Lincoln After Dark: Exploring the City’s Nightlife

Lincoln boasts several large venues like Pinnacle Bank Arena, the Lied Center, and Pinewood Bowl, which draw big-name performers. The city also has a vibrant scene of smaller performance spaces. Many of these venues are clustered downtown, allowing artists to move between clubs and play for diverse crowds. Over 100 bands call Lincoln home, a remarkable number for a city its size. The lower cost of living here allows artists and musicians to balance “day jobs” with their creative pursuits, all supported by two universities with exceptional fine arts programs. Lincoln also benefits from its proximity to cities like Omaha, Chicago, Kansas City, and Denver, creating a fluid talent exchange. Additionally, numerous nonprofits support the arts and engage younger audiences.

The Zoo Bar, located at 136 North 14th Street, is a long, narrow venue housed in a century-old building. It exudes the timeless charm of classic Chicago blues clubs. It’s been a fixture for over 50 years, hosting legends like James Harman, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, and Robert Cray. The club continues to showcase top local talent and rising stars. While its walls hold a rich history, it’s probably best they stay silent.

As the neighborhood has evolved, The Zoo Bar has expanded its offerings to include jazz, stand-up comedy, and roots music. Still, live blues remains its heart, with contemporary blues artists delivering standout performances. Don’t miss ZooFest, the club’s mid-summer anniversary celebration, which spills into the street. The festival brings famous jazz and blues musicians, and the stage is the road. Tickets are available online through their website. Expect more phenomenal performances throughout 2025. Check out the full lineup at zoobar.com.

In the heart of downtown at 1415 O Street, the vintage marquee of the Bourbon Theatre announces upcoming acts set to hit the stage in this repurposed movie theater. Since its debut in 2009, the Bourbon has established itself as a unique and beloved spot in Lincoln’s music scene. Recent and upcoming performances include bands like Tallah, The Black Jacket Symphony, RED, and The Steel Woods.

With its ideal size and acoustics, the venue is perfect for intimate acoustic sets and high-energy rock shows. It also serves as a platform for emerging artists. The Bourbon can accommodate up to 900 people, often in a general admission, standing-room-only setup, and opens two or more nights a week, depending on the season. For upcoming shows, visit bourbontheatre.com.

In addition to showcasing a diverse lineup of national artists, Lincoln Calling dedicates itself to community engagement and artistic exploration. The festival seeks to inspire a passion for music and creativity within Lincoln and beyond through collaborations with local organizations and educational institutions. Check their website for the performances for 2025. lincolncalling.com/

The restored Rococo Theatre, downtown, at 14th and P streets, was created from the original Stuart Theatre. It is a state-of-the-art entertainment facility without compromising the original, grandiose design of the original theater, with the addition of Vegas-style booths and tables. When not hosting live musical acts, the Rococo Theatre showcases classic and cult-classic movies and sporting events on its state-of-the-art equipment. However, the decibel restrictions in the building make it a perfect setting for comics, world music, jazz, or acoustic performers.

In addition to Bourbon Theatre, The Zoo Bar, and Rococo, these downtown clubs and bars host live music, a DJ, or karaoke: Rosie’s Downtown, Brewsky’s, 1867 Bar, Junction Night Club & Shot Bar, Duffy’s Tavern, and the nearby Capital View Winery, Deer Springs Winery, and James Arthur Vineyards. 

On most evenings during warm weather, you can find an outdoor venue featuring free live music.

A Lincoln hotspot for 90 years, The Royal Grove at 340 West Cornhusker Highway has new owners who have spruced up the place a bit, and more changes are coming. It’s only open for ticketed events.

The Storm Cellar regularly hosts jazz music on Monday evenings. Lincoln needs an excellent jazz club if there are any music entrepreneurs out there.

Here are more ideas to help create your evening out:

Many pubs and nightspots all over the city now offer comfortable outdoor social spaces, like the rooftop at Barry’s Bar & Grill, a Haymarket institution, and Barred Owl, the rooftop bar at The Scarlet Hotel.

Das Haus, an LGBTQA+ club at 1640 O Street, features drag and cabaret shows and a dance floor.

Acoustic music fans might visit Crescent Moon Coffee in the Haymarket, Rock-n-Joe Coffee Bar in east Lincoln, and Art & Soul in south Lincoln (great food, too).

If nightlife to you means lingering over a lovely dinner and wine, reserve a table at one of the city’s excellent restaurants like Vincenzo’s, Green Gateau or Billy’s, or see more ideas elsewhere in this publication.

Something unexpected? Go through the secret door at Boombox Social into the Sideshow Cocktail Lounge. Or, locate the unassuming glass door in the alley behind 1332 P Street, where you’ll find a vintage pay phone that is the gateway to the Lady Luck Lounge.

For something old-school and comfortable, try O’Rourke’s Tavern, The Brass Rail (since 1935) or The Old Pub all downtown, or Cliff’s Martini Lounge in southeast Lincoln.

Soccer fan? Captain Jack’s is for you. Stop by after work for happy hour or visit on Trivia nights.

This list intends to entice you. There’s so much more to explore and entertain