Bradley J’s What’s Happening

Published: November 10, 2026

Looking for something to do around Northeast Kansas? From Blizzard Bash to holiday shopping, family activities and a couple of nights just for the grown-ups, here are eight events to check out.

Blizzard Bash Brings Four Days of Demolition Derby Action to Topeka

If crashing cars sounds like your kind of entertainment, put Blizzard Bash on your calendar. More than 300 drivers will compete in four days of demolition derby action, including team competitions, youth features and Power Wheels events.

Date: Wednesday–Saturday, November 11–14, 2026
Time: Wednesday–Friday at 6 p.m.; Saturday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Location: Landon Arena at Stormont Vail Events Center, One Expocentre Drive, Topeka
Admission: General admission is $27 for Saturday morning and $42 for other shows. Reserved seats are $47.

Honor Veterans at Manhattan’s Flint Hills Veterans Day Parade

Take time Wednesday morning to honor those who served. The Flint Hills Veterans Day Parade brings the community together in downtown Manhattan, recognizing 250 years of service by members of the Armed Forces.

Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Poyntz Avenue, from Manhattan Town Center toward City Hall, Manhattan
Admission: Open to the public; an admission price is not publicly listed.

Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping at Buttons ’n Bows

Have someone on your gift list who’s tough to shop for? The 46th Annual Buttons ’n Bows Arts & Craft Fair features more than 100 artisans offering handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, home décor and seasonal gifts. Food trucks, a homemade bake sale and a quilt raffle round out the day.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: National Guard Armory, 721 Levee Drive, Manhattan
Admission: Not publicly listed.

Find Your Next Collectible at Topekarama

Take the kids—or go looking for something you wish you’d kept from your own childhood. Topekarama brings together comic books, vintage and new toys, video games, sports memorabilia, artists and other pop-culture collectibles for a day of browsing, buying and trading.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Agriculture Hall at Stormont Vail Events Center, One Expocentre Drive, Topeka
Admission: Adults $5 before 3 p.m.; children 13 and younger free. Everyone gets in free after 3 p.m. Veterans, active-duty military and reserves receive free admission with proof of service.

Lawrence Honors Those Who Served with Saturday’s Veterans Day Parade

If your family can’t attend a Veterans Day event Wednesday, Lawrence offers a Saturday opportunity to show your support. Local veterans, color guards and military vehicles will travel north along Massachusetts Street through downtown.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Massachusetts Street, from South Park north to Seventh Street, Lawrence
Admission: Not publicly listed.

Meet a Robot at a Free Family Day in Manhattan

The Museum of Art + Light is giving families a chance to create, explore and meet a robot. Its Algorithms + Assemblage Family Day includes hands-on art projects, robot demonstrations and live music. Admission includes access to the entire museum.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Museum of Art + Light, 316 Pierre Street, Manhattan
Admission: Free, including activities, demonstrations and museum access.

Topeka Zoo’s Adult Camp Takes a Trip to Middle-earth

Zoo camp isn’t just for kids. Topeka Zoo’s A Night in the Shire gives adults a Lord of the Rings-themed evening through its camp program, which features educational activities, animal encounters, crafts and games.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Gary K. Clarke Education Classroom at Topeka Zoo, 635 SW Gage Boulevard, Topeka
Admission: $20 plus tax for Friends of Topeka Zoo members; $25 plus tax for nonmembers. Ages 18 and older; registration required.

The Grown-ups Get a Turn at Discovery After Dark

Ever watched your kids play at the Discovery Center and wanted a turn yourself? Discovery After Dark opens the museum to adults for an evening of hands-on exhibits, building, exploring and play. A cash bar and café snacks will be available, with proceeds supporting museum access for children.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Location: Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, Topeka
Admission: $16 per person, including members. Ages 21 and older. Tickets available online or at the door.