Studio | 141 S. 9th St.
Tattoo Parlors, Body Piercings
Adamant Heart Tattoo | 440 S 11th St.
Big O Tattoo | 1640 O St.
Iron Brush Tattoo | 226 S. 16th St.
Onyx Piercing Studio | 1640 O St.
Red Quill Tattoo | 701 P St.
Seven Seas Tattoo | 832 N St.
SERVICES
Wellness
Bradley’s Bodyworks | 1612 L St.
Bright Smile Dental 1405 S. 16th St.
Capital Athletic Club | 1935 O St.
EliteForm | 151 N. 8th St.
Fly Fitness | 201 N. 13th St.
Goliath Nutrition | 1733 O St.
HOTWORX | 600 P St.
Lotus House of Yoga | 333 S. 21st St.
Movement Academy | 115 Canopy St.
Pearle Vision Center | 1201 O St.
Wolfbone Fitness | 427 S. 13th St.
Worship
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints | 1030 Q St.
First Baptist Church of Lincoln | 1340 K St.
First Christian Church | 430 S. 16th St.
Saint Paul United Methodist Church | 1144 M St.
St. Mark’s on the Campus | 1309 R St.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church | 1400 K St.
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church | 320 N. 16th St.
University Lutheran Chapel | 1510 Q St.
THINGS TO DO
Art
Arbor Day Foundation Mural | 211 N. 12th St.
Archrival Mural | 720 O St.
Burkholder Art Studio & Galleries | 719 P St.
Butterfly Wings Mural | 216 N. 11th St.
Clements Noyes Art Gallery | 119 S. 9th St.
Constellation Studios | 2055 O St.
Gallery 9 | 124 S. 9th St.
Gallery Alley | 719 P St.
Gomez Mural | 120 N. 14th St.
Great Plains Art Museum | 1155 Q St.
Kiechel Fine Art | 1208 O St.
Kiechel Mural | 1208 O St.
Live Yes Studios | 1135 M St.
Metro Gallery Nebraska | 1414 O St.
Our Community...Larger Than Life | 12th & O St.
Parrish Studios | 1410 O St.
Pershing Center Mural | 226 Centennial Mall S.
The Protecting Hand | 1526 K St.
Sheldon Museum of Art | 12th & R Streets
Tugboat Gallery | 116 N. 14th St.
Bars & Nightlife
1867 Bar | 101 N. 14th St.
Alchemy | 140 N. 8th St.
Barrymore’s | 124 N. 13th St.
The Bar | 1644 P St.
Barred Owl l 2101 Transformation Dr.
The Beacon Lounge | 311 S. 11th St.
Beercade Jr. | 101 N. 14th St.
Bierhaus Maisschaler | 151 N. 8th St.
Bison Witches Bar & Deli | 1320 P St.
Bodega’s Alley | 1418 O St.
Boiler Brewing Company | 129 N. 10th St.
Brass Rail | 1436 O St.
Brewsky’s | 201 N. 8th St.
Brothers Bar & Grill | 1339 O St.
Captain Jack’s Bar | 140 N. 12th St.
Cigarz Lounge | 800 Q St.
THINGS TO DO
Code Beer Co | 200 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy.
The Copper Kettle | 230 N. 12th St.
The CORNer Bar | 350 Canopy St.
D.B. Cooper’s Hijackers Lounge | 317 S. 11th St.
Das Haus | 1640 O St.
Duffy’s Tavern | 1412 O St.
Embassy Bar & Grill | 1040 P St.
Empyrean Brewing Company | 729 Q St.
The Fat Toad | 1409 O St.
Gate 25 | 300 Canopy St.
Gentlemens Club | 1823 O St.
Gray’s Keg | 104 N 20th St.
Harry’s Wonder Bar | 1621 O St.
Honest Abe’s Downtown | 126 N. 14th St.
HopCat Lincoln | 601 P St.
The Hot Mess | 408 S. 11th St.
Iguana’s Pub | 1426 O St.
Jack’s Bar & Grill | 100 N. 8th St.
Jake’s Cigars & Spirits | 101 N. 14th St.
JJ Hooligan’s | 826 P St.
JTK Cuisine & Cocktails | 201 N. 7th St.
Junction Night Club and Shot Bar | 1434 O St.
Kate Martin | 735 O St.
Kinkaider Brewing | 201 N. 7th St.
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill | 210 N. 7th St.
Lil JJ Hooligans | 317 S 11th St.
Main Street Bar | 1325 O St.
Mckinney’s Irish Pub | 151 N. 8th St.
Miller Time Pub & Grill l 333 S. 13th St.
Misfits Haymarket | 311 N. 8th St.
Misty’s Steakhouse | 200 N. 11th St.
THINGS TO DO
N Zone Sports Bar & Grill | 728 Q St.
The Night Before Lounge | 1035 M St.
O’Rourke’s Tavern | 1329 O St.
Occidental | 735 O St.
The Old Pub | 420 S. 11th St.
Ollie’s Sake Bar | 325 S 11th St.
The Other Room | 824 P St.
The Post | 2001 N St.
Royal Hookah Bar & Lounge | 1619 O St.
Salt Mine Brewing Co Grill & Taproom I 801 R St.
Sandy’s | 1401 O St.
Saro Cider l 1746 N St.
Side Bar | 1332 O St.
Sideshow Spirits | 151 N. 8th St.
Single Barrel | 141 N. 9th St.
The Sitch | 1140 O St.
Starlite Lounge & Banquet Room | 247 N. 8th St.
Tank’s Country | 350 Canopy St.
The Tap Sports Bar | 100 N. 12th St.
Tavern on the Square | 814 P St.
The Highball Bar | 122 N 11th St.
Tipsy Tina’s | 800 Q St.
Variations | 317 S. 11th St.
Vinyl | 801 O St.
VS. Arcade Bar | 247 N. 8th St.
Yia Yia’s Pizza | 1423 O St.
Zoo Bar | 136 N. 14th St.
Experiences
Craft Axe Throwing | 1821 N St.
Escape Lincoln | 815 O St.
Group Therapy Bike Tours | 329 S 11th St.
THINGS TO DO
Haymarket Park | 403 Line Dr. Cir.
Howler Haus Comedy Club | 151 N. 8th St.
Lincoln Visitors Center | 201 N. 7th St.
Mana Games | 701 P St.
Memorial Stadium | One Stadium Dr.
The Railyard l 350 Canopy St.
Live Music
1867 Bar | 101 N. 14th St.
Bierhaus Maisschaler l 151 N. 8th St.
Bodega’s Alley | 1418 O St.
Bourbon Theatre | 1415 O St.
The Coffee House | 1324 P St.
Crescent Moon Coffee | 140 N. 8th St.
Duffy’s Tavern | 1412 O St.
Kinkaider Brewing Co. l 201 N. 7th St.
Lied Center for Performing Arts | 301 N. 12th St.
Pinnacle Bank Arena | 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr.
Rococo Theatre | 140 N. 13th St.
Tank’s Country | 350 Canopy St.
Zoo Bar | 136 N. 14th St.
Museum Attractions
Lincoln Children’s Museum | 1420 P St.
Morrill Hall | 645 N. 14th St.
Nebraska History Museum | 131 Centennial Mall N.
Parks & Greenspace
Government Square Park | 129 N. 10th St.
Iron Horse Park | 235 N. 7th St.
Jayne Snyder Trails Center | 228 N 21st St.
Jun Kaneko Head Sculptures | 801 R St.
Lincoln Community Foundation Gardens | 215 Centennial Mall S.
Tower Square | 13th & P St.
Union Plaza | 21st & P St.
CALENDAR
FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALKS
Haymarket District and Downtown Lincoln
On the first Friday of every month, enjoy the chance to see artwork from local artists. Held across local galleries and businesses, take a walking tour through the Haymarket District and Downtown Lincoln to view each collection. Hours vary depending on the curator.
HAYMARKET FARMERS MARKET
May 3, 2025 - October 11, 2025
7th & P St.
Shop for local produce, freshly baked goods, handmade jewelry and decor, herbs, plants, and more every Saturday at the Haymarket Farmers Market from May to October. After strolling through the booths, take time to enjoy the live music with new performances every week.
LINCOLN SALTDOGS
May 9 - September 1, 2025
Haymarket Park saltdogs.com
The Lincoln Saltdogs belong to the West Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. Their season runs from May to September. So grab a hot dog and some popcorn, and enjoy America’s favorite pastime in the grand Haymarket Park.
NEBRASKA FOOTBALL
August 28 - November 28, 2025
Memorial Stadium huskers.com/sports/football
Falltime is popular in Nebraska not only because of the weather, but because it is also when football season begins. Whether it’s in the stands, out at tailgates, or at home on the TV, fans make time to cheer on their beloved Cornhuskers. Go Big Red!
CALENDAR
HALLOWEEN IN THE HAYMARKET
October 23, 2025
Bill Harris Iron Horse Park and The Railyard Celebrate Halloween in the Haymarket with this family-friendly trick-or-treat party. Local businesses will be there to hand out candy and other goodies. Come dressed in your most creative costume, and enjoy free activities like face painting, a balloon artist, and more.
GOOD LIFE HALFSY
November 9, 2025
goodlifehalfsy.com
Voted one of the best half marathons in the nation, the Good Life Halfsy is an iconic race that occurs each November. The course takes runners through Lincoln’s most iconic streets and landmarks. If you are running or just supporting, come and appreciate Nebraska and the good life.
STATE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
December 7, 2025
Nebraska State Capitol
Kick off the holiday magic with the annual lighting of the State Christmas tree, held on the second floor of the State Capitol. The lighting will be followed by holiday festivities at the Governor’s Residence including hot cocoa, horse-drawn carriages, holiday carolers, and more. All are welcome to attend both events.
CHOCOLATE LOVER’S FANTASY
February 2026
Graduate Lincoln Facebook @ Chocolate Lover’s Fantasy Haymarket
Join local chocolatiers and other chocolate lovers for an evening of delectable goodness. Sample handcrafted chocolates made by some of the region’s most talented chocolate makers. Learn about the techniques, inspiration, and the craft behind the art of chocolate making. Tickets can be purchased through Facebook.
CALENDAR
LINCOLN EXPOSED
February 2026
Lincoln Exposed is a weekend full of music and community while highlighting local talent. Listen to over 100 artists and bands of all genres take the stage in venues throughout downtown. You can purchase an all access pass or just a day pass if you have a specific artist or band you want to see.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY STREET FESTIVAL
March 2026
Mckinney’s
Irish Pub
In March, P Street between 7th and 8th streets transforms into the St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival for a celebration hosted by Mckinney’s Irish Pub. The block is filled with activities like a kilt contest, face painting, a Lucky Charms eating contest, live music, and more. All are welcome and there is no cover charge.
MONSTER JAM
April 2026
Pinnacle Bank Arena monsterjam.com
Monster Jam rolls into Lincoln every year with a weekend of high-powered entertainment featuring some of the biggest and most loved monster truck drivers. Fans can cheer on drivers in a variety of events, including freestyle stunts, racing, and tricks, all completed with 12,000-lb. trucks.
JAZZ IN JUNE
June 2026
Sheldon Sculpture Garden jazzinjune.com
Grab a picnic blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy Nebraska’s longest running jazz festival at the Sheldon Sculpture Garden every Tuesday in June. This outdoor concert series offers a relaxing evening that is perfect for people of all ages.
CALENDAR
LIVE @ TELEGRAPH
June - August 2026
The Mill at Telegraph
Find a spot on the patio, and enjoy new live music every week at the Mill at Telegraph. This summer concert series features a talented lineup of local musicians at a Lincoln-favorite business. Whether you are catching up with friends, sipping your favorite drink, or just enjoying live music, it’s a great way to enjoy a summer evening.
UNCLE SAM JAM
July 2026
Haymarket Park
Join the city of Lincoln for the annual Fourth of July celebration, the Uncle Sam Jam. In the home stadium of the Lincoln Saltdogs and Nebraska Cornhuskers, enjoy live music and a spectacular fireworks show in this familyfriendly event.
MEADOWLARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 2026
Kimball Recital Hall meadowlarkmusicfestival.org
Highlighting world-class musicians, the Meadowlark Music Festival brings the community together through music that celebrates a variety of cultures and traditions. Each summer, the festival features a diverse lineup of performers who showcase global musical influences.
SHOP THE DOCKS
July 2026
Lincoln Historic Haymarket
Support local businesses during a week-long shopping event featuring exclusive deals, oneof-a-kind items, and the chance to win prizes. Shoppers can explore downtown Lincoln’s diverse mix of retailers, boutiques, and specialty shops and can enter for prize drawings for a chance to win gift cards, merchandise, and more.
ATTRACTIONS
BILL HARRIS IRON HORSE PARK
235 N. 7th St.
In the center of the Haymarket is the Bill Harris Iron Horse Park. This small park has a water tower climbing structure, a brick mural, and an original locomotive, which all pay tribute to the Railway Express that once stood where the park is today.
BOURBON THEATRE
1415 O St. | bourbontheatre.com
While originally a movie theater in the 1930s, the Bourbon Theatre has since been renovated into a live music venue that hosts concerts and events. Located right downtown, it is conveniently nearby many restaurants and bars.
CENTENNIAL MALL
Nebraska’s Centennial Mall spans across seven blocks, connecting the State Capitol to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s downtown campus. Take a walk through and learn about the history of Nebraska through sculptures, signage, and other fun features.
GREAT PLAINS ART MUSEUM
1155 Q St. | plains.unl.edu/ great-plains-art-museum
Located in the Center for Great Plains, the Great Plains Art Museum features seasonal exhibitions that highlight the importance of recognition and interaction with the community and environment of the Great Plains.
HAYMARKET PARK
403 Line Dr. Cir. | haymarketpark.com
Haymarket Park is the home field of the Lincoln Saltdogs and the Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball team. The outdoor sports stadium has also been known to host concerts and events.
LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N. 12th St. | liedcenter.org
Since its beginning, the Lied Center for Performing Arts has strived to emphasize the importance of performing arts. Its shows include musicians, artists, thespians, and more in an effort to connect and educate the community.
LINCOLN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
1420 P St. | lincolnchildrensmuseum.org
The Lincoln Children’s Museum is a hub for imagination and creativity. Children can invent, explore, and imagine with hands-on activities and interactive programs like shopping for groceries or scoring points at the Pinnacle Bank Arena.
LINCOLN MONUMENT
1445 K St. | capitol.nebraska.gov
Sculpted by two men who would later sculpt the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Monument stands tall on the West Plaza of the State Capitol. He bears the hardships and intricacy of the Great War in his expression.
ATTRACTIONS
MEMORIAL STADIUM
One Memorial Stadium Dr. | huskers.com
Also known as “the Sea of Red,” Memorial Stadium is home to Nebraska’s beloved football team. When the stadium is not full of red, it is also a venue for graduation and sometimes concerts.
MORRILL HALL
645 N. 14th St. | museum.unl.edu
Located on the University of Nebraska at Lincoln’s campus, Morrill Hall is a museum that lets you step into Nebraska’s past with exhibits full of native animals, fossils, Native American culture, and more.
NEBRASKA HISTORY MUSEUM
131 Centennial Mall N. | history.nebraska.gov
Nebraska History Museum features unique artifacts and incredible stories of Nebraska’s past. Learn about how it was before it became a state, what its first years looked like, and quintessential moments from throughout its history.
NEBRASKA STATE CAPITOL
1445 K St. | capitol.nebraska.gov
The Nebraska State Capitol is home to the Nebraska Unicameral. Explore its limestone exterior and marble columns through free guided tours that occur daily.
PINNACLE BANK ARENA
400 Pinnacle Arena Dr. | pinnaclebankarena.com
Pinnacle Bank Arena is a multi-purpose arena that has exciting events year-round. It is home to the Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball and volleyball teams and hosts events like concerts, sporting events, and touring acts.
THE RAILYARD
350 Canopy St.
Directly across the street from the Pinnacle Bank Arena, The Railyard is the perfect place to watch a sports game, with over 13 restaurants and bars, live entertainment, a large screen, and an energetic crowd.
ROCOCO THEATRE
140 N. 13th St. | rococotheatre.com
The Rococo Theater maintains its 1929 condition from proper restoration. The venue hosts the finest entertainment and touring acts in an intimate setting and can also be booked for weddings.
SHELDON MUSEUM OF ART
12th & R Streets | sheldonartmuseum.org
Located on the University of Nebraska at Lincoln’s campus, the Sheldon Museum of Art showcases a highly distinct international art collection. Its building is considered a landmark with its high modernist style.
TOWER SQUARE
1300 P St. | lincoln.ne.gov
Tower Square is a miniature park in Downtown Lincoln where a 57-foot-tall multicolor tower stands as a public art piece. Also known as Ascent Tower, it lights up at night.
