Summer in Topeka: What to Do, See, and Explore This Season

If you've been wondering whether Topeka has enough going on to keep you busy all summer, the answer is yes. From free concerts at the lake to food festivals downtown, there is something happening nearly every weekend from June through August. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, here is a look at what makes summer in Topeka worth getting outside for.

Free Concerts at Lake Shawnee

One of the best new additions to the Topeka summer calendar is the Garden Grooves series at Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee. Every Tuesday evening in June and July, the Topeka Symphony Orchestra is bringing free live music to the Garden Pagoda. The lineup covers everything from ABBA and Fleetwood Mac tributes to fiddle music from around the world. It starts at 6:30 PM and runs through 8:30 PM. This is as easy as summer evenings get.

The Topeka Zoo This Summer

The Topeka Zoo has a couple of reasons to visit this year beyond the usual. The featured exhibit is Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, a collection of large sculptures made entirely from ocean debris. It is genuinely striking, and it gives families something to talk about on the drive home. The Zoo is also offering Summer Night Tours for those who want to experience the grounds after hours. Tickets for the night tours are limited, so it's worth booking ahead. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival

If you are around the Fourth of July weekend, the Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival at Lake Shawnee is a Topeka tradition. Expect live blues music from artists across the country, a car show, food and craft vendors, and fireworks to close out the evening. It's a full day and a good reason to pack a lawn chair.

Downtown Topeka and Evergy Plaza

Downtown Topeka stays active all summer. Evergy Plaza at 7th and Kansas Avenue serves as the hub for outdoor events throughout the season. The Crossroads Fountains operate as an interactive splash pad during summer months, with water shows set to music and colored lights in the evenings. It's a great spot to cool off in the middle of a hot day.

The Topeka Food Truck Festival rolls into Gage Park on August 30th, and the Topeka Renaissance Festival's Summer Edition brings something a little different to the calendar in mid-June for those who enjoy that kind of thing.

Sunflower Summer for Families

If you have school-age kids, take note of the Sunflower Summer program running July 9 through August 2. It opens up free admission to Kansas attractions, including sites right here in Topeka such as the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park. It's a great way to get the most out of the season without spending a lot.

Outdoor Recreation

Beyond the events calendar, Topeka has solid options for just being outside. Lake Shawnee offers trails, the golf course, and plenty of open green space. Gage Park has the rose garden, walking paths, and picnic areas. If you haven't explored Topeka's parks in a while, summer is the right time to do it.

Living Here Means Having All of This in Your Backyard

One of the things we hear most from people who move to Topeka is that they didn't expect it to have this much going on. Summer in particular tends to surprise people. The city has a strong sense of community, and that shows up in the number of free and low-cost events packed into just a few months.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in the Topeka area, we'd love to talk. The Habiger Team knows this market, and we know what makes living here worth it.

Reach out anytime at thehabigerteam.com or give us a call.

The Habiger Team | Keller Williams One Legacy Partners | Topeka, Kansas