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Best events in
Lincoln

Events and things to do in Lincoln, ND, range from small-town gatherings to the lively entertainment scene in nearby Bismarck. The area has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere centered around community life and a distinct seasonality that brings outdoor markets and festivals. Most of the region's nightlife and larger performances are concentrated in downtown Bismarck, which becomes particularly active on weekends.

Head to downtown Bismarck for a walkable evening of live music, with venues like Laughing Sun Brewing Co. and 5th Underground Events and Theme Lounge offering regular performances.
Experience local traditions at annual gatherings such as the summer Capital A'Fair arts festival or the Downtowners Street Fair.
Find community-focused fun right in Lincoln at local parks or seasonal celebrations like the annual Lincoln Days festival.

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Events near Lincoln

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November Bismarck Lions Club Puzzle Contest (DATE CHANGE to Nov. 20th) primary image

November Bismarck Lions Club Puzzle Contest (DATE CHANGE to Nov. 20th)

Fri, Nov 20 • 6:00 PM

Elks Lodge #1199

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Thread Of Nations Fashion Show & Marketplace primary image

Thread Of Nations Fashion Show & Marketplace

Sat, Nov 21 • 7:00 PM

Sixteen03 Main Events

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Murder Mystery at Classic Rock Coffee primary image

Murder Mystery at Classic Rock Coffee

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

Classic Rock Coffee and Kitchen

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Watercolor Card Painting Class at the Dakota Cat Cafe primary image

Watercolor Card Painting Class at the Dakota Cat Cafe

Sat, Nov 28 • 2:00 PM

70 Santee Rd

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Below Zero Wrestling @ The Eclipse Venue primary image

Below Zero Wrestling @ The Eclipse Venue

Sat, Dec 5 • 6:00 PM

Eclipse Venue

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Downtown Bismarck Cocoa Crawl 2026 primary image

Downtown Bismarck Cocoa Crawl 2026

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM

Downtown Bismarck

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Nashville Songwriter Round primary image

Nashville Songwriter Round

Sat, Dec 12 • 8:00 PM

The Jousting Lemur

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Jamal Harrington @ Dakota Stage primary image

Jamal Harrington @ Dakota Stage

Sat, Apr 3 • 8:00 PM

Dakota Stage

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November Bismarck Lions Club Puzzle Contest (DATE CHANGE to Nov. 20th) primary image

November Bismarck Lions Club Puzzle Contest (DATE CHANGE to Nov. 20th)

Fri, Nov 20 • 6:00 PM

Elks Lodge #1199

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Thread Of Nations Fashion Show & Marketplace primary image

Thread Of Nations Fashion Show & Marketplace

Sat, Nov 21 • 7:00 PM

Sixteen03 Main Events

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Murder Mystery at Classic Rock Coffee primary image

Murder Mystery at Classic Rock Coffee

Sat, Nov 21 • 6:00 PM

Classic Rock Coffee and Kitchen

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Watercolor Card Painting Class at the Dakota Cat Cafe primary image

Watercolor Card Painting Class at the Dakota Cat Cafe

Sat, Nov 28 • 2:00 PM

70 Santee Rd

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Below Zero Wrestling @ The Eclipse Venue primary image

Below Zero Wrestling @ The Eclipse Venue

Sat, Dec 5 • 6:00 PM

Eclipse Venue

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Downtown Bismarck Cocoa Crawl 2026 primary image

Downtown Bismarck Cocoa Crawl 2026

Sat, Dec 12 • 10:00 AM

Downtown Bismarck

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Nashville Songwriter Round primary image

Nashville Songwriter Round

Sat, Dec 12 • 8:00 PM

The Jousting Lemur

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Jamal Harrington @ Dakota Stage primary image

Jamal Harrington @ Dakota Stage

Sat, Apr 3 • 8:00 PM

Dakota Stage

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Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross primary image

Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross

Today • 7:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thursday • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America primary image

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thursday • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026 primary image

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM EST

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HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome primary image

PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross primary image

Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross

Today • 7:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026 primary image

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thursday • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America primary image

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thursday • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026 primary image

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Saturday • 1:00 PM EST

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HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Unspeakable

Mon, Nov 23 • 1:00 PM GMT

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets primary image

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome primary image

PLAYFUL ARCHITECTURE: Drawing in Colour and Monochrome

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Frequently asked questions about Lincoln

What are the go-to spots for live music events near Lincoln?

Laughing Sun Brewing Co. is a popular choice for regular live music in downtown Bismarck. The brewery hosts performances weekly, and other nearby venues like 5th Underground Events and Theme Lounge also feature local and traveling artists.

Where can I see a comedy show in the Bismarck area?

The historic Belle Mehus Auditorium hosts touring comedy acts and other performances. For more intimate comedy events, check the schedules at Sixteen03 Main Events, which is a dedicated venue for a variety of shows.

Are there any major annual family-friendly events in Lincoln?

Yes, the annual Lincoln Days celebration is a highlight for families each August. The community event features a parade, a vendor fair, and various activities suitable for all ages, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the town.

What's the nightlife scene like in downtown Bismarck?

Downtown Bismarck offers a lively and walkable nightlife experience, especially on weekends. It's the region's main hub, with places like The CraftCade for arcade games and beer, and numerous bars and music venues clustered together.

How can I find free outdoor things to do in the area?

Exploring the local parks in Lincoln and Bismarck is a great free activity. During warmer months, you can visit markets like BisMarket or Bismarck Urban Harvest, which offer free admission to browse local goods and enjoy the atmosphere.

Which art events happen in the Lincoln and Bismarck area?

The annual Capital A'Fair is a major summer arts festival held on the Capitol grounds. Another significant art and craft event is the Downtowners Street Fair, which fills downtown Bismarck with vendors and entertainment each September.

What kind of food and drink events are common near Lincoln?

The region features seasonal farmers markets and fairs highlighting local North Dakota products. Places like Laughing Sun Brewing Co. combine food with live music, while The CraftCade offers a unique self-pour beer wall alongside pizza and games.

Do you have any date night ideas for the Lincoln area?

A great date night could involve a performance at the historic Belle Mehus Auditorium. Alternatively, a more casual evening could be spent enjoying trivia night at The CraftCade or catching live music at a downtown Bismarck brewery.