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

StoryWalk Downtown 2026
2026-05-26 - 2026-08-31 | Downtown Manhattan
StoryWalk Downtown is here!

In partnership with the Manhattan Public Library, we are proud to bring When Dinosaurs Came With Everything by Elise Broach to our business windows. Grab your littles and explore the world of dinosaurs starting at the library and wandering through our neighborhood. Complete the StoryWalk and return to MPL to claim your rainbow scratch dinosaur!

When Dinosaurs Came With Everything will be up through June. How to Make Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. by Marjorie Priceman will go up in celebration of 250 years of the U.S. July through August. You won’t want to miss either story!

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

Drinks & Thinks: Birds of North America With Dr. Jack Sytsma
2026-06-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us for a fun night inspired by the Birds of North America featuring ornithologist Dr. Jack Sytsma. Together, we’ll explore the stories and beauty of the birds that surround us while celebrating the release of Arrow’s next cocktail menu featuring drinks inspired by and named after iconic North American birds. This event is FREE and a reservation is required. If you would like to enjoy dinner during the event please arrive early to order your meal.

Fiddle Jam @ Switch Wicked Studios
2026-06-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Switch Wicked, 413 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Fiddle Jam at Switch Wicked Studios

Friday, June 12th – 7:00 - 9:00 PM

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.

Third Thursdays in Downtown MHK
2026-06-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Third Thursdays are back in Downtown Manhattan!
Every month, the heart of the city comes alive with art, music, and community spirit. From street-level performances to hands-on creativity, Downtown Manhattan transforms into a lively, family-friendly celebration where there’s something for everyone.
🎨 Art & Makers Discover incredible local artists and makers showcasing their craft, plus live artist demonstrations that bring creativity right to the streets.
🧠 Wonder Workshop at the Brain Station Stop by AJ’s Platform for hands-on creative activities designed to spark imagination in kids of all ages.
🥧 NEW: Therapie Pie Walk Our beloved Cake Walk gets a delicious upgrade! Sponsored by Therapie, join the fun for a chance to win a pie — the sweetest new tradition on the block @ the SW corner of 4th Street in front of Gaia Salon.
🦸 Broken Cannon Cosplay Activity WTC partners with Broken Cannon Cosplay for an interactive kids’ activity on the North Corner of the Mall Plaza.
🚒 Touch-a-Truck with the City of MHK Head to N. 4th Street to meet Manhattan’s bravest! The City of Manhattan returns with a hands-on fire truck experience your little ones won’t forget.
🚤 Float Your Cardboard Boat — Parks & Rec Can your boat survive the water? Parks & Recreation hosts this fan-favorite engineering challenge for kids. Build it. Float it. Find out!
🎭 Live Performances All Night Long

The Actors’ Theater Group returns to the South Corner of 3rd Street on the Mall Plaza
The Haymakers take the stage in the 300 Block of Poyntz, nestled in the former Rooted alcove
Plus additional musicians and performers scattered throughout Downtown

🕔 When & Where:
Thursday – June 18th – 5 – 8 pmRight in the heart of Downtown Manhattan – 300 & 400 Sidewalks along Poyntz Ave & along North & South 4th Street
Business Highlights –
Rev Thread – Buy One Get One free sale rack
River Heights Yarn Co. – Open till 8pm – featuring finished hand knit & crocheted items
SNW Gallery – Artist Market
Fragrant Blends – Buy one get one free on wax melts
The Boutique/Michael & Madge – Party like it’s 1776! Serving light refreshments & free popsicles for kids!
Brown’s Shoe Fit – Taos Shoe Party
G Marie Design – Hand painted furniture collection & curated treasures – Open studio
1419 Mercantile – Open during Third Thursday hours

Pool House Pop-Up at Third Thursday
Thursday, June 18 | 5-8PM | Outside Arrow Cocktail Lounge
Catch the Arrow crew out on the streets (weather permitting) during Third Thursday on June 18th serving up your favorite Pool House treats, drinks, and summer vibes. Stop by and grab a taste of Pool House while you explore downtown!

Every Third Thursday offers something new to discover!
Mark your calendar, gather your people, and join us as downtown comes alive—again and again.
Mark your calendars for July 16th as we celebrate America 250 with a fun Little Firecracker Kids Parade!

Splash of Science @ Flint Hills Discovery Center
2026-06-26 12:00 - 12:15 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join our Education Staff for a fun, FREE 10-to-15-minute science demonstration on most Fridays, May 29 through July 31, just outside the front entrance.
ExperimentsMay 29 – Fizz & Fly RocketsJune 5 – Volcano EruptionJune 12 – Curious ChromatographyJune 19 – TBDJune 26 – Weathering RocksJuly 10 – Wiggly WormsJuly 17 – Bouncy BallsJuly 24 – Magic Static GooJuly 31 – Rainbow Crystals
No registration is required. Don’t be late – these experiments happen quickly!

Ridin' Trails and Writin' Rhymes: Cowboy Culture of Kansas
2026-06-28 14:30 - 15:30 | Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Event by Riley County Genealogical Society
Sunday, June 28th – 2:30 pm – Manhattan Public Library
Kansas was a key crossroads of frontier trails. It was the statewhich helped bring the legend of the cowboy to life, from Abileneto Dodge City and from the Chisholm Trail and Gunsmoke fameto the beef industry of today.

This presentation shares the richcowboy history and folklore of Kansas using stories and cowboypoems, presented by poet lariat (NOT laureate), Ron Wilson.
Audience members will enjoy Ron’s poetry that he says is “all-original, humorous, family-friendly, patriotic, and most of the time,it even rhymes.”

This RCGS program is sponsored by Humanities Kansas. It is Free and open to the public.

Drinks & Thinks: Flour Power with Gene Chávez
2026-06-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Flour Power, presented by Gene Chávez, shares family tortilla-making traditions alongside stories about the history of Mexican residents settling in Kansas to work, raise families, and build community. Chávez draws on his personal heritage and research to bring an important cultural food tradition to life. He is a collector of Mexican American heritage in Kansas and consults on diversity issues as president of Chávez and Associates. This event is FREE and a reservation is required. If you would like to enjoy dinner during the event please arrive early to order your meal.

READ, White & Blue Birthday Party @ Manhattan Public Library
2026-07-01 13:30 - 15:30 | Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with the library!
We will READ some great stories about America’s beginnings, make crafts, play games, and have a birthday treat.
Registration is required; space is limited. Please share any allergy or dietary needs in your registration notes.

Third Thursdays in Downtown MHK
2026-07-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Mark your calendars for July 16th as we celebrate America 250 with a fun Little Firecracker Kids Parade!
🎉 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 You Won’t Want to Miss!
July’s event is packed with something for everyone — here’s a taste of what’s in store:
🎶 Live performances all evening— A lineup of talented local musicians, dancers and will keep the energy going with live performances throughout the event.
🧱 Build Something Amazing — BHS returns with their fan-favorite interactive Children’s Construction area — get ready to build, stack, and create and a fun new clubhouse for kids to help decorate!
🏙️ Fun for All Ages — The City of MHK is bringing an interactive area designed for kids and adults alike to play and explore together on North 4th street. Touch a Truck with the Forestry Dept, MHK Airport will host a paper airplane project & the City will provide fun interactive building blocks!
🎭 Storytime Live — The Actors Theater Group brings imagination to life with performances of beloved children’s stories 6:30 pm on the North side of the Mall Plaza
🦁 Wild Encounters — Sunset Zoo joins us once again with a hands-on project and a special animal ambassador for up-close encounters.
🥧 Ther-a-pie Pie Walk Our beloved Cake Walk has received a delicious upgrade! Sponsored by Therapie, join the fun for a chance to win a pie — the sweetest new tradition on the block @ the SW corner of 4th Street in front of Gaia Salon. Bonus – they will offer $1 off pie slices in house!
🦸 Broken Cannon Cosplay Activity – WTC partners with Broken Cannon Cosplay for an interactive kids’ activity on the North Corner of the Mall Plaza.
🤠 Boots, Beats & Bags — Texas Roadhouse is saddling up with line dancing and cornhole games — y’all don’t want to miss this!
🎸 Free Concert Alert — We Are the Branches takes the stage for a free concert at Switch Wicked, kicking off at 6:30 pm.

As a part of Pool House Summer, We’ll be doing Pool House Pop-ups every Third Thursday! This time around, we’ll be setting up in the Bodega with tiki cocktails, gourmet hot dogs and this time the Nachos are making a comeback! Come by from 5-8 on July 16th to experience!
Third Thursday Art Market at SNW Gallery –
Summertime is rolling, and it’s time for another Art Market for 3rd Thursday! We will have a wonderful variety of goods for sale, and you will find ceramics, jewelry, original art, vanilla extract, and more!
The current roster of featured artists (we may have more added):Flor Widmar – NEW ceramic artist (pictured in banner)Judy Willingham – jewelry (pictured in banner) in fine silver and quality stonesAudrey Etgen – original watercolors and drawingsElene Shushanian – original art, prints, decor, and maybe chocolates!Amy Rintoul – Trufflefaerie vanilla products and jewelry
Downtown businesses will feature specials, deals and fun events as part of the evenings activities –
1419 Mercantile will host Salty Sunflower Designs, custom and permanent jewelry
The Boutique – Third Thursday Luau – Island drinks, tropical treats & summer sale 40 – 75% off!
Elevated – Open until late – Weekly special deals
Rev Thread – Buy One Get One Free rack! Celebrate their final TT in the current location – Opening new location in August!
Tallgrass Taphouse – Red, white & Blue summer Beer! Vodka, Placeholder American Wheat Ale, Blue Curacao, Strawberry, Whip Cream & Lemon!
Manhattan Brewing Company – $6 Patio Beers
Bourbon & Baker – Cocktail Happy Hour until 8pm & Whiskey Ritas & Whiskey Punch on the patio!
River Heights Yarn Co. – Community Stitching – 5 – 8 pm
House of Color – Open late & offering color consults
G Marie Designs – Open Late
Third Thursdays – May – September | 5–8 PM
Right in the heart of Downtown Manhattan – 300 & 400 Sidewalks along Poyntz Ave & along North & South 4th Street
There’s truly something for every age and interest — come spend the evening with us downtown! 🎉

National Day of the Cowboy @ Flint Hills Discovery Center
2026-07-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Wrangle up the family and join the Flint Hills Discovery Center for National Day of the Cowboy, an annual celebration of the national icon and the history and culture of the American West!
All activities are included with admission or FHDC membership

Downtown Manhattan Art Exhibition - Reception & Artist Panel
2026-08-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Manhattan
✨ New Art Exhibit Opening in Downtown Manhattan Art Spaces
✨ 409 Art Space (409 Poyntz Ave) &
Midtown Plaza Art Space (116 S. 4th Street)
Celebrate an evening of art, inspiration, and community as we welcome featured artist Felix Jimenez for the opening of a new exhibition “Townies” at Midtown Plaza on Saturday, August 1st from 5–7 PM.
Felix Jimenez’s work brings a distinctive creative voice to Downtown Manhattan, inviting viewers to explore powerful themes, unique perspectives, and artistic expression through his featured collection.
Join us for the opening reception, connect with fellow art lovers, and stay for the Artist Panel Discussion at 6:00 PM, where artists will share stories, inspiration, and insight into their creative process.
I started “Townies” for two simple reasons. First, I was tired of the idealized version of Manhattan that only exists in stock photos and tourist ads. I wanted to show that there is real beauty in showing the unfiltered version of this wonderful town. Secondly, Manhattan, KS hasn’t really been featured in street style photography and I wanted to prove to myself that Manhattan, or any Kansas town for that matter, could yield amazing street photography. In my attempt to strip all varnish and glossiness away, I found the pulse of a sleepy town growing into city. I found its rhythm. This project gave me the opportunity to closely observe how Manhattan lives. I observed how it acts when it is indifferent, when it is happy, when it hates, when it shows solidarity, when it isolates, and when it embraces. These photos are a glimpse into the beating heart of Manhattan, the town in Flint Hills, a reflection of us all.

Hi I’m Felix. For me, photography is a way to pull a moment out of reality and frame it in a way that makes you want to stay there. I’m drawn to images that feel both real and imagined, where the frame sits on the edge between documentary and staged.
I started taking photos because I was tired of the lie, the idealized version of Kansas that exists only in stock photography and tourism ads. I wanted to show the real thing: the guy sleeping behind the church, the person sitting alone at the coffee shop, the light cutting across a parking lot. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Color gives people an escape route. It lets them attach their own feelings, emotions, and their own filters to an image. Black and white removes the exit while still allowing those feelings to amplify. You cannot hide from it.
At the center of my work are people, their energy, character, and vulnerabilities. I’m inspired by human stories, gestures, and glances, by the way a person reveals beauty through simply being themselves. I love noticing small details, mixing the unexpected, and chasing that one frame that hits straight to the heart.
I like to think of my style as classic, with a hint of artsy. I believe in authenticity. I believe in the real moment. I am laid back, positive, and passionate. Beyond that, I want to keep developing my own visual language and continue to create projects that inspire and move people emotionally.
Photography, for me, is a diary, a conversation with the world, a way to surprise myself again and again. My goal with every photo is simply to make the mundane and ordinary beautiful, and to remind you that there is beauty all around us, if you know where to look. I’ve spent years learning to see things most people walk past. Now, I am honored to help you see every extraordinary thing you walk by and miss.

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!
