Arts & events
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.
Watkins Museum acquires painting of Quantrill’s raid
Donors have helped the Watkins Museum of History purchase a painting depicting a pivotal moment in Lawrence’s history, and the painting has quite a story of its own.
New play, panel discussion on reproductive justice argue ‘Choice is everything’
A community-workshopped production illustrating how birthing people have strived for reproductive justice across time made its debut Wednesday, and audiences have two more opportunities to join in the conversation.
Haskell professor to discuss his latest nonfiction work at Raven Book Store event
Local author and Haskell professor Daniel Wildcat will round out the Raven Book Store’s 2023 event slate Friday with a discussion over his new book, “On Indigenuity: Learning the Lessons of Mother Earth.”
Rapper Supaman weaves together Indigenous, hip-hop cultures during Lawrence school assembly
Hundreds filled the main gymnasium at Billy Mills Middle School on Monday morning for a message of positivity and resilience from Indigenous rapper and fancy dancer Supaman.
20th annual Thanksgiving Day 5K and fun run coming up
Race organizers in local nonprofit runLawrence are preparing to host their 20th annual Thanksgiving Day 5K and 1K fun run.
Liberty Memorial Central Middle School community to celebrate school’s centennial
The Liberty Memorial Central Middle School community will celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary this weekend with an alumni choir performance, a journey down memory lane and more.
KU students to take masterclasses from renowned musicians; classes, concerts free to public
KU music students this week will learn from visiting professional musicians. The masterclasses and a series of concerts featuring the renowned pianist, violinist and cellist are also free for the public to attend.
Young creatives come together to sell art, jewelry and baked goods at Lit & Local
Young local artists, performers and entrepreneurs showcased their talents and creativity during a vending event and open mic for youth ages 12 to 18 Sunday afternoon.
McLendon Classic Community Event to feature roundtable with coaches, KU faculty
KU Athletics is celebrating the first McLendon Classic, a recognition of John McLendon’s contributions to basketball and civil rights. A screening and roundtable event Sunday will feature Bill Self, Kevin Willmott, Melissa Peterson and NCC coach LeVelle Moton.
Youth to showcase talents, sell work at Lit & Local vending event
Young artists and entrepreneurs will be showcasing their talents at an upcoming vending event and open mic in Lawrence.
Downtown Lawrence trick-or-treating draws families in vibrant Halloween costumes
Penguins, superheroes, witches and more hit downtown Lawrence Tuesday to stock up on Halloween candy.
Día de Muertos celebration in Lawrence to honor gun violence victims
The Lawrence community is invited to a Día de Muertos event that will include a community altar honoring gun violence victims.
Activist, writer Aileen Mioko Smith to give Q&A, discussion in Lawrence
Aileen Mioko Smith, an environmental activist and writer known for her work to document the effects of mercury poisoning in Japan, will make two public appearances during her visit to Lawrence this week.
University Dance Company’s fall dance concert coming to the stage this week
The upcoming University Dance Company Fall Concert will feature 47 students, including three Lawrence locals, presenting work in a variety of styles such as hip hop, ballet and contemporary.