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.
Summer reading program to kick off with party at Lawrence Public Library
As school ends this week, the Lawrence Public Library is celebrating the launch of its summer reading program with a party on the library lawn.
Derek Mecca
Downtown Lawrence’s Summer Sidewalk Sale moving to June evening as Mid Summer Night on Mass
Downtown Lawrence Inc. is making big changes to its traditional annual sidewalk sale. The new Mid Summer Night on Mass will move the fun to the evening hours on June 23.
Wichita Sky Kings’ free fan fest to feature former KU hoops stars (Sponsored post)
The Wichita Sky Kings, Kansas’ pro basketball team, are hosting their first annual fan fest, including meet-and-greets with some Jayhawk legends and NBA players and champions.
Molly Adams/Lawrence Times
Artists’ works respond to roadside attractions that lean on stereotypes and misappropriate cultures
In “Roadside Inappropriation,” artists Armando Minjarez, Mona Cliff and Erika Nelson each created a display responding to roadside attractions that appropriate elements of their cultures or portray people as caricatures.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Van Go JAMS artists unveil new mural in the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center
Dozens of people gathered in the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center Wednesday night to view the new mural by Van Go’s apprentice artists.
30-plus vendors will have food, art and more for sale during Spring for Handmade
Lawrence artist Chelsea Rezabek will soon host her third artist-centered community event, featuring more than 30 local vendors offering handmade arts and crafts, homemade food and live music.
Lawrence author to celebrate new book with Monster Camp at Raven Book Store
In celebration of Lawrence author Sarah Henning’s latest novel, the Raven Book Store on Tuesday will hold Monster Camp, complete with cosplay and blood (fruit punch) to drink.
Douglas County CASA to host its first cornhole tournament with free fun for kids
Douglas County CASA is hosting its first Cornhole for CASA event on Sunday, including a free fun zone for kids, with hopes of starting an annual tradition and connecting with more community members.
Lawrence organization hosting concert featuring professional musicians; many are KU alumni
The Mid-America Performing Arts Alliance will present a free concert, “Voices of the Met,” on Saturday in Lawrence, featuring four KU alumni vocalists and many other talented musicians.
Lawrence Art Guild to present Art Spaces, a self-guided tour (Sponsored post)
“The Lawrence Art Guild invites you to Art Spaces, our first open studios event!” Maria S. Martin writes. “Art Spaces is an opportunity for artists to open their studios, homes, or alternate display locations to the public in Lawrence and in Douglas County.”
Acclaimed Lawrence singer, pianist to debut her inaugural album in her hometown
Lawrence vocalist Vanessa Thomas says music is what has saved her life. Now, a “lifetime dream” is about to come true as she’s set to debut her first recorded album with her hometown supporters during a concert on Friday.
Author, KU professor challenges stereotypes with Margaret Walker biography; community invited to author talk
Lawrence scholar and author Maryemma Graham during an upcoming talk will delve into her recent biography, in hopes of giving long-overdue flowers to the Black woman who she said revolutionized education and humanities.
Mandy Patinkin, Buddy Guy, dancers inspired by Tetris and more coming to the Lied Center
The Lied Center’s 2023-24 season is packed with a variety of music, dance, theatre and more, including a big name who will bring Lawrence community members into his show.
Second annual Douglas County Spring Farm Day coming up
Community members are invited to get to know seven local farms on Saturday during the second annual Douglas County Spring Farm Day.
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