Downtown Manhattan Inc.

Meet the Makers @ FHDC
2026-03-16 - 2026-03-20 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
This year marks the 11th annual Meet the Makers event! Each day, a local creator, crafter, or maker will present live demonstrations of their work from 10 am to 5 pm in the first-floor atrium of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Interact with the artists, ask questions, and see their work come to life!
This event is free and open to the public. Those wanting to explore the exhibits beyond the atrium at the Flint Hills Discovery Center must pay the general admission fee.
Schedule:Monday – Sanna Cranmer – handweavingTuesday – Veronica’s Veil – henna body artWednesday – Flint Hills Woodturners – wood turningThursday – Konza Prairie Quilters Guild – quiltingFriday – Cap Rock Inspirations, LLC – fiber arts & ChickaBee Pottery – handcrafted pottery

Fiddle Jam at Switch Wicked
2026-03-20 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Switch Wicked, 413 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Switch Wicked Studios is starting up a fiddle jam! Hosted by Derrick Doty, the Fiddle Jam is not just for fiddles. It’s open to all acoustic instruments! It’s also open to all ages and skill levels. Jamming is a great way to improve your skills and build your repertoire. Rather than being genre-specific, like Irish, Bluegrass, Old-Time, etc, we’ll embrace all traditional and contemporary fiddle tunes, with a focus on dance tunes.
Friday, March 20th at 7 PMSwitch Wicked Studios, 413 Poyntz Ave.

Drinks & Thinks Activism for Everyone @ Arrow Cocktail Lounge
2026-04-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Activism for Everyone with Nate Birkhead
Tue Apr 14th | 7-8:30pm
Join Dr. Nate Birkhead, Associate Professor and Department Head of Political Science at Kansas State University, for an conversation about how everyone can effectively engage in the democratic process. Learn how to navigate government systems, advocate for issues that matter to you and make the greatest impact in your community through informed civic participation.

Intro To Spinning at River Heights Trading Co.
2026-04-30 18:00 - 20:00 | River Heights Trading Co
April 30 6-8pm. $35 Introduction to spinning wheel and fiber basics. Start spinning single ply yarn! Supplies are included and we provide the wheels, unless you have your own that you would like to use.

Drinks & Thinks @ Arrow Cocktail Lounge
2026-05-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Happiness on the Rocks: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t) with Dr. Natalie Bartlett
Wed May 6th |7-8:30
Are we chasing the wrong things when it comes to happiness?
Join us for a lively, science-backed conversation about what truly improves well-being and what just feels like it should. Along the way, you won’t just hear the research, you can try a few simple, surprisingly powerful practices you can use anytime to boost your mood, shift your perspective, and build your own “happiness toolbox.” No life overhaul required—just small changes that actually make a difference.

RSVP Here – https://zpzl839y.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fsqclick.com%2Foutreach%2Ft%2FfzpveD69wAYg%2Fhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.exploretock.com%25252Farrow-cocktail-lounge-manhattan%25252Fevent%25252F605095%25252Fdrinks-thinks-happiness-on-the-rocks-with-dr-natalie-barlett%25253Futm_source%25253Dsqmktg_email%3Fs=KAIY-wViY-PCGWXgdY7cE8BL0yxLm_cA2rkMQo-YEy4/1/0101019dda6af1c9-0812b6a6-6519-489d-8444-3269b2ac5e9d-000000/iwxz_5Vbu6WUs88AVElmNANLnZ0=474

Third Thursday in Downtown MHK
2026-05-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
🎉 A New Year of Third Thursdays Begins in Downtown! 🎉
Third Thursdays are back in Downtown Manhattan, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and connection to the streets. Each month, downtown transforms into a lively, family-friendly celebration of the arts—featuring live performances, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a vibrant maker’s market atmosphere.
🕔 When & Where:May 21st – 5 – 8 pm – Right in the heart of Downtown Manhattan – 300 & 400 Sidewalks along Poyntz Ave & along North & South 4th Street
🎨 Highlights include:• Discover incredible local talent — pottery, leather artisans, woodturners, visual artists, live music performers, and so much more!• Wonder Workshop at the Brain Station (AJ’s Platform) with creative activities for kids

City of Manhattan presents a Touch-A-Truck event on N 4th Street, along with a Children’s Mural Project honoring Juneteenth. Join us for a family-friendly celebration featuring hands-on experiences and community creativity.

Business Highlights –
Brown’s Shoe Fit – Birkenstock Shoe Party, to kick off summer! We will be giving away a free pair of Birkenstocks. Every Birkenstock purchasing customer will get a free gift with purchase. Plus, we have brought in new styles, sizes, and more colors for the event!
Revelry Thread CO. – BOGO FREE Sale Racks
Finn’s Pub – 60oz Pitchers on Special & Grateful Dudes Live from 8-10pm
The Boutique – Third Thursday sales Rack – special discounts!
Caravan Antiques & Claflin Books – Open for Third Thursdays!
SNW Gallery – Third Thursday Art Market
🌟 Every Third Thursday offers something new to discover. Mark your calendar, gather your people, and join us as downtown comes alive—again and again.

SAVE THE DATES – 2026 Third Thursday Dates:

June 18th
July 16th – Featuring the Little Firecracker Kids Parade!
August 20th
September 17th

Drinks & Thinks-The Way of Tea presented by Ayako Mizumura
2026-05-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
“The Way of Tea: Harmony and Home in Kansas,” presented by Ayako Mizumura, explores the Japanese tea ceremony and its meaning for Japanese people living in the United States, including those who settled in Kansas after World War II. The presentation includes a brief historical background of the traditional ceremony, a live demonstration, and an opportunity for guests to taste matcha tea. Mizumura owns a Japanese bakery and researches Japanese migrant history in Kansas
Tickets – https://www.exploretock.com/arrow-cocktail-lounge-manhattan/checkout/confirm-purchase

Third Thursdays in Downtown MHK
2026-06-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
🎉 Third Thursdays are for ART in Downtown 🎉
Third Thursdays in Downtown Manhattan, bring fresh energy, creativity, and connection to the streets. Each month, downtown transforms into a lively, family-friendly celebration of the arts—featuring live performances, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a vibrant maker’s market atmosphere.
✨ Come one, come all — friends, families, kids, and curious explorers — for an evening filled with creativity, local flavor, and plenty of reasons to linger.
🎨 Highlights include:• Incredible local artists & makers• Wonder Workshop at the Brain Station (AJ’s Platform) with creative activities for kids• Beloved favorites like the Cake Walk, sidewalk musicians, and pop-up performances
🕔 When & Where:Every 3rd Thursday – May – September | 5–8 PMRight in the heart of Downtown Manhattan – 300 & 400 Sidewalks along Poyntz Ave & along North & South 4th Street
🌟 Every Third Thursday offers something new to discover. Mark your calendar, gather your people, and join us as downtown comes alive—again and again.
Stay tuned as more details become available!

Third Thursdays in Downtown MHK
2026-07-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
🎉 Join us for a fun evening celebrating Art in Downtown! 🎉
Third Thursdays in Downtown Manhattan, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and connection to the streets. Each month, downtown transforms into a lively, family-friendly celebration of the arts—featuring live performances, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a vibrant maker’s market atmosphere.
✨ Come one, come all — friends, families, kids, and curious explorers — for an evening filled with creativity, local flavor, and plenty of reasons to linger.
🎨 Highlights include:• Incredible local artists & makers• Wonder Workshop at the Brain Station (AJ’s Platform) with creative activities for kids• Beloved favorites like the Cake Walk, sidewalk musicians, and pop-up performances
🕔 When & Where:Every 3rd Thursday – May – September | 5–8 PMRight in the heart of Downtown Manhattan – 300 & 400 Sidewalks along Poyntz Ave & along North & South 4th Street
🌟 Every Third Thursday offers something new to discover. Mark your calendar, gather your people, and join us as downtown comes alive—again and again.
Stay tuned as more details become available!

Downtown Manhattan Art Exhibition - Reception & Artist Panel
2026-08-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Manhattan
✨ Opening New Art Exhibit – Downtown Manhattan! ✨Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating creativity and community Saturday, August 1st at the Midtown Plaza from 5–7 pm. More details to come.
Experience a vibrant showcase of artwork by talented local and regional artists, featuring a variety of styles and mediums that reflect the heart of our downtown arts scene.
Enjoy the opening reception, meet the artists, and don’t miss the Artist Panel Discussion at 6:00 pm, where creators share insights into their work and process.
Come be part of the energy and artistry that continues to make Downtown Manhattan a cultural destination!

Third Thursdays in Downtown MHK
2026-08-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
🎉 Third Thursday in Downtown Manhattan 🎉
Third Thursdays in Downtown Manhattan, bring fresh energy, creativity, and connection to the streets. Each month, downtown transforms into a lively, family-friendly celebration of the arts—featuring live performances, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a vibrant maker’s market atmosphere.
✨ Come one, come all — friends, families, kids, and curious explorers — for an evening filled with creativity, local flavor, and plenty of reasons to linger.
🎨 Highlights include:• Incredible local artists & makers• Wonder Workshop at the Brain Station (AJ’s Platform) with creative activities for kids• Beloved favorites like the Cake Walk, sidewalk musicians, and pop-up performances
🕔 When & Where:Every 3rd Thursday – May – September | 5–8 PMRight in the heart of Downtown Manhattan – 300 & 400 Sidewalks along Poyntz Ave & along North & South 4th Street
🌟 Every Third Thursday offers something new to discover. Mark your calendar, gather your people, and join us as downtown comes alive—again and again.
Stay tuned as more details become available!
