Third Thursdays in Downtown MHK
2026-08-20 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 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!

Purple Power Play 2026
2026-09-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Blue Earth Plaza, Colorado St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us for the 2026 kick-off to fall and sports in Manhattan, Kansas with Purple Power Play!
Live music, food trucks, inflatables, along with the Pride of Wildcat Land, Classy Cats, Cheerleaders, Coaches and Players from a variety of K-State teams. And don’t forget to wait until the end for the fireworks display.

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 – “Home of the Brave” – celebrating the history of music from the past 250 years of our country with a special tribute of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Friday, September 11th – 7:00 pm
Blue Earth Plaza – Downtown MHK
Grab a blanket or lawn chair, round up the whole crew, and get ready for a night of music under the stars in the heart of downtown! 🎶
Sweet treats are rolling in — food trucks will be on hand serving up desserts for the whole family to enjoy.
And the best part? It’s completely FREE!
Don’t miss this magical night where our community comes together to celebrate the arts
See you there! ✨

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!

Art on the Ave - Downtown Art Fest
2026-10-03 15:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Save the Date! Art on the Ave is coming to Downtown Manhattan on Saturday, October 3rd – 3- 7pm.
Expect live music, art exhibits, an art walk, and the 3rd Annual Plein Air on Poyntz, and other interactive community art projects throughout the neighborhood.
Sign ups are now open for artists who want to take part in Plein Air on Poyntz – Sign Up here – https://downtownmhk.com/plein-air-2025/
More details on the full line up coming soon! Stay tuned as we get closer to the event!

KSU Homecoming Parade
2026-10-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Manhattan
The parade traditionally kicks off at 5 p.m. at the Manhattan Town Center, travels along Poyntz Avenue, winds through Aggieville, and concludes at City Park for the Homecoming Pep Rally.

All Treats Day in Downtown Manhattan
2026-10-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Join us for All Treats Day in Downtown on Friday, October 30th, from 4 PM to 6 PM!
Families are invited to stroll down Poyntz Avenue, where kids can safely trick-or-treat at participating neighborhood businesses. Come in costume and enjoy a fun, family-friendly Halloween experience in the heart of our community!
Don’t forget the annual Boo Party from 4-6pm at the Manhattan Town Center!

Veteran's Day Parade
2026-11-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Downtown Manhattan
The parade begins at 9:30 am at the Manhattan Town Center, travels west down Poyntz Avenue, and concludes at City Park.

12 Drinks of Christmas - Downtown Manhattan
2026-11-14 - 2026-12-18 | Downtown Manhattan
The 12 Drinks of Christmas Slow Crawl kicks off on November 14th!

Participating Downtown establishments are serving up exclusive, holiday-inspired drinks through December 18th.

With a whole month to complete your Passport, you can enjoy each location’s festive drink at your own pace. Visit each participating spot, present your Passport to try their exclusive drink, and collect a stamp. When you’ve completed your Passport, return it to our Downtown Manhattan office to receive a commemorative glass (while supplies last)!

Festival of Lights
2026-11-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Blue Earth Plaza, Colorado St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
14th Annual Festival of Lights
Friday, November 27th, 2026
Blue Earth Plaza
7PM Aerial Drone Show followed by the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Festival is going to be bigger & better than ever before.
We are so grateful to the Manhattan community for making it happen!

It’s never too early to get on Santa’s GOOD list!

Small Business Saturday
2026-11-28 | Downtown Manhattan
Local shops give back, show up, and invest in the place we call home and when you shop with them, you do too. For every $100 spent at a local business, about $68 stays right here in our community, supporting the people and places that make Downtown feel like home.

Saturday, November 28th, choose the businesses built by neighbors, rooted in our streets, and essential to our local story.
Shop Small First.

25th Annual Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade
2026-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Event Date: December 4th, 5:30 PM
Parade Route: Poyntz Avenue (from 3rd Street & Poyntz Avenue to City Park)
For Parade Goers:
Where to Watch:

The best viewing spots are along Poyntz Avenue from 3rd Street all the way to City Park.
Arrive early to grab a prime spot and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

What to Expect:

Enjoy beautifully lit floats, marching bands, and more, bringing holiday cheer to the heart of our neighborhood.
The parade starts at 5:30 PM, but be sure to come early for parking and the best views.

Parking Information:

Free parking is available at public lots and the Manhattan Town Center.
Be aware of street closures along Poyntz Avenue, which will begin prior to the parade. If you are parked on Poyntz at the start of the parade, you will have to remain in place until the parade passes.
