Lincoln Becomes Four-Star Certified Welcoming City + Upcoming Events!
We are thrilled to announce that the City of Lincoln has been nationally recognized with the prestigious Four-Star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America. Lincoln is one of only two communities in the United States, alongside San Mateo, California, to earn this high distinction. This achievement reflects years of dedicated collaboration, vision, and hard work by numerous local nonprofits, government partners, and community leaders, all working together to ensure everyone feels at home in our community. CLIA is honored to be a part of the collaborative effort, as the only nonprofit in our city that provides free and low-cost legal and mental health services for immigrants and refugees.
The four-star level represents exceptional achievement across seven key framework categories: education, economic development, civic engagement, equitable access, safe communities, government leadership, and connected communities. This recognition officially positions Lincoln as a national leader in creating a welcoming environment for new Americans. It's important to note that being a Certified Welcoming city means our community adheres to inclusive policies and practices outlined in the Welcoming Standard; it is not the same as being a sanctuary city and does not interfere with federal actions.
The announcement was made during the Lincoln Unites event, marking the kickoff of Lincoln Welcoming Week 2025. CLIA is excited to be in attendance at specific events listed below and we invite you to join us in celebrating our immigrant neighbors!
Upcoming FREE Welcoming Week Events in Lincoln!
Lincoln Welcoming Week 2025 will continue through September 21, 2025. Please check the event calendar for more specific details on activities throughout the week. There will be dozens of different free events across the city celebrating our diverse community, not just the ones listed below!
◦ Date: September 12, 2025
◦ Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
◦ Location: Lied Center Commons, North 12th & Q Street
Details: This kick-off event invites you to honor the stories that make Lincoln vibrant with live performances, local food trucks, and free books. Inspired by The House on Mango Street, this city-wide initiative celebrates New American voices.
◦ Date: September 13, 2025
◦ Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
◦ Location: Antelope Park’s Shildneck Bandshell, 1630 Memorial Drive
Details: Enjoy a full day of cultural celebration! The festival schedule includes performances by Mariachi Femenil Tecalitlán USA and Sangre Azteca, piñatas, a hot sauce eating competition, and music by Andy Williams & The Nebraska All Stars.
◦ Date: September 17, 2025
◦ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
◦ Location: Bennett Martin Library, 136 S 14th St
Details: Come play Lotería, a traditional Mexican picture bingo game. No experience needed—we’ll show you how to play. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
◦ Date: September 21, 2025
◦ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
◦ Location: Lux Center, 2601 North 48th St
Details: EMERGE LNK seeks to support and inspire the community and gives us a reason to celebrate our collective shared spaces. The Street Art Festival features arts activities for the whole family, Uni Place Maker’s Market, Mural Tours, Food Trucks, and more!
