Topeka Homes Guide

Arts and Culture

There is always something taking place at Topeka Civic Theater and Academy where “the curtain rises every weekend”. They have many forms of entertainment and guarantee they will educate, inspire, and appeal to the public. At the TCTA you will find everything from hilarious comedies to engaging dramas to beautiful musicals. The TCTA features two stages, both an adult and children’s theater, and theater classes. Entertainment is not their only forte, the TCTA also has volunteer opportunities as an actor/actress, technician, or teacher.

Long before the Topeka Performing Arts Center was used for the arts, it was a Colonel George W. Veale’s home and used to hold induction’s of Kansas’ Senators and Governors. The people of Topeka chose this building at the site for all of their civic activities and today it is the center of Topeka entertainment. Performances here range anywhere from Broadway musicals to the Golden Dragon Acrobats. Some well known performers that frequent the Center are Willie Nelson and the Mannheim Steamrollers.

The Ballet Midwest is a non-profit dance company that performs classical ballet for Topeka and all of the northeast Kansas area. The production of Ballet Midwest’s Nutcracker is a holiday tradition. Ballet Midwest doesn’t just dance; they also hold an annual benefit, community workshops, and demonstrations.

The Topeka Community Concerts is a non-profit performing art organization that has been active for over 70 years. They provide affordable, cultural, live entertainment and many educational programs for the Topeka area.

The Topeka Festival Singers is a professional choir that performs many different styles of music from various periods. They have four performances every year, plus a few outside performances and a European tour.

The Topeka Symphony is nationally recognized and has been giving quality performances for over fifty years. It has over 80 musicians and presents all types of music and performances, including classical, family, pops, holiday, and children’s concerts. They hold Youth Talent Auditions and allow the winner to perform as a guest soloist with the symphony.

The Mulvane Art Museum has been in business since 1924 and has a collection of over 3,000 artworks including prints, drawings, paintings, and sculptures. Their art is not just local but from all over the world.

The Topeka Art Guild Gallery opened its doors way back in 1916 and is located in the Gage Center Shopping Center. All of the art on display is the original work of both local and regional artists and is all for sale at reasonable prices.

Festivals

Wings over Topeka is an event to commemorate the veterans from all wars and to thank the American citizens for their support of all branches of the Armed Forces. Wings over Topeka showcases military equipment from all over the United States and has tents with military recruiters. There are also various exhibits to educate the general public on all aspects of the national defense.

The Shawnee County Fair is a week-long celebration of the people in Shawnee County, the area economy, and the history that got them where they are today. There is are livestock shows, baking contests, square dancing competition, a rodeo, a Renaissance demonstration, quilt shows, and a petting zoo. There are many free food giveaways, such as the hot dog feed, pancake feed, and the watermelon feed. There are also concerts by both local and professional performers. The pinnacle of the celebration is the crowning of the Shawnee County queen and king. The Shawnee County Fair is definitely the biggest party in Topeka.

The Fiesta Mexicana began in 1933 and was designed to maintain the Mexican culture in the town of Topeka and to encourage growth of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which is the church hosts the Fiesta. The Fiesta now has a carnival, many vendors, tons of food, and lots of Latin entertainment.

The Huff’n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally is held every year the weekend after Labor Day. Dozens of hot air balloons are released into the sky just before sunset. This tradition has been taking place in Topeka for almost three decades and is one of the towns favorite events.