How will YOU be celebrating Spring now that it’s in full bloom? Gardening? Attending an event in the park? Or maybe just taking in some live music! Now that the weather is truly pleasant, you are in for a treat, Lawrence. We’re starting to see the return of some of our favorite outdoor events. Pop your allergy pill and head to any of these fine Hometown Happenings this April (and don’t forget to check out the other events at the bottom).
LPL Con
Lawrence Public Library | April 11
This one’s for you, fellow nerds! LPL Con has been growing in popularity pretty steadily over the years, and if you haven’t been before, this is the year you should go. It’s a comic con-style experience with all the library perks (which means it’s FREE). This is your chance to get up close with some regional and nationally known cosplayers, attend panels hosted by experts, and even partake in a few games. Don’t forget to dress up for the cosplay contest! Bring the kids, this one’s family friendly!
This event is free, but registration is required.
KU Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival
Lied Center | April 11
It wouldn’t be Spring in Lawrence without this community event. The KU Powwow and Indigenous Cultures Festival kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, and runs through 8:00 p.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy films, workshops, dancing, and even hands-on activities for the kids. This event is open to everyone to celebrate and learn about indigenous cultures.
GOLDEN: A K-Pop Kids Party
The Granada | April 12
The Granada has been host to a number of themed raves (Shrek Rave, Heated Rivalry rave, etc.) over the past few years, but this time they’re doing one for the kids. It falls smack dab in the middle of the day ON A SUNDAY and will primarily center around K-Pop hits. So if you’re a parent who’s been subjected to a hijacked Spotify playlist of K-Pop Demon Hunter hits in the car, this one’s for you and your kiddos. Don’t worry, we know you’re out of stamina. This event is only two hours. Costumes and dancing encouraged.
Azad’s World Percussion Ensembles Concert
Lawrence Arts Center | April 13
This is for all of you percussion lovers out there. If the sound of various drums and percussion instruments gets your heart rate going, you’ll want to head straight to the Lawrence Arts Center this month. That’s where the ENTIRE percussion department from the KU School of Music will be performing at their annual World Percussion Ensembles Concert. Various percussion groups perform, including the KU Drumline, the Rock Chalk Drummers, Steel Drums, and more (if you’re especially fond of the sounds of the KU Marching Jayhawks, you’ll love this). The event will also feature special guest Dendê Macêdo, from Salvador, Brazil! This is the tenth year for the event, and (as always) it is FREE.
Editor’s note: The author is an employee of the KU School of Music, which is affiliated with this event.
Lawrence Earth Day Fair
South Park | April 18
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than in our most famous green space? The annual Earth Day Fair, presented by the Watkins Museum of History, kicks off in South Park on April 18 with a number of local environmentally-minded groups on hand. This is a fun event for the whole family, and you can’t expect an educational learning experience as well as crafts.
Other events to keep on your radar:
The Maginot Line
Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics | April 1
What Worlds Does Soccer Imagine
Lawrence Public Library | April 2
Lawrence Ballet Theatre Presents: Emergence
Lawrence Arts Center | April 3
Garden Design 101
Vinland Valley Nursery | April 4
Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad
Watkins Museum of History | April 7 – May 23
Lawrence Suffragists at Oak Hill Cemetery
Oak Hill Cemetery | April 8
Archery
Prairie Park Nature Center | April 11
KU Astronomy Night
University of Kansas | April 16
Amazing Pollinators
Lawrence Public Library | April 17
Kinky Boots
Lied Center | April 21
Earth Day Fairy Houses
Lawrence Public Library | April 24
Tail Wagging Readers
Lawrence Public Library | April 25
