January

Every Friday
The Club Teen Night

Where: Meet at Boys and Girls Club, 220 S. 5th St. Location varies depending on
scheduled activity.
When: 6pm-10pm
Cost: The Club Teen Membership, $10/yr
Contact: 785-539-1947,  www.bgclubmanhattan.com

1 - 31
Sunset Zoo- Kids free all month

Bundle up, get outdoors and see how our zoo animals spend their January.
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 12 – 5
Cost: Adults $4, Kids Free

3
Tuttle Creek Lake Eagle Day

Environmental education program featuring 2 presentations, one on eagle and raptor habits and habitats, the second presentation will concentrate on Bald Eagle nesting in Kansas. These presentations will be followed by a bus tour through the areas near Tuttle Creek Dam to view bald eagles in the wild.
Where: Begins at the Manhattan Fire Station.
When: 9 am – 12 pm
Cost: Free
 
17 - 18
Sports Cards, Comics & Collectibles Show
 
This event features the best dealers from across the mid-west specializing in sports cards & memorabilia for the NFL, NHL, NBA, NASCAR, NCAA College Sports and MLB. There will also be a large selection of coins, comics, magazines and much more.
Where: Manhattan Town Center
When: Sat 10 – 9 pm
           Sun 12 – 6 pm

18
Manhattan Bridal Show

In a setting of elegance and charm, you may visit with the expert wedding professionals. They can help you select the products and services you are seeking and meet your budget at the same time. The fashion show is truly exquisite! This is a one-of-a-kind bridal show and a must for every bride and groom to attend!
The Manhattan Bridal Show is famous for giving brides and grooms over $2,000 in gifts and prizes. Best of all, ADMISSION IS FREE!
Where: Grand Ballroom
             KSU Student Union
             1455 Anderson Ave.
When: Doors open at noon.
            Fashion Show at 2:30 pm
Cost: Free

19 - 20
MHS Winter Play: Thornton Wilder's "OUR TOWN"

Come watch another amazing performance by Manhattan High School students... OUR TOWN!
Where: 2100 Poyntz Ave
            MHS West Campus
            Rezac Auditorium
When: 7 pm
Cost: $5 adults, $3 students

19 - 22
Strawberry Junction Arts & Crafts Show

Midwest artisans fill Center Court with over 20 different booths featuring a wide variety of handmade crafts and works by woodworkers, graphic artists and much more.
Where: Manhattan Town Center
When: Thur – Sat 10 – 9 pm
            Sun 12 – 6 pm
.

February

1 - 28
Sunset Zoo- Buy one get one free- adult tickets

Grab a "date" and spend some time at the Sunset Zoo this month!
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 12 – 5 pm
Cost: Buy an adult ticket ($4) get one free!
         Children (3 – 12) $2

7
Riley Country Fish and Game Swap
 
Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: 8 am – 12 pm
Cost: $5 per Table
Contact: 785-537-9697

20 - 21
10th Annual Flint Hills Festival of Wines

The Flint Hills Festival of Wines features a weekend of wine tasting events. The Festival begins on Friday, February 20th with a Winemaker Dinner and Live Auction. The dinner will feature a delectable multi-course meal and wines from Italy paired with each course.
The dinner leads into the main Festival event, the Grand Tasting and Silent Auction which is held on Saturday, February 21st at the Clarion Hotel.
Grand Tasting participants can sample from a variety of over 250 wines and spirits from all around the world and taste gourmet cuisine from area restaurants.
Where: Friday night Wine Dinner TBD
             Saturday Grand Tasting at the Clarion Hotel
When: Friday Wine Dinner is at 6:30 pm
            Saturday Grand Tasting is from 6:30 – 10 pm
Cost: Friday $100 per person
          Saturday $45 per person

20 - 21
Kansas Mission of Mercy

The Mission of Mercy is a dental clinic targeted to low-income individuals and families. The dental work is performed by licensed dentists and hygienists who have volunteered their time to provide care to the patients absolutely free of charge.
The Armory will be transformed overnight to a dental clinic with 80 chairs and hundreds of volunteers ready to treat approximately three thousand patients in two days.
The Kansas Mission of Mercy is a project of the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation and has treated more than ten-thousand patients with over $4.5 million in free dental care.
Where: United States National Guard Armory
When: Doors open at 5:30 am
Cost: Free

20 – 22
53rd Annual K-State Collegiate Rodeo

Where: Weber Arena at KSU Campus
When: Fri. 7:30 pm, Sat. 7:30 pm, Sun. 1:00 pm
Cost: Adults: $8 advanced, $10 at the door
         Kids: $4 advanced, $5 at the door

25
Chippendales

The Men of Chippendales.
Where: R.C. McGraws 2317 Tuttle Crk. Blvd.
When: Doors open at 7pm, show at 9 pm
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, 21+ to enter
Contact: 785-776-9588

27
The Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan's 10th Annual Casino Night & Auction

Enjoy music, Vegas-style games, delicious food, and an exciting live auction while raising funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan.
Where:Kansas State University Alumni Center
When: 7pm-10pm
Cost:$50.00/Ticket,  must be at least 21 years old to attend.

28 – Mar. 1
Manhattan Area Garden Show

Local business participate educating consumers about goods and services available to the local gardener. Educational Seminars will be offered Saturday and Sunday in the Clover room in Pottorf Hall.
Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: Sat. 9 am – 5 pm
          Sun. noon – 4 pm
Cost: Free
.

March

2
Tallgrass Dinner at della Voce

Join us for a 4-course dinner with beer pairings from Manhattan’s own Tallgrass Brewing Co!
Where: 405 Poyntz Ave.
When: 6 pm
Cost: $50 including tax and gratuity
Contact: for reservations, please call 785-532-9000 or visit our website (www.dellavoce.com)
for more information or to browse the menu.

6 -8
Flint Hills Home Show

When: Friday Preview Party 5 – 8 pm
            Sat. 9 – 5 pm
            Sun. 11 – 4 pm

6 – 8
MLA Book Sale

Manhattan Library Association annual book sale. Don’t miss your chance to expand your personal library while contributing to MLA. The Manhattan Library Association has contributed funding for books, programs and equipment which city revenues could not have provided to the library.
Where: Manhattan Public Library
When: Fri. 5:30 – 7:30 pm Member's only preview sale from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Memberships will be sold at the door.
          Sat. 10 am – 4 pm, Sun. 1 - 3:30 p.m. with books sold by the bag.

7
3rd Annual Fake Patty’s Day

Come get your green and your drink on in Aggieville.
Where: Aggieville USA
When: All day

7
Riley Country Fish and Game Annual Auction & Dinner

Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: 7 pm
Cost: TBD

10
Free Youth Lawn Mowing Clinic

Open to any youth in grades 4-6 who would like to learn more lawn mowing, mower safety, and the business of lawn care. Pre-registration required - Free supper is provided for all. Register by March 9th
Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: 4:30 – 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Sponsored by Sponsored by: Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club
K-State Research & Extension - Riley County

12
K-State Annual Slideshow

Presented by Mike Deree from Ball Seed.
Where: K-State Gardens
When: 12 noon
Cost: $25 includes a box lunch
Contact: 785-532-3271 to RSVP

14
31st Annual Aggieville St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race

Wear green and come take part in the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Aggieville!
Where: Aggieville

When: Parade at 11 am
Registration for Race 10 am – 1 pm
Race 12:30 pm for 2 mile; 1:15 pm for 10K
Cost: Parade free
Check race fee here.

14
Blarney Breakfast

Join the Manhattan Arts Centers annual breakfast of green eggs and ham, fruit, biscuits and more!
Where: Kites Bar and Grill
When: 7:30 – 10:30 am
Cost: $7 in advance/$8 at door for adults, $5 in advance/$6 at door for 12 and under

15 – Apr. 20
Greater Prairie Chicken Viewing

Viewing the courtship behavior of the Greater Prairie Chicken will be allowed by reservation only and is on a first-come-first-served basis. Konza Prairie Biological Station and the Konza Environmental Education Program offer guided tours from an observation blind daily, four weeks each spring. The observation blind can seat six to seven persons, and smaller groups are asked to share the blind with others. Through ports in the seated blind, visitors come within 10 to 50 feet of 5 to 15 booming birds.
Where: Konza Prairie Biological Station
When: daily, arrival before first light
Cost: TBD

27
The 2009 Bachelor Auction

Manhattan’s most available bachelors will be up for grabs one night only!
Manhattan Broadcasting’s Stations K-ROCK, KMAN, B104.7 and Z96.3 will be raising money for Sunflower CASA with their 2nd Annual Bachelor Auction. 100% of the proceeds benefit Sunflower CASA.
If you would like to nominate an eligible bachelor to be auctioned send a picture and bio to shawn@purerock.com now through March 12. Online voting will begin March 13.
Where: Kathouse Lounge
When: 8 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $6 each or two for $10. Tickets in advance at Manhattan Broadcasting or at the door the night of the event.
Contact: 785-776-1350

28
Sunset Zoo Community Appreciation

Community Appreciation and Dino Day all in one! Check out the zoo!
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 12  - 5 pm
Cost: FREE day for all guests!
 

.

April

4
MS Walk
  Your participation means we will be working to support programs, services, and research sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and that makes a huge difference to the people who must deal with MS every day of their lives.
  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. We simultaneously fund research for a cure while also helping people who currently live with MS lead more fulfilling lives.
Where: Manhattan Town Center
When: Check-in at 9:00 am; Walk at 10:00 am
Contact: 785-272-5292 or 1-800-344-4867 and press 2

3 – 4
19th Annual Junior League Next to New Sale

19th Annual Next to New Sale where customers can take advantage of excellent pricing on both slightly used and new merchandise. Merchandise includes but is not limited to children's clothing, household goods, furniture, seasonal decor, toys, sporting goods, books and baked goods. Proceeds from the Next to New Sale will benefit literacy projects throughout Riley and Geary Counties.
Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: Friday 5 – 8 pm
    
 
3
Easter Bunny Arrival

The Easter Bunny will be hopping down the bunny trail to the Manhattan Town Center and be available for photos from April 3-11, 2009.
Where: Manhattan Town Center
When: 3 pm

3 - 4
Junior League of the Flint Hills City-Wide Garage Sale

City-Wide garage sale.
Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: 8 am  - 5 pm Fri. and Sat.
Cost: No fee for entry
Conact: Jeanne Shamburg 785-539-1505

11
Sunset Zoo- EGGstravaganza & Dino Day

What happened to the egg when he was tickled too much? He cracked up.
Come enjoy our EGGstravaganza at Sunset Zoo. Plus it's Dino Day!!!
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: $4 Adults, Kids (3 – 12) $2, FOSZ members free

21 -22
Big Top Circus

Chinese acrobats, jugglers, dare devils, funny clowns, beautiful girls and many more suprises!! Pony rides, camels, zebra, lamas, donkey and more! Popcorn, cotton candy! Come early doors open 1 hour before shows!!!
Where: Riley County Fairgrounds at Cico Park
When: 4:30pm and  7:00pm daily
Cost: $7. look for free tickets at area merchants
.

May

2
Sunset Zoo- Mercy Wild Run

Mercy's Wild Run at Sunset Zoo is a 10K, 5K & a kids run. Put on your running shoes and join us!
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: $4 Adults, Kids (3 – 12) $2, FOSZ members free

2
Spring Game Fan Fest Weekend

Events kick off with the inflatable carnival (spring game ticket required) and includes a free concert by Luke Bryan and K-State Cares Community Organization Fair.
Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium
When: 11 am, 12:30 pm concert

10
Sunset Zoo- Mother's Day

Treat your Mom to a day at the zoo!
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: Mothers free with paying child
         $4 Adults, Kids (3 – 12) $2, FOSZ members free
.

June

13
Sunset Zoo- Kids Free Day

On this special day, kids are FREE to Sunset Zoo.
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: Kids free, $4 Adults, FOSZ members free

14
Friends of Konza Prairie Wildflower Walk

The Friends of Konza Prairie, through the Konza Environmental Education Program, annually offers a Wildflower Walk, the second Sunday in June, on Butterfly Hill Trail, an area generally not open to the public.
Join us on a 2-mile guided hike at the peak of wildflower season.
Where: Konza Prairie
When: 6:30 pm to Sunset
Cost: TBD

19 - 20
Manhattan Juneteenth Festival

Gospel Festival Friday night 7-9 pm at the City Park Pavilion; Saturday at 10 a.m. there will be a parade, and then Saturday afternoon and evening you can enjoy children's games, food, crafts, educational programs and 3-on-3 basketball.
Where: City Park
When: Fri. 7 – 9 pm
Sat: 8 am – 6 pm with Parade starting at 10 am
Cost: Free

19 - 20
Stars of the Prairie Quilt Show

A beautiful display of quilts both large and small made by ladies in Manhattan.
Where: First Presbyterian Church Family Life Center
When: Fri. 12 – 6 pm
           Sat. 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: $3 Adults

21
Sunset Zoo- Father's Day

Why not take Dad to the zoo on you? It's his special day!
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: Fathers free with paying child
         $4 Adults, Kids (3 – 12) $2, FOSZ members free

25 – 28
Country Stampede Music and Camping Festival
 
The Midwest's largest 4-day country music and camping festival in the heartland, Country Stampede brings in over 20 artists and a first-class lineup of today's top national entertainers while more than 100,000 fans embark on Manhattan for the event.
Where: Tuttle Creek State Park, River Pond Area
When: Campground will open on Sunday, June 21 at 2 p.m.  Main Stage starts 4:00 pm on the 25
Cost and Tickets: www.countrystampede.com
.

July

18
Little Apple Jazz Festival

Celebrating jazz in The Little Apple® is becoming a great Manhattan tradition each summer. The next Little Apple Jazz Festival is set for Saturday, July 18, 2009. Come enjoy some great jazz and blues by the best of local, regional, and national artists. It will be a great afternoon and evening surrounded by jazz.
Where: Larry Norvell Band Shell in City Park
When: TBA
Cost: Free

4
Manhattan Solar Kiwanis Pancake Feed

This is a friendly gathering of folks gathering for breakfast as part of Thunder over Manhattan., with excellent pancakes, sausage, eggs, OJ, and the trimmings. Benefits Kiwanis Children’s programs.
Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: 7 – 11 am
Cost: TBD

11
Sunset Zoo- Kids Free Day

On this special day, kids are FREE to Sunset Zoo.
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: Kids Free, $4 Adults, FOSZ members free


23 - 27
Riley County Fair 

Fun and entertainment for the whole family!
Where: Riley County Fair Grounds at CiCo Park
When: 8 am – 11 pm

23 – 25
Kaw Valley Rodeo

Top-notch cowboys and cowgirls competing in seven PRCA & WPRA sanctioned events: Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down, Roping, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing
Where: Wells Arena at CiCo Park
When: 8 PM

23
Kaw Valley Rodeo Kids Night

Kids (11 and under) get in FREE with a non-perishable food donations brought to the rodeo. Donations to benefit the Flint Hills Breadbasket. Manhattan Little Apple Optimist club will be giving out t-shirts to kids 4-18 years of age in promotion of Tobacco Prevention and Health Education ...."Bringing out the Best in Kids!"
 Where: Wells Arena at CiCo Park
When: 8 PM

23
Kaw Valley Rodeo Military Appreciation Night

Sponsored by the Manhattan Military Relations Committee
The fun begins with a FREE pre-rodeo picnic at 5:30 p.m. followed by time to visit the Riley County Fair before the Grand Entry of the Kaw Valley Rodeo complete with special military tribute.
FREE tickets are available to the first 750 adults and 250 children under 14 with military ID card holders. To pick up tickets, please stop by ITR on Fort Riley and fill out a Family Registration form after July 1, 2009. Tickets available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
For more information please call 785-776-8829
Where: Wells Arena at CiCo Park
When: 5:30 PM

23
Dog Days in Aggieville

Sidewalk sales and bargains will abound in The ‘Ville.
Where: Aggieville USA
When: all day

23
5th Annual Petpoolooza, Dog Swim and Pet Fest

Admission is FREE, but a donation of $2 per
pet is suggested.
All proceeds go to the T. Russell Reitz Animal
Shelter. All non-aggressive dogs are welcome!
Where: CiCo Park swimming Pool
When: 1 – 4 PM
.

August

12
Women on Target

Women On Target provides you with a safe, comfortable environment for learning about rifles, pistols, muzzleloaders, shotguns, archery and much more. This event is for women only of all ages who want to learn about gun safety and basic skills. The cost for admission includes lunch, eye and ear protection, loaner equipment, ammunition and personal instruction by certified instructors, Range Safety Officers and outstanding volunteers.
Where: Fancy Creek Range at Fancy Creek State Park, Randolph, KS.
When: 7:45 am – 4:15 pm
Cost: $20 per person. Bring a friend and it’s $30 for both of you.
.

September

13
Sunset Zoo- Grandparents Day

Treat your Grandparents to a day at the zoo!
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: Grandparents free with paying child, $4 Adults, FOSZ members free
18 - 19

The Manhattan Music Coalition PRESENTS: Aggiefest '09
*4th Annual Multi-Genre Live Music Festival*

Friday: 6pm-close, Saturday: 4pm-close
6+ Venues
*Aggieville*
Manhattan, KS
"Rockin’ the ‘Ville since 2006!”
Tickets are on sale NOW@ SOS Music in Aggieville, 1214 c. Moro St. or call
785.770.9767. www.myspace.com/sistersofsound and On The Wildside,
1128 Moro St. 785.776.2252. www.onthewildside.net/
Prices: Through 9/18/09: $12. 9/19/09: $15.

19
Manhattan Cross Country Festival and School Fitness Challenge

This event, now in its 5th year, features Fun Runs for youth in grades 8-younger, and an Open 5K Cross Country race for all interested persons. Fun Runs range from 1/4 mile to 2 miles. All youth receive a finisher's medal. Local sponsors provide money to the top 3 schools who have the most and the highest percentage of students participating. In 2007, area schools were awarded $1,500. All proceeds go toward promoting fitness and running for youth.
Where: Warner Park
When: 8 am
Cost: $1 for youth (grades 8 – younger); $12 for 5K race

21 - 22
Jim Colbert Intercollegiate

54 Hole College Golf Tournament
Where: Colbert Hills
When: 8:30 am each day
Cost: Free

28 – 29
Marilynn Smith/Sunflower Invitational

Women's college golf tournament
Where: Colbert Hills
When: 8:30 am each day
Cost: Free
.

October

2 - 3
36th Annual Pumpkin Patch Arts and Crafts Fair

Handmade Arts and Crafts along with homemade foods and snacks. Venues in three different buildings at Cico Park.
Where: CiCo Park
When: Fri, 10 am – 8 pm, Sat. 10 am – 4 pm

24 - 25
Sunset Zoo- Spooktacular

Trick or Treat at the zoo in your costume! But, please, don't scare the animals!
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: $4 Adults, Kids (3 – 12) $2, FOSZ members free
 
 
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November

1 – Dec. 31
Sunset Zoo- Mayors Holiday Food Drive

$1 off admission with a donation of food item.
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: $4 Adults, Kids (3 – 12) $2
8
Sunset Zoo- Military Appreciation Day

FREE admission for every Zoo guest in honor of American soldiers and their families.
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free


14
29th Annual Buttons 'n Bows Arts & Crafts Fair

29th Annual Buttons 'n Bows Arts & Crafts Fair. Artists & Crafters from several states featured in three buildings.
Where: 220 & 306 S. Juliette, Seven Dolors Catholic School
When: 8:30 am  – 4:30 pm
Cost: $1
 
 
 
.

December

1 –  31
Sunset Zoo- Mayors Holiday Food Drive

$1 off admission with a donation of food item.
Where: Sunset Zoo
When: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Cost: $4 Adults, Kids (3 – 12) $2

 

4
8th Annual Mayor’s Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade

The parade is scheduled for Friday, December 4 at 6pm and will march from Downtown Manhattan to Triangle Park in Aggieville where we will have the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mayor Strawn will present awards for Best Use of Lights, Best Use of Cans, Best Youth Float, and the Mayor’s Trophy. Santa will also make an appearance in Triangle Park to give Candy Canes to the children.
It’s not too late to sign up to enter your float in the parade! For entry information, please contact Tracy at Downtown Manhattan at 537-9683 or tracy.historicdowntown@gmail.com.
If you cannot enter a float this year, be sure to mark your calendars and bring your kids down to see the parade. You can also bring some food items to give to the Flint Hills Breadbasket for hungry families this winter.
Don’t miss out on this event to come together as a community and celebrate the season. Hope to see you there!
Where: Downtown Manhattan
When: 6:00 PM
Cost: Free

5
Childrens Christmas Party

Have your picture taken and share your Christmas Wish list with Santa Claus, enjoy lunch and decorate an ornament for your Christmas tree.
Where: American Legion Hall, Manhattan KS
When: 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Cost: Free

5
Crystal Spur

A Special Christmas dinner and concert party featuring Susie McEntire Luchsinger. This is a Cowboy semi-formal event. Yep, boots and jeans are welcome!
Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: 6:30 PM
Cost: $30

12
Manhattan Kiwanis Annual Pancake Feed

The 59th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Feed is the ORIGINAL pancake feed in Manhattan. Pancakes, KSU Call Hall sausage, orange juice and coffee are served for the entry fee; eggs are available for 50 cents each. Proceeds from the Pancake Feed help sponsor the many service projects the Manhattan Kiwanis Club is involved in, including: Youth baseball and softball, Boys and Girls Club, Emergency Shelter, Home Delivered Meals, Breadbasket, Habitat for Humanity and many more.
Where: Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park
When: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

31
Little Apple New Year's Eve Celebration 

Come bring in the New Year in the Little Apple.
Where: Aggieville