Downtown Manhattan Inc.

Movies in the Park: Jurassic Park
2026-05-29 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Blue Earth Plaza, Colorado St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join Manhattan Parks and Recreation for this free movie night on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Blue Earth Plaza.
If you’ve been exploring the Flint Hills Discovery Center’s Roar and Explore Dinosaur exhibit, this is the perfect way to keep the dinosaur adventure going.
Beer, wine, and punch will be available for purchase from Manhattan Brewing Company. No outside alcohol is allowed.
Hold onto your butts and join us for a dino-sized night of fun!
About the movie:Released: 1993Rating: PG-13Length: 127 minutes
Parents should be advised the film contains mild language and intense themes that may not be appropriate for all audiences. For more details visit www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/jurassic-park

FAMILY DAY: PICASSO ON THE PRAIRIE @ MOA&L
2026-06-06 11:00 - 15:00 | Museum of Art and Light, 316 Pierre St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
FAMILY DAY: PICASSO ON THE PRAIRIE
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 11 AM – 3 PM

Celebrate National Prairie Day with hands-on art activities inspired by Pablo Picasso.
Create side-by-side, explore galleries together, and discover how creativity can spark curiosity, conversation, and connection across generations.

Family Day is made possible with support from the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

Admission to Picasso: Art in Motion immersive exhibition may be purchased separately as an optional paid add-on experience.

Downtown Manhattan Art Exhibition & Reception
2026-06-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Manhattan
✨ Opening New Art Exhibit – Downtown Manhattan! ✨Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating creativity and community –
Saturday, June 6th at the Midtown Plaza (116 S 4th Street )from 5–7 pm featuring Artists from the Manhattan Watercolor Group.
Featured artists – Cheri Graham, Chris Beardsley, Julie Slagle, Deanne Burris, Kathleen Jones, Robert L. Hubbard, Gayle Doll, Elene Shushanian, Jo Fey, Graham C. Rose, Carol Wilds, Robert Hostetter, Deb Hanes-Nelson,Terry Mulhern, Deborah Umscheid & Diane Heptig
Perhaps one of Northeast/North central Kansas’ best known and respected art groups. This open studio concerns itself with helping various levels of artists grow and develop their art.
From the novice to the advanced artist, this group meets every Wednesday from 9:00 am – to 12:00 pm at the Keats City Park building. You will find a warm, inviting atmosphere with other artists who know how to deliver thoughtful, kind and honest critiques.
During Studio time we work on our Art, discuss ideas for art, have a small business meeting, and have open critiques. In late fall, winter and early spring, we serve lunch and have fellowship, while continuing to work on our projects. The group offers one, two, or three day workshops by well known artists from all over the United States each year. Our studio is involved in exhibiting in many places in the Manhattan area.
Everyone who has an interest in Art and who works in a “Water Medium”, may join this open studio. While at the same time meet people with a common interest.

Youth Comedy Improv Workshop @MHK Public Library (Ages 6 - 11)
2026-06-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Hosted by Yellow Brick Improv
GROESBECK ROOM
Bringing the comedy improv practice and participation to the youth group of Manhattan. Watch your kids enjoy a theatrical performance experience, socialize, and develop quick thinking skills. And have fun and laugh!

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.

Arrow Sustainability Series: Art Supply Swap
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Refresh your creative space the sustainable way. Bring gently used art supplies and swap them for something new-to-you. From paints and sketchbooks to brushes, fabric, markers, tools, and creative odds and ends. Come share resources, trade materials, and give supplies a second life as part of our Sustainability Series. Help reduce waste while supporting creativity in the community.
How it works:
• Clean out your studio, desk, or supply closet for gently used creative materials
• Make sure items are usable and ready for a new home
• Bring them to the swap
• Browse and take home whatever inspires you!

Tour de Taco @ Blue Earth Plaza
2026-06-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Bikewalkmhk
Mark your calendar, ticket sales to be posted soon.
Calling all taco lovers and biking enthusiasts! The 2026 Tour de Taco is here!
BikeWalkMHK Taco Bike Ride, is a family-friendly, all-ages-and-abilities ride that combines two of our favorite things: tacos and bikes! We’ll be exploring Manhattan on our bikes, riding along urban routes that include trails, bike lanes, and bike boulevards while making stops at three delicious taco shops along the way.
Including:
1. Antojitos Mexicanos El Sol
2. Guero Loco
3. Mis antojitos yami yummy
4. El Patron.
This event is open to all ages and abilities, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to biking. It’s a great opportunity to socialize, have fun, and explore the city on two wheels while supporting our mission.
Tickets will run roughly $20 per ticket. All proceeds go to the three taco shops. Supporting small, local businesses.
Bring your bike, helmet, and appetite for tacos, and let’s pedal together in celebration of bikes, tacos, and our vibrant community! Don’t miss out on this unique and tasty event organized by BikeWalkMHK. Join us for a fun-filled day of biking and tacos.
Register via the website @BIKEWALKMHK.com

Wing Wars 2026 @ Manhattan Brewing Co.
2026-06-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Manhattan Brewing Co., 406 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Get ready for the 3rd Annual Wing Wars!!!!
Manhattan’s BEST Chicken Wing Competition returns for the 3rd straight year and it will be better than ever!
15 competitors, 2 Championship Belts, and all the delicious wings you can handle.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or a competitor? Email us at info@mhkbeer.com

Tickets – https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsquare.link%2Fu%2F8inCPO8P%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExT1NlbHdZTFgyaTVKWUppNXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Y2v13LROWAqrK2mV5VTpQcbmM3WFFkv2WDJf804tLiXY7hnWQuPkbVkM7yA_aem_mnAqnTxGXaeYY3gUZu7lTw&h=AT7TOf1DtWhWqLtY1Z99sk9YDELhoOqwjp5XozfH8WPa0W2sMvvjqSrSihbQt7ff-k7SJ5UyQAQMy8v4itk_W4-kbH5K02MgwAVCqxcSDALxJ-FqGdBCH1_qFA3WagWikKyOV9hvkEE

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!

Pool House Third Thursday Popup
2026-06-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Catch the Arrow crew out on the streets 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!

Team USA Watch Party @ Blue Earth Plaza
2026-06-25 20:30 - 23:30 | Manhattan Brewing Co., 406 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us at Blue Earth Plaza on June 25 for another exciting community watch party as we cheer on Team USA together!

Festivities begin at 8:30 PM, and the match starts at 9:00 PM.

Come early to grab a good seat, enjoy the downtown atmosphere, and get ready for a fun night of soccer and community spirit. Manhattan Brewing Company will be back selling alcohol, and we’ll be giving away swag to support our KC soccer hosts — including a scarf!

Wear your red, white, and blue, bring your friends and family, and join us for another great evening cheering on Team USA. We can’t wait to see you there!

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!

New Perspectives - Opening Reception @ SNW Gallery
2026-06-26 17:00 - 20:00 | SNW Gallery, 328 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502
Join us for the opening reception for our next featured exhibit, “New Perspectives”!
Featuring an eclectic variety of new works from Jerry Moon, Carol McCall, Lynette Ubel, Kaci Smart, Patricia Scarborough, and new artist Nick Kriefall.

Meet the artists while enjoying some light refreshments and the show!
Cover photo, left to right: Nick Kriefall, Jerry Moon, and ceramic by Kaci Smart. Preview the works in this exhibit on our website: https://snwgallery.com/event-works.php?eventId=30983.

New Perspectives - Opening Reception
2026-06-26 17:00 - 20:00 | SNW Gallery, 328 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502
Join us for the opening reception for our next featured exhibit, “New Perspectives”!
Friday, June 26th – 5 – 8 pm
Featuring an eclectic variety of new works from Jerry Moon, Carol McCall, Lynette Ubel, Kaci Smart, Patricia Scarborough, and new artist Nick Kriefall.

Meet the artists while enjoying some light refreshments and the show!

Cover photo, left to right: Nick Kriefall, Jerry Moon, and ceramic by Kaci Smart. Preview the works in this exhibit on our website: https://snwgallery.com/event-works.php?eventId=30983…

Final Friday Bike Ride
2026-06-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Riley County Courthouse Plaza, 100 Courthouse Plz, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us for a relaxed, social group ride through Manhattan as we celebrate community, visibility, and safer streets. Final Friday is about more than just riding bikes, it’s about showing what a more active, connected city can look like when people come together in public space.
All ages and abilities are welcome. The pace is comfortable, the route is approachable, and the focus is on fun, community, and enjoying the ride together—not speed.
Event Details
Date: May 29th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Riley County Courthouse
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NfusvBr5Z/

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.

Which Craft - One Year Bash! @ Manhattan Town Center
2026-07-01 10:00 - 18:00 | Manhattan Town Center, 100 Manhattan Town Ctr, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us as we mark a very special milestone — one incredible year of creativity, community, and craft at Which Craft!

Come see us at Which Craft for some shopping and fun! There will be a game of chance, goodie bags and a chance to win one of our big prizes!

Find out our exciting new community goals and honor our local makers! Kicking off with the reveal at 10a, festivities go throughout the day while supplies last!

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.

School Supply Swap @ Arrow Cocktail Lounge
2026-07-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Arrow Sustainability Series: School Supply Swap
Saturday, July 11th 10 AM–1 PM | Arrow Event Room
Prepare for the school year, bring gently used school supplies and swap them for items you can use. Bring your extra or gently used notebooks, binders, pencils, backpacks, calculators, and classroom essentials. As part of our Sustainability Series, this event encourages reuse, reduces waste, and makes back-to-school season more affordable for everyone.
How it works:
• Clean out your backpack, desk, classroom, or supply closet for gently used or extra school supplies
• Make sure items are functional, and ready for a new home
• Bring them to the swap
• Browse and take home whatever you need for the upcoming school year!

Festival of Lights - Christmas in July - Movie Screening
2026-07-12 14:00 - 17:00 | Hilton Garden Inn, 410 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States

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! 🎉

Downtown MHK Firecracker Bike Parade
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Manhattan
It’s America’s 250th birthday and we are celebrating with the most important parade of the summer. The Firecracker Bike Parade is coming to Third Thursday on July 16th. All entries must be decked out in red, white, and blue! Decorate your bike, your wagon, your scooter, or your stroller, bring your little ones downtown for a good old fashioned neighborhood parade.
Kids ages 0–8 are welcome to participate. Siblings up to age 12 may ride along to keep the little ones company. Bikes, scooters, wagons, and strollers are all welcome. No electric rides please, pedal power only for this one.
Sign up via this link – https://form.jotform.com/marketinghistoricdowntown/firecracker-bike-parade

Plant Bingo @ Arrow Cocktail Lounge
2026-07-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Arrow Cocktail Lounge & Kistner’s Flowers Presents – Plant Bingo
Tuesday, July 21st | 7-9pm
Join Arrow Cocktail Lounge and Kistner’s Flowers for a night of fun that includes bingo, trivia, and cocktails. Play bingo, answer trivia and win plants! Get your tickets here>>>https://www.exploretock.com/arrow-cocktail-lounge-manhattan/event/613688/plant-bingo-july-21st

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!

Art Exhibit & SALE
2026-09-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Strasser Village, 300 N 4th, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Manhattan Watercolor Studio
Art Exhibit & SALE
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Every Saturday in September – 5th, 12th, 19th, &26th
Strasser Village Meeting Room – 300 N. 4th Street
Across from Farmers Market
Talk with talented artists while they do what they do best, paint! See and enjoy our art! Meet our artists – we’re not scary. Own a piece of original art by local artists!
See different ART every week! – There will be a variety of ART and price levels –

Ready to hang matted and framed
Matted and un-matted originals
Note cards
Watercolor earrings

Support ART in the Manhattan Area!

Symphony on the Plaza
2026-09-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Blue Earth Plaza, Colorado St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
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!

Third Thursdays in Downtown MHK
2026-09-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
🎉 Get Downtown for our final Third Thursday of the season! 🎉
Third Thursdays 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:September 17th | 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 Art Fest
2026-10-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Downtown Art Fest is Here!
Come celebrate creativity in Manhattan’s Downtown. You can browse a vibrant art market, explore a brand-new exhibit, and watch local artists compete in our annual Plein Air competition.
