We’re getting into the hotter days of Summer, and that means it’s time to start looking for those indoor, air-conditioned events. But if you’re an outdoorsy type, there are still a couple of festival events headed your way. From quiet days at the museum to street parties, there is still plenty of gas in the tank for Lawrence’s busy summer events. Here are some events you can head to in July.
Summerfest 2026
Douglas County Fairgrounds | July 4
The big story this month is Summerfest. With our nation’s 250th birthday being celebrated this year, Lawrence has a free evening full of fun family activities planned. There will be live music, food trucks, a kid’s zone, and a drone show to end the night (being next to the animal shelter, the city opts for a drone show rather than fireworks). Bring the kids!
Sunday Jayhawk Jukebox
Dole Institute of Politics | July 5 and July 12
This year the Dole Institute of Politics, the Lied Center, and the KU School of Music teamed up for a series of free concerts for the community, featuring local musicians. Last month’s shows featured jazz and a quartet. This month, it’s all about the local bands. The shows always fall on a Sunday, and we have two more left this month. Mire Pal plays July 5 at 2:00 p.m., and family band The Lost Keys play July 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Archery
Prairie Park Nature Center | July 10
This event aims to teach Olympic-style archery with compound bows. Beginners are welcome, and it’s open to anyone ages 7 and up. That means you can participate individually or as a family (or a group of friends)! Can’t make it this time? This event will happen again in August and September.
Babisyakatek - "It is beaded"
Watkins Museum of History | July 10
This month, the Watkins Museum of History is hosting a presentation on the history and cultural significance of beadwork in the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Tara Mitchell will be on hand for the discussion on beadwork and how it’s passed down through generations. Mitchell is the Deputy Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation with more than 25 years of beading experience.
Score Lawrence with Hembree / Rudy Love and the Encore / Kat King
South Park | July 11
We’re not quite done with all the fun soccer activities quite yet! This month, Score Lawrence has one more soccer bash to bring to the public with this big show. The outdoor festival will feature three bands: Hembree, Rudy Love and the Encore, and Kat King. All these acts have “big festival stage” energy and have wowed audiences in Lawrence over the past few years. This is a loooong day. Starts at 3:00 p.m., and ends with a viewing party inside Maceli’s.
Adult Swim Night
Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center | July 17
This is an event that has been growing super quickly in popularity with Lawrencians. The outdoor pool has been hosting Adult Swim Nights this summer and last year. This is an adults-only night (for ages 18 and up) featuring concessions and a theme (announced on Parks and Rec’s Facebook page).
Douglas County Fair
Douglas County Fairgrounds | July 27 - August 1
There is no better event to signify the end of the summer than the Douglas County Fair. By that point, everyone’s a little worn out on the pool and ready to move onto the next season. But before you head to the store to get those back-to-school supplies, there’s one final summer hurrah in town. The Douglas County Fair runs July 27 through August 1st, and features a carnival, food, animals, competitions, vendors, and the wildly popular demolition derby. You can find a full schedule of events on their website: https://dgcountyfair.com/.
Other events to keep on your radar:
Bleeding Kansas Reenactment
Territorial Capital Museum, Lecompton | July 1 and July 4
Lawrence City Band
South Park | July 1, 8, and 15
Status Crow
Trivedi Wine, 1826 East 1150 Road | July 3
Cottin's Hardware Farmer's Market
Cottin's Hardware | Every Thursday at 4:00 p.m.
Paddy O’Trivia
The Replay | Every Monday at 6:00 p.m.
Float Local Friday
Clinton Marina | July 10
Bookworms and Waterbugs
Lawrence outdoor Aquatic Center | July 10
Inclusive Summer Market
Douglas County Fairgrounds | July 11
Tail Wagging Readers
Lawrence Public Library | July 11 and July 25
Queer Bowling
Royal Crest Lanes | July 12
Breakfast for Dinner with the Animals
Prairie Park Nature Center | July 18
Kansas Flowers Mini-Wreaths
Art Emergency | July 18
Final Fridays: GOAL! Group Exhibition
Lawrence Arts Center | July 31
