From stand-up comedy in downtown Topeka to live music, a Renaissance festival, and Halloween celebrations, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out of the house October 23–25.
By Lila Marquez | This Is Topeka
TOPEKA, Kan. — It’s Friday, Topeka, and if your biggest weekend decision is whether to order pizza or Chinese takeout, we’ve got a few ideas that might change your plans.
With Halloween just around the corner, the capital city is filling up with costume parties, live entertainment, festivals, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall weather.
And while there are some great events happening across town, we’re giving our top Friday night pick to a group that’s been helping Topekans laugh for years.
Our Friday Night Pick: Friday Night Funnies at Cosmos Court
Friday, October 23 | 8 p.m. | 909 S. Kansas Avenue
There’s nothing quite like a good laugh to shake off a long workweek, and TopCity Comedy is ready to deliver another evening of live stand-up at Cosmos Court in downtown Topeka.
Friday Night Funnies has become a regular destination for people looking for something a little different from the usual dinner-and-drinks routine.
The show brings together touring comedians and regional talent in an intimate setting where the audience is close to the action and the laughs are anything but prerecorded.
It’s the kind of night where you can bring a date, meet up with friends, or simply get out and enjoy something happening right here in our city.
And with Cosmos Court offering food and drinks, there’s no need to make separate dinner reservations.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, with the show running from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Visit TopCityComedy.com for tickets and additional show information.
Our verdict: If you’re looking for one thing to do tonight, make it Friday Night Funnies. Support local comedy, grab a bite to eat, and give yourself permission to laugh for a couple of hours.
Halloween Ball and Topeka Renaissance Fall Festival
Friday, October 23 | 6–10 p.m. | The Woodshed Event Center
Looking for an excuse to wear something a little more interesting than jeans and a hoodie?
The Topeka Renaissance Festival kicks off its fall celebration Friday evening with a Halloween Ball featuring music, dancing, costumes, and a little medieval magic.
Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed in fantasy, Renaissance, steampunk, gothic, or Halloween attire.
There’s even a costume contest with cash prizes.
The festival continues Saturday and Sunday, giving families and fantasy enthusiasts an entire weekend to enjoy the festivities.
Friday’s Halloween Ball admission is listed at $20, with additional weekend ticket options available.
Live Music: Nichols and Millspaugh at Compass Point
Friday, October 23 | 6 p.m. | Compass Point at Dirty Girl Adventures
If live music is more your style, Compass Point is hosting Nichols and Millspaugh for an evening performance.
It’s another opportunity to enjoy local and regional musicians while supporting one of Topeka’s distinctive gathering spaces.
For anyone wanting to start the evening with music before heading downtown, this could make a great first stop.
Cleveland Blue Performs at Sole & Spirits
Friday, October 23 | 8 p.m. | Kickstart Saloon
Here’s an event that combines live music with a good cause.
Cleveland Blue takes the stage Friday night for Sole & Spirits, an evening benefiting Sole Reason, a local organization that provides shoes to children in need.
Attendees are encouraged to bring new or gently used shoes while enjoying an evening of live entertainment.
It’s a chance to have fun and help make a difference for young people in the community.
Washburn University Faculty Showcase Recital
Friday, October 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Hurd Recital Hall
For something a little more refined, Washburn University’s music faculty and guest artists will present a showcase recital Friday evening.
The performance highlights the musical talents of the university’s faculty and offers audiences an opportunity to experience live music in a concert setting.
Best of all, admission is free and the performance is open to the public.
Friday Night Crafts at Cafe Quetzal
Friday, October 23 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Looking for a relaxed evening that doesn’t involve a crowded bar?
Cafe Quetzal is hosting a free hands-on workshop teaching participants how to make balloon animals.
Guests can arrive throughout the evening, enjoy something from the cafe, and try their hand at a creative activity.
It’s an easygoing option for families, couples, or anyone who wants to learn something new.
Saturday: Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 24 | 9 a.m. | Topeka Zoo
Halloween fun isn’t just for grown-ups.
Boo at the Zoo returns Saturday, giving families an opportunity to celebrate the spooky season at one of Topeka’s favorite attractions.
It’s an excellent option for parents looking to get the kids out of the house, enjoy the fall season, and make some Halloween memories.
Check the Topeka Zoo’s event information for admission and activity details.
Saturday Night Blues at Happy Basset
Saturday, October 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Happy Basset Barrel House
The Steven Hiatt Band brings live blues to Happy Basset Barrel House Saturday evening.
If your idea of a good Saturday night includes guitars, good company, and live music, this one deserves a spot on your calendar.
More Saturday Halloween Fun
Saturday also brings several additional opportunities to celebrate the season.
NOTO Arts Center is hosting a Trunk or Treat beginning at 3 p.m., while Evergy Plaza’s Avenue Market will feature a Halloween theme beginning at 8:30 a.m.
For adults looking for late-night entertainment, The Dragxorcist: The HORROR is scheduled for 10 p.m. at Cosmos Court.
And for those who prefer something creative, Saturday’s calendar also includes watercolor and ink activities, calligraphy, and glassblowing.
Sunday: Topeka Pumpkin Run and Trunk-or-Treat
Sunday, October 25 | 5 p.m. | Felker Park
The 14th Annual Topeka Pumpkin Run and Trunk-or-Treat is scheduled for Sunday evening at Felker Park.
It’s another opportunity to bring the family together for some seasonal fun before Halloween arrives next weekend.
Sunday Night Concert: Colton Dixon and Micah Tyler
Sunday, October 25 | 7 p.m. | Fellowship Bible Church
Christian recording artists Colton Dixon and Micah Tyler are scheduled to perform in Topeka Sunday evening.
For fans of contemporary Christian music, the concert offers another way to close out a busy weekend.
There’s Plenty to Do, Topeka
One of the things we hear far too often is that there’s nothing to do in Topeka.
But take a look at this weekend.
We’ve got live comedy, concerts, costume parties, a Renaissance festival, family activities, and local musicians performing across the city.
That’s a pretty good lineup for a town that supposedly has nothing going on.
Whether you’re taking the kids to Boo at the Zoo, dressing up for a Halloween party, or heading downtown for a night of stand-up, there’s something happening for just about everyone.
And our Friday night recommendation remains Friday Night Funnies at Cosmos Court.
Because sometimes the best way to start the weekend is with a good meal, a few friends, and a whole lot of laughter.
Have a great weekend, Topeka. And wherever you go, remember to support the people and businesses making our city a more entertaining place to live.
