The BIG Little Apple Street Fest & Final Third Thursday

The BIG Little Apple Street Fest

October 16th | 4:00 – 9:00 PM | 📍 Downtown Manhattan, KS

Get ready for one unforgettable evening at this Downtown Manhattan street festival that brings together everything we love about life in the Midwest—community, creativity, and connection.

The BIG Little Apple Street Fest takes over three full blocks of our city center with Midwest family fun at every turn. Expect a mix of classic charm —from a vibrant car show, live music, and a street dance, to interactive kids activities such as hopscotch, four square, and more.

With the streets closed and excitement flowing, this Kansas festival is a chance for the whole community to connect, celebrate, and enjoy all the reasons we love where we live. Whether you’re local or just visiting, you’ll find something to smile about here.

🕺 Hit the street dance with – Elton Dan & The Rocket Band 

✨ Browse a car show

🎸 Air Guitar Competition – featuring Nordic Thunder!

🥧 Compete in a Pie Eating Contest

🦖 Inflatable 15-Yard Dash & Parade – (Pre-register yourself or group – link below!)

🍔 Grab bites and drinks from your favorite spots in the neighborhood & enjoy the new CCA downtown!

AND all your favorite Third Thursday activities! 🍰

This is more than an event—it’s a full-sensory street fest made for everyone. Expect big energy, vibrant experiences, and the best of the Little Apple.

Special features –Kansas Tatsumaki Yosakoi Japanese Dance Team – 

In 2005, Seiji Ikeda founded the Kansas State University Yosakoi Dance group, bringing the Japanese dance style to Kansas and fostering cultural exchange among students. The group competed at the Yosakoi Soran Festival in Japan in 2006 and 2007, earning awards. Now known as Tatsumaki Yosakoi, with teams in Manhattan and Kansas City, the group continues to share Yosakoi’s energy and was named an Official Yosakoi Ambassador by Kochi Prefecture in 2019 for its global cultural contributions.

Beloved Manhattan artist – Jacob Sanderson will be hosting a painting class project inside of Fragrant Blends during the event – Learn to paint your own pet portraiture of a”Sloppy Dog”!

---

⬇️ Sign up here to compete in the Inflatable Race & Parade ⬇️

Business Showcase

Tallgrass Taphouse – Pint Sized Education, each half hour on the Patio – 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 pm – Purchase drinks from their platform – special drink just for kids!

Switch Wicked – Open Late

Finn’s Neighborhood Pub – Drink specials – $12 Domestic 60oz pitchers & $16 Premium 60oz pitchers –  

Manhattan Brewing Co – Featuring Jamin Jamaican Food truck

Daughter of Dephi – Open Late

Flight Crew Coffee – Open Late

Wareham Hall – featuring Nordic Thunder Air Guitar competition & Wareham Hall “Sign Off” event

J & C Imaging – Hosting Inflatable Suit Race & Parade – 4:45 pm

Elevated – Open Late

The Boutique – 3rd Thursday Threads – 50% –  75% off

Fragrant Blends – Featuring Artist, Jacob Sanderson w Live Painting lessons

Manhatchet – Featuring Mobile Unit outside

Brown’s Shoe Fit – UGG Shoe Party, Giveaway chance to win a pair of UGG’s & free cleaning kit to 1st 10 paying customers

Sunflower Casa – Featuring a special Children’s activity with a progressive mural

Gaia Salon -will feature a fun sensory experience so be sure to step inside!

Texas Roadhouse – back with their crew – Line dancing & games on the SE corner of 4th & Poyntz

Village Geek – Serving up cold brew and live demonstrations  

4th Street Open House – Don’t forget to swing around the corner and check out these fantastic businesses!

Therapie – Hosting Pie Eating contest at 6:45 pm – $1 off pie slices!

River Heights Yarn Co. – Open Late

Revelry Thread Co. – OPEN LATE until 8pm, sale rack on sidewalk with BOGO 50% off

Tropical Sno – Kids 12 & under 1/2 priced Shaved Ice

Flint Hills Antiques & Crafts – OPEN LATE until 8pm – 30% off Everything!