Topeka Social, the Capitol City’s newest events center, is bringing live music and dancing back to the area.
Manager Lauren Edwards said the community was asking for a place to dance after the Wild Horse Saloon closed in April 2023, taking with it one of Topeka’s last remaining public dance opportunities.
“We were thinking of hosting other events of our own, and a lot of people seemed really interested in dancing,” Edwards said.
Topeka Social began offering public events late last year, beginning with Big Time Dueling Pianos in October. In December, it hosted its first dance night, with two more in January. Edwards said that country two-step has been a hit in particular and believes that dancing is hot right now due to the TikTok dance craze and how-to videos online.
Topeka Social is planning to lean in on live music and dancing events
She said Topeka Social plans to bring more live music and dancing events to Topeka in the coming months. The business recently polled the public via social media sites, asking for community input on music preferences, favorite local bands and use of the space for public events.
The results showed the highest demand for country, but hip hop was a second popular request.
“We want the people to tell us what they want,” said Edwards. “It’s a chance for the community to come together, and who doesn’t like another thing to do in Topeka?”
The next public event at Topeka Social is set for April 27 with the band Wilder Horses scheduled to play. Edwards said Wilder Horses is a Kansas-based group featuring 1980s and 1990s country hits. Details of that event have yet to be finalized, including the price of admission, but Edwards said the public can expect it to cost no more than $10 to get in the door.
“We will have a bar where people can purchase drinks, and we like the idea of reaching out to food trucks,” she said. “We plan to have some fun games like beer pong and Giant Jenga available.”
Although they are beginning with country dance nights, Topeka Social will branch out to other genres of music throughout the year, Edwards said.
“We have a whole list of bands on the poll,” she said. “We’re going to reach out to them by order of popularity.”
Warehouse part of industrial block near downtown Topeka
Located east of downtown Topeka, Topeka Social opened in 2023. The 7,500-square-foot brick warehouse was abandoned, along with five other buildings on the block, until they were purchased by Topeka developer Todd Konkel.
“Todd bought this whole block of buildings in 2020 with a vision to bring life back to the block,” said Edwards. “It was deserted and abandoned for a long time.”
Konkel opened the Topeka Vendors Market in 2020, giving small businesses in the community a place to sell their products. Shoppers can find everything from vintage clothing to antiques, handmade jewelry and soap, and more.
Topeka Social occupies the building next door to the Topeka Vendors Market, offering an industrial chic vibe with historic charm for such private events as weddings, quinceaneras, retirement parties and other special occasions. The space accommodates up to 400 guests with lots of versatility.
“We’re a blank canvas,” said Edwards. “Any kind of event you want to host, we can do it.”
Improvements include HVAC system, parking and lighting
With major renovations completed on the building, she said the focus now is on small improvement projects such as updating exterior lighting. A new HVAC system was recently installed, and Edwards said their sign is up so that guests can easily find the building at night.
A new parking lot went in across the street to alleviate parking issues for event goers.
The public can follow Topeka Social’s journey from abandoned building to thriving community hub via the business’ Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts, or by visiting their website. Find innovation updates and information about upcoming events to stay on top of what’s happening or to book a private event.
“I love helping people figure out their needs,” said Edwards. “If anybody wants to host an event, reach out by cell, website or social media.”
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
