Good morning, Topeka.

Topeka earned national recognition in the America in Bloom Program when it won the Over 70,000 Population Category Award—acknowledging its community vitality as noted by AIB Advisors Rod Barnes and Ed Hooker at a ceremony held Sept.

25—27 in Rochester, Mich.

University Press of Kansas launched Plainspoken Books to share authentic Midwest stories with a national audience—its first title by Bill Kurtis is available and more works by local authors will appear next fall.

Editor Alec Loganbill is also inviting talented writers to pitch new project ideas.

High school students competed in the Topeka Symphony Orchestra’s 72nd annual Young Artist Competition where six performers played 10-minute pieces for judges.

Pianist Eddison Chen won and will perform a solo with the orchestra in December — a rare chance for young talent to shine.

Gov. Kelly signed a proclamation on Sept 24 naming Oct 5-11 as Fire Prevention Week in Kansas — the theme is 'Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home' as fire crews will teach the public how to stay safe.

Liverpool Legends Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Public on sale starts August 15 at 10AM — Experience internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends honoring the music of The Beatles.

5th Annual Oktoberfest

3-8 p.m. — Prince of Peace Lutheran Church — Free entry — Enjoy family fun with food, shopping, and activities at this community Oktoberfest.

2025 Combat Air Museum Car Show

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Combat Air Museum — $20/vehicle — Experience a unique car show on historic tarmac with classic cars, awards, food trucks, and family fun.

Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen

7:30-9 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the magic of Queen through a captivating tribute performance.

Bingo Loco at Topeka Social

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Topeka Social — $33 — Experience a night of laughter, dance, and bingo fun with exciting prizes.

Atomic Cowboyz Pop Up Concert

5-7 p.m. — Evergy Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant outdoor concert featuring the Atomic Cowboyz along with food from local vendors.

Object Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML Training

All day — Orion Education & Training - Topeka — $2250 — Enhance your software development skills with this comprehensive UML training class.

All Hallows Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Woodshed Event Center — Ticket info coming soon — Celebrate fall with jousting, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities at a vibrant Renaissance Festival.

Topeka Pumpkin Run and Trunk-or-Treat

5-8 p.m. — Felker Park Softball — $12 and up, Trunk-or-Treat is free — Enjoy a festive evening run and a lively trunk-or-treat experience with family-friendly fun.