Live music in Topeka, KS

Topeka’s NOTO Arts & Entertainment District hosts an art walk that welcomes visitors of all ages to explore restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and more across a historic neighborhood. Discover artists, live music, crafts, and creative finds throughout the district. Step into the NOTO Arts Center to view the newest exhibit in the Morris Gallery, grab a bite at the Mobile Munch Market, and take a leisurely stroll through Redbud Park while enjoying local musicians. With shops and studios lining the streets, there are plenty of opportunities to find a piece of NOTO to bring home.

Food Truck Night at HHHS marks the start of its sixth year with a laid back evening of music, great food, and pet friendly services. Live local bands will perform, including a set by High Five. Look for late adoption hours and on site microchipping, alongside a full lineup of trucks such as Poppin Squeeze, Poppin Minis, Unique Treats, DJs Diner and Food Truck, Triple Aces BBQ, El Zocalo, Stumpy’s, La Creperie, and Peaches. The event is family friendly and supports local businesses while helping the animals in HHHS care, with a portion of every food truck purchase donated to HHHS. Bring a lawn chair if you would like to relax, and use the parking area on the west side of the building. If bringing a dog, keep it leashed.

Settle in with a lawn chair, lace up your dancing shoes, and get ready for a lively evening that blends live blues rock with art and community. Presented by Matryoshka Tattoo, this all-ages show spotlights Polly O’Keary with a high-energy trio known for soulful vocals, nimble bass grooves, and head-turning guitar. The group has toured nationally more than ten times, released four acclaimed albums, earned nominations for Independent Blues Music awards in Band, Album, and Song of the Year, and was named Blues Band of the Year by LA Music Critic. Their songs have reached number one on contemporary blues radio, their albums have climbed to number four on the charts, they have appeared on the Living Blues charts, and the musicians have earned 26 honors from regional blues societies across categories including songwriting, guitar, drums, vocals, and bass. Expect tight chemistry, catchy writing with plenty of drive, and a set built to make you move.

Celebrate with The BASH at a party.

At Doughboyz, kids can perform music, jokes, dancing, tricks, and other talents in front of an encouraging crowd. The focus is on creativity and confidence, giving children a chance to showcase what they can do and build self esteem. If the weather is poor, the event moves indoors. Arriving early can help with seating.

An acoustic jam welcomes musicians at every skill level to collaborate and play together in a relaxed, supportive setting. Bring an instrument such as guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle, ukulele, or keyboard and take part in a song circle where participants rotate leading tunes. The session is guided by local musician Orval Engling and focuses on Blues, Americana, Country, and Pop, with space to share original songs as well. Those who prefer to listen can sit outside the circle and enjoy the music. For more information, email kluce@DgCoKs.gov.

Presented by Morris Laing Law Firm, this downtown Topeka gathering features live music, a selection of local food trucks, splash pad fun for families, and casual lawn games. It offers a relaxed way to step outside, enjoy the open air, and savor a break in the heart of the city.

Indie folk duo Missourado makes its Lawrence debut at Replay Lounge, joined by local artists Tyler Gregory and Small Birds of Sound. Admission is $5.

A weekly downtown concert brings a festival vibe with live music and a range of food options. Bring a lawn chair, get comfortable, and enjoy performances from excellent bands throughout the show.

Replay Lounge presents an early show bringing together Angel in the Attic, Phasers To Kill, and Sicklid. The cover is $5, and everyone is welcome since it is all ages.

Studio Specialist Matt Pelsma leads a guided look at The Orchid from Telepathic Instruments, demonstrating creative possibilities and ways to make sounds with this distinctive instrument. Learn practical ideas for exploring its capabilities and see what it can do in action.

Into the Gray brings a brief set to Evergy Plaza in Topeka. This Kansas City band blends Latin, blues, reggae, and rock into a distinctive sound shaped by Kansas City drummer Kent Burnham, Alabama bassist Jeff Turk, Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Skinny Webb, and powerhouse vocalist Jessica Gray. Formed in 2019, they have released two albums, Revelation and Little Bird. Audiences have lauded their performances as imaginative and passionate, often naming them among Kansas City’s best. Their songs feel both new and familiar, combining soulful depth with a rock edge, standout musicianship, and striking vocals.

Lawrence Opera Theatre conjures a spooky and spirited night at Theatre Lawrence, blending apparitions, sorcery, fevered minds, and delightful havoc into a showcase of opera arias, dramatic scenes, and musical theatre favorites inspired by the uncanny. The program also unveils the premiere of Brewed Ambition, a new one-act musical by Michael Turnblom and B.K. Wells. Set in a coffee shop on the ropes where drive collides with superstition and Shakespeare, this quick-witted comedy stirs high-octane antics with sharp satire for a lively musical jolt. Featured singers for Songs for a Haunted Stage include Joshua Jensen, Cadence Mayfield, Hugo Vera, Lisa Gerstenkorn, Madelynn Knisley, Marilyn Negron, Samuel Kennedy, John Henrikson, Feban Assefa, Linda Jorgenson, Mariah Berryman, and Zachary Nelson. Brewed Ambition features Colin Bradt as Deuce, Joshua Jensen as Boyd, Alexis Crist as Marjory, Katie Parsons as Cat, Mariah Berryman, Robin Deimerly, and Marilyn Negron as Old Biddy 1, 2, and 3, and Colin Schmaltz as Chad. The ensemble includes Timothy Dennison, Kendra Johnson, Linda Jorgenson, Cadence Mayfield, Matthew Rice, Emmalynn Reilly, and Vanessa Tessereau. The production is directed by Joseph DeSota, with music direction and piano by Malakai Fischer.