Cover photo by Haley Fleisner
Boo! Happy spooky season, everyone! Are you feeling the Halloween spirit yet? For those of you who are BIG fans of the holiday, this is a great month to get out. For the rest of you, there are still plenty of ways to soak up fun fall activities. Here is a look at some of our Hometown Happenings for the month of October. Be sure to check out the other events to keep on your radar at the bottom!
Nightmare on Mass Street
Lucia | All month
This is one of the biggest draws in town for fans of Halloween. Lucia transforms into an absolute nightmare just in time for spooky season. This is NOT for the squeamish, as the bar sports an unbelievable amount of Halloween décor.
Bring the camera, there are photo opps galore!
But be warned, there’s lots of gore!
Kaw Valley Farm Tour
October 3 and 4
If you’ve been missing connecting with nature because of the oppressive heat, this is your chance. The 22nd Annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour kicks off this month and gives attendees a chance to get up close and personal with plants, animals, and more. This is a fun family activity to get the kids out of the house. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.kawvalleyfarmtour.com/.
Multicultural Fair
Lawrence Public Library | October 3
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly educational opportunity this month, we can’t recommend the Multicultural Fair enough. This event has been growing in popularity over recent years, and draws attendees out to learn about various cultures. Come for the food and fashion, stay for the performances.
Louise’s West Block Party
Louise’s West | October 10
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
Kaw Valley Field Day
Shirk's Farm | October 10
A new event is returning this year to combine music, food, and nature. The second annual Kaw Valley Field Day kicks off on Saturday, October 10th at 2:00 p.m. and runs until 9:00 p.m. This free event is family-friendly and will feature food, hayrack rides, and several other fall activities. The event is presented by the Save Our Soils Kaw Valley Foundation to protect fertile farmland. The musical lineup includes Split Lip Rayfield, The Band That Saved The World, The Twangles, Ryan Manuel, and Spencer and Rains. You can learn more about Save Our Soils on their website.
LawrenceZombie Walk
Downtown Lawrence | October 15
Of all the Halloween events in Lawrence, this is likely the most popular one. It’s one of those “only in Lawrence” kind of events that draws out people of all ages.
Folks will gather in South Park on Thursday, October 15th, and get “zombified” before (very slowly) marching down Mass St. in zombie fashion. The fundraiser for the Lawrence Humane Society includes a costume contest, blood bath stations, and vendors. Don’t forget to bring the camera! The walk kicks off at dusk.
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:
Unsettled Lawrence
Weekly | Watkins Museum of History
The Aristocats KIDS
Lawrence Arts Center | October 2
Mass Street Plant Co Fall Garden Party
Mass Street Plant Co | October 3
Memes as Instruments of Social Influence: A Theoretical Framework
KU Center for Russian, East Asian, and Eurasion Studies | October 6
Don’t Stop Me Now – Theatre Lawrence Benefit Concert
Theatre Lawrence | October 9
Star Wars Trivia Night
Lawrence Public Library | October 9
Tuesday Concert Series
Lawrence Arts Center | October 13
Looking After: A Panel Discussion with K-12 Educators
Spencer Museum of Art | October 25
