Good morning, Topeka.

Veterans will be able to visit the Veterans Claims & Resource Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at the Old Armory in Council Grove for help filing claims, obtaining military records, and accessing healthcare enrollment, toxic exposure screening, caregiver support, spousal benefits & women’s health services. Attendees should bring discharge papers & a marriage certificate as the event is sponsored by Together with Veterans & Morris Co. & supported by the Kansas Office of Veterans Services.

Members of the Satanic Grotto claimed they no longer face charges after their court appearance on May 28 for a Black Mass held outside the Capitol on March 28 — however, District Attorney Mike Kagay said his office is still reviewing the evidence.

Topeka Zoo's 66-year-old Asian elephant Cora—who starred as Charlotte in the 1980 film Smokey and the Bandit II—will be visited on June 9 by fans participating in the annual Bandit Run tribute.

Jordan E. Brooks and Pradeep Bangalore have started a one-year residency at the NOTO Arts Center in Topeka+ they have 24-hour studio access and will work to produce art that inspires the local community.

Topeka’s Parents as Teachers group in USD 501 is supported by United Way of Kaw Valley, which helps parents boost reading and language skills for their young children.

United Way’s Day of Giving is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4 — donations may unlock matching funds — to keep these free services available.

Today, rising prices and market swings have many people worried about whether their retirement funds will be enough.

Carlson, founder and CEO of Carlson Financial, said planning means having steady income from pensions or Social Security—plus saving extra money if monthly bills need about 30% more.

A pavement project on S.E.

Croco Road east of Topeka will begin on June 9—traffic will be reduced to one lane each way for over two months. Officials said the work will replace old concrete with 10 inches of hot-mix asphalt on a cement-treated subbase and include detours near S.E. 21st Street.

2025 GermanFest Brat Trot

8-9 a.m. — Santa Fe Park — $30 — Celebrate German culture while fundraising for local schools with a fun 5K Brat Trot run.

Aldersgate Village On-Site Tour

9 AM - 7 PM — Aldersgate Village Life Plan Community — Free entry — Explore a faith-based retirement community focused on quality living and care.

Concert for a Child Featuring Logan Mize

6-10 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a heartwarming night of country tunes at this community concert for a great cause.

Eats & Beats Featuring Dead Bettys

Thursday evenings — Evergy Plaza — Enjoy local food trucks and live music — Experience an unforgettable summer of music in Downtown Topeka.

Undercover: An 80's Experience

6-9 p.m. — Compass Point: Home of Dirty Girl Adventures — $8 cover, kids under 12 are free — Enjoy an energetic night of singing and dancing to your favorite 80's hits with local talent.

Topeka Renaissance Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — $14+ per day — Experience jousting, games, and entertainment at this exciting festival of medieval fun.

Country Stampede Festival 2025

June 25-28 — Topeka, Kansas — Prices vary — Celebrate country music with top artists, family-friendly fun, and delicious local cuisine.

7th Annual Sneakers & Smiles Golf Tournament

2-8 p.m. — Cypress Ridge Golf Course — $380 team entry fee — Participate in a fun-filled golf tournament benefiting Sole Reason, complete with extras like a silent auction and raffle prizes.

Summer Fireworks Extravaganza

7-10 p.m. — Avondale East Field — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of music, food, and a spectacular fireworks display.