Algerian community members will host a free, all-ages thank-you celebration for Lawrence this weekend to honor the connections built between Algeria and Lawrence this summer.
Organized by The Algerian Ladies of Kansas, the event starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Granada, 1020 Massachusetts St.
The gathering is intended as a public thank-you to Lawrence for its hospitality after Algeria made the city its World Cup base camp, drawing thousands of fans to town throughout the tournament.
Hafidha Mansouri, who is organizing the event along with Louiza Cherfi, said the event will feature traditional Algerian foods, including couscous, rechta, dolma, bourek, homemade pastries, as well as sweet vanilla crêpes, ice cream and drinks.
Don’t miss a beat … Click here to sign up for our email newsletters
Click here to learn more about our newsletters first
The program will include a small fashion show of traditional Algerian clothing from different regions of the country, face painting and activities for children, she said.
Music will feature a mix of Algerian genres including Kabyle, Chaabi, Rai, and modern favorites. Local DJ Moh ouali volunteered to provide the music for the celebration.
The Granada is donating the space for the event, and eXplore Lawrence is a sponsor.
“As a venue hosting some of the City of Lawrence’s official World Cup watch parties, we got to witness the incredible Lawrence-Algeria bond up close, watching as more and more Lawrencians showed up to rally behind the Algerian team with each match,” said Emily Taylor, marketing director at The Granada.
Taylor said that it was such a special experience that when event organizers approached the venue, it was an easy decision.
“It was a no-brainer. We absolutely wanted to be part of this event,” she said.
Taylor also said the “Thank You Lawrence” banners that were displayed in the stadium at Algeria’s last match and later gifted to eXplore Lawrence will also be on display at the event.
The Algerian Ladies of Kansas are also seeking volunteers to model in the fashion show and are asking interested community members to contact them at [email protected].
If local news matters to you, please help us keep doing this work.
Don’t miss a beat — get the latest news from the Times delivered to your inbox:
Click here to learn more about our newsletters first
Courtney Lane (she/her), staff reporter, has worked with The Lawrence Times since April 2026. She can be reached at [email protected].
Read her complete bio here. Read her work for the Times at this link, and see her photography for the Times at this link.
More coverage: World Cup 2026
Courtney Lane/Lawrence Times
