Topeka Kansas Entertainment & Events

Special Events

• Miracle on Kansas Avenue & Parade
  Located in Downtown Topeka
  785-234-9336
  Recapture the nostalgia of Christmas Past during this event that takes place in early December and includes decorated windows and trees, carriage rides, a lighted parade, carolers, and commemorative ornaments.

• Old Time Holiday Happenings
  Located at Ward-Meade Park
  785-368-3888
  A vintage holiday celebration that takes place each early December and includes Victorian dinners, trolley tours, tours of the grounds, and unique turn-of-the-century decorations.

• Festival of Trees
  Located at the Kansas Expocentre
  785-233-2566
  One-of-a-kind decorated Christmas trees, baked goods, entertainment, and a craft boutique are all a part of this wonderful holiday event that takes place annually in December.

• Huff 'n Puff Balloon Rally
  Located at Lake Shawnee
  785-267-1156
  A family friendly event since 1976, this Topeka tradition event lasts for three days and features dozes of hot air balloons soaring gracefully above the capital city at sunrise and just before sunset.  more...

Concerts & Performances

• "Tommy"
  Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy
  785-357-5211
  A startling rock musical on a grand scale.

• Topeka Jazz Festival
  Located at the Topeka Performance Arts Center
  785-234-2787
  The whole family will enjoy this three day music festival that features world-class artists playing classic, straight-ahead jazz music.

Plays & Productions

• Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy
  3028 SW 8th Ave • Topeka, KS 66606
  785-357-5211
  Award-winning community dinner theatre.

• "Charlotte's Web"
  Topeka Civic Theatre
  785-357-5211
  A children's academy production, featuring a musical version of the all time classic about a beautiful spider that befriends a lonely pig.

• "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
  3028 West 8th Street • Topeka, KS 66606
  Topeka Civic Theatre
  785-357-5211
  Based on the popular comic strip "Peanuts", enjoy this favorite award winning musical presented with a brand new flare!

• "Harvey"
  Topeka Civic Theatre
  785-357-5211
  A timeless comedy about a man and his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-a half foot rabbit. One of the most successful comedies ever produced.

Art Exhibits

• Mulvane Mountains-Plains Art Fair
  Located on the Washburn Campus
  785-231-1124
  There are over 70 juried artists showing their magnificant wares during this two day art event that also includes delicious food, live entertainment, and children's activities.

Festivals & Fairs

• Sunflower Music Festival
  White Concert Hall • Topeka, KS 66621
  Located on the Washburn University Campus
  785-670-1620
  Symphony musicians from the United States and Europe perform orchestra and chamber music each evening during this nine-day series of orchestra concerts, chamber music evenings, educational projects, and other artistic events. The 2012 Sunflower Music Festival will take place June 8-16. more...

• Fiesta Mexicana Week
  1008 Northeast Atchison • Topeka, KS 66616
  Located at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
  785-232-5088
  One of the largest fiestas in the Midwest, this five day festival celebrates Topeka's Hispanic culture and features authentic Mexican food, traditional nationally recognized entertainment, the Fiesta 5k Run, crafts, a carnival, and children's activities. more...

• Great Topeka Duck Race
  Located at Lake Shawnee
  785-23-DUCKS
  Approximately 10,000 "adopted" rubber ducks will be dropped into Lake Shawnee for a race to the finish line where the lucky winners will receive great prizes during this event that also includes many children's activities, hot air balloons, barrel train rides, children's arts & crafts, a petting zoo, face painting, clowns, and live entertainment. more...

• Apple Festival
  Located at Peddler's Village
  785-368-3888
  A must see fall event that includes demonstrations of pioneer skills, blacksmiths, quilters, musicians, craftsmen, and culinary artists, as well as live entertainment and tours of a historic pioneer village.

• Lake Shawnee Intertribal Pow Wow
  3315 Tinman Circle • Topeka, KS 66605
  Located at Lake Shawnee
  785-232-2726
  Enjoy traditional Native American food, crafts, entertainment, cultural sessions, Native dancing including Gourd Dancing, and educational seminars during this three day festival.  more...

• Cider Days Fall Festival
  One Expocentre Drive • Topeka, KS 66612
  Located at the Kansas Expocentre
  785-272-9290
  The most popular arts and crafts and entertainment show in Northeast Kansas, this two day festival pays tribute to the pioneers who opened and settled Kansas. Features include living history demonstrations, children's activities, a large food court, stage entertainment, and an authentic 1865 Cider Press making apple cider.

• Kansas Silent Film Festival
  White Concert Hall • Topeka, KS 66675
  Located at Washburn University
  785-231-0556
  This annual two day film festival celebrates the movie industry and features continuous showings of rare silent films complete with live organ and orchestra accompaniment. more...

Marathons & 10K Runs

• Topeka Tinman Triathlon
  Located at Lake Shawnee
  785-267-1156
  "A long standing tradition of Midwest endurance events since 1980," this triathlon consists of a 1,100 meter swim, a 19.5 mile bike race, and a seven mile run.

Sporting Events

• Heartland Park
  7530 South Topeka Boulevard • Topeka, KS 66619
  785-234-4545
  The first major motorsports facility to be built in North America since 1968, this award-winning racing venue offers exciting racing action on a dragstrip, a road course, and a dirt track throughout the year. more...

• Heartland Park Topeka
  7530 Southwest Topeka Boulevard • Topeka, KS 66619
  785-862-4781
  NHRA drag racing, off-road racing, World of Outlaws, and other racing events. more...