Tap a date to see that day's events. Only listings with set dates appear here; places you can visit any open day are listed further down.
Halloween and fall events in and around Lincoln. We checked each one on the organizer's own page on Oct 23, 2026. Events we couldn't confirm, adult-only events and haunted attractions are left out. Look for the Good for little kids (2–4) marker for early, toddler-friendly options.
Roca Berry Farm Fall Festival (daytime)
Roca Berry Farm · Roca (Day trip: Roca · Nearby towns & day trips)
FestivalPaidOpen now · through Sun, Nov 1Nearby towns & day trips
Daytime pumpkin-patch fall festival. (The farm's separate night haunt is not listed here.)
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Oct 23 – Sun, Nov 1)
- When: Daily through Nov 1, 2026 (weekdays through Oct 30)
- Time: Mon–Wed 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Thu–Fri 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat–Sun 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Price: Online: Mon–Thu $13.95, Fri $17.95, Sat–Sun $21.95 (higher at the gate)
- Ages: Ages 3+ need a ticket; under 16 must be with an adult 19+
- Booking: Buy tickets online for the lower price.
⚠️ Day trip outside Lincoln.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Pumpkins in Print (vote for your favorite)
Eiseley Branch Library · Lincoln (North Lincoln · North & northeast Lincoln)
LibraryFree (per source)Open now · through Tue, Oct 27North & northeast Lincoln
Pumpkins decorated by the community, inspired by favorite books and book characters, are on display; stop by and vote for your favorite. Entrants pick up pumpkins Oct 31.
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Oct 23 – Tue, Oct 27)
- When: Display and voting Oct 20–27, 2026
- Time: Library open hours
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Drop in.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Boo at the Zoo
Lincoln Children's Zoo · Lincoln (Near south · South & east Lincoln)
Zoo & aquariumPaidNext: Fri, Oct 23South & east Lincoln
Evening Halloween trick-or-treat event at the zoo, plus one daytime session on Sun Oct 25. Free shuttles run from Lincoln High School and Antelope Park.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026; Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026; Mon, Oct 26, 2026; Tue, Oct 27, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Fri–Tue, Oct 23–27, 2026 (VIP entry from 5 p.m.; extra daytime session Sun Oct 25, 12:30–3 p.m.)
- Time: 5:30–8 p.m.
- Price: General $7.95 (members free but must reserve); VIP $11.95 ($7.95 members); treat bag $3.75; train $3; $2 online fee
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Buy tickets online.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Flight of Fright (candy launched from aircraft)
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum · Ashland (Day trip: Ashland · Nearby towns & day trips)
MuseumPaidNext: Sun, Oct 25Nearby towns & day trips
Candy is launched from 13 historic aircraft; staff and volunteers are in costume.
Upcoming dates: Sun, Oct 25, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sun Oct 25, 2026
- Time: See venue (time not listed)
- Price: Museum admission: adults $18; seniors 65+ and military $14; ages 4–12 $10; 3 and under free; members free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Buy general admission for Oct 25 online or in person.
⚠️ Day trip outside Lincoln.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Morrill Hall-oween Spooktacular
Morrill Hall (University of Nebraska State Museum) · Lincoln (UNL City Campus · Downtown & UNL)
MuseumPaidNext: Fri, Oct 30Downtown & UNL
Trick-or-treating, bingo, crafts and games in the museum.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Fri Oct 30, 2026
- Time: 4–7 p.m.
- Price: Included with museum admission ($14 ages 12+, $8 ages 3–11, under 3 free)
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: No advance tickets.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Lied Center Student Matinees (home school groups welcome)
Lied Center for Performing Arts · Lincoln (Downtown · Downtown & UNL)
Arts & performancePaidNext: Thu, Nov 5Downtown & UNL
Daytime shows for school groups; the Lied Center says public, private and home school groups are welcome. Nov 5: Frederick Douglass! The Lion of Freedom (grades 4–12, Johnny Carson Theater; the Nov 4 show is sold out). Nov 23: The Magic School Bus (grades PreK–5; the 10:30 a.m. show has a waitlist, 1 p.m. show newly added). Feb 22: The Three Little Pigs and Other Tales (grades PreK–3).
Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 5, 2026; Mon, Nov 23, 2026; Mon, Feb 22, 2027
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Thu Nov 5, 2026; Mon Nov 23, 2026; Mon Feb 22, 2027
- Time: 10:30 a.m. (Nov 23: 1 p.m. show; 10:30 a.m. waitlist)
- Price: $6 per seat (all seats)
- Ages: Grades PreK–12 (varies by show)
- Booking: Reserve with the Lied Center's online student matinee form. Not open to the general public.
⚠️ Calendar entries use a 1-hour placeholder; the Lied Center doesn't list end times.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Homeschool Days at the Nebraska History Museum
Nebraska History Museum (History Nebraska) · Lincoln (Downtown · Downtown & UNL)
History & historic sitePaidNext: Wed, Nov 18Downtown & UNL
Themed homeschool mornings with hands-on activities. Nov 18: Nebraska Artists (with the Great Plains Art Museum, International Quilt Museum and Vision Maker Media). Dec 9: Winter Traditions. Jan 13: Inventions and Innovations. Feb 10: Wild West.
Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 18, 2026; Wed, Dec 9, 2026; Wed, Jan 13, 2027; Wed, Feb 10, 2027
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Wednesdays: Nov 18, Dec 9, 2026; Jan 13, Feb 10, 2027
- Time: 9 a.m.–noon
- Price: $4 per child age 5+ (plus tax); $7 per adult (plus tax); free for History Nebraska members and kids 4 and under
- Ages: Pre-K through 8th grade
- Booking: Register through the History Nebraska homeschool days page. Questions: HN.MuseumEducation@nebraska.gov.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Homeschool Hikes at Schramm
Schramm Education Center (Nebraska Game and Parks) · Gretna (Day trip: Gretna · Nearby towns & day trips)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidNext: Wed, Nov 18Nearby towns & day trips
Monthly guided hike for homeschool families on the Schramm Park State Recreation Area trails: ask questions, draw, observe and make discoveries in nature. November theme: Animal Shelters and Nests.
Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 18, 2026; Thu, Nov 19, 2026; Wed, Dec 16, 2026; Thu, Dec 17, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Wed Nov 18 & Thu Nov 19; Wed Dec 16 & Thu Dec 17, 2026
- Time: Wednesdays 9–10:30 a.m.; Thursdays 1–2:30 p.m.
- Price: $5
- Ages: Homeschool families; ages 5 and up
- Booking: Register through the event listing on the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar.
⚠️ Day trip outside Lincoln.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Field trips at Lincoln Children's Museum (homeschool groups welcome)
Lincoln Children's Museum · Lincoln (Downtown · Downtown & UNL)
MuseumPaidOngoing / by arrangementDowntown & UNL
Two-hour group visits for 10–200 people; the museum's field trip page welcomes homeschool groups.
- When: Mondays and Wednesday–Friday, by reservation
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: $10 per student; $5 per adult
- Ages: Not listed on source
- Booking: Book at least 2 days ahead. One adult per 5 children.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Field trips for homeschools at Spring Creek Prairie
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center · Denton (Denton (southwest of Lincoln) · Nearby towns & day trips)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidOngoing / by arrangementNearby towns & day trips
Audubon's education programs include field trips for homeschools on 1,160 acres of tallgrass prairie.
- When: By arrangement
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: $10 per student; adults free
- Ages: Not listed on source
- Booking: Call (402) 797-2301 or email scp@audubon.org.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Morrill Hall group visits & field trip programs
Morrill Hall (University of Nebraska State Museum) · Lincoln (UNL City Campus · Downtown & UNL)
Science & planetariumPaidOngoing / by arrangementDowntown & UNL
Self-guided group visits, or staff-led field trip programs with an optional planetarium show. The pages are written for school groups and don't mention homeschool groups by name, so ask the museum.
- When: By reservation
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Self-guided: $6 per child (3–18), $11 per adult, 1 free chaperone per 10. Programs: $8.50 child / $11 adult; program + planetarium $15 child / $16 adult ($85 minimum)
- Ages: Children 3–18 (self-guided pricing)
- Booking: Self-guided: 10+ paying visitors, book 1 week ahead. Programs: book 2 weeks ahead.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Sheldon Museum of Art K–12 group visits
Sheldon Museum of Art · Lincoln (UNL City Campus · Downtown & UNL)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementDowntown & UNL
Free admission; staff-arranged visits for K–12 groups. The page doesn't mention homeschool groups by name, so ask the museum.
- When: By appointment
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Free admission
- Ages: Grades K–12
- Booking: Appointments required; 1 adult per 10 students. Contact the museum through its K–12 page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
First Fridays at the International Quilt Museum
International Quilt Museum · Lincoln (UNL East Campus · North & northeast Lincoln)
MuseumFree (per source)Next: Fri, Nov 6North & northeast Lincoln
Free access to all galleries, with a presentation at 5:30 p.m. Nov 6: Quilts of Valor. Dec 4: gallery talk on "American Identities: Quilts from 1970 to Today" with Collections Manager Jamie Swartz.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 6, 2026; Fri, Dec 4, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Fri Nov 6 and Fri Dec 4, 2026
- Time: 4–7 p.m. (presentation 5:30 p.m.)
- Price: Free
- Ages: Not listed on source
- Booking: No booking listed.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Hyde Memorial Observatory Saturday nights
Hyde Memorial Observatory · Lincoln (Holmes Park · South & east Lincoln)
Science & planetariumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementSouth & east Lincoln
Free public telescope viewing on Saturday nights, year-round.
- When: Saturdays
- Time: 7–10 p.m. (Oct 1–Mar 14 hours)
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: No booking listed.
⚠️ May close on or near major holidays; call (402) 441-7094.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free Wednesday Mornings at Lincoln Children's Museum
Lincoln Children's Museum · Lincoln (Downtown · Downtown & UNL)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Downtown & UNL
Free admission when you arrive between 8 and 9 a.m. on a Wednesday; stay until 5 p.m.
- When: Wednesdays
- Time: Arrive 8–9 a.m.; stay until 5 p.m.
- Price: Free if you arrive 8–9 a.m. (regular admission: youth $16.95 + tax, caretakers 16+ $14.95, infants 0–18 months free; 50% off after 4 p.m.)
- Ages: Kids with caretakers; infants 0–18 months free
- Booking: No booking listed.
⚠️ The museum is closed Oct 31, Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Storytimes at Lincoln City Libraries
Lincoln City Libraries (branches) · Lincoln (Citywide)
LibraryFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)
Free weekly baby, toddler, preschool and family storytimes at library branches. Days and times vary by branch.
- When: Weekly at branches
- Time: See the storytimes page
- Price: Free
- Ages: Babies through preschool, plus family storytimes
- Booking: Check the library's storytimes page for each branch's schedule.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free guided tours of the Nebraska State Capitol
Nebraska State Capitol · Lincoln (Downtown · Downtown & UNL)
History & historic siteFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementDowntown & UNL
Free public tours start at the north entrance, 2nd floor. The tower and observation decks are closed for HVAC construction.
- When: Mon–Fri 9 a.m.; Mon–Sat 10 and 11 a.m.; daily 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.
- Time: Building: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat & holidays 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 1–5 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: Not listed on source
- Booking: No booking listed for public tours. Phone (402) 471-0448.
⚠️ Closed Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Pioneers Park Nature Center
Pioneers Park Nature Center · Lincoln (Pioneers Park · West Lincoln)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)West Lincoln
Trails, bison, elk and raptors, plus the Edna Shields natural play area for young kids.
- When: Daily
- Time: Mon–Sat 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun noon–5 p.m. (facilities close at 4:30 p.m. starting in fall)
- Price: Free; suggested donation $3 per person or $5 per family
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: No booking needed.
⚠️ Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Sheldon Museum of Art (free admission)
Sheldon Museum of Art · Lincoln (UNL City Campus · Downtown & UNL)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementDowntown & UNL
American art museum with free admission and free drop-in tours (for example, Drop-In Tour: Abstract Approaches, Sat Nov 14, 2–3 p.m.).
- When: Tue–Sat; Sun afternoon; closed Mon
- Time: Tue–Wed 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thu 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun noon–5 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: No booking needed for a regular visit.
⚠️ Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Spring Creek Prairie trails & visitor center
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center · Denton (Denton (southwest of Lincoln) · Nearby towns & day trips)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementNearby towns & day trips
Four miles of trails through tallgrass prairie, woodland and wetland, with Oregon Trail cutoff wagon ruts and a visitor center with interactive exhibits.
- When: Trails daily, sunrise to sunset
- Time: Visitor center: weekdays 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; weekends 12:30–4:30 p.m. (Nov–Feb)
- Price: Free general admission
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: No appointment needed. Guided group tours are $10 per person (6-person minimum).
⚠️ Pets and bikes are allowed only on the Prairie Corridor trail.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Sewing Saturdays at the International Quilt Museum
International Quilt Museum · Lincoln (UNL East Campus · North & northeast Lincoln)
MuseumPaidNext: Sat, Oct 24North & northeast Lincoln
Learn sewing skills and make a small take-home project; help is nearby for first-timers.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sat, Nov 21, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Sat Oct 24, Nov 21 and Dec 12, 2026
- Time: Drop in 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Price: Materials included with admission (adults $10, ages 5–18 $4, under 5 free; family $20)
- Ages: Recommended for ages 6 and up
- Booking: No registration required.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Little Saplings Nature Discovery (ages 2–5)
Schramm Education Center (Nebraska Game and Parks) · Gretna (Day trip: Gretna · Nearby towns & day trips)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidNext: Wed, Nov 4Good for little kids (2–4)Nearby towns & day trips
Monthly early-childhood nature program for young kids and their adult caregiver (Nov 4 topic: Fall Leaves).
Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 4, 2026; Wed, Dec 2, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Wed Nov 4 and Wed Dec 2, 2026
- Time: 9–10 a.m. or 10–11 a.m.
- Price: $5 per child and $5 per adult
- Ages: Ages 2–5 with an adult caregiver
- Booking: Register through the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar.
⚠️ Day trip outside Lincoln.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration
International Quilt Museum · Lincoln (UNL East Campus · North & northeast Lincoln)
FestivalFree (per source)Next: Sat, Nov 7North & northeast Lincoln
Music, arts and crafts, a children's book read-aloud and refreshments, with El Centro de las Américas, Lincoln City Libraries and partners.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 7, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Nov 7, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All are welcome
- Booking: No booking listed.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Wild Fall Festival and Bison Day
Pioneers Park Nature Center · Lincoln (Pioneers Park · West Lincoln)
FestivalFree (per source)Next: Sat, Nov 7West Lincoln
Free, family-friendly fall festival at the Nature Center.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 7, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Nov 7, 2026
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Family Day with Anne Burton
Sheldon Museum of Art · Lincoln (UNL City Campus · Downtown & UNL)
MuseumFree (per source)Next: Sun, Nov 15Downtown & UNL
Free family art afternoon with a free snack.
Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 15, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sun Nov 15, 2026
- Time: 2–4 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: Families
- Booking: Registration encouraged on the Sheldon page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Zoo Lights Powered by LES
Lincoln Children's Zoo · Lincoln (Near south · South & east Lincoln)
Zoo & aquariumPaidOpens Fri, Nov 20 · through Wed, Dec 30South & east Lincoln
Holiday light walk through the zoo with timed entry.
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Nov 20 – Wed, Dec 30)
- When: Nov 20–Dec 30, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
- Time: 5:30–9:30 p.m.; timed entry 6–8 p.m. every 15 minutes (VIP 5:30 p.m.)
- Price: General $16.95 ($13.95 members); VIP $25.95 ($22.95 members, includes train); train $3
- Ages: Ages 2+ need a ticket
- Booking: Buy timed tickets online; non-refundable.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas JR (youth musical)
Lincoln Community Playhouse · Lincoln (South 56th St · South & east Lincoln)
Arts & performancePrice not listedNext: Fri, Dec 4South & east Lincoln
Youth musical version of the Dr. Seuss holiday story.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026; Sun, Dec 6, 2026; Fri, Dec 11, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Sun, Dec 13, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Dec 4–6 and Dec 11–13, 2026
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: Not listed on source
- Booking: See the Playhouse show page for times and tickets.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Holiday of Trees
Westminster Presbyterian Church (Heritage League of Lincoln) · Lincoln (Sheridan · South & east Lincoln)
FestivalNo fee listedNext: Fri, Dec 4South & east Lincoln
Decorated trees, live music and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Fri Dec 4 and Sat Dec 5, 2026
- Time: Fri 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Price: Freewill donation
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: No booking listed.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra: Deck the Halls
Lied Center for Performing Arts · Lincoln (Downtown · Downtown & UNL)
Arts & performancePaidNext: Sun, Dec 6Downtown & UNL
Family holiday concert with handbells, Lincoln Suzuki Studios, a high school choir and the adaptive dance company Dancing Beyond Limits.
Upcoming dates: Sun, Dec 6, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sun Dec 6, 2026
- Time: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Price: Adults $25 or $50; youth $5; young professionals $10
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Buy tickets on the orchestra's site.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
The Nutcracker (Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company)
Lied Center for Performing Arts · Lincoln (Downtown · Downtown & UNL)
Arts & performancePrice not listedNext: Sat, Dec 12Downtown & UNL
Holiday ballet on the Lied Center Main Stage.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Sun, Dec 13, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Sat Dec 12 and Sun Dec 13, 2026
- Time: Sat 2 and 7 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: Not listed on source
- Booking: See the Lied Center event page for tickets.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Christmas Bird Count for Kids
Schramm Education Center (Nebraska Game and Parks) · Gretna (Day trip: Gretna · Nearby towns & day trips)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidNext: Mon, Dec 28Nearby towns & day trips
Count winter birds on a prairie hike as part of a long-running community science project.
Upcoming dates: Mon, Dec 28, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Mon Dec 28, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.–noon
- Price: $5
- Ages: Kids (exact ages not listed)
- Booking: Register through the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar.
⚠️ Day trip outside Lincoln.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.