Arts & events

Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Santa Claus’ associates in Lawrence usher in holiday cheer
Since Santa Claus must conserve energy for his Christmas Eve omnipresence, he wisely delegates some duties to remote workers. Here are a few of the Lawrence locals who signed on to give Santa a helping hand this year.
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.
Contributed image
Young artists of Van Go to open holiday art show Sunday
For this year’s Adornment show, the apprentice artists of Van Go have created artwork with the guiding theme of “A Seat at the Table,” inspired by Shirley Chisholm. The show opens to the public Sunday.
Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel/Contributed Photo
Chabad Center to ‘Light up the Night’ in Lawrence with menorah lighting Sunday
The Lawrence community is invited to the annual lighting of a 9-foot-tall menorah in front of the Lawrence Public Library.
Drone Lawrence/dronelawrence.com
Santa rescue to return to Downtown Lawrence
A beloved Lawrence tradition will return Friday after taking 2020 off + more opportunities to see Santa
2021 Edition: Where to see holiday lights in Lawrence
We’re mapping out holiday lights and decorations in Lawrence, KS.
Artist Heap of Birds, who created ‘Native Hosts,’ to give virtual lecture
Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds (Cheyenne, Arapaho), the artist who created the five-panel “Native Hosts” installation at the University of Kansas’ Spencer Museum of Art, will give a virtual lecture next week.
Contributed Image
Save the date: First in-person Paper Plains Literary Festival coming in April 2022
Lovers of the written word, mark your calendars — the Paper Plains Literary Festival has set dates for 2022 events, which will be in person and livestreamed.
Tricia Masenthin/The Lawrence Times
Fairytale faves and zombies mix it up in West Middle School production
With two casts and two endings, there’s a lot to keep organized in West Middle School’s all-school play, “The Walking Dwarves.” There’s no sugar-coating the scene at Thursday morning’s preview show: It’s pure, loud chaos. It’s also a celebration.
Theatre Lawrence / Contributed Photo
All are invited to embrace their inner elves at Theatre Lawrence’s winter production
Lawrence community members — even cottonheaded ninnymuggins — are invited to Theatre Lawrence’s in-person and streamed winter production, “Elf: The Musical.”
Tom Harper / Contributed Photo
A moment in Lawrence: Community celebrates new mural at Cottin’s Hardware
A crowd gathered Sunday to celebrate the completion of a new mural at Cottin’s Hardware in Lawrence.
Lucie Krisman / The Lawrence Times
Lawrence-based sculptor wins design title in nationwide metalworking competition
Lori Norwood took inspiration from Lawrence’s Pooch Plunge tradition to create a steel sculpture. Her piece was recently selected for a metalworking award.
Contributed
Missed ‘La Yarda’ screenings? Here’s a chance to watch on your own time
Good news for those who have missed out so far: the popular short documentary “Searching for La Yarda” is set for a virtual screening, and it will be available online for a while.
Randy Schwering, Oxbow Studios/Contributed Photo
Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade is back and better than ever (Sponsored post)
After taking a year off due to COVID-19, the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade is back and looks to be bigger and better than ever. Even its route has been extended by two extra blocks.
Zach Arquette / Courtesy of the Indigenous Community Center
Indigenous Community Center to host music, poetry, art show Saturday in Lawrence
Celebrate this Native American Heritage Month with the Indigenous Community Center (ICC)’s Music, Poetry and Art Bazaar, coming up this Saturday.
Where to find spooky events and activities this weekend in Lawrence
As we head into Halloweekend, Lawrence offers plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween, from concerts and culture to contests and candy.
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