Special Events

Due to the ongoing winter storm, City facilities, including City Hall and all Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 18. This is due to the forecasted winter storm resulting in dangerous travel conditions.

Read the news release for full details >>

The Communications & Events Division operates out of the Administrative Office in South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St. For questions regarding special events, contact the Special Events Division.

Events
Artisan Fairs
Concerts

Events

 Walk the Loop

🍂🚶‍♀ Take in the crisp fall air and enjoy the change of seasons with Lawrence Parks, Recreation & Culture’s Walk the Loop series! Join us for free community walks each Thursday in October—Oct. 2 at Sports Pavilion Lawrence, Oct. 9 at the Rotary Arboretum (This event has been cancelled due to construction on K-10 and 27th St.), Oct. 16 at the Baker Wetlands, and Oct. 23 at Hobbs Park. Each event starts at 5:30 p.m. and features an easygoing 3-mile round trip, though participants are welcome to walk any distance. 👟 Bring a friend, 🥤 hydration, and discover a new stretch of the Lawrence Loop together. No pre-registration required—all ages and abilities welcome!

Trailhead and parking information available here.

Spooktacular Night at the Nature Center

👻✨ Get Ready for a Spooktacular Night at the Nature Center! 🌙🕷️
🎃 Trick-or-Treat on the prairie!
🔦 Explore the nature center in the dark with a red flashlight!
🐾 Meet our nocturnal animals up close and snap pics!
🎈Get a fun balloon animal to take home!
🕺 Enjoy Halloween games and jams all night!
🍏 Treat yourself at our caramel apple bar!
👶 Kids aged 2 and under get in FREE with a registered adult!
Don’t miss out on the frightful fun! Grab your tickets now at https://bit.ly/SpooktacularNC 💀🦇✨ Or call (785) 832-7980

Artisan Fairs

Holiday Extravaganza Artisan Fair

Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture's Holiday Extravaganza Artisan Fair will be held on December 6, 2025.

Shop unique holiday gifts on December 6, 2025, from 9 AM – 4 PM at Sports Pavilion Lawrence. Featuring goods from local artisans such as jewelry, paintings, textiles, pottery, home décor, and much more from community entrepreneurs!

More information and Vendor Resources

Past Events

Spring Artisan Fair

Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture's Spring Artisan Fair will be held on May 3, 2025.

On May 3, 2025, from 9 AM – 4 PM, we gathered in the Holcom Park Rec Center gymnasium (indoors) for a showcase of the finest handmade goods from local artisans. The show highlighted unique creations from local artisans, including jewelry, paintings, textiles, pottery, home décor, and more from community entrepreneurs.

Summerfest Artisan Fair

Join us for Summerfest on July 3 from 4-10 pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Experience the magic of an afternoon and evening market on July 3, 2025, from 4 PM to 10 PM in Building 21 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. While enjoying the live music, food trucks, and drone show at Summerfest, be sure to check out the artisan fair!

Autumn Harvest Festival

The Autumn Harvest Festival will take place on October 5, 2025 in South Park.

Note: This is not the same event as the Lawrence Art Guild’s Art in the Park, which will be held on Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14. You can find more information about Art in the Park here.

Celebrate the harvest season on October 5, 2025, from 11 AM – 6 PM in South Park. This is our only outdoor show of the year. Showcasing handcrafted goods from local artisans, including jewelry, paintings, textiles, pottery, home décor, and more from talented community entrepreneurs.

52nd Annual Halloween Paint-In

52nd Halloween Paint-In
Lawrence Parks, Recreation & Culture and the Lawrence Breakfast Optimists are excited to host the 52nd Annual Halloween Paint-In on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 8 a.m.–noon in Downtown Lawrence. Artists of all ages can submit sketches, get approved, and paint festive Halloween designs on Mass Street business windows.