Topeka is rolling out the welcome mat for military families during Kansas Courage Military Family Appreciation Weekend, happening June 5-7, 2026. This special weekend is designed to honor service members and their families with free experiences, family-friendly events, local dining discounts and community celebrations across the capital city.
Made possible through the Greater Topeka Chamber’s Military Relations Council, Kansas Courage Weekend brings together local partners, downtown businesses and community organizations to show appreciation for the service and sacrifice of military families.
The weekend begins Friday, June 5, at Evergy Plaza with Friday Flicks, presented by Communication Federal Credit Union. Families can enjoy the splash pad, interactive water features, inflatables, mini-golf, local food trucks and a nighttime outdoor showing of F1. It is a relaxed, fun-filled way to kick off a weekend of connection and celebration.
On Saturday, June 6, the celebration continues at the Kansas Museum of the National Guard with Heartland Salute to America, a free public event beginning at 7 a.m. Guests can enjoy a pancake breakfast, community parade, live band concerts, antique and classic car displays, military exhibits, historical reenactments, food trucks, face painting, inflatables and a World War II battle reenactment honoring the service and sacrifice of Americans.
Saturday evening brings the energy back to Evergy Plaza for a live rock concert in partnership with the Seaman Public Schools Alumni Association. Military families will also have access to a dedicated tent experience during the show, creating another memorable way for the community to say thank you.
Throughout the weekend, military families can also enjoy 20% discounts at participating downtown Topeka restaurants, including The Pennant, Iron Rail Brewing, TaCo and Hazel Hill Chocolate. More businesses are invited to join in offering weekend discounts and showing their support.
Whether you are a military family planning a weekend in Topeka or a local resident looking for ways to show your appreciation, Kansas Courage Weekend is a chance to come together, celebrate service and experience the hospitality of Kansas’ capital city.
Plan your visit, bring the family and join Topeka in honoring military families this June.
Friday, June 5
FRIDAY FLICKS - Evergy Plaza
- Splash pad and interactive water features
- Inflatable slide, obstacle course, and 3-hole Mini-Golf by Carnival Guy LLC
- Local food trucks
- Nighttime outdoor showing of F1 starting at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 6
HEARTLAND SALUTE TO AMERICA - Kansas Museum of the National Guard
- Pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m.
- Community parade and live band concerts
- Antique and classic car displays
- Military exhibits and historical reenactments
- Food trucks and family-friendly activities including face painting and inflatables
- A World War II battle reenactment honoring the service and sacrifice of Americans
ROCK CONCERT - Free with MILITARY ID - Evergy Plaza
- 80s music from Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Ozzy and more starting at 5 p.m.
Discounts
20% Off at Participating Downtown Topeka Restaurants
10% Off at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center
- Friday, June 5
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a bubble party at 10 a.m.
- Saturday, June 6
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Maker Space activities at 10 a.m.
- Sunday, June 7
- 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
