Lincoln Calling is a chance to see some of Nebraska’s best artists sharing the stage with national acts.
Our festival now boasts 50/50 representation between male and female artists at a time when, on average, only 15% of performers at national music festivals are women. Since 2016, 60% of our headliners represent BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
And while Lincoln Calling has varied slightly in length and venue participation in its lifetime, in recent years it has consistently offered in the vicinity of 100 performances.
Duffy’s Tavern >>
Since 1936 Lincolnites have come to enjoy live music and Fish Bowls at this well-known establishment. By expanding into the alley parking lot, the Duffy’s Backlot stage is one of the most engaging of the festival.
The Zoo Bar >>
Home to the greatest blues, Americana, and funk since 1973; Host of the long-running, annual summer blues festival the Midwest has come to know and love, “Zoo Fest”.
Bodega’s Alley >>
Lincoln’s home for jam and bluegrass music since 1996, Bodega’s also provides space for some of Nebraska’s most beloved DJ’s to hold residencies and EDM dance parties.
1867 Bar >>
1867 Bar celebrates all things Nebraska providing an impressive variety of local beers. A music venue separate from the bar one can simultaneously attend the loudest rock show or opt to hop on the couch and duel a friend in Markio Kart.
Bourbon Theatre >>
This historic 100+ year old theatre hosts a variety of renowned acts spanning across multiple genres such as Rock, Hip Hop and Country. With a unique build, the front room provides space to also hold local shows and community events.
Plus special pop up shows and exhibitions!
Past Headliners
2019
lee fields & the expressions • soccer mommy • cautious clay • a tribe called red • tt the artist • charly bliss • taylor mcferrin • fat tony • zuzuka poderosa • bad bad hats • samia • squirrel flower
2018
japanese breakfast • waxahatchee • joey dosik • parquet courts • ron gallo • fantastic negrito • lion babe • leikeli47 • ought • ohmme • reyna • the nude party
2017
charli xcx • best coast • angel olsen • beach fossils • frankie cosmos • sandy (alex G) • pup • el ten eleven • john moreland • cupcakke • palehouse
2016
domo genesis • real estate • cloud nothings • twin peaks • alan kingdom • ceremony • gosh pith • hide • a giant dog • screaming females
2015
desert noises • head of femur • bandit sound • westside proletariat • josh hoyer and soul colossal • freakabout • universe contest
2014
sidewalk chalk • bailiff • deerpeople • the kickback • white mystery
2013
future islands • boy • jeremy messersmith • henhouse prowlers • hot buttered rum • allie kral of cormeal
2012
wolfgang gartner • laetitia sadier of stereolab • ivan and alyosha • author and punisher • desert noises • hume
2011
larry and his flask • the kickback • lionize • gauntlet hair • uuvvwwz • the photo atlas
2010
roger clyne and the peacemakers • sea wolf • the hood internet • those darlins • the love language • the flatliners
2009
sleepy sun • the rosewood thieves • frontier ruckus • flowers forever • broken spindles
2008
pattern is movement • the killigans • the machete archive • tatsuya nakatani • cameron mcgill and what army
2007
head of femur • gito gito hustler • flobots • somasphere
2006
criteria • neva dinova • maritime • heiruspecs • the prids • 56 hope road
2005
tilly and the wall • orenda fink • david dondero • railbenders • legendary shake shakers
2004
for against • shanti groove • falconfive-0 • ad aspera per aspera • the architects
