Shawnee County Parks + Recreation

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation Our mission: Inspire active and healthy lifestyles through a diverse system of parks and facilities.
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09/07/2026

🎉 Founders Fest is Coming to Gage Park!

Join us Friday, October 2 & Saturday, October 3 as we celebrate the history of one of Topeka's most beloved parks with two days of free family fun!

📅 Friday, October 2
🚂 Free Mini Train rides (extended hours until 7 p.m.)
🦋 Free admission to the Kansas Children's Discovery Center (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
🎶 Garden Grooves Concert (6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
📚 Shawnee County Library Learn & Play Bus (9 a.m.–1 p.m.)

📅 Saturday, October 3
🦁 Free admission to the Topeka Zoo
🚂 Free Mini Train rides
🎵 Live music & performances (11 a.m.–3 p.m.)
🚒 Touch-a-Truck
🎈 Rec-N-Roll activities
📚 Library activity buses

🐾 More activities are still being finalized, so stay tuned!

Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing the incredible stories that shaped Gage Park, from forgotten landmarks to surprising moments in Topeka history. We can't wait to celebrate with you this October!

Last year we had some beautiful looking deserts come through!Join us for Smoke on the Water Friday October 9thCurrent Te...
09/04/2026

Last year we had some beautiful looking deserts come through!

Join us for Smoke on the Water Friday October 9th

Current Teams Competing:

KCBS Comptetion:
M2 Smokin Q
It is BBQ My Dudes
Team Crawford
Smoke Wirx
Smokin' Hog Butts
Pine Tar BBQ
Who's Cookin'?
KC Meat Sweats
Wood Hook BBQ
Birdie's BBQ, Birdie's BBQ

Outlaw Competition:
Sis'N'Bubs
Bonfire Barbecue
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Competitions:
KCBS Master’s Series BBQ Contest
Test your skills against top-tier teams in this Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition.
• Includes full hookup campsite for Friday night
• Categories: Chicken (Noon), Ribs (12:30 p.m.), Pork Butt (1 p.m.), Brisket (1 p.m.)
• Optional early check-in (Thursday) and late checkout (Sunday) available for an additional fee
Outlaw Backyard BBQ Contest
A perfect fit for passionate amateurs looking to show off their grill game.
• Entry Fee: $150 per team
• Includes basic campsite for Friday night
• Categories: Chicken (Noon), Ribs (12:30 p.m.)
• Unsanctioned but full of flavor and bragging rights
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Smoke on the Water Showcase – Open to the Public
Friday, October 9 | 12 p.m.-10 p.m.,
• Live music
• BBQ and food trucks
• Retail vendors
• Cold drinks and a family-friendly atmosphere
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Key Times & Info
• Team Check-In: Friday, October 9 at 8:00 a.m.
• Awards Ceremony: Saturday, October 10 at 3:00 p.m. (tentative)
• Optional early check-in: Thursday, October 8 at 2:00 p.m.
• Optional late checkout: Sunday, October 11 by Noon
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Registration & Contact
Contact: Dustyn Whyte
[email protected]
785-251-6881
Register online, by phone or in person at any Shawnee County Parks + Recreation location. Stay tuned to our website for updates, vendor info, contest registration and more.

https://secure.rec1.com/KS/shawnee-county-ks/catalog/index/5297b7d35ff1b4d24274e0994af0477b?filter=c2VhcmNoPXNtb2tlJTIwb24lMjB0aGUlMjB3YXRlcg==

There is plenty to do at OK Kids Day, but just as much to discover!Local experts will be joining us to help kids investi...
09/03/2026

There is plenty to do at OK Kids Day, but just as much to discover!

Local experts will be joining us to help kids investigate Shawnee County rocks, safely observe the sun, learn about bees, explore local plants and more.

📅 Saturday, September 12
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Shawnee North Community Center
🎟️ Free and open to the public

09/02/2026

Find a 10/10 bench and make some 10/10 fall plans. 🍂

The new SCP+R Fall Guide is here, packed with special events, classes, camps, sports and activities for all ages!

Flip through, find something that catches your eye and tap the listing to head straight to online registration.

Your autumn starts here:
https://online.flippingbook.com/view/795726022/

09/01/2026

🎉 Founders Fest is Coming to Gage Park!

Join us Friday, October 2 & Saturday, October 3 as we celebrate the history of one of Topeka's most beloved parks with two days of free family fun!

📅 Friday, October 2
🚂 Free Mini Train rides (extended hours until 7 p.m.)
🦋 Free admission to the Kansas Children's Discovery Center (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
🎶 Garden Grooves Concert (6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
📚 Shawnee County Library Learn & Play Bus (9 a.m.–1 p.m.)

📅 Saturday, October 3
🦁 Free admission to the Topeka Zoo
🚂 Free Mini Train rides
📅 Free Gage Park Historical Presentation
🎵 Live music & performances (11 a.m.–3 p.m.)
🐶 Pet Parade
🚒 Touch-a-Truck
🎈 Rec-N-Roll activities
📚 Library activity buses
📖 Community Resource Fair

🐾 More activities are still being finalized, so stay tuned!

Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing the incredible stories that shaped Gage Park, from forgotten landmarks to surprising moments in Topeka history. We can't wait to celebrate with you this October!

✨ Something magical is coming to Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade. ✨Introducing Flora Lumina: A Festival of Light. A brand...
08/31/2026

✨ Something magical is coming to Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade. ✨

Introducing Flora Lumina: A Festival of Light. A brand-new nighttime experience that will transform the historic grounds into a glowing world of light, color and wonder.

For 21 consecutive nights, wander beneath the stars and discover illuminated displays around every corner.

📅 Oct. 12–Nov. 1
🕖 Nightly from 7–10 p.m.
📍 Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade
🎟 Adults: $15
🎟 Youth ages 3–17 and seniors 55+: $12

Mark your calendar and get ready to see Ward-Meade in a whole new light.

*Photos feature previous installations by Terra Luna Lights*

Skip the line! Buy your tickets online: https://secure.rec1.com/KS/shawnee-county-ks/catalog/index/a1e5b13f24529392d8e834cb516699a5?filter=c2VhcmNoPSZsb2NhdGlvbiU1QjExMDc4JTVEPTEmY2F0ZWdvcnklNUI5NTc3JTVEPTE=

It’s aggressively hot out this week… so we’ve got some good news. 🥵💦Dornwood and Jackson Spray Parks are still open! You...
08/31/2026

It’s aggressively hot out this week… so we’ve got some good news. 🥵💦

Dornwood and Jackson Spray Parks are still open! You’ve got this last week to cool off, with the last day of the season coming up Sunday, Sept. 6

Address

3137 SE 29th Street
Topeka, KS
66605

Telephone

+17852516800

Website

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