Events in Salina, KS

At the Salina 4H Building, IsisShriners present an event supporting their work for kids. A 50-prize raffle features hunting, fishing, camping, and other sporting gear, along with meat bundles, cash, and tickets to the Kansas City Chiefs versus New England Patriots game. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Lunch and refreshments will be available.

Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume for a trunk or treat gathering at the Wesley Center Parking Lot in Manhattan, Kansas. Children visit each trunk to collect candy and prizes. To support Cats' Cupboard and help feed the community, attendees are asked to bring specifically requested donations, including condiments such as ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayonnaise, as well as vegetable oil, sugar, canned tomatoes, dinner mixes like Hamburger Helper and Rice-A-Roni, ramen, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, and cereal in full boxes.

This discussion welcomes men seeking clear, focused insight into the emotional, physical, and spiritual benefits of a holistic lifestyle. Conversation centers on the questions and needs participants bring, with the goal of offering practical understanding in each area. It provides a supportive setting to explore whole-person wellness and how it connects to everyday life.

Step into an in-store Halloween costume contest at Poppy & Vine and make a memorable entrance. To take part, bring a donated feminine hygiene item, there is no cash entry fee. Categories include Best in Show, Halloween Hottie for the hot girl Halloween queen, Best DIY or Crafted for looks made entirely at home or thrifted, Best Squad which requires entering with at least three others, Teen Spirit for ages 13 to 17, and Best Kids for ages 12 and under. Prizes are being announced, with confirmed rewards such as free tickets to Practical Magic 2 for the winning squad, an Arcade Day gift card for the Teen Spirit winner, and a Play Day gift card for the Best Kids winner. Bring your boldest ideas and go all out.

A recurring Dungeons & Dragons game night welcomes experienced players and first timers, with free participation for everyone. It offers a friendly setting to learn the game or enjoy regular play with others.

Presented by the Scoot-A-Boot Country Dancers Association, this Halloween-themed dance welcomes the public for an evening of country favorites and festive fun. The music, curated by DJ Debbie, will keep Two Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, and line dance fans on the floor. Admission is by donation. A cash bar will be available, and attendees may bring a snack to share. Costumes are optional, and four best dressed awards will be presented.

Enjoy a live music performance.

The Ark is hosting a holiday food drive to collect canned food for those in need. Donors can bring canned items to The Ark and choose a bin labeled for Ben, Mike, James, Collin, Payton, or Jermae. Each can placed in a bin counts as a vote, and the person whose bin collects the most will get a pie in the face. Collin's bin is noted as the 2025 winner. There is also a group goal. If the total across all bins reaches 500 cans, all six participants will be pied. Every contribution helps support local families during the holiday season.

At Theatre Salina, this celebration spotlights women who inspire others, lead with purpose, and drive positive change in the community. The program focuses on recognizing their achievements and contributions, creating a meaningful evening of appreciation and celebration.

Straight No Chaser performs in a show welcoming attendees of all ages. Doors open before the performance begins, and both the announcement and ticket on-sale dates are already scheduled.

K-State Football takes on Oklahoma State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

Salina Crossroads Marathon features a full slate of distances, including a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a Kids Fun Run, and is promoted as Kansas’s most runner friendly marathon. Marking its fifth year, the event offers accessible pricing and introduces a new division for adaptive athletes with categories for mobility impaired, visually impaired, push-rim, and handcycle participants. Standard registration uses a simple $1-per-mile structure, with fees set at $1 for the Kids Fun Run, $3 for the 5K, $6 for the 10K, $13 for the half marathon, and $26 for the marathon. There is also an option with entries priced at $5.00 or less across all distances, including $1 for the Kids Fun Run and $3 for the 5K. Race shirts are optional and may be purchased separately.

To celebrate a five year anniversary, a special promotion allows participants to sign up for any race for $5 or less, with an optional race shirt available for an additional fee. After the promotional period ends, entry fees switch to a $1-per-mile model, so the kids fun run is $1, the 5K is $3, the 10K is $6, the half marathon is $13, and the marathon is $26. Race shirts continue to be optional and require an added cost.

The largest downtown shopping day has expanded into a two day celebration of the holiday season. Get a head start on festivities by enjoying food and drinks and supporting local shops throughout downtown. Participating locations will be announced soon. Hours align with each business's regular schedule, so times may vary.

This event is Series 3, Match 3 of the Treasure Chest Guns Indoor Shooting League, featuring a GSSF Indoor League competition for the GLOCK community. It is open to GLOCK owners of any experience level, from first-time gun owners to seasoned professionals. To qualify for prizes, competitors need to participate in at least two of the three matches that make up this series coordinated by the host range. Registration is available only at the host location.

Drop in for a relaxed stitching get together at Floss & Needle. It features a flexible format, so arrive and leave when it works for you. Settle in for the entire gathering or stop by for a short visit.

Oklahoma State heads to Manhattan to take on Kansas State in a Big 12 showdown at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Expect hard-nosed, well-drilled football, where field position is vital and outcomes are often settled in the closing minutes. With the conference race tightening, this matchup becomes a telling read on depth, timely coaching tweaks, and poise in a demanding road setting.

M31 performs with the full band in a free live set rooted in rock and blues, creating a party atmosphere open to all.

The Baylor Bears visit the Kansas State Wildcats for a Big 12 women’s volleyball clash at Morgan Family Arena. With conference standings at stake, look for extended rallies, purposeful serving pressure, and quick adjustments at the net as both teams try to dictate the pace and ride momentum shifts. The action unfolds in Manhattan, Kansas, where every set carries weight in the league race.

Afro-Cuban jazz pianist Ignacio Nachito Herrera returns to Salina for a concert at the Historic Stiefel Theatre, bringing virtuosic energy to a program that spotlights rhapsodies and a beloved concerto. The music includes Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 and Michael Schachter’s Being and Becoming, a rhapsody for piano and orchestra created to mark the centennial of Rhapsody in Blue, interweaving classical refinement with jazz-driven rhythms. On the second half, Herrera takes the spotlight in Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 for a performance of sweeping emotion and brilliant power. Season subscriptions are available at $240 or $270 for adults and $135 for students, with a two-for-one offer for new subscribers that provides two subscriptions covering six Mainstage concerts. Season tickets can be secured through the Salina Symphony Office or by calling 785-823-8309. Support for this event is provided by Tom and Maggie Hemmer, Roger Morrison, and the Salina Arts and Humanities Horizons Grants Program.

Mrs. Doubtfire brings the beloved Scottish nanny to McCain Auditorium in a musical inspired by the cherished film, following an unemployed actor who goes to extraordinary lengths for his children. Hailed by critics from the Manchester Evening News, The Hollywood Reporter, and the Chicago Tribune for its warmth, laugh-out-loud humor, and family-friendly spirit, this production blends heart and hilarity while celebrating the idea that we are better together. Sponsored by The Trust Company.

Stitchers in and around Salina can connect at a relaxed monthly evening gathering at Rind & Grind Smoothies & Coffeehouse. It is a casual time to sit and stitch with others in a welcoming cafe setting. The menu features smoothies, tea, coffee, snacks, acai bowls, and egg sandwiches that can be enjoyed during the session.

Her Cancer Collective presents a holiday-focused gathering centered on connection, laughter, and the freedom to shape the season in a way that feels right. The group will share practical and playful ideas for keeping celebrations joyful without the overwhelm, including simple décor touches, easy conversation starters, festive mocktails, low-stress hosting, getting help with the meal, and ways to protect personal energy. Participants will create a holiday charcuterie board together and take a few reflective moments to consider what to welcome more of... and what to let go of... this season. This welcoming community is for women at any stage of the cancer experience, whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, or navigating life after cancer, and it emphasizes honest conversation, mutual encouragement, and lifting one another up. Registration is not required, and bringing a journal is encouraged.

During busy seasons, responsibilities can pile up and people often power through fatigue without recognizing its impact on health, creativity, and energy. This community wellness workshop, led by Erica Forbes, a nurse practitioner and wellness advocate, opens an honest conversation about preventing burnout by prioritizing rest and practicing preventative health. The session explores how persistent stress, too little downtime, and the pressure to stay constantly available influence the body and mind and shape the ability to be present at work, at home, and in the community. Those who take part gain realistic wellness strategies, tools for sustainable self care, and a clearer sense of how restorative rest can strengthen personal well being and everyday performance. The material is relevant to entrepreneurs, parents, professionals, caregivers, and anyone moving through a hectic stretch, with a focus on resetting before burnout takes hold.

TCU Horned Frogs travel to face the Kansas State Wildcats in a women’s volleyball match at Morgan Family Arena in Manhattan, Kansas. This Big 12 clash brings contrasting styles to the court, where serve pressure, clean first contact, and late-set decisions could determine the result. With both teams competing for position as the season tightens, momentum can swing quickly and every point carries added importance.

This mobile food distribution takes place in the parking lot of the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex and welcomes members of the K-State and Manhattan communities. Food is available at no cost, and distribution continues while supplies last. Participants may arrive by car for a drive-up lane or on foot to use a walk-up line.

Logan Ryan Band brings a full-band performance to The Hat. Doors open before the show, and the music begins with an opener to be announced, followed by the band’s live set.

M31 Acoustic brings a live set to Bottle Caps Sports Bar in Manhattan, featuring free live music and plenty of Super Love Hugs for everyone.

Local artisans and craft vendors come together for the largest indoor shopping event. Vendor coordination is handled by a single contact, and applications are accepted only through the designated form. Questions or vendor inquiries can be sent via a message to the event page or by email at stevenpaulsignup14@gmail.com.

This beloved Manhattan, KS holiday tradition offers a full day of browsing unique arts and crafts from more than 100 vendors.

Enjoy a free, hands-on art experience at the Salina Art Center designed for all ages and skill levels. Second Saturday features a different creative project each month, welcoming families and individual makers alike. Create something meaningful and help share some love with families in the local community.

The Barn Foundation presents its inaugural benefit auction to build scholarship funds for youth baseball players in the Manhattan area. The event supports a mission to expand access to high level facilities, skilled coaching, and meaningful playing experiences. The evening features dinner, a hosted bar, both silent and live auctions, raffles, and games. Ticket options are $75 for an individual and $550 for a table for eight.

This event offers one more weekend of fun as the holiday season approaches, featuring music by Undercover at RC McGraw's. Food and drinks accompany the music.

Geared toward adult creatives, this relaxed workshop offers a social way to learn a craft that honors the prairie. Guided by horticulturist and retired Blueville Nursery retail manager Nancy Wesley, participants create native holiday wreaths while sipping wine and working side by side.

At the Historic Stiefel Theatre in Salina, KS, young musicians take center stage as the Youth Symphony, Youth Jazz Band, Youth String Ensemble, and Preparatory Orchestra share a program that showcases their skill and hard work. The concert also fosters growth by giving performers valuable stage experience and recognition within the community. Sponsored by The Supply Company. Tickets go on sale soon.

Participants can create three or more handmade cards during a friendly stamping session at Keats Park. The participation fee is $10.

Explore how pairing images can generate meanings that neither carries alone in a focused gallery conversation at the Beach Museum of Art. The theme is 1+1 = 3, new meaning from combinations, highlighting how artists bring multiple images together within a single work to shape what the art communicates. Led by Museum Outreach Specialist Nate McClendon, this 30-minute Double Take program invites a close look at selected artworks on view. Expect insight into artistic techniques, creative philosophies, and the role of art in everyday life, with opportunities to anonymously share and observe real-time reactions to the works. Free and open to the public.

An open mic evening centered on poetry, creativity, and community. The event welcomes poets, writers, and attentive listeners, whether you want to present something you have written, read a beloved poem aloud, or simply relax with friends while others step up to the microphone. Arrive a little early to enjoy a hot drink and plan to stay for a while. It offers a comfortable setting to relax and connect with others.

Career Night is a no pressure way to explore a future in real estate. Get a straightforward look at what it takes to start, including how to earn a real estate license at no cost and what the first steps as a REALTOR® really involve. Learn how Keller Williams supports new agents through training, coaching, and technology, with a community to back you up. The session focuses on flexibility, unlimited income potential, and building a career that fits the life you want. Expect clear guidance and practical answers to help you understand your options.

K-State Football squares off with Arizona on Senior Day, the final home game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. A pregame ceremony will honor Wildcat seniors, recognizing their commitment and lasting contributions to the program.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a wintry running event at Frosty Fun Runs. Participants can choose the Chilly 10K for $35, or $23 without a shirt, the Frosty 5K for $30, or $18 without a shirt, the Merry Mile for $25, or $13 without a shirt, and the Kid's Santa Sprint for $10. Expect lively DJ music, free cookies and hot chocolate after the race, and live results available on mobile and Facebook. One hundred percent of entry fees directly support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina. Registration is available through the event flyer via QR code. Event times are subject to change.

Shop a wide mix at Meadowlark Market, including collectibles, furniture, jewelry, appliances, and home decor. Sales help fund the Good Samaritan Fund and additional projects. Payment is accepted by cash or credit card.

Gather with other visual artists for a free monthly meetup held on the third Saturday at Salina Art Center. Artists working in any medium and at any stage of their creative journey are welcome to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another over coffee. Coffee will be provided.

Arizona heads to Manhattan to face Kansas State in a late-season showdown at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The two Wildcats programs bring differing styles and meaningful stakes as the season nears its end, all in a loud home-field setting. Tickets are available for those planning to attend in person.

Part of the Centered Self series, this session focuses on the sacral chakra, the energetic center connected to pleasure, passion, and authentic self expression. Through an immersive mix of mindful practices and guided movement, it supports the release of emotional blocks, helps you reconnect with your natural rhythm, and deepens your relationship with your body. Expect a gentle, flowing experience that nurtures creativity and embodied awareness.

A festive 5K Turkey Trot takes place in Aggieville, Manhattan. It continues a local family tradition, and nearly 1,300 people registered last year.

A monthly contra dance takes place at Green Valley Community Center with live music by Open Band and a caller to be announced. Doors open before a beginner or refresher walkthrough, followed by the dance. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and teens, and children 12 and under are free. Wear comfortable clothing and clean shoes.

Celebrate the season with a relaxed crawl through participating Downtown establishments serving exclusive holiday-inspired drinks. There is plenty of time to make your way through at your own pace. Pick up a Passport to take part, show it at each participating location to try the featured drink, and get it stamped. When every spot has been checked off, return the completed Passport to the Downtown Manhattan office to receive a commemorative glass while supplies last. Passports will be available for purchase soon, and after purchase they can be picked up at Flight Crew Coffee during business hours.

Now in its 47th year, this community carol along and variety show gathers neighbors and friends for a festive evening of music and laughter. Local performers present a mix of acts, and the audience joins in singing carols between each performance, so the Opera House rings with seasonal song. Cookies, refreshments, and a visit from Santa round out the celebration. Admission is free and everyone in the community is welcome.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze presents an annual holiday tradition that blends Broadway-style storytelling with contemporary circus artistry for the whole family. Reimagined for 2026, this edition showcases holiday characters brought to life through performances that seem to defy gravity, along with original music, live vocals on refreshed versions of favorite seasonal songs, brand-new sets, vivid scenery, and striking costumes. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Sponsored by Kohlmeier Orthodontics.

At the Salina Art Center, the opening reception for Mnemonic Resonances presents artist Daniel Picking’s monumental canvases, intricately cut by hand. As light passes through these surfaces, color and shadow spill across the gallery, so the environment becomes part of the artwork. The installation explores how memory reshapes the spaces we inhabit, encouraging thoughtful attention to shifting perceptions and place. Presented in downtown Salina.

A lively market brings together talented makers, local flavors, and live entertainment in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Browse more than 150 vendors spread across multiple buildings, including an additional building introduced for 2026, with outdoor tent areas adding to the festive feel. Handmade creations abound, from pottery and woodworking to glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and more crafted by artisans and makers from Nova Scotia. Food trucks operate both days, and there are plenty of treats to enjoy, including baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, beverages, and local wines. Admission includes a weekend wristband. Only service dogs are allowed inside buildings, and bringing cash is recommended. For more information, email Sabcreationkey50@gmail.com.

Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown and Cruise for Food brings the community together through a partnership between Abilene Parks and Recreation, Amanda's Bakery and Bistro, the Abilene Convention and Business Bureau, and Driving Dickinson County to create a festive Christmas atmosphere. The Cruise for Food supports local needs, with all donations staying in the community and shared between the Food Pantry and Neighbor to Neighbor to assist families during the holiday season and beyond. Residents within the Abilene city limits can enter their holiday light displays. Entry is free and limited to 20 residences, and participants should have their lights on and be ready for judging. Community members can drop off a food item at Abilene Food and Clothing to receive a ballot that includes a map of the entries. After touring the displays, select a favorite and return the completed ballot to Amanda's Bakery and Bistro. Winners are announced at Little Ike Park. For entry information, contact Abilene Parks and Recreation at 785-263-7266.

A festive lighted parade in McPherson features a pre-parade scene with sweet treats, dinner options, and a variety of food truck and vendor offerings, followed by a show. Enjoy the tasty selections and lively atmosphere before the illuminated procession takes to the street.

Victoria Campbell brings an intimate acoustic performance to Rackets Tap House in downtown Abilene, creating a cozy, laid-back atmosphere for an easygoing night of live music.

Griff and Rachel make their return to Trudy's for an evening of live music.

Presented in partnership with Ballet Salina, this production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker welcomes audiences into Clara’s Christmas Eve dream as the Salina Symphony performs alongside more than 80 dancers. The cherished score comes to life onstage with Clara and the Nutcracker at the heart of the story, creating a family friendly tradition. Single tickets are available through the Stiefel Theatre Box Office, and season subscriptions are on sale through the Salina Symphony office or by phone. Season prices are $240 or $270 for adults and $135 for students. A buy one, get one free offer is available for new subscribers and covers two subscriptions to six Mainstage concerts. Sponsors include Bennington State Bank and JRI Hospitality.

Presented in partnership with Ballet Salina, this staging of Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker tells the tale of a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream. Clara and the Nutcracker step into the spotlight as the Salina Symphony performs and a cast of over 80 dancers brings the music to life. Sponsors include Bennington State Bank and JRI Hospitality. Single tickets and season subscriptions are available. Season packages are priced at $240 or $270 for adults and $135 for students, and new subscribers can take advantage of a two for one deal that covers two subscriptions to six Mainstage concerts.

This stamping session with friends focuses on handmade card making, with participants creating three or more cards. The cost is $10.00.

At McCain Auditorium, The Midtown Men, featuring alumni from the Broadway hit Jersey Boys, present a festive program of songs and stories. Holiday Hits showcases seasonal favorites such as "Winter Wonderland", "Let It Snow", and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", paired with the group’s signature versions of 1960s rock and roll classics. The set nods to The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, and more. They also perform their single "All Alone on Christmas", recorded with Stevie Van Zandt and members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Sponsored by Meadowlark Hills.

Curious kids in kindergarten through second grade can dive into hands-on experiments and creative activities at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. This Camp Discover session focuses on celebrations across the globe, helping young learners explore the many ways people mark important moments in their lives. Designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, the program offers interactive experiences tailored to early elementary students throughout the school year.

Treat yourself at Wendy’s while making a positive impact for local animals. Each meal helps support the Mary Ann Robinson Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (MARSNAP), a McPherson County nonprofit that works to reduce pet overpopulation and help families access affordable spay and neuter services. Be sure to mention the fundraiser or show a flyer. Your support matters to pets and the people who care for them.