This weekend in Topeka, KS

Celebrate the Tall Corn Festival 2026 at Rossville Community Library in Rossville, Kansas. The page lists the festival date as August 8, 2026.

Explore the Breadbasket Farmers Market and visit the many vendors throughout the market. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee fills the air, and visitors may be able to grab a latte or hot chocolate while browsing.

In the heart of Downtown Lawrence, the farmers market features farm-fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, coffee, meats, and artisan wares, all sourced from Kansas vendors located within 50 miles. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and there is always something new to discover with the changing seasons. Shopping here does more than fill a basket. Each purchase supports small farms and local makers, offers a clear connection to where your food comes from, helps reduce environmental impact, strengthens the local economy, and builds community with neighbors. Summer adds extra reasons to explore, with weekly kids activities such as a Kids Scavenger Hunt, special events, nutrition incentive programs for SNAP users, and a Loyalty Card Program that rewards frequent shoppers.

At the Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan, kids ages 4 to 12 can take part in a summer series held across 12 Saturdays. Participants earn tokens they can use to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from market vendors, and a different activity each week helps them discover the Power of Produce. Registration is available at the on-site booth, and advance sign up can also be completed online.

A community outreach health and cancer screening hosted by Kansas Masons, Orient-Topeka Lodge #17, The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, and the Masonic Cancer Alliance offers free prostate and skin cancer screenings, take-home colorectal cancer screening kits, education about genetic testing, and radon home test kits while supplies last. Mammograms are available with registration; if you have insurance the exam will be billed to your plan, and if you do not, the Masonic Cancer Alliance will cover the cost. Anyone may attend, people of all ages are welcome, and insurance is not required. The event takes place at The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus.

Clear out unwanted gadgets at a free electronics recycling event hosted by the City of Lawrence at Douglas County Fairgrounds. Free and open to Douglas County residents, with sponsorship from Teknix Solutions, this event offers a safe, responsible way to recycle devices, protect personal data, and keep e-waste out of the landfill. Many items that plug in or have a cord are accepted, including computers, laptops, speakers, keyboards, mice, servers, printers, microwaves, TVs, gaming systems, light fixtures, stereos, radios, phones, audio and video equipment, lab equipment, cables, battery backup systems, monitors and other small appliances. Some televisions and monitors have a fee of $40 each for CRT TVs, CRT monitors and projection TVs, and $10 each for LCD TVs and monitors. Teknix Solutions accepts cash, PayPal or Venmo for these fees, and credit or debit cards are not accepted. Not every electronic item is eligible, so review the full accepted items list before loading your vehicle. Questions can be posted in the discussion.

Set out on a guided hike that highlights nearby trails and parks. Along the way, a guide will share insights about each place, touching on its history, significance, environment, and natural beauty. Registration is requested to help track attendance. Come prepared for outdoor paths with comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

An outdoor vendor market celebrates the back to school season with local vendors and tasty bites. Explore unique finds and enjoy delicious food as you browse the booths.

The Community Fair brings Manhattan-area non-profits and businesses together in one place. Attendees can discover new initiatives, explore volunteer roles, access community resources, and learn about local job opportunities.

A community marketplace at West Ridge Mall brings together local vendors and companies to benefit the community, with the event supporting Cappers.

Head to the Watkins Museum to look for SemiQuinn the Bison, the official mascot of the Kansas 250 Commission. Find SemiQuinn in the galleries to win a prize, then post a photo on Instagram and tag @SemiQuinntheBison. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday while exploring the museum.

A Million Thanks seeks volunteers to prepare thousands of handwritten letters before they are shipped to deployed service members overseas. Participants will open, sort, and screen messages so every letter is ready to reach someone who may be far from home. Capacity is limited to 12 volunteers, and an RSVP is requested.

At Westport Animal Clinic, this group class welcomes dogs of any age who are new to training alongside other dogs. It begins with an initial session and then meets at the same time once a week for four weeks. Pre-enrollment is required, as classes do fill up. Registration is completed through the organizer’s website.

Hit the sand at 785 Dive for a blind draw coed 4s beach volleyball tournament that mixes up teammates each set. Players register individually, and for every set you will be paired with at least two new teammates, creating plenty of chances to meet new people and build connections. Competition is round robin pool play with no bracket, and the champions are the players who finish with the most sets won by the end of the night. Matches use a coed net height, teams field two men and two women, and a minimum number of games is guaranteed. Standard sand volleyball rules apply, with no open hand tips, servers rotating in order, and directional blocking allowed. Setting doubles are called at the A level and not called at the B level, with further details covered at the captains meeting. The entry fee is $20 per player. Outside food or drinks are not permitted, and attendees are encouraged to support the bar and kitchen.

India Mela and Evergy Plaza team up to celebrate Indian culture with a great mix of food, music, and more. The event is free and pet-friendly, so you can come enjoy the festivities in a welcoming atmosphere.

This night race rolls out with a sign-in period, followed by structured practice for Red Rookies and then Blue Rookies. A meeting for handlers takes place next, and racing gets underway after that.

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.

An evening group ride sets out at an easy, no-drop pace for roughly 13 miles round trip. The route follows the Shunga Trail toward the Skyline Trails on Burnett’s Mound, with lights brightening the path and a relaxed atmosphere. Riders will weave through the trails and pause at the north summit for a group photo under the stars with views of Topeka’s night skyline, then return along the same path. Participants should bring bright front and rear lights, a helmet, a reliable bike, and water. The group stays together so no one is left behind. Going ahead is fine, although the emphasis is on riding as a group and enjoying the night. Everyone is welcome.

Organized by the Topeka Crochet and Knit Guild, the Yarn Adventure Summer Tour makes a stop in Topeka with a setup at Kaw Valley Bank.

A free Back to School Open House at Topeka Elite Cheer offers families a chance to explore the gym and its programs. Guests can meet coaches and staff, tour the facility, watch athlete demonstrations, enjoy games and activities with giveaways and prizes, and take photos while learning about options for every age and skill level. Programs include preschool tumbling and tiny cheer, recreational tumbling, cheer classes, jumps and flexibility, handspring and tuck classes, stunting, intro to all-star cheer, all-star cheer, the new all-star dance, and TEC Fit classes for kids and adults. Exclusive enrollment specials are available only during the event. Admission is free, with an RSVP requested.

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.