Topeka
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Topeka

 

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

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 >>

GermanFest

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 and put on a Bollywood Movie Night in 2024. 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. IrishFest is typically 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 - Learn more at KansasBookFestival.com

  • Mulvane Art Fair - 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 - 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 (follow Topeka Food Truck Festival on Facebook for more)