Extended Weekend Getaways Fiesta Time
The first Fiesta was held on August 17, 1933, as a small, one-day event at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Topeka, created to support the parish school and celebrate Mexican culture. Since then, it has grown into one of the oldest Hispanic community festivals in the U.S., now spanning five days of vibrant music, dance, food, and tradition. Today, Fiesta brings together generations to honor heritage and support education, with festivities drawing crowds from across the region. This year, the excitement begins with a kick-off event at the end of June. The first scheduled event is a 5K Run/Walk starting at the Oakland Community Center June 28. Mini-Jamaica follows at Evergy Plaza with live musical performances, a taste of the famous traditional Mexican food and cool beverages. All ages and skill levels are welcome. leading into full Fiesta celebrations in July—don’t miss it! For more information, visit https://fiestatopeka.com/
Germanfest
Join the Sacred Heart–St. Joseph Parish for one of Topeka’s most anticipated cultural events—Germanfest, happening June 7 & 8, 2025! Celebrate rich German heritage with two full days of authentic food. Food Line in the Die KirchenKeller (church hall) offers delicious, homemade German fare, including Sauerbraten, Pork & Sauerkraut, German Sausage, Krautstrudel, Noodles & Sage Balls, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, and German Coleslaw. Also serving delicious Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Rolls, & delectable desserts!
Dance to live polka music with the Chardon Polka Band both days and enjoy visiting in the Bier Garten.., There will also be fun games, children’s inflatables and mini-train, auctions, and family-friendly activities. Other highlights include a traditional German Mass, $10K in cash prize drawings, and so much more. Don’t miss this unique community celebration filled with flavor, tradition, and entertainment for all ages! Shuttle service and satellite parking available.
Sunshine Reggae Roots Festival
On June 21 from 4 p.m. to midnight, the family – friendly 8th Annual 2025 Sunshine Reggae Roots Festival comes to town for the music lovers. It is held downtown on the corner of 8th & Jackson streets outside of The Celtic Fox. National, regional, and local Reggae and Ska bands, and DJ’s will all be featured, We are beyond excited to bring Ska Legend CHRIS MURRAY (Los Angeles, CA) to headline this years’ festival! For more than 30 years with his acoustic guitar and amazing songbook, Chris has traveled the globe spreading the gospel of Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae! The New Riddim will be backing him on the main stage. Food Trucks (including authentic Jamaican food) and Beer Gardens will make sure you don’t go hungry or thirsty while in attendance. Enjoy shopping the area with arts & crafts vendors. Bring the whole famil as there will be a kids corner, swag giveaways, and plenty of vibes and fun for everyone!!! Admission is $15 for adults and children ages 10 and under will be allowed free with a paid adult.
Sunflower Music Festival
June 20-28 at the Washburn University – There will be 9 nights of Orchestra, Chamber ensembles and Jazz. Sunflower Music Festival brings the world’s greatest musicians to Northeast Kansas to perform in these free concerts in June. Since its founding in 1987, the tradition of the Festival is excellence, cultivated selection by selection, instrument by instrument, year after year. Starting at 7:30 at the White Concert Hall with guest conductor, Alex Klein, the opening celebration will feature “Back for Seconds” with Symphony No. 2 in C Maor, Hob.1:2. Everyone is invited. For a complete schedule of who is performing and the music being performed, visit https://sunflowermusicfestival.org/sunflower-music-festival-program-schedule/ Dress of – or don’t. But come to be enraptured by music.
Topeka Renaissance Festival
Step back in time at the Topeka Renaissance Festival as they open their gates for the first time on June 21–22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day! Get ready for a weekend packed with thrilling jousting shows, Highland Games, sword fighting, living history encampments, and unique attractions like axe throwing, mermaids, and a Viking Valhalla experience. Enjoy multiple stages of live entertainment, a petting zoo, face painting, and don’t miss the “Under the Deck” pirate bar for adults. With fun contests, immersive experiences, and surprises around every corner, this is a festival you won’t want to miss! Check out their updates on their Facebook Page
Savor the Flavors
When you come, stay for the whole weekend and enjoy dining in the city. Choose from a diverse array of restaurants – everything from intimate dining in one of our historic buildings to award-winning barbecue, exotic international cuisine and tried-and-true chain establishments. Topeka has the traditional, the spicy, the sweets and other fine eats to make your stay truly memorable. Enjoy everything from the traditional, the spicy, the sweets and other fine eats in Topeka.
For classic French cuisine in an elegant setting, Chez Yasu offers a delicious menu for lunch and dinner. Try the boeuf bourguignon or a seafood special like Chilean sea bass. The White Linen is a unique restaurant based on contemporary French and American cuisine. Chef Adam takes locally grown, bred, and produced products and re-imagines them into a modern, unique treat with the familiar structures and textures known to be a staple of the Kansas plains.
For lighter fare, The Iron Rail in Downtown Topeka offers fantastic craft beer and BBQ, as well as tasty American and southern dishes. Featuring amazing lunches and Saturday morning breakfasts, the locals advise that you arrive early at Henry’s Grill at Topeka Harley Davidson because “when it’s gone, it’s gone!” And speaking of rave reviews, Lonnie Q’s has a fiercely loyal local following, and Lonnie’s famous cheesy taters are worth the trip alone.
