The arts are alive and well in Topeka! 

Topeka's First Friday event coordinated by ArtsConnect attracts hundreds of people to the multitude of art galleries throughout the city. Watch for details in the local paper each "First Friday" or pick up a copy of "City Arts," a brochure about arts in Topeka at the Chamber or galleries throughout the city.

The excitement of live theater can be experienced nearly every night at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, the Topeka Civic Theatre, the Helen Hocker Performing Arts Center in Gage Park or Washburn University.

The Kansas Expocentre provides the stage for performers such as Kenny Rogers, Oak Ridge Boys, Chicago, Aerosmith, REO Speedwagon and George Strait. The circus comes to town annually along with rodeos and shows such as Sesame Street Live.

The Topeka Performing Arts Center has many different performances every year, including well-known singers and Broadway shows that appeal to audiences of all ages.

The Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy offers award-winning dinner theatre performances (and non-dinner, too!), studio productions and a children's academy.

The Topeka Symphony Orchestra, an 80-member professional orchestra, presents classical music and world-renowned guest artists in their annual concert series. The Topeka Community Concert Association, the Topeka Opera Society, the Fine Arts Society, and the Topeka Jazz Workshop also offer a variety of entertainment by local, regional, and national performers. The Sunflower Music Festival brings professional musicians from across the country to Washburn University each June, and the city and county parks and recreation departments feature local musical groups in area parks.

Topeka has more than 20 art galleries devoted to furthering artistic expression and appreciation. The Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University and the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library maintain permanent collections and present exhibits monthly. Community events such as the Mulvane Mountain Plains Art Far, Kaw River Valley Art Festival and Cider Days offer area artists opportunity for display and sale of their works.

Check the Topeka Community Calendar for details about upcoming events!