Organizers of the planned Downtown 
Celebration originally scheduled for July 2 have rallied to create another opportunity to celebrate the new Downtown Topeka.
Combining the Urban Slide and Rotary Freedom Festival with Cyclovia Topeka, already scheduled for July 29-31 throughout the city, was a natural choice, said Brett Oetting, president and CEO of Visit Topeka Inc. But it took coordination and effort from event organizers, local law enforcement, city officials and others to pull it off.
“We’re Kansans. We know the weather can be unpredictable,” Oetting said. “We have created another great Topeka experience July 30. This is able to happen because so many people are willing to work together.”
Downtown Topeka Inc. has arranged for live music during the day. Smith & Liston will perform at noon and Donkey Show will perform at 2 p.m. in the 900 block of South Kansas Avenue. The music joins food trucks and vendors as part of Cyclovia Topeka and the Freedom Festival and Urban Slide will be underway just down the street.
“We invite everyone to come tour our new downtown, shop our outstanding businesses and experience the great events planned downtown this weekend,” said Vince Fry, president and CEO of Downtown Topeka Inc.
On July 30, the Rotary Freedom Festival will be held between 5th and 4th and the Urban Slide will begin at 4th, both along Kansas Avenue. Cyclovia Topeka events are planned between 10th and 6th on Kansas Ave. and throughout the city and county. Urban Slide tickets continue to be sold and already purchased tickets are transferable.
“Our intent is those already interested in Cyclovia Topeka will enjoy the additions and more people will have the opportunity to experience Cyclovia’s activities because of these changes,” Oetting said.
Join in the conversation about Cyclovia on social media with #CycloviaTopeka. Learn more about this weekend’s events at www.VisitTopeka.com/cyclovia.
Upcoming Visit Topeka events include: Cyclovia Topeka, July 29-31, Downtown and throughout Topeka Urban Slide, July 30 & 31, 4th and Kansas in Downtown Topeka Kansas Mariachi Festival, Sept. 16, in Downtown Topeka Kansas Chocolate Festival, Sept. 24, in Downtown Topeka More in October and December, details coming soon. Learn more at VisitTopeka.com/events
