Attractions
Topeka Events
- Art Shows
- Arts and Crafts Shows
- Auto Races
- Ballooning
- Bike Rides
- Car Shows
- Collectors Shows
- Competitions
- Cook Offs
- County Fairs
- Craft Shows
- Culinary Events
- Educational
- Family Fun
- Festivals
- Gem and Mineral Shows
- Holidays
- Home Shows
- Independence Day
- Marathons
- Music Festivals
- Parades
- Pow Wows
- Softball Tournaments
- Sporting Events
- Sports
- Tours
Monthly
 First Fridays Gallery Opening - Featuring fine art by Topeka artists!Please, Visit our monthly First Friday Art Gallery Reception! These events feature new art exhibits, music, and a chance to meet the artists. Painting, photography, sculpture, installations, and interactive exhibits change, so check back with us monthly! www.upstageevents.com First Friday hours at The Upstage Gallery are 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM You can visit all of the galleries in the city on the First Fridays Art Walk! Here is a map of participating art galleries in Topeka, Provided by the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library: http://www.tscpl.org/pdf/FFmap.pdf First Fridays Art Walks are promoted by Arts Connect Topeka. Arts Connect has done phenominal things for the arts in Topeka. Please visit Arts Connect at www.artsconnecttopeka.org Address: 720 SW Jackson St, in the Jayhawk State Theatre of Kansas , Topeka, Kansas |
January
| 27 | Kansas Day at the Museum - This celebration of Kansas statehood includes activities, performances, and exhibits that highlight the pioneer spirit of Kansas. Pre-registration for groups is requested. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Address: Kansas Museum of History, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue , Topeka, Kansas |
| 27 | Kansas Day at the Capitol - The Governor cordially invites Kansas students to celebrate Kansas Day at the Capitol. Students will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of Kansas history by exploring the Capitol through its art, architecture, and governmental offices. Pre-registration for groups is requested. Address: Tenth and Jackson , Topeka, Kansas |
February
| 29 - 1 | Strawberry Junction Arts & Craft Show - Address: West Ridge Mall , Topeka, Kansas Ph: 785-272-0812 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 20 - 22 | Topeka Home Show - Friday, Noon - 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Address: Kansas Expocentre. , Topeka, Kansas |
March
| 14 | St. Patty's Day Rugby Tournament - Topeka Rugby is hosting the second annual St. Patty' Day weekend Tournament on March 15, 2008. Four teams are attending this big event this year, including Wayne State coming all the way down from Wayne State, NE! The Tournament will start at 10:00 A.M. at Mcdonald sport park off Shunga Drive. Enjoy this free all day tournament action with food and drink served all after noon (we are asking appropriate donations for food). Local Topeka Rugby Football Club merchandise should be available for purchase. St. Patty's day is a great day for fun and spirit come join us for some great Fun! Address: Mcdonald Field, Sw Murrow Ct, off Shunga Dr, , Topeka, Kansas |
| 17 | St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration - Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patty's day, as Downtown Topeka kicks off the celebration with one of the largest parades of the year. Activities continue throughout the evening. Parade at noon. Address: Downtown , Topeka, Kansas |
April
| 18 | Earth Day Events at The Learning for Life Center - We invite you to come dance and drum with us in the morning and in the afternoon, to delve into the issues of clutter as that relates to consciousness; yours, mine and our collective consciousness and unconciousness. We endeavor to bring compassion and kindness into the world for ourselves and our children in whatever ways we can...and in the words of Walt Whitman from Leaves of Grass: "Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons. It is to grow in the open air, and to eat and sleep with the earth." And I might add, to dance, drum and learn, as well. We invite you to: Bring: Household Batteries to recycle into our Battery Buckets All of your Recycling - All Paper, Plastic, Metal, Colored and Clear Glass, and Cardboard. Buy: Incense and Teas from India (made at Dharamsala from ingredients from the Earth) Proceeds will be used to support the Tibetan Community at Dharamsala. Learn: "Feng Shui For Earth Day Workshop: Clutter and Consciousness" (see www.learningforlifecenter.org) Saturday - From 2 - 4 p.m. (For Beginning and Advanced Students alike) Cost: $27 (Because when you move 27 things, you can CHANGE YOUR LIFE!) Celebrate: "Special Family Earth Day Event for Babies, Toddlers and Children" of all ages: Instead of our regular Yoga classes we will celebrate Earth Day with Singing, Dancing & Drumming. YOU are invited to play with us, with or without children. No need to have participated before... Join us for the first time. We look forward to meeting you! Saturday from 9 - 9:45 a.m. And again from 10 :15 - 11:00 a.m. Cost: $10 per family group. We look forward to sharing Earth Day experiences with you on Saturday. Blessings, LaVetta LaVetta Westphal Rolfs Address: The Learning for Life Center 1709 SW Randolph Ave. , Topeka, Kansas |
| 25 | Traditional Tae Kwon Do Invitational Championship - This event has been held since 1980. It will have competitors from across the nation. A few have also competed in the Jr. Olympics and National Events. The competitors are 5 years old and up. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Address: Washburn Whiting Fieldhouse , Topeka, Kansas |
| 25 | Backyard Grillin' - Lake Shawnee is proud to offer another great event! We will be hosting Lake Shawnee's first four category barbeque cookoff. Activities will be open for the public, including a children's entertainment center, live demonstrations, and area musicians playing a concert into the evening. If you would like to be a Backyard Griller, call Shawnee County Parks and Recreation at 785.267.1156 ext. 2612, for a registration packet. Address: 3315 SE Tinman Circle , Topeka, Kansas |
May
| 2 | Arab Shrine Parade - 11:30 a.m. Spring Ceremonial of the Nobles and Ladies of the Arab Shrine. Address: 12th & Kansas, north to 6th & Kansas and make a U-turn. , Topeka, Kansas |
| 16 | Armed Forces Day Car Show - Address: Heartland Park Topeka , Topeka, Kansas |
| 29 - 31 |  NHRA O'Reilly Summer Nationals - Heartland Park Topeka, one of the fastest tracks in the world, hosts more than 700 of the fastest cars in the country on its quarter-mile strip. Four days of record-breaking action! Call for time and admissions. Ph: 785-862-4781 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 29 - 31 | Cottonwood 200 Bicycle Tour - The Cottonwood 200 is a three-day bicycle tour on paved roads through the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas. The ride covers 200 miles (75 miles day one; 50 miles day two; 75 miles day three) over the Memorial Day Weekend. It is a loop tour that starts and ends at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, with SAG stops (rest stops with food & water) approximately every 10-15 miles, Sunday breakfast and dinner, and overnight accommodations at Council Grove High School included in the registration fee. Join us in 2006 and see why so many past participants have called the Cottonwood 200 "The Best Ride Ever." In 1976, a hearty group of cyclists from the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club searched for a way to celebrate the nation's 200th birthday. Looking at their maps, they realized a round trip from Topeka to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas would be 200 miles, and cover some of the best cycling terrain in the state. Thus began the Cottonwood 200, now in its 30th year. Join us for a three-day tour as we celebrate 6000 miles, 30 years of cycling, and go back in time as you travel the same paths used by Native Americans, settlers, and cattle drives. The route will cross through lands that are the historic home of the Kaw (or Kansa) Indians, after whom the state of Kansas is named. Parts of the route follow the original Santa Fe Trail, used by settlers in their journey to the American southwest. Riders will spend two nights in Council Grove, which served as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail and is home of numerous historic sites, including the Kaw Indian Mission museum. On Sunday, riders will visit beautiful Cottonwood Falls, where residents have restored several downtown buildings into artist galleries, unique western shops, and delightful restaurants. At Cottonwood Falls, participants can tour the Chase County Courthouse, one of the oldest working courthouses west of the Mississippi and home to a breathtaking spiral staircase. Other nearby sites include the Roniger and Chase County Museums, and the nationally renowned Z-Bar Ranch/Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve. Address: SW 21st and MacVicar , Topeka, Kansas |
June
| 5 - 13 | Sunflower Music Festival - Professional musicians throughout the United States perform in orchestra and chamber settings. Students from throughout the US who were chosen from audition tapes also perform two concerts. (There will be no concert on June 12th.) Nightly at 7:30 p.m. Address: Washburn University. White Concert Hall , Topeka, Kansas |
| 6 - 7 | Mulvane Mountain/Plains Art Fair - Washburn University is home to this annual art fair, featuring over 90 artists from around the country. Join the festivities with food, children's activities and art. Call for time and admission. Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Address: Washburn University campus, 18th & Washburn , Topeka, Kansas |
| 11 - 14 | Strawberry Junction Arts & Crafts Show - Mall Hours. Address: West Ridge Mall , Topeka, Kansas |
| 19 - 21 | Mo-Ark Sports Show - Trading cards and athletic memorabilia offered at the mall This show will feature collectibles, sports cards and memorabilia for the sports enthusiast, with something for every baseball, football, basketball, hockey and NASCAR fan. Mall Hours Please visit simon.com or Simon Guest Services for more information. Address: West Ridge Mall. , Topeka, Kansas |
| 20 | Annual Topeka Tinman Triathlon - Event features short course, long course and duathlon. 7 a.m. Call for fee information. Address: Lake Shawnee Tinman Circle. , Topeka, Kansas |
| 27 - 28 | Annual Topeka Pond Tour - The tour consists of about 10 water gardens in the Topeka area. You will receive booklet of ponds and gardens to tour on your own. 9am-5pm. Address: Several different locations in Topeka , Topeka, Kansas |
July
| 4 | Spirit of Kansas Celebration - The Topeka Spirit of Kansas Festival is an old-fashioned 4th of July celebration held at Lake Shawnee from l0:00 am to dark with arts and craft vendors, car show, food, free children activities, entertainment, sporting events, and televised fireworks July 4 at 10:00 p.m. Address: Tinman Circle, Lake Shawnee , Topeka, Kansas |
| 4 | Spirit of Kansas Car Show - Spirit of Kansas features a car show with dash plaques for first 100, goody bags for first 200. Entry fee $10 Rain or shine. Address: Lake Shawnee Tinman Circle (east side lake) , Topeka, Kansas |
| 14 - 18 |  Topeka Fiesta Mexicana - This 5 day Fiesta is one of the largest in the Midwest with over 60,000 visitors in attendance in 2000. Carnival, authentic Mexican foods, art show, beer, bingo, kids activities, crafts and more! The Fiesta Mexicana is one more way to continue to make Kansas a culturally alive and vibrant place for residents and visitors! Gracias.Our entertainment line-up has started! WE HAVE 3 STAGES OF FREE ENTERTAINMENT. The Low Rider Car Show is presented by Latino Dreams with proceeds going to Fiesta Mexicana. "Loud & Low Lowrider Custom Car Supershow" Tickets $7 in advance $10 at the door Kansas Exhibition Hall and Landon Arena Sunday- July 13th - 10am to 7 pm Lowrider Magazine will be there! Entertainment For more info call Joe at 785 232 3648 or Damian at 785 969 2477 Over 20 special categories, food, vendors Address: Held at the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Church , Topeka, Kansas |
| 18 - 26 | Shawnee County Fair - The annual County Fair features wonderful horse shows, livestock competitions, exhibits, arts, crafts and more. Continual daily activities provide something of interest for everyone. Call for time and admission prices. 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM. July 19-20 (Horse Show) and 24-27 (other exhibits). Address: Kansas Expocentre 21st and Topeka Blvd , Topeka, Kansas |
August
| 1 |  Kids Gotta Tri - Youth Triathlon - Youth Triathlon for kids 7-14 on the Washburn University campus in Topeka Kansas. Great for first time racers - or those that have never swam -biked and ran in the same day.KIDS GOTTA TRI is a not for profit organization, (501c3) that works to expose children to all the benefits of Health and Fitness. KGT was formed to introduce "life-time sports" to kids as a way to promote healthy lifestyle through education, training events and activities. This year we are putting on our first Youth Triathlon to be held at Washburn University in August of 2009. A special highlight will be a training log developed to prepare the kids for the August event. If they are up to the challenge, completing the log will earn them a special award on race day. Address: Washburn University , Topeka, Kansas |
| 7 | Grape Escape - Food and wine festival with wines from around the world, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and desserts. This annual wine and food festival benefits TPAC while you have fun. 6-10:30pm. Address: 214 SE 8th Ave, Topeka Performing Arts Center , Topeka, Kansas |
| 22 | Annual Topeka Railroad Festival - 10:00am - 7:00pm one day festival celebrating Topeka's railroad heritage. Entertainment, reenactments, vendors, model train layouts, mini-train rides, children's activity area, and much more! We are still accepting applications for vendors. We are also looking for reenactment groups or individuals for train robbery, hobo camp, etc. Please visit our website for printable application forms or call the Great Overland Station for more information. Address: 701 N. Kansas Ave , Topeka, Kansas |
September
| 4 - 7 | Inter-Tribal Pow Wow - A celebration of Native American culture with dancing in full costume, food, and crafts by Native American artisans. Call for time and admission prices. Address: Held at Lake Shawnee. , Topeka, Kansas |
| 11 - 13 | Huff 'n Puff Balloon Rally - The rally kicks off with a spectacular night illumination followed by two days full of various balloon flights and breathtaking races which take place in the early morning and evening hours. Spectators are welcome to mingle among the balloons and crews and help celebrate a salute to the sport of hot-air ballooning. 6 p.m. Friday All day Event/6 p.m. Balloon Launch Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.. Address: Lake Shawnee, 29th & Croco Road , Topeka, Kansas |
| 12 | Annual Sertoma Great Topeka Duck Race - 1,000 rubber ducks race to win great prizes. Games and kids' activities, petting zoo, and entertainment. 10am-5pm. Address: 29th & Croco Rd, Lake Shawnee , Topeka, Kansas |
| 19 | Topeka Rugby Sharkfest Rugby Tournament - Topeka Rugby is hosting a friendly Tournament on September 20th, 2008. Four teams are attending this big event this year, including Wichita RFC, Kansas City Rouges, and Emporia University. Topeka RFC will be playing Wichita RFC for their scheduled merit table game. Emporia will play KC, and the winners of both games will play each other, with the losing teams playing one another as well. The Tournament will start at 1:00 P.M. at Mcdonald sport park off Shunga Drive . Enjoy this free all day tournament action with food and drink served all after noon (we are asking appropriate donations for food). Local Topeka Rugby Football Club merchandise should be available for purchase. Local sports/entertainment is a great for fun. Come and bring your local community spirit to the game, come join us for some great Fun! After party will be held at Sharkeys tiki bar. Address: McDonald Field, Big Shnunga Park , Topeka, Kansas |
| 26 - 27 |  Cider Days Fall Festival - A celebration of life long ago when things seemed simpler. Featuring arts and crafts exhibits, plus living history demonstrations. Cider Days rekindles the pioneer spirit with wild west shootouts and plenty of freshly pressed apple cider. Held at the Kansas Expocentre. Call for time and admission prices. 10am - 5 pm.Address: Kansas Expocentre , Topeka, Kansas |
October
| 26 | Oktoberfest - German Music, food, crafts and baked goods. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Address: Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center , Topeka, Kansas |
| 3 | Fall Festival - Breakfast 7:30, Lunch 11:30-1:30 Bierocks, brats and hotdogs, Dinner 5:00-6:30 Homemade Chicken Noodles; crafts, dunk tank, country store, entertainment, games, kids activities, silent auction, pie baking contest Address: 3201 NW Rochester Rd , Topeka, Kansas |
| 4 | Apple Festival - Historic Ward-Meade Park is the setting for this celebration of pioneer life in Kansas. Celebrate pioneer life with live entertainment, pioneer demonstrations, arts and crafts, food vendors and all things apple. Sample wares from local artists and taste brownbread ice cream! The Victorian home, log cabin, one room schoolhouse and train depot are all open for viewing during the festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Address: Historic Ward-Meade Park, 124 NW Clay , Topeka, Kansas |
| 10 - 11 |  FarmHouse Daze - FarmHouse Daze is a annual event on the 2nd weekend of October. Gates open at 9 AM both days, we will have food/craft vendors, children's events, stick horse rodeo, antique tractors and cars, horse demonstrations, auctions, and so much more with Christian concerts both days. Address: 21st and Auburn Road , Topeka, Kansas |
| 10 - 11 |  Annual Topeka Gem & Mineral Show - "Featuring the Moon Rock & the Kansas Meteorites" Special Exhibits: Gems, Minerals, Jewelry, Fossils, Demonstrations, Dealers. Saturday 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday 10 am - 5 pmAddress: Agricultural Hall, Kansas Expocentre , Topeka, Kansas |
| 17 | Annual Octoberfest Softball Tourney - 3GG $175.00 1st place in each division will get a Miken MV-1, 6 cases of beer, and 12 shirts. 2nd place will get 4 cases of beer and 12 shirts. Many vendors involved in this event. Miken Sports, Miller Lite-Coors Light, Skinnys Sports bar, Bullfrogs Live, Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, WU Calender Girls, and more... Call Steve @ 785 925-3530. Address: Felker Park , Topeka, Kansas |
| 24 | Boo at the Zoo - Trick or treat around the zoo in a safe and spooktacular environment. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Address: Topeka Zoo , Topeka, Kansas |
November
| 6 | Awi Akta Cherokee Veterans Pow Wow - Honoring all veterans and those now serving. Gourd dancing, regular dancing and craft concessions. 6-11 p.m. Address: Whiting Gym, Washburn University of Topeka , Topeka, Kansas |
| 21 - 30 | TARC's Winter Wonderland - Drive through 2 miles of light displays at Lake Shawnee's Campground. Topeka tradition with all proceeds benefting those with developmental disabilities. 6-10 p.m. Call for more information. Ph: 785-232-0597 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 21 | Holdiay Shopping Event Benefiting ERC - With the holiday season approaching, what better way to get in the festive spirit than with crafts? Whether it's handcrafted decorations and ornaments or personalized gifts, albums and keepsakes, crafting is a fun and easy way to make the holidays more memorable. The ERC Holiday Benefit Shopping and Scrapbooking Cropping Event is designed to inspire everyone with innovative craft, scrapbooking and stamping ideas for the upcoming holidays. “Crafters of all ages and skill level are invited to stop by and get a head start on their holiday shopping says Patty McGovern-Pugh of Pattys Custom Designs.com. “With a wide array of holiday gifts, crafts and exciting ideas available for everyone, visitors can look forward to giving their favorite holiday a very personal touch! - and help ERC. Multiple Vendors will have unique merchandise along with a huge scrapbooking and stamping product sale with new merchandise over 50% off. To learn more about the ERC Holiday Crop and Shop, special classes and product demonstrations, go to www. PattysCustomDesigns.com. Shopping is open to the general public for Free all day Saturday November 21st 2009. Part of all the proceeds from the ERC holiday Crop and Shop will go to ERC Resource & Referral. www.ercrefer.org. Come Crop and Shop for a cause! Date: November 21st 2009 Time: 9:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Shopping Time: 9:00 a.m. To 11:00 p.m. Scrapbook Crop Cost: Shopping is FREE and Open to the Public Tickets for the Scrapbooking Crop are on sale Shopping is open to the general public for Free 9:00 am to 5:00 Saturday! Holiday gifts will be available to purchase from many vendor booths which will be selling holiday items, clothing, jewelry, designer like purses, home decor, childrens, baby items and exciting merchandise not found in the local stores. For crafters their will be scrapbooking, stamping, sewing and craft products on sale. At the same time the Shopping Event is going on we are having a fun Scrapbooking Crop. We are selling tickets for this crop. This is a benefit for ERC Resource & Referral. Come Crop and Shop for a cause! Contact Patty McGovern-Pugh or go the the website PattysCustomDesigns.com for more details and ticket information for the scrapbooking crop seats for this event! Vendors or businesses interested in being a sponsor or donating items for the door prize drawings please e-mail kseventsfairs@yahoo.com Address: Ag, Hall Expocentre, Topeka Kansas , Topeka, Kansas |
| 28 |  Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade - Recaptures the nostalgia of Christmas Past in Downtown Topeka, including horse-drawn carriage rides. Event starts at 5 p.m. with carolling, and tree lighting at 5:30. Parade at 6 p.m.Address: Downtown, Kansas Avenue , Topeka, Kansas |
December
| 1 - 31 | TARC's Winter Wonderland - Drive through 2 miles of light displays at Lake Shawnee's Campground. Topeka tradition with all proceeds benefting those with developmental disabilities. 6-10 p.m. Call for more information. Ph: 785-232-0597 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 3 - 5 | Old Time Holiday Happenings - A Candlelight Dinner is the main course of a magical Victorian evening! An elegant buffet will be served from the dinning room of the Mansion to be eaten by candlelight in the reception room. Live music will entertain you throughout the dinner. Tour the Mansion, and then enjoy hot cider and cookies by the fire in the cabin and hot fudge sundaes in the Potwin Drug Store. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities in each of the vintage buildings. Take a nighttime ride on a handcar in front of the depot and help us light the Yule Loge. Reservations are limited, so call and reserve your spot today! 6:30-9:00 p.m. Address: Old Prairie Town, 124 NW Clay , Topeka, Kansas |
| 3 - 6 | Festival of Trees - Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, baked goods, silent auction, entertainment and a craft boutique make this a wonderful holiday event. 9am - 4 pm. Address: Kansas Expocentre , Topeka, Kansas |
Topeka Hotel Deals
2033 Southwest Wanamaker Road
Topeka KS, 66604
1 785 271-6165
BOOK ONLINE
901 Sw Robinson Ave
Topeka KS, 66606
1-785-2289500
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5968 S.W. 10th Ave.
I-70/470 Exit Wanamaker Rd
Topeka KS, 66604
1 785 2735100
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Topeka Area Events
- November 28th | Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade
Topeka, Kansas - December 3rd | Old Time Holiday Happenings
Topeka, Kansas - December 3rd | Festival of Trees
Topeka, Kansas - November 21st | TARC's Winter Wonderland
Topeka, Kansas - December 1st | TARC's Winter Wonderland
Topeka, Kansas - May 29th | Cottonwood 200 Bicycle Tour
Topeka, Kansas - November 21st | Holdiay Shopping Event Benefiting ERC
Topeka, Kansas
Topeka Area Attractions
- Kansas Expocentre - (Topeka, Kansas)
- The Great Overland Station - (Topeka, Kansas)
- Gage Park - (Topeka, Kansas)
- Landon Nature Trail - (Topeka, Kansas)
- Combat Air Museum - (Topeka, Kansas)
- Topeka Country Club - (Topeka, Kansas)
- Historic Ward-Meade Park Living Museum - (Topeka, Kansas)
- Topeka Zoological Park - (Topeka, Kansas)
- Kansas Museum of History - (Topeka, Kansas)
- Sports Center Golf Complex - (Topeka, Kansas)
Topeka Hotel Deals
Kansas Recreation
- Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
- Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
- Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge
- Fort Scott National Historic Site
- Fort Larned National Historic Site
- Woodston Diversion Dam
- Brown V Board Of Education National Historic Site
- Almena Diversion Dam
- Nicodemus National Historic Site
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