Good morning, Topeka.

Evergy Plaza hosts Friday Flicks with Zootopia 2 on Friday, May 8, featuring vendors beginning at 7 p.m. + the movie starting at 8 p.m. This free event supports summer fun downtown.

On Wednesday, May 6, Security Benefit presented a $6,000 check to NOTO Arts and Entertainment District to sponsor the Redbud Youth Festival and Summer Concert Series in Redbud Park (each event receiving $3,000).

The festival runs through the weekend and concerts start May 15.

Hotels in Topeka are filling slowly a month out from the World Cup, while Visit Topeka (the local tourism board) remains cautiously optimistic that spillover from Kansas City will boost business with three watch parties downtown and bar showings.

Topeka High School hosted its annual 'Dogs on the Lawn' picnic (a local favorite) and cookout concert to raise funds for the Trojan Band, Band Backer Scholarships, and activities.

The band played selections from 'Hamilton' and a patriotic tune commemorating America’s 250th year (their final concert of the school year).

Carl Carlson, founder and CEO of Carlson Financial, told Eye on NE Kansas that earning a bigger paycheck often leads to increased spending if a solid financial plan is missing.

He urged community members to build a savings plus investment strategy for long-term security.

University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka and Via Christi in Manhattan earned A ratings in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Report Card released Wednesday; St. Francis improved from a B while Via Christi celebrated its tenth top award in five years.

West Ridge Mall has completed phase one renovations that updated mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems in its gutted former JCPenney store, creating the space for a grand entrance (the front porch).

Phase two will begin with work on outdoor facades and sidewalks connecting to incoming office space for Advisors Excel.

Hairball Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Stormont Vail Events Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience a unique tribute to rock music with Hairball.

HME Fabrication Facility Tour

12-1 p.m. — HME, Inc. — Free entry — Explore the structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabrication facility and learn about the Haas Group's specialized companies.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an epic concert breathing dark energy into legendary Rock & Metal.

Evans United Carnival 2026

May 21-31 — Stormont Vail Events Center — $18.30 General Admission, $10.05 Child (3-11) — A vibrant carnival featuring parking lot exhibitions and festivals for family fun.

Party with The BASH

8-11 p.m. — Thunderbirds Grille — Cost info not provided — Dance the night away with live music at Thunderbirds Grille.

Doggie Date Night

6-8 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a fun evening bonding with your pup in the heart of Topeka.

Signal Ridge Music Evening

6-10 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — Free entry — Enjoy a night of Appalachian Folk-grass tunes with Redd & The Paper Flowers.

Green Shoebox Band: St. Marys Community Event

6-10 p.m. — St. Marys Riverside Park — Free entry — Enjoy a night of music with the Green Shoebox Band in a vibrant community setting.