Events in Manhattan today

Tuesday features $5 create-your-own specials. A nacho plate for $5 comes with chili, queso, and the choice of more than 40 fresh toppings. The lineup also includes a customizable 1/4 lb all-beef Nathan's hot dog or a pizza dog for $5.

Designed to give dogs practical experience in everyday public places, these small trainer-led walks build focus, confidence, and steady behavior. Participants move through settings like cafés, streets, and parks, practicing how to handle distractions, wait calmly, and follow cues reliably. Each session includes real-time coaching for handlers and their dogs, strengthening the core skills needed for successful public access training.

Families are welcome for a fun bingo gathering with multiple rounds running throughout the event and opportunities to win a great prize. Play as many rounds as you like and enjoy an easygoing way to spend time together.

Families can enjoy a bundle at Cosmos Pizza that includes a 16 inch large pizza cut into eight slices with one protein and any fresh vegetables you choose, two small salad bars, and up to four small build-your-own sundaes or cones for $30. A child’s drink can be added for $1.50 and comes with one free refill for guests 10 and under. There is also a dinner special for $11 that includes an individual pizza with one protein and your choice of fresh vegetables, one small salad bar, and a small sundae.

Enjoy a Tuesday dinner special focused on pizza and treats. Get an individual pizza with one protein and all the fresh veggies you like, plus a small salad bar and a small sundae for $11. Families can choose the Cosmos Pizza Family Fun Night bundle that features a 16 inch large pie cut into eight big slices with one protein and unlimited fresh veggies, two small salad bars, and up to four small build-your-own sundaes or cones for $30. A child’s drink can be added for $1.50 and includes one free refill for ages 10 and under.

Enjoy a friendly group trail run and walk, meeting at the designated location before heading out together on the trail.

At Sunset Zoo, a session in the Understand & Empower monthly education series focuses on brain health and is led by Jayme Morris-Hardeman, Executive Director of Thrive!. The program explores practical ways to care for the brain through everyday habits such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and activities that challenge the mind. It welcomes adults of any age in the Flint Hills region who are affected by cancer, including those newly diagnosed, in treatment, living in survivorship, caregivers, and anyone interested in overall brain wellness. Participants can expect clear, actionable takeaways to support cognitive health during and after the cancer experience. Admission is free and registration is not required. For questions, call (785) 323-3878.

Cosmos Court hosts a family karaoke night that invites everyone to grab the mic, cheer one another on, and make memories together. Admission is free with no cover. The $30 Family Night Pizza Special includes one large 16 inch pizza with one protein and unlimited fresh veggies, two small salad bars, and up to four small build your own sundaes. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and family fun.

Live @ Lunch, presented by Morris Laing Law Firm, features live music, local food trucks, a splash pad for families, and yard games in downtown Topeka. It offers a simple midday break from the office in an outdoor setting where visitors can enjoy the city’s atmosphere.

Stop by for pizza by the slice for $3.

Late Night at the Zoo brings a laid-back evening to Sunset Zoo with exclusive barbecue from Smokin' H's Meats, adult beverages from Manhattan Brewing Co., and desserts plus more at the Expedition Cafe concession stand. Expect chilled beer, savory barbecue, and plenty of wild fun.

A lively night of bingo offers chances to win big money and is great to enjoy with a friend.

Enjoy a budget-friendly evening packed with $2 specials. Admission is $2, skate rentals are $2 with speed skates and inlines not included, and Skate Mate rentals are $2 as well. Concessions are $2 each, including a hot dog, a slice of pizza, popcorn, and a 16 oz soda. Add a little glow with a $2 binky.

A weekly volunteer day at Bethany House and Garden centers on nurturing the grounds and practicing stewardship as a shared expression of faith. Tasks can include planting, weeding, or offering simple support, and participation is welcome whether it is a single visit or a regular commitment. Every person’s presence adds to the work and the sense of community.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for Be Tax will be held, followed by a Business After Hours event.

Enjoy a welcoming gathering that pairs fun with purpose. The focus is on supporting the care of wetland habitats and the creatures that rely on them, helping ensure future generations can experience these special places.

The Manhattan Kansas area Traumatic Brain Injury support group meets monthly at College Avenue United Methodist Church, with a Zoom option available for those participating from a distance. This session features guest speaker Daffney Kubler-Hoffman, who will speak on the role of sleep hygiene in sleep problems. The group welcomes survivors of TBI and their caregivers of all ages. Meetings include time for questions, conversation, and peer support, with sharing always voluntary. A brief 10 to 15 minute presentation on a brain injury related topic is typically part of the agenda.

Create something spooky and stylish at a beading workshop for ages 16 and up at Hillcrest Community Center. Participants will use wire, beads, and straightforward techniques to shape a spider and a matching web, then personalize the design with color, texture, and a touch of sparkle. Finished pieces make eye-catching décor or unique seasonal accessories. The fee is $30.

This weekly downtown concert delivers a festival-like atmosphere with live music and food options. Attendees can bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of performances from standout bands.

The Second City’s Laughing for All the Wrong Reasons delivers a high-energy mix of time-tested sketches and songs with the quick-thinking improvisation that has defined the company for generations. It highlights the moments audiences return for, from memorable characters to classic comedy, all shaped on The Second City stages by influential voices like Catherine O’Hara, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Amber Ruffin, Stephen Colbert, Tim Meadows, Bill Murray, Tim Robinson, Eugene Levy, Adam McKay, and others. A standout cast brings the show to the McCain stage, aiming for laughter that lands even harder because it feels so true. Contains adult humor and is not suitable for children under 13. Presented with support from Forvis Majars.

The 27th Annual Golf Classic is a scramble benefiting Manhattan Christian College, with proceeds supporting Christian leadership training. It takes place at Colbert Hills Golf Course and is presented in partnership with Bison Ridge Recycling. Player entry is $175 and includes green fees, a cart, complimentary range balls, an awards barbecue, and an MCC moisture wicking ball cap. A portion of the registration fee is tax deductible. The day begins with check-in and warm-up, moves into a shotgun start with snacks and door prizes available throughout play, and concludes with an awards barbecue. Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels. Corporate Sponsors at $5,000 receive four complimentary golfers, four MCC crewneck sweatshirts, a sponsor sign at the event, and recognition on the website and social media. Event Sponsors at $1,750 receive two complimentary golfers, two MCC crewneck sweatshirts, a sponsor sign, and recognition on the website and social media. Hole or Tee Sponsors at $400 receive one complimentary golfer, a sponsor sign, and recognition on the website and social media. Sand Trap Sponsors at $200 receive a sponsor sign and recognition on the website and social media. A Golfer Appreciation Gifts option is available for sponsors who provide 160 promotional items in exchange for recognition on the website and social media.

Meadowlark Market in Manhattan, Kansas offers a mix of furniture, jewelry, appliances, home decor, and collectibles. Purchases support the Good Samaritan Fund along with other projects. Shoppers can pay with cash or credit card.

A free recital presented by Justicia, Inc. and Washburn University highlights Sones de México Ensemble’s Corridos USA 250 project. Titled Corridos of the Semiquincentennial: Voices of Courage and Hope, this musical storytelling program features eight newly created traditional Mexican corridos that pay tribute to eight national heroes. Corridos are long-form ballads and folk narratives with roots in the 1840s, sharing tales of bravery and defiance from a community perspective. This family-friendly presentation includes narration in Spanish and English by Juan Díes alongside members of the ensemble, blending live music, storytelling, projected visuals, and interactive elements. Admission is free and open to the public. Supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts | America 250.

Celebrate community at a once in a lifetime evening filled with elegance and purpose. Enjoy a delicious dinner, a complimentary professional photo in a beautiful garden setting, music that spans the decades for dancing, and a lively silent auction, all wrapped into one unforgettable experience. The gathering honors the resilience of JAAA, marks 50 years of impact, and raises support for vital programs that help seniors across Kansas thrive.

A monthly contra dance takes place at Green Valley Community Center. A brief beginner and refresher session is offered before the main dance, and doors open beforehand for check-in. Music and the caller will be announced. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and teens, with free entry for children 12 and under. Comfortable attire is encouraged, and participants are asked to wear clean shoes.

Please note there has been a date change. Harry & Nic & Friends bring their different take on variety music to Kick Start Saloon.

Keep the laughter going after TOP CITY Comedy Laughs with a lively karaoke party where friends take the mic and the crowd cheers them on. Enjoy songs and a festive atmosphere at A Star Karaoke Bar in Downtown Topeka. The food court stays open for late night dinner, and there is no cover charge. It offers a welcoming setting for connecting, mingling, and celebrating with other talented creatives in the Court.

Cap off an evening out with $5 off any large, fresh-made pizza. Whether you are heading out from a movie, theater or concert, arriving for karaoke or a dance party, or meeting up to play games with friends, this late-night deal makes it easy to grab something satisfying. The discount applies to all large pizzas.

An Elks-organized four-person scramble at Rolling Meadows features a full day of golf with lunch included at the Junction City Elks Lodge. Teams of four can enter for $300, and the round begins with a shotgun start. Early registration is reserved for Elks members, with non-members able to sign up afterward. All entries must be submitted by email, and the pro shop is not accepting registrations. Space is limited, and sponsorship information is available.

Praisefest 5K brings a lively, community centered experience to CiCo Park in Manhattan, Kansas. Participants can run or walk, and supporters can cheer from the sidelines. People of every age and ability can take part, with an emphasis on movement, encouragement, and community spirit. Registration is open, and early rates are available for a limited time before prices increase.

Readers and writers come together for the 15th annual Kansas Book Festival, featuring dozens of authors from across the country who share ties to the Sunflower State. Attendees can browse books and sit in on free author panels covering fantasy, deep looks at history, steamy romance, experimental poetry, graphic novels, and even the economy of Taylor Swift. Beyond the page, there will be food trucks, live music, storytimes and hands-on art for kids, and a mobile coffee bar. Taking place on the Washburn University campus, it offers a cozy start to the season with a focus on local literature.

This Zumba session welcomes participants of every level. Instructor information may vary from week to week, with updates posted in the event's discussion section.

Take a relaxed, social bike ride through Salina that lasts about an hour. Gather at the west side of the parking lot. This outing is suitable for adults and older children. Please arrive with a well-maintained bicycle and wear a helmet.

Leigh’s Metaphysical Treasures hosts a returning vendor event that celebrates creativity and community. Explore handcrafted goods, local art, distinctive products and services, and plenty of food offered by small businesses and independent makers. Music and a lively atmosphere set the tone, and admission is free and open to everyone. The event goes on rain or shine. Vendors should bring their own tents, tables, and chairs, as only space and access to a borrowed public restroom area are provided.

Settle in at Coffee Bar Topeka for a relaxed craft meetup where everyone brings a work in progress to make alongside others. Food and drinks are available for purchase, so enjoy a snack or beverage while you create. For safety and comfort, please skip fire, glitter, and bubbles, and focus on having fun. This is an all-ages gathering, and kids are welcome.

Ballet Folklórico de Topeka marks its 50th year with a celebratory showcase in collaboration with Justicia, Inc. The event features a concert with live music by Sones de Mexico Ensemble at Washburn University’s White Concert Hall.

Volunteers will help A Million Thanks get thousands of handwritten letters ready to send to deployed service members overseas. Activities include opening envelopes, sorting the mail, and screening messages to ensure each note is prepared for delivery to someone far from home. Participation is limited to 12 volunteers.

Experience nine holes of glow-in-the-dark golf at TopCity Golf while supporting Positive Connections. This nighttime tournament uses a shortened course and does not include golf carts because play happens in the dark. Teams of four can register at an early bird rate of $260, with the fee increasing to $300 after the early period. Each player receives two drink tickets that can be redeemed for alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, and contests include Long Drive for men and seniors, Long Drive for women, Longest Putt for men and women, and Closest to the Pin. Raffle baskets filled with golf gear and other surprises will be available, and cash will be used for entries. Sponsorship opportunities are open for new and returning hole sponsors. Proceeds support clients with emergency needs and help fund ongoing HIV and STI prevention efforts in the community.

Marking a decade of impact, this gala benefits the Love, Chloe Foundation and brings the community together to honor children facing cancer while supporting local families. The evening at Tony’s Pizza Event Center includes dinner, drinks, auctions, and inspiring stories that underscore the mission. Individual admission is $75, or reserve a table for eight for $600. All proceeds support the foundation’s programs for families in the area.

A recurring Dungeons and Dragons Adventure League game night that is free for everyone. It welcomes both experienced players and those learning the game for the first time, offering a relaxed setting to sit down, play, and enjoy the world of D and D together.

Heartland Medium Vicky partners with the Friends of Historic Topeka Cemetery for an evening focused on connecting with those on the other side. The setting is the Crane Vault on historic Mausoleum Row. This event is for ages 21 and over, and adult beverages will be served. Tickets are $60 per person, and seating is limited. Members of the Friends of Historic Topeka Cemetery receive advance access to purchase tickets.

Wind down after a movie, theater performance, or concert with a late-night pizza deal. Whether you are on your way to karaoke, heading to a dance party, or meeting friends for games, enjoy $5 off any large, freshly made pizza.

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal with friends as the Breakfast Brigade serves a free breakfast. Donations are welcome and appreciated. Bloody Marys and mimosas are available at the bar. This gathering takes place on the last Sunday of each month.