3 minute read
Festivals & Fun
Cultural Events
Downtown Emporia comes to life in spring and fall with colorful celebrations of Latino culture and heritage. Local non-profit, Hispanics of Today & Tomorrow, hosts the CINCO DE MAYO block party annually in May. The group also hosts the DIA DE LOS MUERTOS celebration and parade annually in October. Both events are held Downtown and are packed with food, music, dancing, and fun for kids and families. Emporia’s PRIDE CELEBRATION includes a parade, drag show, and food and drink specials throughout the day. FLINT HILLS BEEF FEST is a celebration of the grass cattle industry for which the Flint Hills region of Kansas is known. Several contests involving cattle are designed to showcase the quality and economic competitiveness of Flint Hills Cattle.
Music Events
Emporia is home to the HALFWAY TO EVERYWHERE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL. 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 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 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 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. The Trusler Art Gallery (815 Commercial St) is a vibrant space showcasing diverse exhibitions from local, regional, and national artists. Located in the heart of downtown Emporia, it offers a platform for creativity, education, and community engagement.
Theatre
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.
More Events
From block parties and parades to sporting events, there’s always something happening in Emporia. For more information, go to visitemporia.com/events.
