The Communications & Events Division operates out of the Administrative Office in South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St. For questions regarding special events, contact the Special Events Division.
Events
Prairie Park Nature Center 25th Anniversary Celebration
Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Prairie Park Nature Center from 1-3 pm on Saturday, Sept. 14! Come and get close to some of Lawrence’s most beloved animal ambassadors. Support Monarch conservation by catching and tagging Monarch butterflies in the prairie. Indulge in a delicious shaved ice treat from locally-owned Snowball Island, and enjoy many more activities! Join us for an afternoon of excitement and nature appreciation. No Registration Required.
Walk the Loop
Lace up and let’s hit the trail! Join us for Walk The Loop events this October and enjoy a refreshing walk with your community! On each Thursday in October, except Halloween (3, 10, 17, & 24), meet us at the trailhead of the assigned section at 5:30 p.m. and let’s get walking! In case of weather on a scheduled walk date, that date will be canceled and will not be rescheduled. 🌧️ Check the rainout line for updates. No registration required.
Sports Pavilion Lawrence 10th Anniversary
Join us to celebrate 10 years of Sports Pavilion Lawrence® from Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5! Enjoy NERF, yard games, and soccer free play on the turf. Then head to the courts for granny basketball, fitness class demos, pickleball, volleyball, basketball, and a free throw contest. Don’t forget to grab a tasty treat from one of the many food trucks outside. Don’t miss out on this fun community celebration! No registration required.
The 51st Annual Halloween Paint-In
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department has once again partnered with the Lawrence Breakfast Optimists and Downtown Lawrence, Inc., to create a spooky-good time for the Halloween season with the 51st Annual Halloween Paint-In! The event encourages people to submit their sketches and get to paint on the windows of some of our favorite businesses located right downtown! This year’s event will be held from 8 a.m.-Noon, Saturday, Oct. 19. The event is free and open to the public of all ages but pre-registration is required. If you’d like to see your art work up along Mass St., don’t wait to register today!
Candy Cane Quest
Ages: 2-12
Want holiday fun delivered to your door? Our North Pole elves will visit your house with a sweet surprise, hiding 10 candy canes around your front yard!
The magic doesn’t end with the quest; we will also leave a goodie bag containing a craft and activities at your door. If you would like to purchase for additional children, there will be additional candy canes added to your hunt for $5/child. Deliveries will be between 8am-5pm on Thursday, December 19th. Register today!
For more information, please call 785-832-7906.
Crafts Fairs
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department hosts several arts and crafts fairs throughout the year for exhibitors to showcase and sell their work. The list below provides the dates/times of each of LPRD’s upcoming crafts fairs. All Fairs are Free and Open to the Public.
2024 Autumn Harvest Festival
Registration for the Autumn Harvest Festival begins Monday, APRIL 15 at 10 a.m.
Enjoy being out and about during the beautiful fall weather during the Autumn Harvest Festival! The event will be held outdoors in the City of Lawrence’s signature South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 13.
Featuring handmade and commercial goods such as jewelry, paintings, textiles, pottery, home décor, and much more from local artists and entrepreneurs!
Booths for this event will be 10’ by 10’. Electricity and tables are available for an additional fee on a first-come first served basis. Electricity — $5 | Table Rental — $10 each + tax
Registration deadline is Friday, September 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
The Lawrence Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department reserves the right to reject any exhibits. Items made from commercial kits or of a commercial nature are accepted. Jewelry exhibits will be limited. Previous booth locations are not guaranteed.
For questions regarding this or other craft fairs, please contact the Special Events Division at prspecialevents@lawrenceks.org
2024 Holiday Extravaganza Crafts Fair
Registration for the Holiday Extravaganza Crafts Fair begins Monday, APRIL 15 at 10 a.m.
Ring in the Holiday Season with LPRD this year at the Holiday Extravaganza Craft Fair! The event will be held on Saturday, December 7, at Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Lane, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Featuring handmade and commercial goods such as jewelry, paintings, textiles, pottery, home décor, and much more from local artists and entrepreneurs!
Booths for this event will be 10’ by 10’. Electricity and tables are available for an additional fee on a first-come first served basis. Electricity — $5 | Table Rental — $10 each + tax
Registration deadline is Friday, November 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
The Lawrence Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department reserves the right to reject any exhibits. Items made from commercial kits or of a commercial nature are accepted. Jewelry exhibits will be limited. Previous booth locations are not guaranteed.
For questions regarding this or other craft fairs, please contact the Special Events Division at prspecialevents@lawrenceks.org