Arts & events
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Champions of Lawrence arts celebrated at 25th Phoenix Awards
More supportive spaces for Native American youth to grow in the arts and entrepreneurship are always needed, said Rachael Lackey, one of six Phoenix Award recipients recognized Sunday for their contributions to Lawrence arts.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Community-building on display at Winter Inclusive Market in Lawrence
Jesse and Linda Hunter carry a legacy of their family’s barbecue business through their homemade sauces. Jesse & Linny’s BBQ Sauce was one of around 100 vendors at the Winter Inclusive Market, which reopens Sunday.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence Transit Poet Laureate program to kick off 2026 with workshop led by local poet
Community poet and KU professor Megan Kaminski will lead a Ride and Write workshop later this month to help writers generate submissions for the 2026 Lawrence Transit Poet Laureate program.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence author Amanda Sellet puts the comedy back in ‘rom-com’ for her upcoming book launch
Lawrence author Amanda Sellet will celebrate her forthcoming romantic comedy novel with a film screening and book signing at Liberty Hall, and she hopes local readers and writers will be there to laugh with her.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
We have liftoff: Drones take flight at Lawrence’s Summerfest
Summerfest 2025 came complete with food, family fun, Uncle Sam on stilts and — drumroll, please — a working drone show.
Lawrence artist hosts sticker sale fundraiser for immigrants needing legal help in Kansas
A Lawrence artist has organized an online sticker sale to raise funds to help immigrants and families impacted by ICE activity in Kansas.
Where to go for fireworks in Douglas County
Lawrence will host a drone show instead of fireworks at its Summerfest, but opportunities for dazzling eruptions are offered elsewhere in Douglas County.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Split Lip Rayfield, massive Lawrence crowd celebrate 30 years of music
Split Lip Rayfield and thousands of their Lawrence fans gathered on Mass Street late Saturday to celebrate 30 years of the band.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Rec centers closed, celebrations planned and more to know for July 4 in Lawrence
Here’s a quick roundup of closures, changes, celebrations and more for the Fourth of July in Lawrence.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Panel of Lawrence librarians discuss challenges to intellectual freedom at Free State Festival screening
Although Lawrence has not weathered the book-banning movements that have swept conservative states and other sectors of Kansas, local librarians want to see patrons taking proactive measures to support their educational institutions.
Mac Moore/Lawrence Times
Lawrence organizations, community members gear up for summer of advocacy
Dozens of Lawrence community members showed up for an advocacy event Tuesday evening, despite the 90° temperatures and no air conditioning inside the Ecumenical Campus Ministries building.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
July 4th Freedom Fest to bring community together, recognize infringed rights
A new Fourth of July event in Lawrence will feature a U.S. Constitution reading, local performers, food and family activities to celebrate our constitutional rights while acknowledging that many rights are under attack, organizers say.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Several Lawrence groups to gather for event focused on community advocacy, action
A local civic engagement organization is leading “an evening of connection, conversation, and community power-building,” coming up Tuesday.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence’s Summerfest to return, with drone show that malfunctioned last year
Fingers crossed: The City of Lawrence is planning to hold its Summerfest on July 3, complete with a drone show that never took off last year promised to be “bigger and better.”
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Kaw River Roots Festival to return with Split Lip Rayfield headlining
Bluegrass group Split Lip Rayfield, originally formed in Wichita and now based in Lawrence, will celebrate 30 years together as headliners of the Kaw River Roots Festival.
Free State Festival 2025 includes music documentaries, comedy, culinary delights and more
Free State Festival will bring back favorite Lawrence artists and introduce new faces with a varied lineup of film screenings, live music and food.
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