Events in Shawnee County, KS

This luncheon centers on uplifting stories that celebrate lives impacted through a ministry that comes alongside those in need. The Share the Story banquet features heartfelt testimonies about adoption, support for women during pregnancy, global orphan care, and initiatives that help families remain together. It also highlights the hope of the gospel at work through adoption, compassionate care for expectant mothers, and partnerships with local churches. The gathering honors what has been accomplished and emphasizes how its impact helps extend the mission to serve more families and communities. Seating is limited, so advance registration is required.

Old Abe Camp #16 of the Sons of Union Veterans holds a monthly camp meeting. Guests are welcome to attend.

Harry & Nic & Friends bring a different take on variety music to Kick Start Saloon. The group presents a live set that showcases their own twist on a varied mix of songs.

Explore Topeka’s NOTO Arts & Entertainment District during the First Friday Art Walk. Restaurants, galleries, and boutiques welcome visitors as historic buildings come alive with artists, live music, crafts, and one-of-a-kind creative works. Stop by the NOTO Arts Center to view the latest exhibit in the Morris Gallery, grab a bite at the Mobile Munch Market, and take a relaxed stroll through Redbud Park while enjoying local musicians. This art-filled outing offers something for all ages and makes it easy to discover a piece of NOTO to bring home.

Enjoy a live set from Making Movies at Tonix & Tunes: Bar & Lounge. General admission is $20, and tickets cost $25 on the day of the show.

Enjoy a lively karaoke night where friends take the stage and sing as the week winds down. The gathering offers a chance to connect and mingle with local creatives. Late-night dinner is available from the food court, and large pizzas are $5 off after 10 p.m.

Germanfest Brat Trot 5K is a certified 5K at Santa Fe Park in Topeka. Packet pickup is available the day before at Sacred Heart Church or on race day at the park before the start. Runners line up at the front while walkers and strollers begin behind them, and course signs and volunteers will guide participants along the route. Brats will be served after the finish. Early registration is $32.80, with late registration at $35, and registering early helps secure a T-shirt. Awards are presented after the race to the top three male and top three female overall, as well as the top three male and female finishers in each age division of 12 and under, 13 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and the Master Division for 60 and over. Race results will be available after the event.

The Topeka Celiac Support Group meets at Fellowship Hi-Crest in Topeka. This gathering features a cookie exchange and catering theme for its food focus.

TopCity Cornhole hosts the third annual birthday celebration for Sancho and Bulldog, featuring a bring-your-own-partner doubles competition followed by singles. Both events offer a 90% payout. Doubles includes six guaranteed games, with brackets split if there are enough teams. Singles features four rounds followed by double elimination, with brackets split if there are enough players. Participants may bring a cooler, with a fee to help cover the venue cost. Seating is available, and a food truck will be onsite.

Children’s musician Kyler Carpenter performs an interactive program featuring acoustic guitar, playful songs, and opportunities for children and caregivers to sing, dance, and enjoy making music together. Regular admission applies, with additional access to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center’s indoor educational exhibits and outdoor classroom.

HHHS will bring adoptable pets to a local Petco store in Topeka. The animals attending will be selected based on their health, availability, and the shelter’s need for space, so the pets there will be a surprise.

Volunteers are needed to open, sort, and screen thank-you letters before they are sent to the troops. Participation is limited to 12 volunteers.

A family friendly indoor jam session at Doughboyz features Roger Randel and his group. Randel is the pastor at Family of God Church and can be heard on 97.7 FM Radio in Topeka, Kansas.

Graystone Promotions presents the Randy Travis: More Life Tour at Topeka Performing Arts Center, featuring guest vocalist James Dupré and an opening performance by Jake Hoot, winner of The Voice in 2017 and Battle of Champions 2026. Dupré joins Randy Travis’s longtime touring band to perform the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s chart-topping favorites, including On The Other Hand, Forever and Ever, Amen, and Three Wooden Crosses. Randy Travis, affectionately called Hoss, will make a special appearance, engaging with the audience and participating in the program, though he will not be singing. Dupré also co-starred with Travis in the independent film The Price.

Enjoy breakfast in the parish hall, followed by presentations and conversations on a variety of topics.

New parenthood can feel joyful and overwhelming all at once. Licensed psychologist Susan Voorhees, PsyD, leads a workshop focused on practical ways for first-time parents to care for their own well-being while caring for a baby. Presented as part of Discovery Baby, this free program welcomes babies and their caregivers to explore early learning and play. Participants can connect with other parents and talk with experts in a relaxed setting at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Gage Park while the museum is closed to the public. The program is open to parents with a child under 12 months, and attendance is limited to babies and their caregivers. No advance registration is required.

Christian Skate Night brings contemporary Christian music to the rink at Sk8away for an all-ages evening on wheels. Admission is $5 and includes skate rental. One dollar from each admission is donated to the church of your choice.

The BoDells power Bike Night at The Kickstart Saloon with an upbeat, dance-ready blend of classic rock and 80s tunes, rounded out by touches of 60s soul and country in the classic vein.

At The Beacon, an autumn social brings together TIBA members and guests for conversation and community. Expect a relaxed setting with light beverages, appetizers, and a featured ballet performance that adds a memorable touch. It is a comfortable way to unwind, meet new people, and strengthen connections across Topeka’s business community. Attendance is open to TIBA members, their staff, and guests. Additional information will be finalized as the event draws near.

Héctor Anchondo delivers a solo blues performance in The Backroom Bar at Compass Point, home of Dirty Girl Adventures, offering an up-close experience with a winner of the International Blues Challenge. Known for agile guitar work, expressive vocals, and vivid storytelling, he pares everything down so the music and musicianship take center stage. His path runs from a Missouri farm through classic country, Latino rhythms, and roots influences, then into the blues, shaping a style that honors tradition while carrying acoustic power. Expect intricate fingerstyle passages, searing slide guitar, pared-back versions of favorites, selections from Roll the Dice, and the stories behind the songs. The Backroom Bar’s intimate setting ensures clear sightlines and sound, making it easy to connect with the performance. Seating is limited. Tickets are available online or in person at Compass Point during any event. The bar offers event drink specials, mocktails, and soda, and a food truck is planned with details to be announced. Compass Point participates in the NOTO Common Consumption Area, which allows alcoholic beverages from licensed CCA vendors to be carried within the district when served in the required branded cups.

With support from Communication Federal Credit Union, this outdoor film series transforms Evergy Plaza into an open air cinema. The second Friday of each month is reserved for Friday Flicks, when a 30 foot digital screen rises above the plaza in downtown Topeka for a big screen experience under the sky. Across seven monthly showings from April through October, the focus is on safe, family friendly entertainment and community pride. Families and young people from Shawnee County and surrounding areas gather for popular and classic films, while food trucks, vendors, and sponsor booth space add to the lively atmosphere.

This seminar helps prospective buyers understand each step toward homeownership, build confidence, and explore real opportunities available through SENT. Attendees learn how families are chosen from SENT’s Buyer Pool, see what affordable housing looks like in concrete numbers, review down payment grant options, and prepare for mortgage pre-approval with practical guidance. The session also provides updates on Fremont Hill, New Heights, and additional homes that are on the way. To get started, complete a homebuyer education course such as HCCI or Fannie Mae, submit the Buyer Pool application, then watch for a private registration link. After that, work with a lender to secure pre-approval. Multiple sessions are offered.

Every book at the Chandler Booktique is 50 percent off for this event. It is a straightforward discount on all titles, making it easy to explore the shelves, discover new reads, and bring home more for less.

Presented by the Greater Topeka Partnership, this reintroduced business-to-business expo brings together local companies, entrepreneurs, and community members in an interactive setting. Exhibitors can present their products and services, raise brand visibility, and develop qualified leads while speaking directly with peers and potential customers. Attendees can explore a broad mix of local offerings, discover helpful resources, and build connections that support growth across the region. Exhibiting offers direct access to a focused audience of professionals, residents, and prospective clients. It can help with relationship building, product or service promotion, and positioning your organization as an active participant in Topeka’s economy. It suits startups and small businesses, established brands seeking greater visibility, service providers and other B2B firms, nonprofits, and community organizations, as well as any group hoping to connect with members, customers, or partners. Exhibitors receive a dedicated booth space, one-to-one interaction with attendees and fellow businesses, opportunities to strengthen brand recognition and generate new contacts, and inclusion in a community-centered showcase. A series of trainings hosted by the Small Business Council will help participants elevate their approach, with sessions on booth design, giveaways, lead capture and follow-up, and effective networking. Visitors can expect business exhibits, networking opportunities, prize giveaways, access to local business resources, and plenty of chances to make meaningful community connections.

Kansas Gas Service Free Family Fun Night invites families to experience the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center with complimentary admission for everyone, as capacity allows, supported by Kansas Gas Service. Explore more than 30,000 square feet of hands-on indoor exhibits highlighting science, careers, art, and building, and head outside to the 4.5-acre certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom. Activities are offered indoors and outdoors, with areas designed especially for babies and toddlers. Third Thursdays are free at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.

Perkins Room 201 at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library hosts a focused session with instrumental music to aid concentration. Word sprints may be offered.

This Tony-winning play, based on the best-selling novels, reimagines the familiar story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan.

Find a new favorite author without leaving Topeka. Write On Topeka offers a showcase of local writers, inviting readers to meet Topeka area authors, browse and purchase signed books, and support hometown voices. The event takes place at Cosmos Court in downtown Topeka. Admission is free and the setting is family friendly, with food and drinks available on site. Organizers welcome interest from prospective featured authors and sponsors.

Celebrate Carol Parker’s legacy and her contributions to local news at the opening reception of a new exhibit from the Black American Blueprint Collective. Created in collaboration with the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, the exhibit highlights important information about African American Topeka and the community’s history. A guest speaker from Washington, DC, will share insights on Mrs. Parker’s work. The free event welcomes everyone and will include music, refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with the community.

PURE COUNTRY brings live country music and entertainment to Philip Billard VFW Post #1650 in Topeka. This variety band performs danceable hits from the 80s, 90s, and today, along with songs from many favorite artists that invite plenty of singing along. Arrive early for drinks and settle in for an evening of country favorites and dancing.

Follow Agnes Evans, a young woman navigating grief and geek culture, on a fantastical campaign into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Through storytelling and stepping into characters’ identities, Diversity Theater explores how we can better understand ourselves and others with genius, justice, and joy.

Take a breather after the holiday with live music alongside good food, drinks, and friendly company. A laid-back get-together for relaxing, catching up, and savoring the music.

Brant Jester appears with his trio in the Main Auditorium at Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, KS, concluding the 2026 season. The Kansas City pianist is also a teacher and adjudicator, and he composes and arranges for jazz ensembles and choral groups. He has performed alongside many Kansas City artists, and he is the host of Jazz in the Afternoon on KKFI Community Radio.

Explore Topeka’s NOTO Arts & Entertainment District during an art walk that welcomes visitors of all ages. Browse galleries, boutiques, and restaurants across historic blocks filled with working artists, live music, crafts, and unique creations. Highlights include the NOTO Arts Center with a new exhibit in the Morris Gallery, food from the Mobile Munch Market, and a relaxing walk through Redbud Park accompanied by local performers. Shops and studios throughout the neighborhood offer plenty of opportunities to find something special to bring home.

HHHS partners with Petco Love and the Topeka Petco store to present an in-store adoption pop-up featuring pets ready to find new homes. Animals attending are selected according to health, availability, and the shelter’s space needs, so the lineup is a surprise. Attendees can meet adoptable pets and learn about the HHHS adoption process while connecting with the organization at the local Petco in Topeka.

Bond with your little one at a gentle workshop featuring 30 minutes of baby yoga led by instructor Kathy Damron, followed by wellness insights from Stormont Vail Health nurses. Presented as part of Discovery Baby, a free program that helps introduce babies and their caregivers to playful learning, the session also offers time to meet other parents and speak with experts while the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is closed to the general public. Comfortable clothing is recommended. The program welcomes parents with a child under 12 months old, and attendance is limited to babies and their caregivers. No advance registration is required.

The winter adult basketball session offers Wednesday evening leagues at multiple competition levels. Each team is guaranteed at least seven games, and the season may conclude with a tournament. The program is open to ages 16 and up, and the fee is $320 per team. Registration is required by the listed deadline.

Boogie, bop and twist at the Adaptive Dance House Ho-ho-holiday Luau at Reynolds Lodge in Topeka. Dance to favorites from the 90s, 2000s, 2010s and more during a fun gathering for ages 16 and up. Refreshments will be available for anyone taking a break between songs. Please be courteous and respectful of staff, fellow patrons, equipment and the facility, and keep hands and feet to yourself. A staff member or caretaker must accompany each participant. Admission is $5 at the door.

Presented by Communication Federal Credit Union, Friday Flicks turns Evergy Plaza into a downtown Topeka movie destination with a 30 foot digital screen that rises above the Plaza. Held on the second Friday each month from April through October, this seven night series invites families and young people from Shawnee County and nearby communities to enjoy popular, classic, family friendly films. The focus is on a safe, welcoming evening that builds community pride. Each screening is complemented by food trucks, vendor offerings, and dedicated spaces for sponsors.

Get expert help making sure your child’s car seat is safe and properly installed at a car seat check lane taking place at Shawnee Heights Fire Station in Topeka. Certified technicians will examine the seat, confirm it fits your child’s age, weight, and size, provide hands-on guidance for correct installation and everyday use in your vehicle, demonstrate proper child positioning, and answer questions from parents and caregivers. To prepare, know the age and weight of each child under 8, bring the child if possible, bring the vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat instructions, and plan for about 20 to 30 minutes per seat.

Enjoy a festive surprise delivered right to your doorstep with a playful candy cane hunt. Elves will stop by to hide 10 candy canes in the front yard and leave a goodie bag that includes a craft and activity suggestions at the door. This experience is open to all ages. The fee is $15 for the first child. Additional children can be included for an extra charge, which adds 10 more candy canes and another craft. If the delivery location is different from the registration address, call 785-251-6949.

A New Year celebration at kickstart features live music by the Paradize band. This gathering marks the arrival of a new year with a live performance in a festive setting.

Step onto the dance floor as Undercover powers a lively celebration to welcome 2027. Single tickets are $40 and couples tickets are $60, and both options include party favors, a champagne toast, and biscuits and gravy to wrap up the night. For details on reserved seating or purchasing tickets, call Post 400 at 785-296-9400, stop by the lounge during regular hours, or text 785-221-7367. Table reservations are available now.

HHHS is bringing back a winter rummage sale after a popular June event where attendees asked for another and nearly $5,000 was raised in two days. This fundraiser spans two days at HHHS and offers a chance to discover great finds while supporting the organization. Donations will be accepted ahead of the sale, making it a good time to tidy up after Christmas, tackle a winter deep clean, or pass along items that were not quite the right fit. If you are ready to part with things sooner, consider giving them to Furry Buddies, a thrift store run by Deb that shares all proceeds between HHHS and Cat Association. For questions, contact Grace at grace.clinton@hhhstopeka.org or 785-233-7325 ext 106. Keep an eye on the weather.