NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
Immerse yourself in creativity at the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. From locally owned shops and eateries to pocket parks and vibrant murals, NOTO is a must-visit destination year-round. For the full experience, stop by on the First Friday Art Walk, when the district comes alive with live music, outdoor performances, special deals, and extended shop hours.
With more than 50 pieces of public art, NOTO is an open-air gallery waiting to be explored. Wander the streets to discover sculptures, mosaics, and murals around every corner. Favorites include the bright “Greetings from Topeka” postcard mural at Redbud Park, the whimsical “Elephants on Parade” along NW Laurent St., and a powerful multicultural mural celebrating Topeka’s African American, Hispanic, and Native American communities.
When it’s time to head indoors, browse the NOTO Arts Center or stop into galleries like Amused for one-of-a-kind works by local artists. And that’s just the beginning. Visit ExploreNOTO.org for a full list of businesses, upcoming events, and ways to experience the creative heart of Topeka.
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 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.
