Music & Arts: The Beat Goes On

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

Music Events

Emporia is home to the HALFWAY TO EVERYWHERE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL (annually the Saturday before Labor Day). Organized by Kansas Free For Arts volunteers, the day is packed full of live music on multiple stages. In addition, browse art vendor booths and visit a variety of food trucks. Performing 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. The EMPORIA MUNICIPAL BAND performs on select Thursdays in the summer months filling Fremont Park with traditional sounds for everyone in the family to enjoy. The DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AT ESU hosts concerts and recitals throughout the year. Visit emporia.edu/music for upcoming shows and tickets. One of the best places to catch live music yearround 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 showtimes and tickets. The theater is also available for weddings, parties, and meetings.

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 and an art gift shop, as well as classes in pottery, painting, kids crafts and much more. The Arts Center also sponsors a performing arts series which brings theater and musical acts to Emporia. Visit emporiaksarts.org for upcoming shows and tickets. At TROX GALLERY AND GIFTS (715 Commercial) you will find an array of unique, funky, and hand-crafted art pieces. Trox also features gallery showings of area artists that rotate each month. The ESU ART DEPARTMENT (1301 Market St) houses the Norman R. Eppink and Gilson Memorial Galleries in King Hall. The galleries feature 12-15 exhibitions each year and are free and open to the public during school hours.

Film & Theatre

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.

EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE is one of the oldest programs in the country, producing theater since 1913. Five performances are held each season. Visit emporia.edu/ theatre for upcoming shows and tickets.

Public Art

The art scene is growing in Emporia and that is reflected in the public art initiatives you will see around town, such as the new mural at Las Casitas Park, pictured below.