This weekend in Topeka, KS

The Lawrence Farmers Market brings together Kansas growers and makers from within 50 miles, offering seasonal produce, flowers, baked goods, meats, coffee, handmade goods, and other artisan products. Shoppers can expect a lively community atmosphere with new discoveries each week in Downtown Lawrence. Choosing to buy here supports small farms and local creators, helps you understand where your food comes from, reduces environmental impact, strengthens the local economy, and builds connections with neighbors. During the summer, families can look forward to weekly kids activities like a scavenger hunt, along with special events, nutrition incentive programs for SNAP users, and a loyalty program that rewards frequent shoppers.

This charitable tournament raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through event proceeds. It brings together competitive play to benefit the hospital.

Praisefest 5K brings a lively, community centered run and walk to CiCo Park in Manhattan, Kansas. Whether you plan to cover the course or cheer from the sidelines for friends and family, there is a place for you. Open to participants of all ages and abilities, this event focuses on movement, encouragement, and community spirit. Registration is currently available, with early pricing offered for a limited window before rates go up.

Washburn University hosts the 15th annual Kansas Book Festival, bringing together readers, writers, and book lovers. Dozens of authors with ties to Kansas lead panels and conversations covering fantasy, historical topics, steamy romance, experimental poetry, graphic novels, and the economics surrounding Taylor Swift. Admission is free. The festival also features book browsing, food trucks, live music, children's storytimes and art activities, and a mobile coffee bar.

This Zumba session welcomes all experience levels. Check the discussion page for weekly updates on who will be leading.

Experience a community marketplace at Leigh’s Metaphysical Treasures where makers and small businesses come together to showcase their work. Explore handcrafted goods, local art, a range of products and services, and plenty of food while enjoying music and a lively atmosphere. Admission is free and open to the public, and the event takes place rain or shine. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tents, tables, and chairs, with only space and access to a borrowed public restroom area provided with support from A-1.

KS01 Points Race offers a full day of competition at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, KS. There is $200 added, and BBR status is pending. The schedule features a morning block and an afternoon block, each including exhibitions, Pee Wee, Rising Stars, and runs for Open, Youth, Senior and additional classes. A $10 processing fee applies. Exhibitions are $5. Entry fees are $30 for Open 5D with an 80 percent payback, $20 for Youth 3D, $20 for Senior 3D, $7 for Pee Wee, and $15 for Rising Stars, which is intended for participants who have aged out of Pee Wee but are not ready for Open or Youth. The Gambler Series 2D Sidepot is $70. Futurity, Derby and Senior Horse are $20 each and will run as 2D with 10 or fewer entries or as 3D with 11 or more.

At the Watkins Museum of History, SemiQuinn the Bison, the official mascot for the Kansas 250 Commission, is hidden somewhere in the galleries and ready to be discovered. On Saturdays, visitors who spot SemiQuinn can share a photo on Instagram with the tag @SemiQuinntheBison to receive a prize. Celebrate America’s 250th while exploring the exhibits.

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.

Sunrise Project hosts its 12th Annual Pie Auction Fundraiser at Lyons Park. Enjoy a free community meal, fun drinks from Lemonet Boujee Lemonade, and music by DJ Proof. Expect pie by the slice, a live pie auction, and a silent auction. Tie dye will be available, with the option to bring your own garment or donate $5 for a T-shirt at the event, along with other activities. Current sponsors include Blue Collar Press at the Strawberry Rhubarb level, Tom Harper and Durham School Services at the Apple Pie level, and Sarah Anderson at the Strawberry Rhubarb level. Sponsorship opportunities are available at the $250, $500, or $1,000 level with recognition through social media, the newsletter, the event banner, and more. More details will be shared as plans come together.

Justicia, Inc. and Ballet Folklórico de Topeka present a 50th anniversary showcase at Washburn University White Concert Hall. The showcase features a concert with live music from Sones de Mexico Ensemble to mark this milestone.

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.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish hosts the 30th Oktoberfest featuring live German music by Festhaus-Musikanten. German style beers will be available through Yuengling and Crown distributors, and volunteers will be serving freshly prepared favorites such as handmade bierocks, pork schnitzel, German potato salad, sauerkraut, smoked brats, and hot dogs. A Mass takes place first, followed by the celebration.

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.

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.

Combichrist brings its Venom in the Mouth of God Tour to The Bottleneck with support from Ludovico Technique and Dead Animal Assembly Plant (D.A.A.P.). This is an all ages event. Advance tickets are $25 and tickets are $30 on the day of the show, with purchase also available at the box office at Lucia.

This patio party returns every fourth Saturday with DJ Carma on the decks. The cover is $3, and the celebration takes place at Replay Lounge.

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.

Arrows in Action brings the I Think We’ve Toured Here Before tour to The Bottleneck with support from Good Boy Daisy and Instant Crush. This all-ages show offers tickets at $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show, with in-person purchases available at the Lucia box office.