There never is a shortage of creative activity in Lawrence, but this week’s Free State Festival will ramp up opportunities for local residents to explore creative arts and ideas.

Festival organizers have put together an impressive array of panels and performances throughout the week. In addition to nationally known artists and performers, the festival also includes a number of community conversations about important social justice issues such as politics, gender equity and race. The festival will look back at Lawrence’s history with sessions focused on Langston Hughes and the Kansas River and look forward with sessions on such topics as health policy and protecting waterways.

And amid all this learning, there will be plenty of opportunity for fun. The festival schedule includes screenings of more than a dozen films along with visual arts events and poetry and theater readings. Music performances will include shows by Kris Kristofferson, Blind Boy Paxton and Public Enemy. Comedian Maria Bamford will be featured tonight at Liberty Hall.

Some festival events require a ticket, but many are free. The full schedule is available online at freestatefestival.org.

Free State Festival started as a small independent film festival but has grown into a multidisciplinary event that invites local residents and visitors from outside Lawrence to enjoy a diverse gathering of fun performers and thought-providing discussions. It’s a true community event that reflects and showcases many facets of Lawrence culture and art.

It may be hard to get out in the heat this week, but most of the events will be held in air-conditioned venues and will provide a good distraction from the weather and maybe a little food for thought about some important community issues. The festival lineup has something for everyone. We hope the community will take full advantage of its offerings.