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The “ART” sculpture stands at the center of the NOTO Arts District, capturing the attention of visitors. The installation welcomed guests to the NOTO event held in Topeka Sept. 5.
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Audience members sit on the lawn as live performers take the stage. The event featured casual seating and local outreach booths.
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A band performs during the First Friday Art Walk . The group played live music for attendees at the community gathering.
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Face painting supplies are ready for participants. The monthly event has included face painting in past programs.
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Conversations and smiles are exchanged between shoppers and vendors at a pop-up table. The First Friday Art Walk fostered personal connections between residents and local businesses.
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The Dirty Lama booth serves drinks. It was the vendor’s first time at the event, and they plan to return for the next one.
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A group of friends plays old-style music. They have been friends for more than 10 years and performed at the event for fun.
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Ichabod gives a high-five to a visitor. The community event took place on September 5 and drew crowds to the arts district.
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Artists display handcrafted goods for attendees exploring the booths. Many of the makers used the First Friday Art Walk as a way to connect with the community.
The First Friday Art Walk was hosted by the North Topeka Arts & Entertainment District, commonly known as NOTO, Sept. 5 from 4:30 p.m to 9 p.m.
The event hosted local businesses, band performances and public engagement. Many restaurants, food trucks and boutiques stayed open late, giving food lovers and casual visitors ample opportunity to explore the historic district’s offerings.
“The event is mostly about community, it’s about arts, it’s about getting people more involved in Topeka, it’s about live music and about supporting local business,”said Sasha Klaurens, experience manager of Beacon.
The community-based event gives Topekans the chance to engage as a spectator or get involved as an active participant.
“I’m from Topeka, and I like to play old time music, and there isn’t a lot of it,” said Suzanne McDonald, Topeka resident. “And then I asked two of my very good friends who I play music with to come and just hang out and play some music, and expose people to old time music.
The event also allowed local businesses to showcase their work. Lara Waits, owner of The Dirty Lama, appreciated the exposure to Washburn University students.
“I really love that the students were bussed in, because sometimes transportation is a thing. So, to get them down here and show them that NOTO is a beautiful thing, because it’s such a beautiful area.”
The next First Friday Art Walk isOct. 3, 2025, with food trucks, music and art.
Edited by Bidhya Sapkota and Jeremy Ford
