Downtown Lawrence Inc

The Sandbar Block Party
2025-08-08 17:00 - 2025-08-09 23:00 (America/Chicago)
Enjoy great live music, delicious food and a variety of adult beverages while partying on the block of 8th Street between Massachusetts and New Hampshire Street. Hosted by The Sandbar.

Kansas State Fiddling & Picking Championships
2025-08-24 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | South Park, 1141 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044
A 44-year tradition that is held in Downtown Lawrence. Spend a day listening to the best fiddlers and pickers in the region while taking in all the festivities.

Art in the Park
2025-09-13 10:00 - 2025-09-14 17:00 (America/Chicago)
This two-day event showcases local and regional artists in the beautiful setting of South Park. You can stroll and explore hundreds of booths while enjoying food vendors, fun for the kids, and live music. The event is produced by the Lawrence Art Guild.

Nightmare on Mass Street Halloween Pop Up at Lucia
2025-09-25 - 2025-11-02
Featuring tons of decor and photo ops, live music and events, costume contests, themed drinks and spooky eats!

Presented by 1313 Mockingbird Lane and Lucia.

Rev it Up Hot Rod Street Fest
2025-09-27 08:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
This Lawrence tradition showcases the full spectrum of hot rods, from vintage vehicles to modern muscle. There is plenty of live music, food vendors, activities for children, and plenty of pre and after festivities. Proceeds from the event benefit The Ballard Center.

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
2025-09-28 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Fleet Feet, 839 Massachusetts St
Come together to raise awareness around relationship violence and show support for survivors with Claire’s Community. This family-friendly walk for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is happening Sunday, September 28, starting at 11 am at Fleet Feet Lawrence. Get some steps in and stay for a free lunch at Johnny’s Tavern!
Costumes, decorated shoes, and signs are encouraged.

Autumn Harvest Festival
2025-10-05 11:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | South Park, 1141 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044
This even celebrates the harvest season in beautiful South Park. Explore some amazing handcrafted goods from local artists and entrepreneurs. This is event is produced by the City of Lawrence.

Zombie Walk 2025
2025-10-16 15:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Gather at South Park; walk down Massachusetts Street at sundown. Costume contests, prizes, make-up stations, and more!
A true night of the Living Dead. Community members of all ages outdo themselves with fabulous costumes and props. Make up artists assist at South Park. A legion of a thousand zombies annually makes the trek down Mass Street as the sidewalks and eateries are lined with spectators. The event is produced by 1313 Mockingbird Lane and The Granada Theater.

Downtown Trick or Treat
2025-10-31 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Thousands of community members of all ages flock to the streets of Downtown Lawrence as participating businesses hand out treats, starting at 5 pm. The costumes and props are beyond impressive and many businesses pull out all the stops. Downtown is alive with the Halloween spirit. The event is produced by Downtown Lawrence and its partner businesses.

Festival of Trees
2025-11-28 - 2025-12-07
The annual Festival of Trees in is a heartwarming holiday tradition! Celebrate the season with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and festive displays, all created by local businesses, organizations, and community members. The proceeds from this event benefit O’Connell Children’s Shelter. It is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

Holiday Lights and Santa Rescue
2025-11-28 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago)
Make plans to attend this annual downtown Lawrence tradition when the twinkle lights along Massachusetts Street are lit up for the holiday season, and Santa needs a hand from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical as he gets stuck atop Weaver’s Department store. There will also be a North Pole Post Office outpost tent where kiddos can drop off letters to Santa. Letter-writing supplies will be available, or you can download one of the templates below to complete and bring along. You can listen live to the entire event from our friends at KLWN FM 101.7 / AM1320 or stream it online. This festive event is made possible by Lawrence Central Rotary and the Lawrence Kids Calendar.

5:30 North Pole Mail tent opens
6:00 Santa arrives
6:30 Mail tent closes

Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
2025-12-06 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
This Downtown Lawrence tradition truly rings in the Christmas spirit as horse drawn entries from all over the region, adorned with Christmas regalia, parade down Massachusetts Street. The sidewalks are packed with spectators and there is plenty of holiday spirit to share. The event is produced by the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade Committee.

Mardi Gras Parade & Fat Tuesday
2026-02-17
Join us for a festive Mardi Gras celebration in Downtown Lawrence, February 17, 2026! Terrebonne will be serving up delicious beignets, coffee, libations, and plenty of good vibes. Enjoy the lively parade starting at Lucia and making its way to Terrebonne and other key stops. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event for all ages!

Midsummer Night on Mass
2026-06-19 16:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
Midsummer Night on Mass is a celebration of Downtown Lawrence. Take advantage of great deals that the downtown shops, restaurants, and drinking establishments offer for this event only. Stroll the downtown as sidewalk sales abound, street performers entertain, and restaurants provide tasty specials. Stores stay open until 10 pm! Participating businesses’ specials are featured on the event website: https://msnonmass.com/
Midsummer Night on Mass is produced by Downtown Lawrence, Inc. along with its partner downtown stakeholders.
