The For The Culture KS Fest (FTC KS Fest) is Kansas’s premier cultural event. It is a free, family friendly, cultural experience focused on music, education, economic and social empowerment and the arts. The Fest features local and nationally, recognized musicians, artists, poets, and craftspeople. FTC KS Fest is organized by For The Culture KS, Kansas non-profit corporation and a registered 501(c)3.

The For The Culture KS Fest starts on Saturday, July 26th from 8 am until 10pm and on Sunday, July 27th from 11 am until 5 pm. All activities are held at Evergy Plaza in Downtown Topeka, KS.

The For The Culture KS Fest is located in Topeka, Kansas, at Evergy Plaza, Downtown Topeka, 630 S Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Enjoying the performances at the Fest are FREE. However, we encourage you to purchase the food and merchandise from the food trucks and vendors set up during the Fest.

The FTC KS Gala is a fundraising event that takes place on Thursday, July 24th at Townsite Plaza. This elegant evening is full of joy and laughter that you do not want to miss. Visit the Gala tab to purchase your seats, but hurry-they sell out fast!

The For The Culture KS Fest is a family-friendly event. We have a children’s area with kid-friendly activities throughout the event. The Fest will include people of all ages therefore performances should not include explicits or topics that are considered hate speech. We do not promote violence.

Pets, including seeing eye dogs or other service animals are allowed on the premises but must be controlled by leash. Horses are prohibited from being led or ridden in the plaza. The Plaza Management reserves the right to ask to remove or remove any animals deemed aggressive or impairing the enjoyment of others. FTC KS Fest has the right to request any pet owner and their pet leave the premises if there is aggressive behavior or excessive noise that is disruptive to the public.

ON-STREET PARKING

Parking along the streets of Downtown Topeka is free for 2 hours on weekdays. There are 1,230 on-street metered stalls. 2 Hour parking is enforced from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Meter parking is not enforced after 6:00 p.m. on weeknights and on weekends.

PARKING LOTS AND GARAGES

Parking lots and garages in Downtown Topeka are open to the public at no cost on weeknights after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends. Parking garages are available Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for an hourly fee. Below is a link to an interactive map of Downtown Topeka parking.

What items are NOT permitted:

• Alcohol (beer and wine available for sale on-site)

• Illegal drugs

• Glass containers or outside Steins

• Anything that can obstruct the view of others such as tents (vendors excluded)

• Video and audio recording equipment

• Riding bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards, unicycles, Segways, etc. is prohibited inside the Plaza

• Weapons, illicit drugs and other contraband.

Smoking on the plaza, vape or cigarette is not permitted on the Plaza. The City of Topeka municipal code states smoking of an e-cigarette or cigarette, cigar, or pipe is prohibited “within a 10-foot radius of any doorway, open window or air intake leading into a building or facility that is not exempted pursuant to TMC 8.20.070.”Additionally, there is no smoking within 20 ft of any public event space that is occupied.

Smoking on the plaza, vape or cigarette is not permitted on the Plaza. The City of Topeka municipal code states smoking of an e-cigarette or cigarette, cigar, or pipe is prohibited “within a 10-foot radius of any doorway, open window or air intake leading into a building or facility that is not exempted pursuant to TMC 8.20.070.”Additionally, there is no smoking within 20 ft of any public event space that is occupied.

Yes. Evergy Plaza is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

Music will include Old School, Jazz, Neo-Soul, R&B, Gospel, Reggae, and more. We will have spoken word, poets, comedians, and live theater shows. Additionally, we will host a soulful gospel hour with church choirs and a lively Step Show.

Sign up for our e-newsletter, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get the latest on our lineup.

Interested in Volunteering, please visit our website at www.ForTheCultureFest.org to fill out the volunteer form. To inquire about performing, hosting a booth, food truck, visual art entry, or sponsorship opportunities, please complete the appropriate form under the EVENT tab on our website and someone will contact you.

Artist submissions are closed at this time. Notifications will be sent out the week of April 7, 2023.

Go to the EVENT tab of our website to find the Vendor form. Complete and submit a vendor’s application online or print the application and someone will contact you.

How can I become a sponsor? FTC KS Fest is a not for profit company and is sponsored by individuals and corporate sponsors. Your support is greatly appreciated and there are several levels of opportunities designed to fit your company’s needs and budget. Please fill out the Sponsor form under the Event tab on the website or email us at info@ForTheCultureKS.org to learn how you can become a sponsor.

Hand held still cameras are permitted. Tripods, audio and video recording devices are NOT permitted.

Our FREE Fest e-mail newsletters include the latest line-up updates, weekend schedules, official events and special offers from the Festival and our partners. Find the sign-up at the bottom of any page of our website.

For general press inquiries please email info@ForTheCultureKS.org. For more information about the For The Culture KS Fest, please visit www.ForTheCultureKS.org.

For any general Fest questions not provided on the website, please e-mail Info@ForTheCultureKS.org.

No unauthorized vending. FTC KS reserves the right to remove anyone from the fest who is in violation of these policies. Only good, positive, family fun is allowed during the Fest.

Yes. You can email us at info@forthecultureks.org if you would like to view the information.

Yes, on Saturday only by a contracted vendor.

As part of the city special events resolution:

Section 4. Event attendees may purchase, possess and consume alcoholic beverages within the Designated Barricaded Area. Pursuant to K.S.A. 41-719, no alcoholic liquor may be removed from Designated Barricaded Area or consumed inside vehicles while on public streets or alleys at the event.

Additionally as stated in Evergy Plaza information, people are not permitted to bring alcohol outside of the contracted vendor. Contracted security/law enforcement will be monitoring for any consumption or possession by minors.