Juneteenth

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated 2025 For the Culture KS Black Tie Gala, taking place at the elegant Townsite Tower in downtown Topeka. This premier event is a celebration of the region’s Black heritage, culture, and excellence—bringing together community members for a night filled with inspiration and pride. Guests will enjoy powerful storytelling, unforgettable entertainment, and a dining experience sure to impress. The evening will also feature a keynote address by the dynamic DeAndre Hicks, whose message promises to uplift and empower. Don’t miss this unforgettable night honoring culture, achievement, and unity in the heart of Topeka. For the latest on 2025 festivities, visit Topeka Family & Friends Juneteenth Celebration's website.

Fiesta Topeka

For more than 90 years, Fiesta Topeka has celebrated Mexican culture and its history in Topeka. Organized by the city’s Our Lady of Guadalupe parish and community volunteers, Fiesta Topeka is one of the oldest community Hispanic celebrations in the U.S. and the most prominent celebration of its kind in the region. Fiesta Topeka is held each summer, usually in July, and includes a downtown concert and parade, as well as exciting multi-block celebrations in Topeka’s historic Oakland neighborhood. At this multi-day event, you can enjoy live music and dance performances, as well as some of the best Mexican food in the Midwest!  Learn more >>

For the Culture KS

to celebrate the region’s Black heritage, culture and excellence. Set to return in July 2025, 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

Slated for June 7-8, 2025, Germanfest is put on annually by Topeka’s Sacred Heart - St. Joseph Parish. This two-day festival celebrates 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!

India Mela

Celebrate the food, music, and culture of India with India Mela Topeka! Organized by the India Association of Topeka, the group held a lively one-day festival in 2023, put on a Bollywood Movie Night in 2024, and has more in the works for 2025. Keep an eye on India Mela Topeka's Facebook page for updates on festivities to come. 

IrishFest

For more than 40 years, the Topeka St. Patrick's Day Parade has wound through downtown! The parade is held in conjunction with Topeka IrishFest, both of which are organized by Irish Club of Topeka. The 2025 parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025. IrishFest is slated for the same day at Evergy Plaza and typically includes a 5K fun run, beer garden, games, live bands, and Irish dancing!

THE ARTS & MORE

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

• Aaron Douglas Art Fair, held in late September or early October each year - Learn more at AaronDouglasArtFair.com

• ForgeFest, put on each September by Forge Young Talent - Learn more by visiting TopekaForge.org

• Kansas Book Festival, Slated for September 20, 2025! Learn more at KansasBookFestival.com

• Mulvane Art Fair, scheduled for June 7-8, 2025! Learn more at MulvaneArtMuseum.org/artfair

• Pride Palooza, typically held during Pride Month in June (look for Topeka Pride on social media to learn more)

• Sunflower Music Festival, being held June 20-28, 2025. Learn more at SunflowerMusicFestival.org

• Sunshine Reggae Roots Fest, held each summer at The Celtic Fox (find The Sunshine Reggae Roots Festival on Facebook for more)

• Tap That Topeka Beer Fest, held downtown each summer (learn more at TapThatTopeka.com)

• Topeka's Backyard Music Fest, typically held over the summer (learn more at TopekasBackyardMusicFest.com)

• Topeka Food Truck Festival, planned for August 24, 2025 (follow Topeka Food Truck Festival on Facebook for more)