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Leisure time in Topeka is always exciting, whether you’re looking for nightlife,
weekend activities – with or without kids – or an evening out. For nightlife,
you’ll find live music venues to fit any taste, as well as several great clubs, bars
and restaurants that keep the party going through the night.
The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant, the only commercial brewery in Topeka,
is locally owned and offers award winning beers, an extensive menu and family
dining with a kid-friendly atmosphere. Blind Tiger brews about 1,200 barrels of
craft beer each year and approximately one dozen great tasting craft beers are on
tap at any given time.
For blues and jazz enthusiasts, relax, unwind and enjoy the great sounds at
Uncle Bo’s Blues Bar in the lower level of the Ramada Convention Center in
downtown Topeka.
For the early risers, Topeka has great parks and trails for biking,
running, rollerblading and walking the dog. It’s easy to forget
the urban life by watching the sun rise over the vast green spaces of
Gage Park or by escaping into the winding paths of Shunga Trail.
Topeka is a regional cultural center as well. For music lovers,
there’s the Topeka Symphony, with several live concerts every
year, as well as frequent band performances at the Gage Park
amphitheatre. Art lovers will enjoy the monthly First Friday
Artwalks, as well as the expanding NOTO Arts District. Theatre buffs
can catch shows at the Helen Hocker Theater, Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy, Topeka Performing Arts Center or Washburn University’s theater.
Sports enthusiasts will have a ball in Topeka, too. Washburn University has
10 different men’s and women’s NCAA Division II athletics teams. And speaking
of sports, Hummer Sports Park and Natatorium hosts national, state and local
events, including the NJCAA Division lll Soccer and USA Swimming’s Central Zone
championships. Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the Roadrunners hockey team
in the winter, the Kansas Koyotes indoor football team in the spring and the Golden
Giants baseball team in the summer.
If you would rather participate, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation offers a
variety of sporting options for people of all ages to get involved in, and there are
club teams for youth trying to enhance their skills in track, soccer, basketball,
football and more.
There’s plenty to do on a weekly basis in Topeka. The Farmer’s Market is
open every Saturday during the warmer months, with local produce and crafts for
sale. Downtown Topeka hosts myriad events for all ages from a “Tough Truck”
event for youngsters to a “Do the Dart” Downtown Adventure Race for young
professionals. There are even events for those who prefer adult beverages, blues
and jazz and antique car shows.
Every weekend seems to have some events happening, from Cider Days and the Fiesta
Mexicana, to the Huff n’ Puff Balloon Rally and Paws in the Park. There’s always
something to celebrate in Topeka. With so much to do, it’s just a matter of finding
the lifestyle and activities that fit you.
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