Arts & events


KU student to revive ‘The Wizard of AIDS*,’ a health education parody, in honor of queer theatremakers
Brad Mathewson, a senior at KU, is bringing back to the stage a parody that aims to educate about safe sex, consent and queer survival, all while “laughing in the face of hatred.”

Rockin’ Red Music Fest to return, celebrating 75 years of Lawrence Community Nursery School
The “Little Red Schoolhouse” will celebrate 75 years serving Lawrence with a festival of music, food and fun on Sunday that is open to the community.

Mike Ford to speak at Watkins Museum about project to preserve culture of Munsee Tribe in Kansas
People of the Munsee Tribe in Kansas have started a cultural preservation project and series of events to protect archival materials and educate residents of Douglas, Franklin, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties about the history of their tribe in those areas.

Earthwork artist Stan Herd breaks ground on project honoring Bob Dole
Kansas artist Stan Herd, known worldwide for his earthworks, broke ground Tuesday on a project that will honor U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, who died in December 2021 at age 98.

Lawrencians enjoy crafts, s’mores, educational activities and more during Earth Day Fair
Community members braved the chilly weather Saturday afternoon to attend the Earth Day Fair in South Park. Twenty organizations from Lawrence and beyond offered free crafts and educational activities for kids and adults alike.

Verbal Transformations event on Earth Day to feature poetry fair, open mic and numerous performers
Members of B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence and area Kansas Authors Club poets invite the community to celebrate National Poetry Month, Earth Day and more during an event Saturday called Verbal Transformations.

Lawrence library’s ‘Left Between the Pages’ exhibition offers unique snapshots of community
Lawrence Public Library staff members have collected items left between the pages of books over the years — notes, postcards, photographs and more — and synthesized them into collages that are currently on display.

Celebration to honor Wakarusa Wetlands, connections to community and nature
An upcoming community celebration will honor the Wakarusa Wetlands, home to Haskell history and a variety of plants and animal species.

Free State’s Eastside Brewery to host Trails that Connect Us event
All are invited to get to know Lawrence’s trails, Free State’s Eastside Brewery, and each other during Thursday evening’s Trails that Connect Us event.

Earth Day Fair to bring educational events, music and more to South Park
The Earth Day Fair will bring crafts, live music, presentations and educational activities to South Park on Saturday.

Author Jacqueline Woodson to speak at free event Thursday in Lawrence
Jacqueline Woodson, an award-winning author and MacArthur fellow, will speak at Liberty Hall on Thursday as the Lawrence Public Library’s 2023 Ross and Marianna Beach Author.

Van Go to host May Day Hey Day fundraiser with Lawrence Loop activities followed by a celebration
Van Go will host a fundraiser event — a morning through the Lawrence Loop followed by a party — at the beginning of May in support of the youth-based arts organization’s wellness programs and resources.