Music & Arts - Emporia, Kansas

HOMETOWN SOUL

Emporians are passionate about the things we love, and it shows in our grassroots music & arts scene. Dedicated local citizens have started a film fest, music fest and downtown art walk – all free and open to the public.

Music Events

Emporia is home to the HALFWAY TO EVERYWHERE MUSIC FESTIVAL (annually on Labor Day weekend). Organized by Kansas Free For Arts volunteers, the day is packed full of live music on multiple stages. Grab a bite at a food truck, purchase unique mementos from various vendors, and admire art displays during the day. In addition to H2E, Emporia also has a local symphony orchestra and municipal band. With four to five concerts a year, the EMPORIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA makes it easy to find time in any busy schedule to relax and listen to the best local musicians that Emporia has to offer. If you can’t catch the symphony, the EMPORIA MUNICIPAL BAND performs on select Thursdays in the summer months! They fill Fremont Park with traditional sounds for everyone in the family to enjoy. One of the best places to catch live music year-round is the historic GRANADA THEATRE (807 Commercial St). This 1929 Emporia gem has been fully restored to its original eye-dazzling opulence! Visit emporiagranada. com for show times and tickets. The theatre is also available for weddings, parties, and meetings.

Halfway to Everywhere Music Festival

Arts Events & Galleries

On the first Friday of every month, enjoy a lively atmosphere while strolling downtown at the EMPORIA FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK (emporiafirstfriday.com). This free event showcases local artists and musicians at various downtown venues. THE EMPORIA ARTS CENTER (815 Commercial St), houses a gallery of rotating art exhibits, as well an art gift shop, and classes in pottery, painting, kids crafts and much more. The Arts Center also sponsors a performing arts series which brings theatre and musical acts to Emporia. Visit emporiaksarts.org for upcoming shows and tickets. For film lovers, NO COAST FILM FEST (nocoastfilmfest.com) celebrates the short film genre. Watch an array of award-winning, moving, funny, dramatic and animated shorts from both the international film circuit as well as discoveries from first-time filmmakers.

University Arts

EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE is one of the oldest theater programs in the country, producing theater since 1913. Five performances are held each season. Visit emporia.edu/theatre for upcoming shows and tickets. The DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AT ESU hosts concerts and recitals throughout the year. Visit emporia.edu/music for upcoming shows and tickets. The ESU ART DEPARTMENT (1301 Market St) houses the Norman R. Eppink and Gilson Memorial Galleries in King Hall. The galleries features 12-15 exhibitions each year and are free and open to the public during school hours.