Well, they don’t call it Rocktober for nothing! This month, it’s time to shake off the sleepy summer heat that extended too far into fall. There are plenty of places to get that energy out as the seasons change. Rockers, headbangers, and hip-hop heads all have something to look forward to this month. There’s even something for the country music fans of all ages. Here are our best bets for October in Lawrence, Kansas—and be sure to check out the list of other events to keep on your radar at the bottom!
Lambrini Girls
The Granada | October 1
DO. NOT. SLEEP. ON. THIS. SHOW. We lost saw Lambrini Girls in 2024 opening for Amyl and the Sniffers. This one is for the punk rockers, and the band tends to get up close and personal with their fans at the show. They’ll be touring ahead of their new album, No Refunds, set to release next year. Big Special and Big Girl are set to open.
RIYL: Amyl and the Sniffers, Die Spitz, Pink Fuzz
Punk vs. Metal 5!
The Bottleneck | October 3
Oh boy! This is one of our favorite events every year! It’s such a creative way to create some camaraderie in the scene.
Every year, punk bands square off against metal bands at the Bottleneck for a night of noisy rock and roll. Get ready to mosh and throw down as Hellevate, Pit Hag and Sadobeast go up against Cat F!ght, White Line Nightmares and The Oddballs.
This event is ALL AGES.
RIYL: local bands, throwing your neck out, throwing your back out
Marcel P. Black / Bigg Ray West / Greg Humble
The Replay | October 10
This is a really good way to get familiar with what hip-hop sounds like in the Midwest. Marcel P. Black, from Oklahoma, has been a regular visitor so often, that he may as well be a local. Bigg Ray West will be coming in from Iowa, and Greg Humbel is holding down the Lawrence crew.
RIYL: Approach, Louise West, Culture Over Everything
Louise’s West Block Party
Louise’s West | October 10th
Lawrence loves a good block party, and it’s no small feat to keep a bar in business for this long in town. Louise’s West is celebrating 50 years in the business with a fun block party for their patrons. Naturally, this will include some live music. The lineup includes Mike Roberts, the KU Bar Band, and Flash Floods. Bring your ID! No one under 21 is admitted without a parent.
RIYL: Block parties, local bands
Dolly Parton Tribute Concert
Liberty Hall | October 16
It’s pretty safe to assume that the entire nation is in mourning after Dolly Parton’s passing. Her music touched people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or political leanings. Luckily for us in Lawrence, there’s no better way to honor her memory with a celebration of music that raises money for a cause close to her heart.
The Dolly Parton Tribute Concert was already scheduled before Dolly’s passing, and is bringing together a host of local acts to raise money for the Imagination Library. You’ll be able to see Mr. and Mrs. Dodge, Unfit Wives, Hello Biplane, Carswell and Hope, and Lorna Kay all pay tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of all time. The cherry on top is it’s hosted by the very upbeat and peppy drag queen Deja Brooks.
RIYL: Watching Steel Magnolias and crying into a pillow
Other events to keep on your radar:
AJJ
The Bottleneck | October 1
The Roseline / Gracie Hughes (early show)
The Replay | October 3
Central Standard Bluegrass Band
Lucia | October 3
El Ten Eleven
The Bottleneck | October 7
Bayside
Liberty Hall | October 8
Buck Creek
Northside Social | October 8
Black Country, New Road
The Granada | October 17
Fruit Bats
Liberty Hall | October 20
Sun O )))
Liberty Hall | October 21
Half Tiger Half Bear / Approach / Frightened Stag
The Replay | October 23
Trio Azura
Lied Center | October 25
