Guess what? Summer’s just about over (boooo!). But before you pack up the kids to head back to school, Lawrence is still squeezing in some jovial music events (yaaaaaay!). This is that in-between time of year where your big Summer plans are likely over or winding down, and we’re getting ready to get bogged down with the day-to-day business of the new season. Don’t get too busy yet, the theme of this month is chill. Here are the perfect ways to wind down the end of the Summer.
Douglas County Fair
Douglas County Fairgrounds | July 30 – August 3
The ultimate end-of-Summer shindig is the County Fair. It really signifies a hard line dividing the Summer and the beginning of the school year. One of the fun aspects of the Douglas County Fair is access to local musicians. Somewhere between the goat milking contest, the demolition derby, and the squeals of the carnival rides, you’ll likely catch some of these musical acts and all the dancers that come out to hear them.
Big Rick Soul Band
Here’s a look at this year’s lineup:
Stage Area, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. every night unless otherwise noted:
- Tuesday, July 30
- Small Town Grit
- Wednesday, July 31
- Delta Haze
- Thursday, August 1
- Big Rick Soul Band
- Friday, August 2
- Scott Heidner and the Nasvhille Guys (at 6:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, August 3
- Silent Ave (4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
- Scott Heidner and the Nasvhille Guys (8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
RIYL: A diverse genre of bands, music under the stars
Photo by Peaty Romano
Sandbar Block Party
Downtown Lawrence (in front of The Sandbar) | August 9-10
Call us sentimental, but we’ve really grown to love everything The Sandbar brings to the community. It’s such a unique cornerstone of our community, and their annual block party has only grown in popularity. It’s really the best way to round out your summer with the most carefree vibe. Plus, we think one of these cover bands has the greatest band name of all time (looking at you, Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls).
Friday night:
7 :00 p.m. - Soundwave
9:30 p.m. - The M80s
Saturday night:
6:30 p.m. - ThunderKat
9:30 p.m. - Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs
RIYL: Cover bands, because that’s what you’ll get. C’mon, don’t be a stick in the mud, Lawrence’s cover bands are fun as heck.
Afroman
The Bottleneck | August 12
Afroman is bringing his Presidential Tour to the Bottleneck mid-month. Equal parts rapper and comedian, he rose to fame with his 2000 single and slacker anthem “Because I Got High.” Back in 2022, he announced he was running for President. But really, he’s just going on this tour. He’ll be joined by 906hammy and DJ Matt M for this show.
RIYL: Not cleaning your room.
Live on Mass Presents: Split Lip Rayfield
Downtown Lawrence | August 17
While most of the world is having a BRAT Summer, we in Lawrence are having a Split Lip summer.
In addition to their incognito show at the beginning of the Summer, the trio headlined Kaw River Roots Fest. They're now blessing the town with a FREE and ALL AGES event for the return of Lawrence staple Live on Mass. This is a music lover's dream and the best way to end the Summer of nonstop action.
RIYL: Winfield, free concerts, all things Lawrence
Fidpick!
South Park | August 25
We just love Fidpick! We have found that there is nothing more pleasant than strolling through the park on a Sunday afternoon, hearing flat pickers and fiddlers from every corner, while folks from all over the state gather for their love of music.
The Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships bring everyone together for one last hurrah at the end of the month (and before everyone packs up and heads to Winfield). The primary purpose of Fidpick is a competition, with some seriously insane talent taking to the stage (while judges note their scores while hiding behind homemade quilts to shield them from seeing the musician and keep the judging fair). But one of the best parts of Fidpick in recent years is the concert on the North Stage. In between competitors, we get to see regional roots music delighting a mass of people strewn about the park in lawn chair and picnic blankets. Bring the kiddos, it’s a fun and free event for the family!
RIYL: Wakarusa Roundabouts, The Tonganoxie Split, the sweet sound of mandolin music
Other events to keep on your radar:
A Giant Dog
The Bottleneck | August 7
Wheatus (Acoustic) / Gabrielle Sterbenz / MellowPhobia / Brendan Mott
The Replay (early show) | August 8
Oxytoxin / Jocelyn Nixon / Blood and Velvet / Lonnie Fisher
The Bottleneck | August 9
Sumac
The Bottleneck | August 11
Rock Chalk Back 2 School Party
The Granada | August 24
The Roseline / Hello Biplane / Whisperer
The Replay (early show) | August 24
Betsy O and the Hollaback Boys / Old Sound / John Depew
The Replay (early show) | August 25
