Upcoming events include Busker Fest, Final Friday, Art Tougeau Parade, City Band summer concerts and more

photo by: Mike Yoder

Anne Patterson, of Lawrence, portraying Queen Elizabeth II, pulls a teapot on wheels with the assistance of some volunteers during the 2022 Art Tougeau Parade on Saturday, May 28, 2022, in downtown Lawrence.

THURSDAY

• The Gray Anatomy series on aging presents “Palliative vs. Hospice Care” at 4 p.m. from the Lawrence Public Library. The program will be by Zoom only; a link will be provided to registrants before the meeting. See lawrence.bibliocommons.com for sign-up link.

• Summer reading programs kick off with festivities at the Lawrence Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. The party will include Beatles covers by Carswell & Hope, snacks, games, free snow cones, bouncy obstacle course, Free State beer for purchase and more. Summer reading programs go through Aug. 19; see lplks.org for more information on details for adults and children, incentives, events and more.

• The Summer Youth Theatre’s 50th anniversary reunion is preceded by a free event where SYT alumni can share and listen to memories. The gathering will begin at 8 p.m. on the main stage of the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St.

FRIDAY

• Performers galore will be at the annual Lawrence Busker Festival, Friday through Monday in downtown Lawrence. Highlights include Friday’s family-friendly street party at 10th and Massachusetts, the Art Tougeau art car parade at noon on Saturday, and four stages, two on Eighth Street and two on Massachusetts, with a rotation of entertainment all weekend. Vendors, face-painting, balloon artists and much more will be available. A full schedule can be seen at www.lawrencebuskerfest.com.

• Have you ever seen famed crop artist Stan Herd at work? Come to the Dole Institute, 2350 Petefish Drive, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., to observe the creation of Herd’s new Bob Dole tribute earthwork on the institute’s lawn. All ages are welcome, and games and activities will be provided. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors. See doleinstitute.org for details.

• Alumni of the Summer Youth Theatre celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary with a reunion and cabaret at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Ticketed attendance options include a livestream, general admission seating or VIP table seating; see lawrenceartscenter.org or the Summer Youth Theatre Alumni Facebook group for more details.

• Today is also Final Friday. The monthly art walk for May includes:

Opening reception for “Can You Dig It: Annual Cottonwood Art Exhibition,” 6:30-8 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St.

Also opening tonight at the Lawrence Arts Center – the Lawrence Art Guild All Member Show; “Undercurrents” by printmaker Taro Takizawa; 5-9 p.m., 940 New Hampshire St.

Outdoor Art Market at Art Emergency, 4:30-7:30 p.m., 721 E. Ninth St.

B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence, a multimedia experience with readings, live music and visual art, at RPG, 5-7 p.m., 724 Massachusetts St.

“Exploration of Play” by Meg Gentry, 6:30-9 p.m., Be Moved Studio, 2 E. Seventh St.

Artwork by Howard Rains and music from local band MAW, 4 p.m., Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop, 802-804 Massachusetts St.

“In the Rearview Mirror” gallery show, 4-8 p.m., 10th & Mass Studios, 1000 Massachusetts St.

Art by John Geery, 5-9 p.m., Danielsan Electric, 900 New Jersey St.

Linda Folking’s art sale, 5 p.m., Art Love Collective, 646 Vermont St.

“Loosen Myself – New Works by Lea Tacha,” 5-9 p.m., Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St.

“Far Above” from Drone Lawrence (Nathan Mize and Seth Sanchez), Wichita artist Caitlin Penny and live music from The Twangles, 6-9 p.m., Phoenix Gallery, 825 Massachusetts St.

Sugarfoot Detour Final Friday Outdoor Concert, 7 p.m., 901 Pennsylvania St.

Art by Tay Stark, 6-9 p.m., with music from No Bowtie from 6-8 p.m., Summit’s Steps Minerals, 806 Massachusetts St.

SATURDAY

• The Lawrence Potters’ Guild presents its annual sale, returning this year to the Carnegie Building lawn, 200 W. Ninth St., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Come and meet local ceramic artists and browse the variety of functional and decorative items.

• Don’t miss the Art Tougeau parade, part of the Busker Festival in downtown Lawrence. Creative “art cars” and other vehicles will gather at noon at the Lawrence Arts Center and will roll down to 11th and Massachusetts streets, then to Seventh Street, then back to the Arts Center, where the awards ceremony will take place. See arttougeau.org for more information.

SUNDAY

• The Native Lands Restoration Collaborative welcomes volunteers to assist in weed removal at the Kansas Zen Center garden. Tools will be provided. Hosts will provide guidance on native plants and installing them with intention. Come and go, noon-2 p.m., at Kansas Zen Center, 1201 Laura Ave.

TUESDAY

• The Raven Book Store, 809 Massachusetts St., will host a book-signing table for Bill Sampson, author of “Wheat Fields,” from 6 to 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

• The Lawrence City Band launches its free summertime concert series at 8 p.m. Conductor Paul Popiel leads the band in the first of the 2023 concerts in South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St. This week’s theme is “Summertime Again in South Park.” Bring your family, friends, blankets and lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, watch social media for location change.