It feels like Lawrence is fully ready to dive into Spring. Thankfully, this is a town that doesn’t know when to stop. There are so many events to choose from this month, culminating with one of the funnest and most outrageous outdoor events of the year. Here are some Hometown Happenings in May, and be sure to check out the other events at the bottom!
Spring Artisan Fair
Holcom Park Recreation Center | May 2
If you’re looking for some handmade goods from local artists, head straight to Holcom Park’s center gymnasium. Here, you’ll be able to find unique creations from local artisans, including jewelry, paintings, textiles, pottery, home décor, and more. Since this is an indoor event, you won’t have to worry about the rain. Bring the kids, there’s a kid zone full of live performances and activities to keep them busy while you shop.
Muse: An Art Drag Spectacular
Van Go | May 2
We’re told this is the first of many themed spring spectaculars to come at Van Go. This year, they’re hosting drag queens walking the runway sporting the latest fashions by local designers. Each drag performance is accompanied by a small runway show featuring fashion, jewelry, and art.
Jenny Don’t and the Spurs
Lucia | May 2
If you love retro Western music, head straight to Lucia on the first weekend of May for this early set. Jenny Don’t and the Spurs have an enticing aesthetic (think country western movies meets Dick Dale). Their garage rock roots means lots of fuzzy tones and reverb on those guitars.
This is part of Lucia’s famous Sunday Roundup series (but on a Saturday!), a haven for honky-tonk fans. And keeping with the Sunday roundup theme, it’s FREE.
RIYL: Unfit Wives, Betsy O and the Hollaback Boys, your grandma’s kitchen décor
Karaoke Jones
Replay Lounge | Every Saturday in May
It’s no surprise that our eccentric and outgoing community loves a good karaoke night. Karaoke Jones, hosted by the Jones brothers, is likely the most popular karaoke joint in town. They’ve built a strong following for their events over the years, culminating in a dedicated fan base at Replay (it’s fun to watch even if you’re too shy to sing).
The event runs every Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the patio (soak up that gorgeous Spring weather).
360 Allstars
Lied Center | May 4
You’ll want to bring the family out to this one. 360 Allstars is a high-energy (and we mean HIGH ENERGY) show featuring dancing, beat boxing, acrobatics, BMX biking, and more. When will you ever get to see BMX biking inside the Lied Center??
Celebrating all things street culture, the cast features world-champion and world-record-holding athletes and artists (they’ve even had stings on Broadway and at the Sydney Opera House).
An Introduction to Algerian Culture and Film Screening
Lawrence Public Library | May 7
The library has a few events coming up to celebrate the big soccer games coming to our corner of the state this summer. Because Lawrence is hosting the Algerian team, it’s important to know a little more about our guests. This event comes with some free Arabic lessons! Dr. Asmaa Benbaba will be sharing some language and culture tips ahead of the Algerian National Team’s visit. The cultural lesson will then be followed by a screening of “Inch’Allah Dimanche,” a film about an Algerian woman’s journey as she moves to France with her husband and navigates the challenges of a new life.
Lawrence Busker Festival
Downtown Lawrence | May 22-24
It’s pretty hard to contain our excitement for this one. The annual Lawrence Busker Festival is sort of a ceremonial marker for the beginning of summer in Lawrence. It kicks off the moment school gets out and sends families descending onto Downtown Lawrence for the free outdoor circus. Featuring buskers, performers, acrobats, music, and more, it’s essentially a happiness factory. This is one of the most “Unmistakably Lawrence” things you can do! Are you even from Lawrence if you don’t celebrate summer with the Lawrence Busker Fest?
Other events to keep on your radar:
Studio ’76: A Tribute to the Music of 1976
Lied Center | May 1
Mini Native Foods and Garden Tour
Lawrence Public Library | May 2
Drew Dunn
Comedy Club of Lawrence | May 2
Mahjong Club
Lawrence Public Library | May 6
Feria de Kansas
Cider Gallery | May 10
Music for MOM (Musicals, Opera, Movies) with the Lawrence Community Orchestra
South Park | May 10
Bleeding Kansas Bus Tours
Watkins Museum of History | May 10
Queer Bowling Social
Royal Crest Lanes | May 17
