Downtown Manhattan Inc.

August & September Art Exhibit - Downtown Manhattan Art Spaces
2025-08-08 - 2025-09-22 | Downtown Manhattan
🎨 Art Exhibit: August & SeptemberCelebrate a season of creativity with the latest exhibit featuring artists Linda Illgner and Caitlin Penny.
Discover a stunning mix of each artist solo works—each piece offering bold perspectives and a rich range of artistic styles.
🖼️ On view starting August 8 through September 30📍 Opening Reception: Friday, August 8 | 5:00–7:00 PMMidtown Plaza – 116 S. 4th Street, Manhattan, KS
Linda Illgner – Papermaker/Collage artist –
Born and raised in western Kansas, Linda Illgner creates intricate collage art using handmade and found paper, thoughtfully torn and layered into rich, textured images inspired by nature. Her journey began 30 years ago with a Girl Scout visit to a paper making studio and grew into a lifelong passion for fiber, texture, and color. Now back in her home state, Linda continues to explore the art of paper, drawing on a life filled with creativity, faith, and family—including her husband, two daughters, their partners, and a new grandchild.

Catlin Penny – Printmaker
Caitlin Penny is a relief printmaker who carves images into wood or linoleum to create prints using a hand-cranked press. Her work explores environmental themes like climate change and animal conservation through a detailed yet whimsical style that invites reflection without intimidation. Penny holds a BFA from Kansas State University and an MFA from Washington University in St. Louis. She lives in Lenexa, KS with her husband and daughter.

Symphony on the Plaza
2025-09-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Manhattan
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music under the stars! The Manhattan Symphony Orchestra will bring the Plaza to life with a spectacular open-air performance, featuring a mix of classical favorites and contemporary pieces.
7:00 pm – Blue Earth Plaza – Downtown MHK
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, gather your friends and family, and enjoy an inspiring night of music in the heart of the city.
Free admission! Don’t miss this magical community celebration of the arts!
This event is proudly sponsored by CGN Advisors & Flint Hills Neuropsychology Service.
“A big thank you to the Flint Hills Discovery Center for generously loaning chairs to the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra members — your support helps make this community event a success!”

Third Thursday
2025-09-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
🎉 Downtown Manhattan’s Third Thursdays are back! 🎉The streets come alive with art, music, food, and community—turning downtown into a vibrant street fair and maker’s market filled with creativity.
✨ Bring your crew — friends, family, kids, and curious minds — and dive into an evening of hands-on activities, local flavor, and unforgettable vibes.
🎨 This month’s highlights:

Incredible local artists & makers — including two brand-new featured artists!

Live music, activities, and fun hosted by Switch Wicked, Manhattan Brewing Company, Finn’s, and Tallgrass Taphouse

Wonder Workshop at the Brain Station (AJ’s Platform) with creative kids’ activities

Returning favorites like the Cake Walk, sidewalk musicians, and surprise performances

🕔 When & Where:Thursday • 5–8pm • Right in the heart of Downtown Manhattan
🌟 Each month brings something new — so mark your calendar, gather your people, and come experience the magic of Third Thursdays!🍂 Don’t miss the grand finale of Third Thursdays on October 16th, happening alongside the Big Little Apple Street Festival! This epic night will feature a classic Car Show, Wareham Hall’s Sign Off event, the unforgettable Nordic Thunder Air Guitar Competition, and a high-energy Street Dance with Elton Dan & the Rocket Band. It’s the biggest Third Thursday of the year — and the perfect way to close out the season in style!
Business Showcase
Tallgrass Taphouse – Pint Sized Education, each half hour on the Patio – 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 pm – First come, first serve – approx. 15 min each – Purchase drinks from their platform!
Switch Wicked – Hosting “The Sounds of Many” – Live music inside!
Finn’s Neighborhood Pub – Drink specials – $12 Domestic 60oz pitchers & $16 Premium 60oz pitchers – Music at 8 pm – Mike Greim Live
Manhattan Brewing Co – Oktoberfest Kick Off with the Sound Of Music Sing-A-Long!! Dress up in your favorite Sound of Music costume and get ready to belt out your favorite tunes from the movie! Tapping of the first cask of Festbier with Peter Oppelt – Live Music on the Patio 20% off for Teachers and School Staff
Daughter of Dephi – $1 off all Essential Oil products – Free 1 Card Tarot pull – Reiki Chair healing session for $30.00
Flight Crew Coffee – Open till 8pm
Wareham Hall – Offering a never-before-seen look at the renovation plans alongside historical artifacts and other exhibits that showcase the theatre’s history. Guests can enjoy a complimentary beverage and appetizers while exploring the exhibits.
Elevated – Open till 8pm
The Boutique – 3rd Thursday Threads – 50% – 75% off
Fragrant Blends – Giveaways, open till 8pm
Manhatchet – Open Late
Brown’s Shoe Fit – Open Late til 8 pm
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 – Open until 8pm – $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
Flint Hills Antiques & Crafts – OPEN LATE until 8pm – 30% off Everything!

Fields & Fountains: Music of Mozart, Bunch and Tchaikovsky
2025-09-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Union Hall, 328 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, 66502
Sunday, Sept. 21 @ 3:00pm
Fields & Fountains: Music of Mozart, Bunch and Tchaikovsky (Free Concert at Union Hall)
Catch the Season One kickoff concert of Chamber Music Kansas, a new series bringing dynamic and diverse programs to the Manhattan community!

Fields & Fountains: Music of Mozart, Bunch and Tchaikovsky brings together masterful string musicians from around the nation to perform an exciting program of string ensemble music. In this relaxed afternoon event, guests can grab a drink, enjoy the historic beauty of Union Hall, and take a musical journey from the American heartland to the streets of Florence, Italy.

This event is free and open to the public. We are delighted to announce that students from the Manhattan High School Chamber Orchestra will provide pre-concert music starting at 2:30pm.
