NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
From local shops and eateries to pocket parks and murals, the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is a must-visit. While the district delights year-round, stop by on the first Friday of each month to find special deals, outdoor concerts, expanded shop hours and more! With more than 50 displays of public art in NOTO alone, wander through the district to spot sculptures and murals at each twist and turn! Some of our favorite colorful creations include the “Greetings from Topeka” postcard at Redbud Park; the surreal “Elephants on Parade” artwork along.N.W. Laurent St.; and a new multicultural mural that highlights the African American, Hispanic and Native American histories of our area. When you’re ready to head indoors, stop by the NOTO Arts Center or explore galleries like Amused for unique finds by local artists. And that’s just the start! Visit ExploreNOTO.org for a complete list of businesses, as well as a calendar of upcoming events.
The NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is full of just that, arts and entertainment! From local shops with unique flair to eateries and art, NOTO is a one stop shop for a good time. One-of-a-kind sculptures, colorful murals, and other public art span the district; some of the art is hidden just to keep you searching! Find antiques, art, fun activities, craft beer, gourmet grilled cheese and more in this hub of art and entertainment!
THE ART
Several local art galleries call NOTO home, including Studio 831, Amused, Matryoshka, Fire Me Up Ceramics and Gallery, and the NOTO Arts Center. But not all art is only found indoors. At every twist and turn in NOTO, you’ll find a unique sculpture, including some that are changed annually; murals, such as the iconic Greetings from Topeka, the surreal Elephants on Parade, the historic Dr. Pepper sign, or something etched in reality, like the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter inspired mural. Performance art is also a regular feature at Redbud Park and some of the other venues throughout the District.
THE TASTES
The tastes of NOTO are just as unique and inviting as its art scene. If fresh sammies and a fabulous drink menu are your jam, look no further than The Wheel Barrel. For your classic American favorites, stop by Bradley’s Corner Café for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Their dessert pies are also out of this world. Looking for something on the healthier side? Protein bites, keto products, smoothies, juices and more are offered at the Onyx Wellness Café.
THE FUN
Shoppers and antique-nuts rejoice! A bevy of specialty stores, upcyclers and vintage goods dealers await you at NOTO. Some great stops include Kaw River Rustics, Decades Garage, Round Table Bookstore, and Phoenix Finds. If shopping is not your idea of fun, give axe throwing a try at Odin’s Lair, tax your problem-solving skills at NOTO Escapes, play foot pool at Amused, or see what new adventure is offered at Compass Point: Home of the Dirty Girl Adventures.