Good morning, Topeka.

The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice marks 40 years with its annual Peace Party at the Topeka Zoo’s Kay McFarland Japanese Garden on Thursday, Oct.

30 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $100+fees.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shawnee County is hosting its 8th annual Brew Ha-Ha today at Vaerus Aviation — 6410 SE Forbes Ave, Topeka, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. A $50 ticket lets guests sample beers from 20 local food truck breweries to help support mentoring for 165 kids, some of whom have waited over 1,000 days for a match.

Florence Crittenton held its 125th anniversary reception Friday night—marking over a century of trauma services in Topeka since its clinic opened in 1900.

The organization, founded by Charles Crittenton after a personal tragedy, celebrated a long legacy of community service.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, the iconic 13-foot hot dog car built in 1936, will return to Topeka on Sunday, Nov.

2 when families can visit it and enjoy free activities from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Central Park Community Center Parking lot—events include a karaoke contest, relay race and hot dog costume runway.

The United Way of Kaw Valley will reopen its Christmas Bureau next week to help families in need during the holidays.

Applicants must apply in person at Johnston Community Center+2021 SE Market St. during intake sessions on October 29, November 3, and November 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.+ and on November 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

John Roberts from Topeka Rescue Mission joined 27 News Morning Show Friday to urge holiday donations for the winter season.

He said TRM will run coat and food drives and requested winter jackets in larger sizes (3x-5x) to help local families and shelter residents as temperatures drop.

At about 8:23 a.m. Wednesday, officials at Aldersgate Village reported a deer jumped through a window at the retirement center—then ran into nearby woods where it was not found.

The Kansas Livestock Association will hold its annual Convention & Expo in Manhattan next month—opening with the Cattlemen’s Banquet where longtime members will be honored and agricultural consultant Nevil Speer from Kentucky will deliver a keynote address.

The event will run from Nov. 19 through Nov. 21 at the Manhattan Convention Center—early bird registration begins at $75 with prices set to rise on Nov. 1.

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library will host a free genealogy symposium—led by professional genealogist Kathleen Brandt—on November 15 at the Marvin Auditorium.

The event will help local residents learn how DNA testing can reveal family history—explaining expected results and research tips from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

On Oct. 24, KDHE issued a stream advisory for Deer Creek near 10th St. and Southeast Deer Creek Parkway after a non-hazardous food-grade material spilled—officials advised residents to keep children and pets away until the wading areas were confirmed safe.

Topeka City Council will meet on Nov.

5 to review resolutions for a new Community Improvement District and a Tax Increment Financing District at Sunflower Crossing—an investment that could bring nearly $20 million to spur local business. If approved, public hearings in December will consider projects such as a QuikTrip gas station, retail building and restaurant—funded by a 1% sales tax over 22 years.

On October 22, the Kansas Department of Commerce received national recognition when the Council of State Community Development Agencies awarded its President’s Award for Innovation to its Youth Job Training program in Bartlett – a nod to its role in training young workers.

Launched in 2022 – in partnership with Bartlett and Labette County High School – the program builds one house each summer to give students hands-on training and help meet the skilled trades shortage.

Dillards is hosting a Fall Fashion Show at 2 p.m. today outside its lower level entrance at West Ridge Mall—shoppers can view the new fall styles.

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.

West Ridge LIVE

7:30-9:30 p.m. — West Ridge Mall — Various tickets available — Experience an exciting event with special seating options and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Help Stock the Ronald McDonald House Pantry

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Seabrook Apple Market — Donations welcome — Support local families in need by replenishing vital pantry supplies.

2025 Kansas Environmental Education Conference

4-4:30 p.m. — Sunflower Nonprofit Center — Registration fees apply — Explore critical environmental education themes and network with community leaders.

Gallery Talk: Bobby Von Martin

6-7:30 p.m. — Mulvane Art Museum — Free entry — Explore the impact of Choctaw artist Bobby Von Martin's heritage and art in his enlightening gallery talk.

Cirque Mechanics - Tilt

7-8:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Check for pricing — Experience a high-flying circus spectacle that combines acrobatics with mechanical marvels.

Rich The Kid Live Concert

9 PM – 12 AM — The Woodshed Event Center — Tickets required — Experience Rich The Kid's electrifying performance in Topeka!

Chocolate Nutcracker Midwest

3-4:30 p.m. — Topeka Performing Arts Center — Adults start at $20, Children start at $10 — Experience an urban twist on the classic ballet featuring diverse dance styles.

Cheer Power Topeka Showdown 2025

1 a.m. — Topeka Elite Cheer — Bids available for top competitions — Cheerleading competition featuring bids for prestigious events.