The annual For the Culture KS festival will move indoors this year, organizers said, staging the event at the Topeka Social and maintaining a mix of ticketed and free programming that aims to highlight Black culture, history and entrepreneurship in Topeka.
What changes for residents
The main public change is location and format: the kickoff Black Tie Gala and evening programming will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 24 at the Topeka Social, 518 SE Adams St. Organizers also plan a day of free events that include live music, vendors and educational workshops.
- Date: July 24
- Time: 6–10 p.m. (gala and evening program)
- Location: Topeka Social, 518 SE Adams St.
- Features: Black Tie Gala, free events, live music, vendors, workshops
- Keynote: Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Christal Watson
"There was nothing that really gave us entertainment, gave us our cooking that we're used to, gave us the venues that we're used to," co-founder Rodney Harmon said, explaining why the festival has stayed in Topeka.
Founded by Rodney Harmon and Mackenzi Mondesir in 2023, For the Culture KS was created to showcase African-American culture across Kansas through multiple days of events featuring artists, creatives, speakers and businesses. Harmon told The Capital-Journal that early plans had considered moving the festival around the state, but strong local turnout convinced organizers to keep the signature event in Topeka.
Program and speakers
Organizers say the evening gala will continue the festival’s tradition of formal opening festivities. The gala’s keynote speaker is Christal Watson, mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. Watson is identified in festival materials as the first Black woman to lead her city, and she will deliver remarks at the Topeka Social as part of the gala program.
Beyond the gala, the festival’s schedule is intended to be inclusive: Harmon emphasized the event celebrates Black excellence while welcoming people of all nationalities and ages. Planned offerings listed by organizers include live musical performances, vendor halls and educational workshops aimed at cultural celebration and community building.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founders | Rodney Harmon and Mackenzi Mondesir |
| First year | 2023 |
| Keynote | Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Christal Watson |
City residents interested in attending should note the shift indoors at the Topeka Social and check festival channels for details on tickets for the gala and schedules for the free daytime programming. Organizers framed the event as a long-term fixture for Topeka: Harmon said the festival will remain centered in the city even if future efforts expand to other venues or activities around the state.
For more information about specific event times, vendor lists or workshop topics, the festival’s official announcements and local listings will have updated details as the July 24 date approaches.
