Jazz Night with Side Hustle @ Manhattan Brewing Co.
2026-08-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Manhattan Brewing Co., 406 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us for Jazz Night with Side Hustle!
Spend your Thursday evening enjoying live jazz from Side Hustle on Thursday, August 13, from 7:00-9:00 PM on The Brew Deck at MBC.
Grab a craft beer or cocktail downstairs, then head up to the Brew Deck to relax with friends and enjoy an evening of great music, good drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Open Board Gaming @ The Village Geek
2026-08-16 13:00 - 17:00 | The Village Geek, 105 N. 3rd Street, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Open Board Gaming
Bring your friends and family to our Open Board Gaming sessions. During this time our Board Game Library is free to use or you can bring games from home.
Join us for weekly, casual board games! Bring your favorite games from home or play any title from our board game library (free during the event)! Participants will receive a Village Geek Rewards sticker.

Drinks with Dinos
2026-08-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd St., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Gather your friends and join us for a prehistoric happy hour! Explore the exhibits, come face-to-face with dinosaurs, and enjoy a beer, wine, or punch from the cash bar provided by Manhattan Brewing Company!
All activities (excluding alcohol) are included with admission or FHDC membership.
Come-and-go. Pre-registration is not required. Outside food welcome.
Adults 21+ only. No children will be allowed. Proof of age may be required.

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!

Kids Craft Morning at Switch Wicked Studios
2026-08-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Switch Wicked, 413 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Join us for a Kids Craft Morning on Saturday, August 22, from 10 AM–12 PM! Drop in and create something of your own. We’ll provide supplies for kids to get creative and make their own artwork.
Kids will also have the option to submit their creations to Keep My Future Bright – Kids Art Show, coming up in September!
This is a free event designed for kids ages 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies are provided!

Back to School Night at Arrow Cocktail Lounge
2026-08-23 17:30 - 19:00 | KS
Back to School Night
Sunday, August 23rd | 5:30-7pm

Join us for an evening of community, laughter, and a first look at what’s coming this semester at Arrow. Be the first to learn about Arrow’s upcoming events and newest menu, then enjoy local university faculty reading funny and perhaps mean student evaluations. Grab a drink, reconnect with your community, and start the semester with a little extra school spirit. This event is FREE but a reservation is required.

RSVP HERE – https://www.exploretock.com/arrow-cocktail-lounge-manhattan/event/617801/arrow-back-to-school-night?utm_source=sqmktg_email

Drinks & Thinks @ Arrow Cocktail Lounge
2026-08-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Drinks & Thinks – Untold Stories: Preserving Community Memory Through Oral History

Wednesday, August 26th 2026 | 7-8:30 p.m.

Whose stories get remembered, and whose are often left out? The Kansas State University Oral History Project documents the experiences of individuals and communities whose perspectives might otherwise be lost to time. Join Ryan Leimkuehler, University Archivist, Kansas State Libraries for a conversation about oral history, community memory, and the importance of preserving diverse voices including stories of student life, identity, activism, and belonging at K-State. Through examples from the oral history project, participants will explore how personal narratives deepen our understanding of history and help shape the future.

This event is FREE and a reservation is required. If you would like to enjoy dinner during the event please arrive early to order your meal

Frog Wizard Concert Series - The Manhattan Project
2026-08-28 19:00 - 22:00 | Switch Wicked, 413 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Frog Wizard Concert Series with Wildcat 91.9 returns! This monthly concert series leads up to Frog Wizard Fest in May
Join us for live music from The Manhattan Project (MHK) with Big Fat Cow (KC) and Nirvana Hope (MHK) on Friday, August 28 at 7 PM. $5 at the door. All ages welcome!
Friday, August 28 at 7 PMSwitch Wicked, 413 Poyntz Ave, Downtown MHK

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! ✨

Final Third Thursday Event of 2026!
2026-09-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Manhattan
🕔 When & Where:September 17th | 5–8 PMRight in the heart of Downtown Manhattan – 300 & 400 along Poyntz Ave & along North & South 4th Street
🎉 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.

🎨 Highlights include:• 6th annual Air Guitar Competition with Nordic Thunder• The Great Inflatable Suit Race sponsored by J&C Imaging• Beloved favorites like the Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Ther-a-pie, sidewalk musicians, pop-up performances, artists, makers and live demonstrations!
Sign up below for the Great Inflatable Suit Race – 3 Divisions –
Ages 6 – 10 / 11- 17 / 18 & up
🌟 Every Third Thursday offers something new to discover. Mark your calendar, gather your people, and join us as downtown comes alive—again and again.

Cups of Connection Social Networking Event
2026-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Flight Crew Coffee, 423 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
Thursday, Sept. 24th – 6 – 8pm –
Flight Crew Coffee 423 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan KS 66502
Cups of Connection is a simple, fun evening built around good coffee, handcrafted mugs, and meeting someone new.
You’ll choose a handmade ChickaBee Pottery mug without knowing where its match is. Then we’ll reveal the pairs, and you’ll find the person holding the matching mug. Your mug is yours to keep, and you’ll order something good to drink from Flight Crew Coffee’s curated menu while you get to know each other.
This isn’t a singles event or a networking event. It’s simply a chance to show up as yourself, share a cup, and connect with someone you might never have met otherwise.
Tickets – https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.flightcrewcoffee.com%2Fevents-1%3Ffbclid%3DIwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwTEFrVGhvMlowYldqajVzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpAn3A9bj5pJu6vKPeCMYUAk0_3A5OR9DpuA75CilyME7gY5nAEeeRTx516p_aem_qLMd9We91q8SVhCsyRFdvw&h=AUBId-clbBWnvMdIhJYz7DMa5mKdpIIse0ufoPhodWbHg4OW4oElptQre8QBzhDGibtddynHf2vXDLCC0HdDqa49lOoGJE_G4J2yqC_9ug-NS_2DZ0WXw7-wpA-EWM6TmJNhDttjRJI

Art on the Ave - Downtown Art Fest
2026-10-03 15:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Manhattan
Art on the Ave is coming to Downtown Manhattan on Saturday, October 3rd – 4- 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.

Plein Air on Poyntz
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/

Meet the Artists: An Art on the Ave Exclusive!
Get ready to be inspired! We’re thrilled to spotlight two incredible local talents — Lisa Ingram & Ginny Young — as they debut a brand-new public art exhibition right in the heart of downtown!
Catch their stunning work on display at 409 Art Space from October through November, and don’t miss the can’t-miss kickoff: our Opening Reception on October 3rd, held during the electric energy of Art on the Ave!
And that’s not all — the fun spreads across downtown!
From 4:00 – 7:00 PM, take part in our lively Art Walk, where a lineup of talented local artists will pop up inside businesses all along the Ave! Wander the block, meet the makers, and discover fresh, original work in unexpected places. More artist and location details coming soon — so stay tuned, because you won’t want to miss it!

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)!

Bacon Battle 2026 @ Manhattan Brewing Company
2026-11-14 17:00 - 22:00 | Manhattan Brewing Co., 406 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, United States
BACON BATTLE 2026!!!
Introducing the Inaugural Bacon Battle!!!! The best and only bacon competition in Manhattan!!
The competition will be held on Saturday, November 14th from 5 pm to 10 pm on 4th Street in Downtown Manhattan. Come see who has the BEST Bacon Dish in Manhattan! 15 restaurants will compete for a Peoples Choice and Judges Choice award that each comes with a $500 cash prize and a Bacon Battle Championship Trophy.
Tickets are $20 and include 15 bacon tickets, 1 bacon ticket gets you 1 bacon dish from one of the restaurants.
This is an ALL AGES event so bring the whole family and vote on who you think will BRING HOME THE BACON TROPHY!!!

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.
