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.
Massive Music Sale to feature thousands of CDs, hundreds of records, audio equipment
Music lovers are invited Friday and Saturday to shop CDs, records and audio equipment that stand the test of time, all to benefit Audio Reader and the Lawrence library.
Lawrence Restaurant Week to return; more than 40 establishments participating
Lawrence restaurants are preparing exclusive menus with special features, tastings and pairings. The 10th annual Lawrence Restaurant Week kicks off Thursday.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence Public Library plans slate of events to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
The Lawrence Public Library and community partners have organized a series of activities and two donation drives that start Jan. 8 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and King’s legacy of service.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County students invited to apply to 2024 Lawrence Juneteenth T-shirt design, essay contests
Douglas County students could have their work featured in this year’s Lawrence Juneteenth celebration. The annual T-shirt design and essay contests are now open.
August Rudisell/The Lawrence Times
Lawrence school district to host annual MLK Jr. celebration; student volunteers needed
Community members are invited to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with Lawrence school district students and staff.
‘What comes from the heart touches the heart’: Original play to pay homage to MLK Jr.
A Lawrence playwright aspires for her original script to empower action this Martin Luther King Jr. Day with her new production, “The Steps of a Good Man.”
Watkins Museum’s new exhibit celebrates Lawrence’s sister cities
The Watkins Museum of History has opened a new exhibit on Lawrence’s connection to its sister cities: Eutin, Germany; Hiratsuka, Japan; and Iniades, Greece.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
‘Each one of us has a special purpose’: Lawrence poet, storyteller teaches about Kwanzaa
People are better when working together, Lawrence poet and storyteller Tai Amri Spann-Ryan told children and families in attendance at a Kwanzaa storytime at the library.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence’s first Inclusive Holiday Market draws crowd to more than 100 vendors
Shoppers on Saturday turned out to support 107 diverse art and food vendors during the first Inclusive Holiday Market in Lawrence.
Courtesy of Lawrence Arts Center
Langston Hughes Creative Writing Award to accept submissions through Dec. 24
Local writers are encouraged to submit their work to an annual creative writing contest in honor of Langston Hughes. The submission deadline has been extended to offset a website error.
Lawrence poet, storyteller to lead Kwanzaa storytime; limited spots available
Tai Amri Spann-Ryan, a Lawrence poet and storyteller, will lead a community storytime that aims to honor the meaning of Kwanzaa this holiday season.
Andrew Beaven, USD 497 / Contributed photo
Student musicians from Lawrence middle schools and KU to join together for ‘Brassmas’ concert
Lawrence middle school student musicians who play trombone, baritone and tuba will join with KU brass to perform the first “Brassmas” holiday concert, set for Thursday.
Inclusive Holiday Market to feature more than 100 diverse vendors
Local organizers aim to uplift inclusivity in the Lawrence holiday market scene with a new event that will unite more than 100 diverse vendors. It’s set for Saturday at the Lied Center.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Gathering to celebrate impending completion of 23rd Street construction
As long-lasting construction work on East 23rd Street nears its end, Lawrence community members are invited to a gathering to celebrate.
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