It’s summertime in LNK, and the city has a soundtrack. From neighborhood block parties and park concerts to brewery patios and iconic music festivals, live music is everywhere you turn. One minute you're grabbing dinner, the next you're settling into a lawn chair or dancing under the stars with a local band playing in the background. Whether you're spreading a blanket in the grass, catching a sunset set on a patio or discovering your next favorite artist, Lincoln's summer music scene offers something for every kind of listener. So, grab your friends, follow the music and make the most of summer in LNK. 

Summer Music Sundays at Kinkaider 

Sundays, May–October | 4–7 p.m. | Kinkaider Brewing Taproom, 201 N. 7th St. 

Ease into Sunday evenings with live local music, craft beer and one of downtown Lincoln's most laid-back atmospheres. 

Kinkaider's weekly summer music series brings together talented regional artists, great drinks and plenty of patio vibes down in the Historic Haymarket. Bonus points if you grab a bite from the new pizza train while you're there. 

No cover. No stress. Just a perfect way to close out the weekend. 

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/kinkaiderlincoln/events  

 

Kinkaider Exterior

Hub & Soul 

June 26, July 24, August 28 & September 25 | 6–9 p.m. | Union Plaza 

Music, food and community come together at Hub & Soul, one of Lincoln's most beloved summer gatherings. 

This free community event brings together live music, local food, craft beverages and plenty of space to relax along the creek at Union Plaza. Bring a lawn chair, bring your friends and enjoy one of the city's favorite ways to spend a summer evening. 

Learn more: https://www.hubandsoul.com  

 

Live @ Telegraph 

Wednesdays, June–July | 6–9 p.m. | The Mill at Telegraph, 330 S. 21st St. 

Your Wednesday plans just got better. 

Live @ Telegraph brings free live music to The Mill's beautiful outdoor space every Wednesday throughout the summer. Grab a coffee, cocktail or snack, settle into a lawn chair and enjoy performances from local favorites and touring artists alike. Families, friends and even four-legged companions are welcome. 

Learn more: https://www.liveattelegraph.com  

 

KZUM Stransky Park Concert Series 

Thursdays in June | 7–9 p.m. | Stransky Park, 17th & Harrison streets 

A Lincoln summer classic. 

Hosted by KZUM Community Radio, these weekly concerts bring together local music, food vendors, artists and neighbors in one of Lincoln's most charming parks. Every week features a different performer, so no two nights sound the same. 

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/stranskyconcerts  

 

Jazz in June 

Every Tuesday in June | Sheldon Sculpture Garden, 12th & R streets  

Few events say "summer in Lincoln" quite like Jazz in June. 

For more than 30 years, Jazz in June has been the unofficial soundtrack of Lincoln summers. Bring a blanket, claim your favorite patch of grass, visit the food trucks and settle in for an evening of incredible live jazz in the heart of downtown. 

The music starts at 7 p.m., but longtime attendees know the people-watching and picnic setup are part of the experience. 

Learn more: https://www.jazzinjune.com 

 

Jazz in June

Zoofest 

July 10–11 | Time varies | The Zoo Bar, 136 N. 14th St.

For more than 50 years, The Zoo Bar has been bringing legendary live music to Lincoln, and ZooFest remains one of the highlights of the summer music calendar. 

ZooFest celebrates Lincoln's rich live music culture with a lineup of blues, roots and Americana artists from across the region and beyond. It's one of the city's longest-running music traditions and a bucket-list event for live music fans. 

Learn more: https://zoobar.com/zoofest 

 

Lincoln Community Foundation Garden Performance Series 

Wednesdays, May–September | Noon–1 p.m. | 1415 N St. 

Need a reason to take your lunch outside? 

The Lincoln Community Foundation’s Garden Performance Series has been bringing free live entertainment to downtown Lincoln for more than five decades. Grab your lunch, find a shady spot in the Barbara Bartle Garden and enjoy an hour of music and performances in the middle of the workday. 

Learn more: https://www.lincoln.org/event/lincoln-community-foundation-garden-performance-series/10693/ 

 

Friday Nights Live Summer Concert Series at SouthPointe Pavilions 

Fridays, June–July | 6:30–8:30 p.m. | 2910 Pine Lake Rd. 

Friday nights were made for live music. 

SouthPointe Pavilions' summer concert series features everything from rock and pop to funk and soul, creating the perfect backdrop for a warm summer evening. Grab dinner, bring a lawn chair and enjoy free live music while the sun goes down. 

Learn more: https://www.reddevelopment.com/southpointe-pavilions/events/

 

Malls & Outlets

Zipline Tap & Grill Music Series – Live Music on the Patio 

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays | May–September | 575 Fallbrook Blvd. 

Some of the best summer plans are the ones you don't have to make. 

At Zipline Tap & Grill, live music fills the patio throughout the season, giving every weekend a built-in soundtrack. Pair local artists with cold drinks, good food and Nebraska sunset weather, and you've got a recipe for an easy summer favorite. 

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/1334534108823607

 

Zipline Taproom Patio