Downtown Manhattan Inc.

Third Thursday
2025-08-21 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Manhattan
🎉 Get ready for the most fun night of the summer! 🎉 Downtown Manhattan’s Third Thursdays — where art, music, and community take over the streets from May through September! Each month, downtown transforms into a vibrant street fair and maker’s market bursting with creativity.
✨ Join us for an evening full of fun, hands-on activities, and good vibes!Bring your crew — friends, family, kids, and curious minds — and dive into a night of local art, live music, delicious treats, and unforgettable moments.
🎨 What’s in store?
Amazing local artists & makers showing off their talents
Wonder Workshop will be back at the Brain Station located on AJ’s Platform with fun kids activities!
Downtown Manhattan Inc. will host a fun Kid’s painting project, The Actor’s Theatre group will return once again with 2 Children’s Theatre performances live & in front of the Wareham!
The music group – JBC will perform live several times through out the event on the east side of Pho’s platform.
🕔 It’s all happening from 5–8pm — outside, downtown, and full of energy.Mark your calendar and don’t miss the magic of Third Thursdays!
2025 Third Thursday Remaining Dates
September 18th
October 16th – Final Third Thursday w The Big Little Apple Street Fest!

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 “We Are the Branches” Live music inside!
Finn’s Neighborhood Pub – Drink specials – $12 Domestic 60oz pitchers & $16 Premium 60oz pitchers – Music at 9 pm – Brother Jeb and Tony
Manhattan Brewing Co – Jammin Jamaican Food Truck – 6 pm Team Trivia with Trivial Zombies – 7p – Drinks available on the patio!
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
Elevated – Open till 8pm
The Boutique – 3rd Thursday Threads – w Women & Children’s Spring/Summer apparel 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. – Craft Flea Market Swap/Vendors inside selling supplies & items
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!

Yuma Street Cultural Festival
2025-08-31 13:00 - 21:00 | Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, 900 Block of Yma, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
1:00 – 9:00 pm – Sunday, August 31 – 2025
Organized by Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills

900 Block of Yuma Street, Manhattan Kansas
(Centered at 930 Yuma – The Future Home of YSCC)

Music – DJS – Performances – Divine 9 Stroll Off
Boots on the Ground Competition – Prizes
Soul Food – Cultural Chefs – Historical Tours – Vendors
Oral Histories Kids Zone – Storytime – Bounce Houses

Symphony on the Plaza
2025-09-13 19:00 - 20:00 | 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!

The Sounds of Many - Live at Switch Wicked
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Switch Wicked, 413 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
The Sounds of Many make their way back to their original hometown Manhattan KS to perform at Downtown Manhattan’s Third Thursday event live at Switch Wicked on their Ishtar Wears High Heels tour.

Building Buddies at The Flint Hills Discovery Center
2025-09-20 - 2026-01-04 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
GRAB YOUR HARD HAT AND PUT ON YOUR SAFETY VEST!

Plan, renovate, decorate, paint, tile, build, and more at the Flint Hills Discovery Center’s new temporary exhibition, Building Buddies, opening on Saturday, September 20. The Building Buddies exhibition portrays a small community where everyone is busy working on their homes. Different characters, “buddies”, invite young children to play, explore, collaborate, create, and learn while improving the neighborhood.
Grab a helmet and a safety vest to wear throughout the exhibition before you:

Organize and plan a house with Peter the Architect
Help Eva brighten up her bungalow inside and out
Build a doghouse for Winston the Bulldog
Help Pipa Longpipe finish renovating her home
Climb and build with Billy the Brick Layer
Construct a chimney to keep the Walltons safe and warm

“Building Buddies is more than just play—it’s hands-on problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity in action”, says Sally Dreher, Curator of Education. “Every paint stroke and block stack introduces kids to the core ideas of STEAM, helping them see how science, technology, engineering, art, and math are all around them. It’s a fun and powerful way to spark curiosity and confidence in the next generation of creators”.
Building Buddies provides an immersive discovery environment that encourages the development of science and process skills at an early age and provides development skills and learning opportunities including large and fine motor skills, imagination and pretend play, logical thinking, and social interaction.
Building Buddies is on display through January 4, 2026. Regular admission rates apply.
Building Buddies was developed by Loodo Exhibits, and touring in partnership with Sciencenter.
Thank you to our sponsors McCownGordon Construction; Tim and Angie Schultz; The Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation; Visit Manhattan; Hamm Foundation; Economy Electric; Bayer Construction and Larson Construction, Inc.; Thermal Comfort Air; BBN Architects, Inc.; and Orazem & Scalora Engineering, P.A.
Learn more at www.flinthillsdiscovery.org/buildingbuddies

String Circle: Artist Talk at Flight Crew Coffee
2025-09-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Flight Crew Coffee, 423 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Have a coffee, meet the musicians, and learn about Americana influences in classical chamber music. This (free!) lecture is accompanied by a performance of Kenji Bunch’s riveting, fiddle-inspired “String Circle.”

Grown Up Book Fair @ Manhattan Brewing Company
2025-09-20 15:00 - 20:00 | Jackalope Bookstore
Jackalope Bookstore is back for ROUND TWO – another book fair for grown-ups! Come on out for good books and good beer.
Our shop curates a wide selection of books and thoughtful small goods that celebrate the joys of reading. To make the experience even more memorable, we pair featured books with craft beers from the brewery—served fresh on tap. The result is a welcoming space where adults in the community can gather, browse, sip, and reconnect with the childhood magic of a school book fair—only this time, with a pint in hand.

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.

City Commission Candidate Public Forum
2025-10-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Bockers II, 221 N. 4th Street, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Duration: 2 hr

The public is invited to attend the Downtown City Commission Candidate Public Forum hosted by the Downtown Manhattan, Inc Board of Directors. The public will have about one hour to ask questions related to Manhattan and the issues we face as a community. The forum is moderated by former Chamber President, Lyle Butler. Candidates will be given questions specific to downtown issues prior to the forum and asked to answer them for the public. Light refreshments and water will be provided along with a cash bar. The forum is being held at Bocker’s II downtown event venue at 221 N. 4th Street. Ample parking is available across the street at 4th and Leavenworth.

Plein Air on Poyntz Art Competition
2025-10-04 15:30 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Join us for the most exciting art event of the season! Capture the spirit of Downtown Manhattan by painting en plein air along the vibrant Poyntz Avenue. Celebrate creativity, connection, and community on Poyntz Avenue!

Event Overview:
Artists are invited to set up along Poyntz Ave and create a piece that reflects the energy and culture of the street. You’ll have 3 hours to complete your artwork onsite. All styles and mediums welcome — as long as the work is done live during the event.
Entry Fee: $20 per submission

Awards & Recognition:

Grand Prize: $500 award + artwork becomes the property of Downtown Manhattan
All submissions will be showcased in a Downtown Art Space throughout October
After the exhibition, artists may sell their pieces directly. We ask that pieces remain on display until the end of October.

Judging:
All submissions will be reviewed and selected by a jury of art professionals and community members, ensuring a thoughtful and high-quality selection.
Time Schedule Break Down –
3:00 pm – Artist Check In & Set up
4:00 pm – Competition begins
6:00 pm – Competition ends/ Artist tear down
6:25 pm – All submissions must be turned in to judges station @ Courthouse Plaza
6:30 pm – Judging begins
7:00 pm – Winner announced
Register to paint en plein air here.

Fall Opening Exhibit - Downtown MHK
2025-10-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
New Art Exhibition – Opening ReceptionSaturday, October 4 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Downtown Manhattan
Meet our featured Artist at our Opening Reception – Join us at Midtown Plaza at 116 S. 4th Street for a special showcase of artwork by Daphne McNelly & Reagan Johnson

🕔 Reception: 5:00 – 7:00 PM

🎤 Artist Panel: 6:00 PM at Midtown Plaza

🖼️ Exhibits remain on view at Midtown Plaza, and The Underground through October & November

Following the Plein Air Competition, our 409 Poyntz Art Space will host a special showcase featuring the works of this year’s participating artists. This exhibition will give the community an opportunity to view the completed pieces up close and celebrate the talent and creativity captured during the event.

Reagan Johnson is a self-taught photographer and a native of Olsburg, Kansas. She
specializes in concert photography as well as portrait and nature photography. From
2022 to present, Reagan has provided coverage for four publications of 73 concerts
featuring 132 different bands and artists. This coverage spans 35 venues across 12
cities in 6 states.

Daphne McNelly – is a watercolor artist based in Manhattan, Kansas, and I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. Art, for me, is more than expression, it is a connection to the human experience, a language that communicates emotions and stories too intricate for words.
My work is recognized by vibrant colors, whimsical designs, and a love of floral elements. I draw inspiration from the natural world, the way flowers bloom and fade, the dance of light and shadow, and the endless possibilities of color and shape. Butterflies also appear throughout my work, carrying their own symbolism of transformation, resilience, and renewal. Their presence reflects my belief that art, like life, is ever-evolving, delicate, and full of possibility.
As a self-taught artist, my journey has been one of experimentation and continual growth, but also plenty of happy accidents. Watercolor constantly reminds me that I’m not in control. The way the paint runs, blends, or does its own thing keeps me on my toes, and I’ve learned to embrace that unpredictability. It’s a practice in letting go, laughing at the unexpected, and remembering that art doesn’t always have to be serious, it can simply be play.
In the end, my work is an offering: a celebration of joy, nature, and the moments that remind us to notice the extraordinary within the everyday and to always have a little fun with life.”

The BIG Little Apple Street Fest & Final Third Thursday
2025-10-16 16:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Manhattan
The BIG Little Apple Street Fest
October 16th | 4:00 – 9:00 PM | 📍 Downtown Manhattan, KS
Get ready for one unforgettable evening at this Downtown Manhattan street festival that brings together everything we love about life in the Midwest—community, creativity, and connection.
The BIG Little Apple Street Fest takes over three full blocks of our city center with Midwest family fun at every turn. Expect a mix of classic charm —from a vibrant car show, live music, and a street dance, to interactive kids activities such as hopscotch, four square, and more.
With the streets closed and excitement flowing, this Kansas festival is a chance for the whole community to connect, celebrate, and enjoy all the reasons we love where we live. Whether you’re local or just visiting, you’ll find something to smile about here.
🕺 Hit the street dance with – Elton Dan & The Rocket Band
✨ Browse a car show
🎸 Air Guitar Competition – featuring Nordic Thunder!
🥧 Compete in a Pie Eating Contest
🦖 Inflatable 15-Yard Dash & Parade – (Pre-register yourself or group – link below!)
🍔 Grab bites and drinks from your favorite spots in the neighborhood & enjoy the new CCA downtown!
AND all your favorite Third Thursday activities! 🍰
This is more than an event—it’s a full-sensory street fest made for everyone. Expect big energy, vibrant experiences, and the best of the Little Apple.
Special features –Kansas Tatsumaki Yosakoi Japanese Dance Team –

In 2005, Seiji Ikeda founded the Kansas State University Yosakoi Dance group, bringing the Japanese dance style to Kansas and fostering cultural exchange among students. The group competed at the Yosakoi Soran Festival in Japan in 2006 and 2007, earning awards. Now known as Tatsumaki Yosakoi, with teams in Manhattan and Kansas City, the group continues to share Yosakoi’s energy and was named an Official Yosakoi Ambassador by Kochi Prefecture in 2019 for its global cultural contributions.

Beloved Manhattan artist – Jacob Sanderson will be hosting a painting class project inside of Fragrant Blends during the event – Learn to paint your own pet portraiture of a”Sloppy Dog”!

⬇️ Sign up here to compete in the Inflatable Race & Parade ⬇️

Business Showcase
Tallgrass Taphouse – Pint Sized Education, each half hour on the Patio – 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 pm – Purchase drinks from their platform – special drink just for kids!
Switch Wicked – Open Late
Finn’s Neighborhood Pub – Drink specials – $12 Domestic 60oz pitchers & $16 Premium 60oz pitchers –
Manhattan Brewing Co – Featuring Jamin Jamaican Food truck
Daughter of Dephi – Open Late
Flight Crew Coffee – Open Late
Wareham Hall – featuring Nordic Thunder Air Guitar competition & Wareham Hall “Sign Off” event
J & C Imaging – Hosting Inflatable Suit Race & Parade – 4:45 pm
Elevated – Open Late
The Boutique – 3rd Thursday Threads – 50% – 75% off
Fragrant Blends – Featuring Artist, Jacob Sanderson w Live Painting lessons
Manhatchet – Featuring Mobile Unit outside
Brown’s Shoe Fit – UGG Shoe Party, Giveaway chance to win a pair of UGG’s & free cleaning kit to 1st 10 paying customers
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 – Hosting Pie Eating contest at 6:45 pm – $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
Tropical Sno – Kids 12 & under 1/2 priced Shaved Ice
Flint Hills Antiques & Crafts – OPEN LATE until 8pm – 30% off Everything!

The Sign Off & Air Guitar Competition @ Wareham Hall
2025-10-16 16:00 - 21:00 | Wareham Hall, 410 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, 66502, United States
On the final Third Thursday, we’re opening our doors to the public one last time before construction begins. The event will feature our memory collection activities, giving guests the chance to record personal stories in a video or audio diary and sign the historic stage!
If you were unable to attend the Renovation Showcase, our exhibits highlighting the building’s history and updated renderings will be displayed throughout the theater.
The celebration also includes the return of Nordic Thunder, who will host an epic air guitar competition right outside our doors on Poyntz Ave at 5:30 PM.
Please share this event with your friends and family—we want to collect as many stories as possible!
And if you or someone you know has artifacts from the theater and would like to donate them to Wareham Hall, they can bring them to the event or contact staff at info@warehamhall.org or 785-775-1880.

We hope you join us and help spread the word!

Creative Play & Cocktails - Make a "Kaw-llage" Collage
2025-10-17 17:30 - 20:30 | Museum of Art and Light, 316 Pierre St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States

Builders Bash @ Flint Hills Discovery Center
2025-10-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us for a hands-on celebration of all things building, construction, and design –
indoors and out! Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, future engineer, or just curious about
how spaces come to life, this event is packed with inspiration, innovation, and
interactive fun!
Date, Time, and Location
Saturday, October 18
10 am to 3 pm
Inside and outside the Discovery Center
Kids of all ages will enjoy:
Seeing and touching different types of trucks and construction equipment
Construction site; play area
Building a toolbox
Beehive construction
Engineering and building “Boxhattan”
Giveaway of the book What We Build by Oliver Jeffers to the first 300 youth in attendance
Tool belt giveaway (while supplies last) and more!
Cost
FREE youth admission

Trick or Treat @ HyVee
2025-10-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Hy-Vee, 601 3rd Place, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls unite!
Trick or Treat at Hy-Vee is Saturday from 10am-1pm.
Costumes encouraged for a frightfully fun time!

All Treats Day in Downtown Manhattan
2025-10-31 16:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Join us for All Treats Day in Downtown on Friday, October 31st, 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!

Trunk or Treat at Blue Earth Plaza
2025-10-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Hilton Garden Inn, 410 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Come join the community by Blue Earth Plaza for the Trunk or Treat Event!

This event is held by the Hilton Garden Inn, and supported by businesses around the Blue Earth Plaza.

It will be on Halloween, October 31st, from 6pm to 8pm!

Bubbles the Frog Wizard Birthday Bash
2025-10-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Switch Wicked, 413 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Are you ready to celebrate Bubbles the Frog Wizard’s Birthday?

The Frog Wizard Concert Series with @wildcat919fm featuring live music from @krysis.band and @fantishow starting at 7
Costume contest — winners announced at 8
Coloring pages, new merch drops, and exclusive deals all day!

@downtownmhk all treats day from 4-6

Drinks from @manhattanbrewing during the show

Free & all ages — don’t miss it!

Frog Wizard photo: @garage_crycore

First Saturday Art Market at Switch Wicked
2025-11-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Switch Wicked, 413 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States

Soulful Noise: Celebrating Together through Song and Sustenance
2025-11-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Museum of Art and Light, 316 Pierre St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join MoA+L for a free chorale performance featuring varied community and congregational choirs for a one-hour performance celebrating, home, sanctuary, community and gathering together (as inspired by themes present in the exhibition, Crafting Sanctuaries: Black Spaces of the Great Depression South Following the performance, will be access to locally owned food trucks. This event is presented in collaboration with the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) and Yuma Street Cultural Center (YSCC) with support of the interfaith community of communities.
Museum of Art + Light, museum atrium and Gather Together Lounge (first floor)
November 2nd – 4:00 – 6:00 pm (Free)

Holiday Open House & Musical Art Walk
2025-11-08 10:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Downtown’s largest shopping day of the year is here!
Kick off the holiday season by eating, drinking, and shopping local with all your favorite Downtown businesses. Don’t miss the holiday ensembles from Manhattan Symphony Orchestra throughout the neighborhood!
Details regarding participating businesses will be added soon!Open House hours are subject to individual business hours.

Veteran's Day Parade
2025-11-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Flint Hills Veterans Coalition
Veterans Day Parade
While many realize that Veterans Day, which always falls on November 11, is a day to honor our Veterans, few realize the historical significance behind the day.Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day and marked the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. Therefore, the day is always recognized on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week the 11th In 1919. President Wilson commemorated the first Armistice Day with these words:
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
The day was originally set aside to honor the Veterans of World War I with a day of parades and remembrances as well as a pause in activities at 11am.
The Veterans Day parade held in Manhattan is our State’s largest celebration of service. It is sponsored by the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition offering the public the opportunity to show their support for those who serve on our nation’s most visible stage. To conduct the parade the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition works in partnership with the Kansas State Army ROTC, Ft. Riley, USO, and other organizations. We are thankful for the tremendous support of those who participate and those who donate to honor those who have given so much.

Register TODAY for the Flint Hills Veterans Day Parade 2025. https://flinthillsveterans.org/ for registration information and form.
Vehicles, floats, walking groups, if you are a patriot – we want you to join us! Parade participation is absolutely FREE. .

12 Drinks of Christmas - Downtown Manhattan
2025-11-13 - 2025-12-18 | Downtown Manhattan
The 12 Drinks of Christmas Slow Crawl kicks off on November 13th!

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)!

How to Join:
Purchase here via link – https://form.jotform.com/marketinghistoricdowntown/12-drinks-passport-2025
Passports will be available for pickup at Flight Crew Coffee – 423 Poyntz Ave – you will need to show proof of purchase to pick up your passport.

Happy sipping, and enjoy a festive season with the 12 Drinks of Christmas Slow Crawl!

Holiday Art Show @ SNW Gallery
2025-11-13 - 2025-12-19 | SNW Gallery, 328 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, Kansas, 66502
SNW’s holiday show features works from the region’s finest artists
Bo Bedilion, James Borger, Allison Bowman, Ann L. Carter, Kim Casebeer, William Counter, Shawn Delker, Bruce Ediger, Greg Fallon, Betsy Forcade, Tim Forcade, Kristin Goering, Virginia Grass Simmons, Teresa Grove, Annie Helmericks-Louder, John Hulsey, George Jerkovich, James S. Jones, Phyll Klima, Cally Krallman, Diane Lawrence,Patricia Barry Levy, John Louder,Carol McCall, Doloris Pederson, Larry Peters,Susan Rose, Patricia Scarborough, Brad Sneed,Cristine Sundquist, Nancy Teague, Jean Terry,Ann Trusty, David Vollbracht,Barbara Waterman-Peters, Diana Werts,Wynne Wilbur, & Chris Willey
Shop early for best selection!
SNW Gallery & Custom Frames
is located at 328 Poyntz Avenue in Downtown Manhattan, Kansas
785.537.2099
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-6
Saturday 10-3
Monday by appointment

Unicorn Dreams @ Wonder Workshop
2025-11-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Wonder Workshop Children’s Museum, 506 S 4th Street, Manhattan, 66502, United States
We are excited to launch a new experience for children and families! Our Teen Mentors are hard at work creating activities and experiences that will make your Saturday mornings a little more magical!

Drop in this Saturday for Unicorn Dreams anytime between 10:30am-12pm. In addition to unicorn activities, your $5 admission includes open free play throughout the museum!

Wonder Workshop Children’s Museum
506 S 4th Street, Manhattan KS
www.wonderworkshop.org

Adult Free forum at Manhattan Public Library
2025-11-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Groesbeck Meeting Room

Tuesday, November 18, 2025
6:30pm–8:00pm

Program Type:
Library Events

Age Group:
Adults

Program Description
Event Details

Relax and reduce stress by hanging out at your local library. On 3rd Tuesday nights, we will have a variety of activities available from arts & crafts to games to conversation starters. Have some snacks, make some friends, and stay connected with this community. All are welcome. Come and go from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Groesbeck Meeting Room.

Science on Tap featuring Jacob Yetter
2025-11-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Manhattan Brewing Co., 406 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Fly over to Manhattan Brewing Company on November 19 at 7 pm for this month’s Science on Tap featuring Jacob Yetter, Conservation Ranching Program Manager for The National Audubon Society. Grab a beer and nest-le in to learn how ranchers, grasslands, and conservation can be birds of a feather by flocking together!

Music & Motion: K-STATE Faculty Showcase Series
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Museum of Art and Light, 316 Pierre St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Museum of Art + Light 316 Pierre Street, Manhattan, United States

Experience and evening of sound, movement and art conversation at the Museum of Art + Light. Faculty from K-State’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance come together in a one-of-a-kind performance featuring live music, dance and projection by Museum of Art + Light’s creative director of immersive exhibitions, Sydney Bouhaniche.
From evocative vocal works and lyrical chamber music to bold piano solos, contemporary dance and medieval instruments, Music & Motion celebrates artistry that transcends boundaries.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic drinks at 6 pm followed by the one-hour performance at 6:30 pm A cash bar for wine and beer is available. Seating is limited.
