Visit Emporia

06/05/2026

School may be out, but the adventure is just getting started at the David Traylor Zoo.

Summer hours are in effect, giving you even more time to spend with your favorite animals, enjoy a family outing, or add a little wildlife to your day. Whether you're a regular visitor or haven't stopped by in a while, this is a great season to make a trip to the zoo.

This summer also brings an exciting new way to explore Kansas. The Emporia Zoo is one of seven AZA-accredited zoos participating in the KaZOO Wild Adventure Passport, a statewide challenge that invites families to visit zoos across Kansas, collect stamps, earn special gifts, and create memories along the way. Visit all seven participating zoos before September 7 and you'll be entered for a chance to win an unforgettable animal encounter experience. https://www.emporiaks.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/485

And there's even more to look forward to this month. Catch Zootopia under the stars at the Stroll-N-Show on June 12, then come back for the Annual Open House on June 28 for behind-the-scenes tours, keeper chats, and special opportunities to learn more about the animals and the people who care for them.

Longer days, wild adventures, family fun, and a statewide zoo challenge? Sounds like a pretty great summer.

06/04/2026

Tomorrow night, June 5, add a little mystery to your Emporia First Friday adventure!

Make a stop at Red Rocks, the historic home of William Allen White, for a free Teddy the Ghost Dog Teaser Tour. These short 15-minute tours offer a fun glimpse into the stories of Teddy, Mrs. Gillette, and a few other unexplained happenings connected to one of Emporia's most historic homes.

📅 Friday, June 5
📍 Red Rocks State Historic Site (William Allen White House)
⏰ 5 pm - 8 pm
💲 Free

William Allen White Community Partnership, Inc.

06/04/2026

*UPDATE* The June 7th concert will be held inside due to weather: 225 E. 6th Ave.

This weekend! Grab your lawn chairs and head to Fremont Park for another afternoon of music, art, and community at the Good Way Sunday Concert Series.

This Sunday from 4–6 pm, join Good Way Gardens as they welcome Grandpa Snazzy from Manhattan, Kansas. Known for bringing century-old tunes and musical curiosities back to life, Grandpa Snazzy delivers a fun, toe-tapping performance that's perfect for all ages, so don't forget your dancing shoes!

In addition to live music, enjoy a special presentation from House of Morrow and take part in a free, all-ages art project with the Emporia Arts Council.

📍 Fremont Park (4th & Union)
📆 Sunday, June 7
⏰ 4–6 pm
🎟 Free and open to all ages

Bring a chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy a Sunday afternoon filled with creativity, music, and community.

Looking ahead? Mark your calendars for the rest of the season:
• July 5 – Unfit Wives
• August 2 – Bobcat Opossum
• September 6 – The Fleeting Moments
• October 4 – Dimension Bill Edwards

06/03/2026

Tomorrow night at the Emporia Granada Theatre, get ready for a comedy show that’s hilariously relatable and just a little unhinged

Moms Unhinged is coming to Emporia on Thursday, June 4, at 7pm at the Emporia Granada Theatre! From motherhood and marriage to divorce, online dating, midlife chaos, and all the little things that drive us crazy, this “clean(ish)” comedy show is the perfect excuse for a fun night out with your friends, book club, or even your mom.

Hosted by Andrea Marie, featuring Julie Drake, and headlined by nationally touring comedian Janae Burris.

📆 Thursday, June 4
📍 Emporia Granada Theatre, 807 Commercial St
Doors open at 6pm | Show starts at 7pm
18+ | Adult themes and language
Tickets: $28 General Admission

06/03/2026

Emporia First Friday Art Walk returns this Friday, June 5, from 5 to 8 pm with another evening full of creativity, community, and unique local experiences throughout downtown.

This month’s featured artist is Anja Ford, whose cheerful knitted creatures will be on display at June’s Presenting Venue, Imaginarium, located at 707 Commercial St.

From galleries and pop-up exhibits to local shops filled with art, First Friday is one of the best ways to experience the creative energy of Emporia while exploring downtown.

Whether you’re planning a night out, visiting for the weekend, or just looking for something fun to do, be sure to add the Art Walk to your Friday plans.

👉 Find the full list of artists and venues at emporiafirstfriday.com/venues/

06/02/2026

Happening in Emporia | June 3–10

Summer events are rolling right along in Emporia with live music, family activities, comedy, art, and plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the community this week.

👉 See the full community calendar at
visitemporia.com/events

⚠️ = Visitors Must Dos

📆 Wednesday, June 3
📍 Wednesday Wellness Walk at PAROC
12 - 1 pm | PAROC, 601 E. 18th Ave
Take a guided midweek walk through Campus Prairie and Woods. Free

📍 Kids Koncerts featuring STEMusic
12 - 1 pm | Emporia Public Library
Kick off the summer concert series with fun, family-friendly live entertainment in the library courtyard. Free

📆 Thursday, June 4
📍 ⚠️ Moms Unhinged Standup Comedy Show
7 pm | Emporia Granada Theatre
A night of comedy covering motherhood, dating, marriage, and everything in between. $28

📆 Friday, June 5
📍 ⚠️ Emporia First Friday Art Walk
5 - 8 pm | Downtown Emporia
Spend the evening exploring downtown galleries, artists, shops, and local businesses.

📍⚠️ First Friday Teddy the Ghost Dog Teaser Tours!
5 - 8 pm | Red Rocks State Historic Site
Take a free 15-minute teaser ghost tour at the historic William Allen White House. Free

📆 Wednesday, June 10
📍 Lyon County 4-H Day Camp
9 am - 3 pm | Anderson Building, Lyon County Fairgrounds
A full day of activities and learning for adventurous kids ages 7-12. $20

📍 Storytime on the Steps
10:30 - 11:30 am | Red Rocks State Historic Site
Enjoy stories and a simple craft on the shady porch of the William Allen White House. Free

📍 Kids Koncerts featuring Janie Next Door
12 - 1 pm | Emporia Public Library
Enjoy another afternoon of free live entertainment for kids and families in the library courtyard. Free

📣 Hosting an event?
Add it to our community calendar so we can help spread the word:
👉 visitemporia.com/events/community/add/

*Event details can change - please check with event organizers to confirm times and information.*

06/02/2026

The mini train is back and running starting tomorrow, June 3!

The Sertoma miniature train opens it's summer season this Wednesday, June 3rd! Tickets to ride are still just 50 cents!

06/01/2026

Commercial Street in motion photos during Unbound Gravel | Pt. 2

It’s always incredible to watch how quickly downtown transforms during Unbound week. One moment, Commercial Street has the cozy, friendly, walkable downtown feeling we know every day, and the next it’s packed wall to wall with thousands of people from all around the world experiencing Emporia together.

06/01/2026

Commercial Street in motion photos during Unbound Gravel | Pt. 1

From sun to clouds, rain back to sun, then add in some more lightning, to show that true Kansas weather; this past weekend was unforgettable. The energy, crowds, and nonstop movement downtown showed just how much Unbound impacts Emporia. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen, from the riders and visitors to the community members putting in the long hours behind the scenes.

05/31/2026

Today, as Unbound Gravel celebrates 20 years, we wanted to shine a little light back on the event that has shined so brightly on Emporia.

As a small surprise from Visit Emporia, we lit up the brick walls of downtown tonight in honor of this milestone anniversary.

The brick represents every person who has poured their energy into Unbound over the last two decades - every staff member, volunteer, emergency responder, local business, and athlete who has made the journey to Emporia and become part of this story.

And the light carrying the Unbound logo represents the bright future ahead and the spotlight this event has helped shine on our community.

Twenty years ago, few could have imagined what this event would become or what it would mean to Emporia. Today, Unbound Gravel is woven into the identity of our town, and we are grateful to everyone who has helped build it along the way.

Happy 20th Anniversary, Unbound. We can’t wait to see what the next 20 years bring.


Life Time Grand Prix