Arts & events

Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Douglas County high schoolers invited to enter annual Lawrence Juneteenth writing contest
The Lawrence Juneteenth organization is now accepting submissions to its contest for young writers. Winners will be featured at the community event this summer.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Free Lawrence concert to pay tribute to early 2000s indie rock
Indie rock music of the early 2000s will carry into 2026 at a free downtown Lawrence concert.
Contributed photo
Outdoor activities to celebrate the new year in Lawrence
Three chances to catch some fresh 2026 air while in community with others — a run, hike and bike ride — will take place on New Year’s Day in Lawrence.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Applications for Lawrence’s community arts grants open Wednesday
The City of Lawrence will soon welcome arts grant applications for projects with community value, including work focused on equity and inclusion and sustainability.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence Public Library dares patrons to be curious with new January reading challenge
The new year at the Lawrence Public Library will kick off not with a bang, but with a dare that encourages patrons to confront the post-holiday winter doldrums with a reading challenge.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Holiday sights and lights in Lawrence – 2025 edition
Here’s a look at some holiday sights, lights and happenings in Lawrence this season.
Have you seen this painting? Lawrence family hopes to reunite with cherished work of art
A Lawrence family is hoping that perhaps by way of a Christmas miracle, they can reunite with a painting they treasured for decades until it was accidentally sold in an estate sale.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Photos: Lawrence community menorot lighting
Members of the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation gathered Saturday evening to celebrate Hanukkah with menorot lighting, a potluck, and fellowship.
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.
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.
Contributed photo
Free State High School troupe selected to perform at Wichita festival; local performance to send them off
Free State High School theatre students will take “The Addams Family: School Edition” on the road after being selected as one of five schools statewide to participate in the Kansas Thespian Festival.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Champions of Lawrence arts celebrated at 25th Phoenix Awards
More supportive spaces for Native American youth to grow in the arts and entrepreneurship are always needed, said Rachael Lackey, one of six Phoenix Award recipients recognized Sunday for their contributions to Lawrence arts.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Community-building on display at Winter Inclusive Market in Lawrence
Jesse and Linda Hunter carry a legacy of their family’s barbecue business through their homemade sauces. Jesse & Linny’s BBQ Sauce was one of around 100 vendors at the Winter Inclusive Market, which reopens Sunday.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
KU student art sale to offer creative gifts in an abundance of art forms
It’s hard to say what forms of art won’t be available at an upcoming KU student art sale, which will offer a comprehensive array of goodies for winter and holiday shoppers.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Winter Inclusive Market to return this weekend; Phoenix Awards set for Sunday
Lawrence’s third annual Winter Inclusive Market is coming up this weekend, and on Sunday it will feature the Phoenix Awards ceremony, honoring six local artists.
Don’t miss a beat … Click here to sign up for our email newsletters
Click here to learn more about our newsletters first



