NOTO Arts & Entertainment District

09/03/2026

What a great conversation and an even better opportunity to share the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District story!

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of leaders from Junction City, including their Mayor Terry Butler, to the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District for a conversation about what it really takes to build and grow an arts district.

We talked about our journey the successes, the challenges, the lessons learned, and the years of work and collaboration that have helped shape NOTO into what it is today.

One of the best parts of this work is being able to share what we’ve learned with other communities. Every city is different, but if our experiences can help inspire another community to invest in the arts, support local businesses, build stronger partnerships, and create a district of their own, that’s something worth celebrating.

Thank you to our friends from Junction City for making the trip to Topeka, asking great questions, and spending time learning about NOTO. We loved having you here and can’t wait to see what you create in your own community!

Great districts don’t happen overnight they grow through vision, persistence, partnerships, and people who believe in what their community can become.

09/03/2026

🎉 WHO’S READY FOR MUNCH MARKET / EL MERCADO?! 🎉

First Friday is back in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District and Munch Market is bringing the flavor! 🔥

Come hungry and get ready for:
🌮🍗🌽 Flavor-packed food trucks
🛍️ Local vendors
🍻 Drinks
🎶 Great vibes & a vibrant market atmosphere

Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and experience one of the tastiest stops during First Friday in NOTO!

📍 NOTO Arts Center
⏰ Starts at 5 PM
📅 This Friday!

✨ Munch Market / El Mercado is made possible by the generous support of Luthi & Associates, Inc - American Family Insurance, Topeka KS and Mobile Munch. Thank you for helping us bring this community experience to life!

Come hungry. Stay late. Experience NOTO! 🎨🔥

09/03/2026

🎨✨ FIRST FRIDAY IS THIS FRIDAY! ✨🎨

We’re kicking off September in a BIG way with Washburn University First Friday in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District💙💛

Join us Friday, September 4 for an evening packed with:

🎶 Live music in Redbud Park
🎨 Art exhibits & local artists
🛍️ Vendors throughout the district
🌮 Food trucks + Munch Market / El Mercado
🔥 Live entertainment

🚌 FREE SHUTTLE: Transportation from the Washburn Memorial Union Circle begins at 4:30 PM and loops every 30 minutes until 9 PM.

Grab your friends, explore the district, support local, and experience everything NOTO has to offer!

📅 Friday, September 4
📍 NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
🌐 www.exploreNOTO.org

09/02/2026

Congratulations to Rhett Flood on being selected as the next President of Downtown Topeka, Inc.!

The NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is excited to welcome Rhett into this new role. We look forward to working together, strengthening our partnership, and continuing to make Downtown and NOTO an amazing place to live, work, visit, and explore.

Welcome, Rhett we’re excited for what’s ahead! 🎉

Downtown Topeka, Inc. is pleased to announce the selection of Rhett Flood as its next President.

Rhett brings extensive experience in economic development, community engagement, marketing, workforce development and organizational leadership, along with a strong understanding of the partnerships that continue to move Downtown Topeka forward.

As he prepares to step into the role later this fall, we look forward to the leadership and perspective he will bring to Downtown Topeka’s continued growth and development.

Please join us in welcoming Rhett to this new role.

08/27/2026

Let’s tour the NOTO Arts Center

08/26/2026

Congratulations on your 15th year Kansas Ballet !
🩰Thank you for highlighting NOTO Arts & Entertainment District in your beautiful photos!
Community collaborations are our fav !

08/22/2026

NOTO Summer Concert Series Featuring: Big Fat Cow

08/21/2026

CALL FOR ARTISTS: Design the Shoe That Takes Center Stage!

The NOTO Arts & Entertainment District and Dillard's are teaming up for Dillard's in NOTO: A Night of Fashion on Saturday, October 3, and we're inviting artists of all ages to showcase their creativity!

How It Works

-Pick up a blank shoe design template or download, save, and print your own copy.
-Create your dream shoe design.
-The Top designs from each category will be selected and showcased at Dillard's in NOTO: A Night of Fashion, where the community will vote to crown the winning design.

Categories

LOCAL ARTIST DIVISION
-Open to artists of all ages.

HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE
-Represent your high school by submitting your original shoe design. Show your school spirit and creativity for a chance to take home the title!

TIMELINE
• Pick up your design templates from the NOTO ARTS CENTER or download them here from the NOTO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT page.
Design a shoe that will be transformed into one-of-a-kind works of wearable art.
• Design submissions due: First Friday September 4th 11:59PM EMAIL TO: [email protected]
• Winners will be chosen to custom design an actual shoe (Local Artist Division:6 pumps & 3 sneaker designs. High School Challenge: 4 pumps & 4 sneakers)
• Blank shoe provided to winner on September 8th
• Completed shoe due: September 24

Shoes will be showcased at Dillard's in NOTO: A Night of Fashion where the community will vote to crown the winning design. Winners are encouraged to participate in the Dillard’s in NOTO: A Night of Fashion Event on Oct. 3rd.