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Cultural Festivals

Topeka is full of celebrations that happen year round. Check out our list of festivals to find something for you!  If you can't find what you're looking for, make sure to check out our calendar of events for current events happening in Topeka, KS >>

IrishFest  

Irish or not, all are welcome to enjoy the Topeka IrishFest! Held each year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, this annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage promises a day full of fun for the whole family. This year’s festivities included a 5K fun run, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, beer garden, games, live bands and Irish dancing.

Events

Juneteenth

Each year, Topekans come together to celebrate the traditions and heritage of the area’s Black community through the annual Juneteenth Festival, put on each summer by the Topeka Family & Friends Juneteenth Celebration committee. Festivities include the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant, a unity walk, downtown parade, essay contest, and the Juneteenth Gospel Extravaganza. Open to all, these experiences offer a chance to reflect and learn more about the Black experience in the Topeka area. Learn more on the Topeka Family & Friends Juneteenth Celebration's website.

Fiesta Topeka

For 90 years, Fiesta Topeka (previously Fiesta Mexicana), organized by Topeka’s Our Lady of Guadalupe parish and community volunteers, has celebrated Mexican culture and history, and it claims to be one of the oldest community Hispanic celebrations in the U.S.  Today, Fiesta Mexicana is held each summer, usually in the month of July, and includes a downtown concert, and exciting multi-block celebrations in the Oakland neighborhood, a historic Latino community. Enjoy live music and dance performances, as well as the best Mexican food in the Midwest. Learn more >>

India Mela!

Celebrate the culture, food, and music of India at Topeka’s annual India Mela! “Mela” is a Hindi term meaning festival. Held in August at Evergy Plaza in downtown Topeka, this festival is produced by the India Association of Topeka. The event features music, dancing, food vendors, fashion show, and a movie night. 

For the Culture KS

In 2023, For the Culture KS held its inaugural three-day festival in and around downtown Topeka’s Evergy Plaza to celebrate the region’s Black heritage, culture and excellence. Set to return in July 2024, this event features an opening gala; various performances by artists in gospel, hip hop, soul and other genres; comedy acts; panel discussions; wellness sessions; diverse vendors and food trucks; and much more. All are welcome at this soon-to-be annual festival! For more info and the latest updates, follow For the Culture KS on social media or visit ForTheCultureKS.org.

GermanFest

Germanfest is an annual event put on by Topeka’s Sacred Heart - St. Joseph Parish. It is usually held in June. What started as a Sunday afternoon church fundraiser has transformed into a two-day festival celebrating the parish’s history as home to German and Volga German immigrants. Germanfest features authentic German foods, a beer garden, vendors, live entertainment, games, a silent auction, “brat trot” fun run, and more!

 

THE ARTS & MORE

Topeka is no stranger to festivals celebrating art, music and literary prowess! Visit during the summer or fall to attend fun events like those listed here:

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