Arts & events

Where to see holiday lights in Lawrence – 2025 edition
Though the owners of a beloved holiday home have retired, there are plenty aglow this year to keep us inspired.
Jeff McPheeters/Contributed photo
KU band’s new album showcases student talent, music that’s ‘fun to play’
Student musicians are set to blow listeners away on the KU Wind Ensemble’s new album, “Midnight Sun,” a triumphant entry in the group’s repertoire.
5K Home Run for Family Promise set for Memorial Day
An annual 5K that benefits Family Promise of Lawrence, a nonprofit that aims to serve local families in housing crises, will return Monday, including free activities for kids at South Park.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Scenes from the first night of Lawrence Busker Festival
An annual downtown street celebration of artistry returned Friday, commencing the first night of the three-day Lawrence Busker Festival. The fun continues Saturday.
Split Lip Rayfield to play Kaw River Roots Festival in Lawrence
Kansas Music Hall of Famers Split Lip Rayfield will come together to perform at the fourth annual Kaw River Roots Festival in Lawrence next month.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Weekend events to celebrate Lawrence Arts Center’s 50th birthday
The Lawrence Arts Center is celebrating five decades enhancing the local arts scene with events this weekend, including a mural unveiling and an award ceremony complete with birthday cupcakes and a champagne toast.
New outdoor sculptures decorate Lawrence; reception coming up on Final Friday
Seven new outdoor sculptures have become part of the Lawrence aesthetic. The city will soon host an opening reception and walking tour to celebrate them.
Mackenzie Clark/Lawrence Times
Busker Festival to return to downtown Lawrence
Lawrence Busker Festival, the massive, three-day celebration of performing artists, magicians, comedians, musicians and much more, returns to downtown this coming weekend.
Lawrence library to launch summer reading program with lawn party
The Lawrence Public Library encourages community members to attend free events this summer aimed at promoting a love for reading, including a lawn party that’ll launch an annual reading challenge for all ages.
August Rudisell / Lawrence Times
Art Tougeau to celebrate 25th anniversary with street party, lowriders, art car parade
Kicking off the summer event season in downtown Lawrence, a street party will display art on wheels, followed by a parade the next day.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, Leeway Franks among recipients earning heritage grants
Projects to restore edible native species, create programming around Indigenous food knowledge and several others have received $420,000 in grant money from Douglas County.
New downtown Lawrence mural to reflect arts community, artistic inclusion
A new mural to be painted in downtown Lawrence is meant to encourage people to slow down and absorb their surroundings.
Lied Center to bring The Temptations, Lewis Black, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ to Lawrence in new season
The Lied Center is preparing to bring renowned musicians, comedians, Broadway show tours and more to Lawrence in its new season.
Free State Festival 2024 lineup to feature Jana Schmieding, beat scientist and more
The Lawrence Arts Center has announced its films and headliners slated for this year’s Free State Festival, including Jana Schmieding of ”Reservation Dogs,” Makaya McCraven, Joe Rainey and more.
Vertačniks to open studio, rebuilt after 2019 tornado, for Art Spaces (Sponsored post)
Wendy and David Vertačnik are both well known in the community as accomplished artists and for their long careers as arts educators. The public will have a chance to see their studio, rebuilt after the 2019 tornado, this weekend.
Ceramicist Kyla Strid to open studio to the public during Art Spaces event (Sponsored post)
Kyla Strid, a ceramicist who makes pots inspired by small everyday observations, will be opening her studio May 4-5 during the Lawrence Art Guild’s Art Spaces.
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