FHDC Reflective Nature Hike
2023-10-06 14:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Nature is all around us. Discover it with an innovative program as you experience the outdoors in a new and relaxing way. Melanie Nord will teach you how to absorb or take-in nature through meditative practice. Explore this technique at the Discovery Center before trying it in our beautiful downtown neighborhood.
Please wear comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing, and sunscreen as necessary. Please bring a water bottle.
This program is for all ages; youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Spots are limited. Pre-registration is required for all participants, including children, by 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 5. Pre-registration is required online at HERE, by phone at 785-587-2726, or in person at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

Flint Hills Beer Fest
2023-10-07 15:00 - 19:00 | Blue Earth Plaza, Colorado St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Tickets are on sale now for the 4th Annual Flint Hills Beer Fest! Held at Blue Earth Plaza, the Flint Hills Beer Fest offers an afternoon of sampling from a wide variety of breweries, while listening to fabulous live music, all while supporting Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice, the community’s only local, non-profit hospice. Fantastic food trucks and yard games will also be on-site for guests to enjoy!
3:00 – VIP Check-In begins, which includes VIP swag bag, access to breweries, yard games, and food trucks
4:00 – General Admission Check-In begins with access to breweries, yard games and food trucks
7:00 – Event Ends
Funds raised by the Good Shepherd Foundation make it possible for Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice to continue to be the community’s trusted source for compassionate care, offering personalized care choices for each client and family they serve. Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice is the community’s only local, non-profit provider of hospice and palliative home health, proudly caring for all regardless of ability to pay.

Silent Witness Ceremony
2023-10-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Riley County Courthouse Plaza, 100 Courthouse Plz, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us outside The Riley County Courthouse Plaza from noon to 1pm as we honor the victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
The Silent Witnesses are life-sized silhouette images of a person. Each Silent Witness represents a victim who has lost their life to domestic violence in our community and across Kansas.
Come hear their stories.
Join us as we raise awareness and recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This event is free. All are welcome.

FHDC: Guided Konza Hike
2023-10-11 17:00 - 19:00, 2023-10-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Come along for an immersive experience into the Flint Hills. Learn about the geological features of the Flint Hills and observe the native plant species of the season. Thanks to the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, we will be transporting visitors in our 15-passenger van from the Discovery Center to the Konza Prairie Biological Station. Ages 8 and older only in the van. Families with younger children can meet at the Trailhead. Youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
FHDC members – $8
Non-members – $10
Includes the $2 per person suggested Nature Trail donation
Get more information at www.flinthillsdiscovery.org/728/Guided-Konza-Hikes

City Commision Candidate Forum
2023-10-12 13:30 - 15:30 | Manhattan Senior Center, 301 N 4th St, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
The Flint Hills Wellness Coalition, Riley County Council of Social Service Agencies, and Manhattan Senior Center are co-sponsoring candidate forums for USD 383 Board of Education and Manhattan City Commission.
The Manhattan City Commission candidate forum will be held on Thursday, October 12 starting at 1:30pm at the Manhattan Senior Center, 301 N. 4th Street.
Both forums should conclude no later than 3pm. The forums are free and open to the public.
Four of the five seats will be determined on the city commission.

Annular Solar Eclipse Viewing
2023-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join the Discovery Center Education staff and local astronomers for a free and safe viewing of the annular solar eclipse, which occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth while it is at its farthest point from Earth, making the moon appear smaller than the sun which creates a “ring of fire” effect in the sky.
Chris Sorensen, amateur astronomer, will give a presentation in our classroom at 10 a.m. to learn what makes this type of eclipse special and how to safely view it. Or, just come to Blue Earth Plaza anytime from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. where solar viewing glasses will be provided while supplies last, and telescopes will be set up for observing the phenomenon.
In Manhattan, we will have an approximately 70% eclipse, and it will be at its maximum around 11:45 a.m.
Don’t miss your chance to see this rare celestial occurrence; you’ll have to wait another eight years before the next one comes around.

FHDC: Humanities Hike with Kansas Humanities Scholars
2023-10-14 14:30 - 16:30 | Konza Prairie Biological Station, 100 Konza Prairie Ln, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
During this unique event, six humanities scholars from a wide variety of disciplines will present their personal and professional take on the Flint Hills landscape for participants as they hike through a native tallgrass prairie outside Manhattan.
Each 10-minute-long presentation from individuals as diverse as archaeologists, poets, historians, and indigenous knowledge keepers, will invite participants to reflect on their place on the prairie while in a native prairie setting.
Free thanks to a grant from Humanities Kansas.

Third Thursday
2023-10-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
MANHATTAN, KS – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Every Third Thursday June – October
Stop by Poyntz Avenue and enjoy the art, cuisine, music and experiences of Third Thursday! The Third Thursday season may only last through summer, but the fun is just beginning. Engaging activities will be available for both young and adult attendees, ensuring that everyone who comes will find something they enjoy.
See you October 19th!

Downtown Open Mic & Talent Shenanigans
2023-10-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Finn’s Neighborhood Pub, 317 Poyntz Ave. Suite A, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us during Third Thursday for our, family friendly, Downtown Open Mic and Talent Shenanigans! Come sing your heart out, play an instrument, make us laugh, dance your way down Poyntz Ave or blow our minds with a magic trick! The Box Turtles will emcee this event in front of Finn’s Neighborhood Pub. Sign up begins at 5pm.

Big Air in the Little Apple 3
2023-10-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Witness or participate in an electrifying spectacle like no other! On October 19th, the very streets of the Little Apple will resonate with the power chords and face-melting solos of…AIR! That’s right, we’re cranking the volume to 11 for the ultimate Air Guitar showdown, and guess what? You can be center stage!
Hosted by the greatest Air Guitar player in the world and honorary-Manhattanite, Nordic Thunder, this epic contest is throwing open its imaginary doors to the public. If you’ve ever dreamt of rock stardom without the hassle of actual instruments, here’s your shot. Sign-ups are NOW OPEN! Prepare to rock. Hard.
Sign Up Here

FHDC: Bison, Beef, & Bourbon
2023-10-19 18:30 - 21:00 | Stanley Stout Center, 2200 Denison Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us for an evening of food, fun, and entertainment to benefit the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation! Your night begins with a selection of bison and beef heavy hors d’oeuvres from Kite’s Aggieville Draft House. Spice up the evening with signature cocktails made with Mark Nutsch’s Horse Soldier Bourbon made by American Freedom Distillery. A selection of complimentary beer and wine will also be available.
Learn more about and get your tickets for Bison, Beef & Bourbon.
Be sure to bring your smartphone to the event because the silent auction items will only be available for bidding online. We will also have a very special selection of exciting live auction items you won’t want to miss! All event proceeds will benefit educational initiatives at the Discovery Center.

City Commission Candidate Public Forum
2023-10-25 17:30 - 20:00 | KS
Wednesday, October 25th at 5:30pm to 7:00pm – 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 Hors d’oeuvres 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.
When:
Wednesday, October 25th
5:30 PM

Where:
Bockers II Catering, Inc.
221 N. 4th Street
Manhattan, KS 66502

Trick or Treating at the Farmer's Market
2023-10-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan, 3rd & Leavenworth, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Get dressed up and come visit local farmers, bakers & crafters for some extra treats this week! Shopping begins at 8am and Trick or Treating starts at 10am. Event runs till 1pm but Candy and Treats are available until supplies last!

Finn's 6th Anniversary & Annual Halloween Bash
2023-10-28 21:00 | Finn’s Neighborhood Pub, 317 Poyntz Ave. Suite A, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Come celebrate Tanya & Satish’s 6th year of owning Finn’s and their Annual Halloween Bash!!! There will be a costume contest, lots of FREE giveaways and The Box Turtles will be performing live beginning at 9PM. Great drink specials, so come dressed up, grab a drink and party rock. Top costume will be awarded a $100.00 Finn’s gift card and 2nd place will receive Finn’s merchandise, must be present at midnight to win!! 21+, No Cover Charge.

All Treats Day
2023-10-31 16:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Join us Downtown and visit participating businesses for trick-or-treating 4:00-6:00 PM!
Plus J&C Imaging will be offering a FREE digital download of a spooky-themed photo if you bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the Manhattan Emergency Shelter.
Trunk or Treat in the First United Methodist Church parking lot from 4pm-6pm.

VIP Gallery Walk with Michael Forsberg
2023-11-03 17:30 - 18:30 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Experience an intimate evening with award-winning conservation photographer Michael Forsberg, including a private tour of his Great Plains: America’s Lingering Wild exhibit at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres with a selection of beer and wine.

Tickets are $30 and a limited number are available. Register online, by phone at 785-587-2726, or in person at the Discovery Center.

Plan to stay for Forsberg’s public presentation at 7 p.m.

Pup Crawl on Poyntz
2023-11-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Bring your pups and walk around to AJ’s, Finn’s & MBC to get tasty beverages and support our non-profit organization, Purple Power Animal Welfare Society. There will be raffle tickets available on site and you can pre-purchase them right now by going online at https://purplepoweraws.ticketspice.com/pup-crawl-on-poynt for a variety of prizes donated by locals and local businesses, one of which being a signed Travis Kelce Jersey!!!
You need not be present to win. AJ’s, Finn’s and MBC will all be donating a portion of their proceeds from sales to PPAWS as well. There will also be pups waiting to be adopted on site.
Come out, have fun and help raise money for a wonderful organization while getting a chance to win some really cool prizes!!

Downtown Art Walk
2023-11-04 17:00 - 20:30 | Downtown Manhattan
For more information check out downtownmhkart.com
Downtown Manhattan, Inc is partnering with Friends of the Konza Prairie, SNW Gallery & Custom Frames, and the K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design for a fabulous exhibition of art and industrial design.
Join us for the first Downtown Art Walk on November 4th, 2023 at 5pm.

2023 Operation Green Light
2023-11-06 - 2023-11-12 | Downtown Manhattan
America’s counties have a long and proud history of serving our nation’s veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as we work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that the former service members have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Once again, this Veterans Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) invite the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to join Operation Green Light and show support for veterans by lighting our buildings green from November 6-12. By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported.
COUNTIES MATTER FOR VETERANS County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) in 29 states are responsible for successfully processing more than $52 billion in compensation, pension, health care and other benefits for veterans each year. Counties across the nation operate Veterans Treatment Courts, through which we can connect justice-involved veterans with programs and benefits that can treat underlying mental health and substance abuse conditions. Counties support veterans’ access to stable housing, employment and education and critical mental health services that treat trauma and prevent suicide.

Veterans Day Parade
2023-11-10 09:30 - 10:30 | Downtown Manhattan
Join us Downtown for the largest Veterans Day parade in Kansas! Hosted by the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition.

Holiday Open House
2023-11-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Sunday, Nov 12th 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Come Downtown to kick off the holiday shopping season with our Holiday Open House! Shop from your favorite local businesses and find their holiday offerings.
Participating Businesses
Flint Hills Discovery Center – 315 S 3rd St.
The Flint Hills Discovery Gift Store is kicking off our holiday season with 20% off our entire store! Other discounts do not apply.
The Winged Lion – 300 Poyntz Ave
Stop in for our sale on fall linens! Also, enter to win a select cookbook gift giveaway. *Only valid during Holiday Open House*
Unit’e Atelier – 300 Poyntz Ave
15% off in store products, today only.
Steve’s Floral – 302 Poyntz Ave
Showcasing our gourmet chocolates, Christmas villages and advent calendars as well as beautiful centerpieces and plants.
The Pathfinder – 304 Poyntz Ave
Offering a 20% off coupon and gift cards for giveaway raffles.
Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. – 311 Poyntz Ave
Buy More Save More! Save up to $100 off your purchase at Brown’s Shoe Fit! Valid Nov. 9 – Nov. 12, 2023.
Gatherings at 313 – 313 Poyntz Ave
Deck the halls with all things merry! Come see what’s new for the holidays!
Furnish – 314 Poyntz Ave
Stop in for some in-store Champagne and 20% off Holiday Decor!
Glo Aesthetics – 315 Poyntz Ave
Up to 20% off all retail, including skincare!
Manhatchet – 316 Poyntz Ave
An axe-cellent holiday gift: buy one, get one gift cards.
Finn’s Neighborhood Pub – 317 Poyntz Ave
Take a break from shopping and enjoy one of our specials including $6.75 32oz domestic beers, $10.00 32oz premium beers and $3.50 Amaretto Sours. We now have a variety of merchandise available as well as gift cards!!
The Boutique – 318 Poyntz Ave
20% off store wide and enjoy some cookies and cider while shopping!
Pine & Plaid – 320 Poyntz Ave
Store closing sale continues with deep discounts!
Bling – 321 Poyntz Ave
Give the gift of BLiNG and enjoy 20% off store wide during Holiday Open House, including Kendra Scott jewelry!
ROOTED – 327 Poyntz Ave
ROOTED will feature fair trade coffee and tea as well as free baked treats from our friends at Therapie. So come in and get a jump on your holiday shopping and enjoy treats as our thank you!
SNW Gallery & Custom Frames – 328 Poyntz Ave
10% off Santas, AlBo Glass orbs, and holiday jewelry. Also, we will be hosting vendors that will have gift items like jewelry and ornaments.
Gaia Salon – 401 Poyntz Ave
We are excited for our Annual Downtown Holiday Open House with SANTA!!!
Visit with Santa and bring a donation for the Flint Hills Breadbasket and get your photo with Santa Claus! Spend $75 or more on products and receive a complimentary gift card to use toward services in January & February.
Yeehaw Country Outfitters – 407 Poyntz Ave
Stob by for deals throughout the store on men’s and women’s items!
Allstate Insurance – 409 Poyntz Ave
Take a break from your holiday shopping at the Pray Family Allstate Office. Drop your bags, sink into our comfy chairs, and enjoy a fall beverage paired with an amazing treat from our friends at locally owned Doughbro’s. We can’t wait to see you!
Twelve: A Fellowship Boutique – 409 Poyntz Ave
Stop in for Cole’s Permanent Jewelry & Hair Tinsel pop-up shop, register to win prize pack, and free gift wrapping! We will also begin our seasonal hours and are hosting the Salvation Army Angel Tree!
Mesa Collection Co. – 411 Poyntz Ave
Enjoy 20% off select items in store!
Confetti & Cashmere – 411 Poyntz Ave
If you are looking for handmade holiday gifts, shop Confetti and Chasmere’s new downstairs location. You will find locally made ornaments and some of the cutest paper goods for your holiday gatherings. During Holiday Open House, draw for a chance to win up to 50% off your entire purchase that day! Every drawing is guaranteed a discount!

12 Drinks of Christmas
2023-11-15 - 2023-12-13 | Downtown Manhattan
Beginning on November 15th and running through December 13th, 2023, your $10 ticket will grant you access to purchase exclusive holiday beverages at our locally owned restaurants and bars. Complete the pub crawl and you will receive a 12 Drinks of Christmas commemorative glass.
Purchase Tickets HERE

Wonder Workshop Soul Food Dinner Fundraiser
2023-11-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Pottorf Hall, 1710 Avery Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
The 2023 Wonder Workshop Soul Food Dinner Fundraiser is all about bringing the community together to eat some delicious soul food while working together to raise funds for the children and families who come to Wonder Workshop for learning through play. As importantly, this serves as an opportunity for members of the community to join in keeping the memory of the hard work and dedication of our founder, Mr. Richard Pitts, alive.
As a non-profit organization that largely relies on grant funding to support our efforts to continue to promote education in the arts, sciences, and humanities through hands-on activities and exhibits, the funds raised at our Soul Food Dinner Fundraiser will go a long way.
Tickets can be purchased using the Eventbrite link (https://www.eventbrite.com/…/wonder-workshop-soul-food…), and prices are: $20 for ages 17 and up; $10 for ages 6-16; $5 for ages 2-5; free for kids under 2. No family will be charged more than $60. (Please contact us at wonder@wonderworkshop.org if you’d like to purchase physical tickets.)
Every dollar raised goes toward the work it takes to make sure children and families inside and out of the Manhattan community have a place to go where they can grow a desire for lifelong learning, recognize everyone’s cultural diversity, and enhance their creative potential.
To find out how you can be a sponsor and more, visit our site: https://www.wonderworkshop.org/
*To-go boxes will be available upon request at the event*

Friendsgiving in the Alley
2023-11-16 17:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan Brewing Co., 406 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Come join us and Arrow Cocktail Lounge as we host Friendsgiving in the Alley!!! There will be beer and sangria from MBC, cocktails, food and wine from Arrow Cocktail Lounge, and pies and sweets from Therapie. Bring all the friends down to to give thanks and party together! We will have Turkey Bowling, a Pumpkin Pie eating contest, DJ Sloan will be here, heaters, and more. This is an all ages event so feel free to bring the kids down (or grab a babysitter and make it a SUPER fun night…lol)

Flint Hills Volunteer Center: Festival of Trees
2023-11-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Manhattan Town Center, 100 Manhattan Town Ctr, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
The Festival of Trees is a Magical Way to Begin the Holiday Season
Join us November 17, 2023, as we celebrate 20 years with the Festival of Trees. It will be a fun evening with beautifully decorated trees, mantels, wreaths, and entryway. We’ll have delicious food, a cash bar, photo booth, liquor pull, and many silent auction items. We’ll be joined by our Master of Ceremonies, Lyle Butler, and some special guests.
The Festival of Trees has been crucial to the sustainability of our programs, and with your help, we will have another successful event. All proceeds support programs and services to over 1400 volunteers and nearly 60 non-profit organizations.
We’re back at the Manhattan Town Center mall with a casual and fun evening with a few surprises! Purchase your tickets now and come celebrate the holiday season.

Festival of Lights at Blue Earth Plaza
2023-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Blue Earth Plaza, Colorado St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Friday, November 24th, 2023.
Santa will be lighting the tree at 7 p.m. Come enjoy this free one-of-a-kind illumination spectacular that includes local choirs, holiday festivities and of course – lots & lots of lights!

Kansas Holiday Market
2023-11-25 14:00 - 20:00 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Embrace the spirit of the holiday season at this unique outdoor shopping experience dedicated to Kansas products.
On Small Business Saturday, the FHDC connects merchants who grow, produce, process, manufacture, or craft their products in Kansas with those seeking to make a difference with their dollars in their home state.
Bringing a variety of businesses together in one place gives shoppers the opportunity to explore several products from around the region to help them find that perfect gift for someone special.
Sponsored by the Land of Kansas, vendors will be set up outside and our gift store and the Discovery Center exhibits will remain open until 8 p.m.

It is free to visit vendors. With a purchase from one of the participating vendors, receive a discounted admission price of $8 for adults and $4 for children. Without a vendor purchase, regular admission rates apply to enter the Discovery Center exhibits.

Manhattan Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade
2023-12-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Downtown Manhattan
Come enjoy our holiday parade! Bundle up to see this winter spectacular, all lit up!
Parade Starts at 5:30PM
Click Here to Find Out More

Breakfast with Santa
2023-12-02 08:15 - 12:15 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Once upon a time in cozy Manhattan, Santa came to visit the Discovery Center! Families flocked inside for breakfast and sweet treats. Children played games and told holiday stories. Gingerbread Men were decorated, and families posed for photos with Santa. The only way to find out how this story ends is to join in the holiday fun!
This popular community event typically sells out so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance! Tickets are available for purchase online, over the phone at 785-587-2726, or in-person at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.
Event Ticket Includes:
Catered breakfast
Themed holiday crafts and activities
Holiday scavenger hunt
Gingerbread Man decorating
Take-home ornament craft
Digital family photo with Santa
All-day access to FHDC exhibits including Great Plains: America’s Lingering Wild
Price:
Under 2 – $9 (FHDC members and non-members)
FHDC members 2 and older – $20
Non-members 2 and older – $26
All attendees, youth and adult, must have a ticket. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Photo times distributed in order on a first come, first served basis.
