Massachusetts Street
Live Music
DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE
LOCUST ST.
= MUSIC VENUES
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A. The Granada | 1020 Massachusetts St.
B. Liberty Hall | 644 Massachusetts St.
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E. Sinkers Lounge and Blade & Timber | 722 Massachusetts St.
J. The Roost | 920 Massachusetts St. VERMONT ST.
A popular breakfast and lunch stop where groups can gather to enjoy quality pastries, beverages, and meals with extra attention to detail.
NORTH PARK ST.
K. Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream | 1101 Massachusetts St.
E. 12TH ST.
A one-of-a-kind, nostalgic ice cream parlor serving extravagant and decadent varieties with the unmistakable flavor of a handmade childhood recipe. SOUTH PARK ST.
E. 13TH ST.
EXPERIENCE THE HEART OF LAWRENCE:
Annual Events 10TH STREET TENNESSEE ST.
OHIO ST.
INDIANA ST.
MISSISSIPPI ST.
ILLINOIS ST.
ALABAMA ST.
MAINE ST.
MISSOURI ST.
SUNSET DR.
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS CAMPUS MAP
HILLTOP DR.
FAMBOROUGH DR.
LOUISIANA ST.
WEST CAMPUS RD.
NORTH DISTRICT
MAY | Lawrence Busker Festival Experience a world of weird and wonderful entertainment as international magicians, jugglers, and acrobats take over historic Downtown Lawrence for a weekend-long street festival filled with global performances, local food, and nonstop fun.
12TH ST.
UNIVERSITY DR. SPENCER RD.
13TH ST.
JUNE | Free State Festival
THE CAMPANILE
CRESCENT RD.
BOB BILLINGS PKWY
This annual event celebrates the free spirit of Kansas through independent films, live music, comedy, and art experiences in venues throughout the city.
14TH ST.
15TH ST. BURDICK DR.
THE DOLE INSTITUTE OF POLITICS
SUNNYSIDE AVE.
EDGEHILL RD. 17TH ST.
JUNE | Juneteenth
18TH ST.
This year’s event will span two days and feature events celebrating Lawrence’s Black community and commemorate the struggle for freedom in Lawrence and Douglas County.
SCHWEGLER DR.
TENNESSEE ST.
OHIO ST.
LOUISIANA ST.
INDIANA ST.
MISSISSIPPI ST.
ILLINOIS ST.
ALABAMA ST.
MAINE ST.
MISSOURI ST.
19TH ST.
College Town
Your Unmistakable Day in Lawrence The best version of Lawrence is the one you create for yourself. Use this space to sketch, list, and map out your perfect day in the city.
This annual event begins with a parade along Mass St. ending at a block party featuring drag performances, local vendors, and more.
16TH ST.
17TH ST.
WEST DISTRICT
SKETCH IT OUT
JUNE | Lawrence Pride
CENTRAL DISTRICT
PETEFISH DR.
There’s a rhythm to our year that you won’t find anywhere else. From historic traditions to modern celebrations, here is a taste of the annual events that make our city truly unmistakable.
11TH ST.
DAVID BOOTH KANSAS MEMORIAL STADIUM
STRATFORD RD.
ENGEL RD.
Whether you prefer to walk, bike, or ride, getting around Lawrence is effortless. Our historic downtown is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly, but for longer trips, you can hop on a Lawrence Transit bus, which is farefree for all fixed-route services. Cyclists will appreciate our status as a Bicycle Friendly Community, featuring the scenic Lawrence Loop and ample bike racks throughout the city. Brought your car? Parking is plentiful with metered spots downtown and several garages and lots offering the first two hours free. Uber and Lyft are also available throughout Lawrence.
A European-style coffee house by day, a sophisticated, dim-lit cocktail lounge by night.
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IOWA ST.
Getting Around
A cornerstone of Downtown Lawrence since 1857, this family-owned department store offers a classic and comprehensive retail experience.
E. 11TH ST.
Discover one-of-a-kind treasures, artisan galleries, and independent shops that you won’t find anywhere else.
EXPLORE AT YOUR OWN SPEED:
A creative treasure trove for art supplies and stationery, famous for its haunted bathroom and beloved shop cat, Dave.
H. Weaver’s | 901 Massachusetts St.
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The Indie Vibe:
In Lawrence, you aren’t just a visitor; you’re part of a vibe that encourages you to be exactly who you are, at whatever speed you choose.
MASSACHUSETTS ST.
VERMONT ST.
WHERE THE VIBES ARE LEGENDARY!
FIND YOUR STAGE:
The Foodie Vibe:
Experience the electric pulse of Downtown Lawrence on Mass St. or find your center by the quiet, natural beauty of the Wetlands.
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E. 10TH ST.
LIED CENTER
The Vibrant Vibe:
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I. The Bourgeois Pig | 6 E. 9th St.
The Game Day Vibe:
From iconic diners to chef-driven fusion and local breweries, our culinary soul is as bold and diverse as the community itself.
G. Wonder Fair | 841 Massachusetts St.
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E. 9TH ST.
THE DEBRUCE CENTER
Feel the legendary energy at Allen Fieldhouse or David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, where deep-rooted tradition meets a modern, deafening roar.
One of the leading cycling and outdoor outfitters in the nation, this shop has a long history of helping people get outside with expert gear and friendly advice.
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This immersive venue features custom-designed mini-golf and state-of-the-art axe throwing lanes, all paired with a selection of hand-crafted cocktails.
F. Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop | 804 Massachusetts St.
E. 8TH ST.
Gaslight Gardens Replay Lounge Jazzhaus Eighth Street Tap Room Lucia Northside Social
CHOOSE YOUR VIBE Whether you’re here for a conference, a family getaway, or to cheer on your team, there is a version of Lawrence waiting for you:
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QUIRKY. UNEXPECTED.
Lawrence is where high-energy college spirit meets a soulful, free-spirited pace. We don’t just accept the unusual—we celebrate it. We invite you to find your own rhythm in a city that is both deeply welcoming and refreshingly original.
CONNECTICUT ST.
RHODE ISLAND ST.
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A Lawrence rock ‘n roll landmark since 1985, The Bottleneck is the go-to spot for rising indie stars, punk, and experimental acts.
Beyond major venues, Lawrence’s musical heart beats in its intimate bars and small stages. Here are some venues offering chances to see emerging talent and local favorites in settings that are unmistakably Lawrence:
Experience the sights and scents of premium quality candles and ceramics that have been handmade on-site since 1970. You can even make your own!
E. 7TH ST.
One of the city’s most historic venues, Liberty Hall has hosted Wilco, Marcus King, Japanese Breakfast, and Sam Bush. | libertyhall.net
Visitors can explore more than 100 locally owned shops, galleries, and award-winning eateries, including famous spots like the Free State Brewery and The Bourgeois Pig. Beyond dining and shopping, the area is alive with culture, featuring world-class live music venues, public art, and historic landmarks like the Watkins Museum of History.
D. Waxman Candles | 609 Massachusetts St.
NEW HAMPSHIRE ST.
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MASSACHUSETTS ST.
VERMONT ST.
KENTUCKY ST.
TENNESSEE ST.
This former cinema hall regularly hosts national touring acts and themed dance parties. Recent performances include Neon Trees, Betty Who, The Happy Fits, Bingo Loco, and Emo Nite. | thegranada.com
C. The Bottleneck | 737 New Hampshire St.
Unmistakably Lawrence.
Since its founding in 1854, Downtown Lawrence has thrived as a vibrant, historic hub that perfectly blends residential life with a bustling commercial and entertainment scene. Recognized by Parade Magazine as “the most popular tourist destination in Kansas”, the heart of the city is Massachusetts Street—known to locals as “Mass Street” or sometimes just “Mass”—where well-preserved architecture meets a unique, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
ST. = MASSACHUSETTS ATTRACTIONS
OHIO ST.
WELCOME TO
Often called the “Live Music Capital of Kansas,” Lawrence boasts a legendary scene where you can catch world-class touring acts and local legends on any given night. Historic downtown venues like the Granada, Liberty Hall, and the Bottleneck offer everything from intimate acoustic sets to high-energy rock shows, all within easy walking distance of one another. Whether you’re looking for jazz at a candlelit lounge or a free outdoor concert on Mass St., the city’s eclectic spirit ensures there is a stage for every kind of music lover.
Haskell Indian Nations University
JULY | Douglas County Fair An annual tradition with animal shows, pie-baking contests, carnival rides, demolition derbies, concerts, and more at the county fairgrounds in Lawrence.
SEPTEMBER | Haskell Indian Art Market Haskell Indian Nations University hosts Native artists from across the continent for one of the largest authentic Native markets. Food vendors, concerts and dance performances are also part of the celebration.
Lawrence is home to two great universities, each with an unmistakable history and each an anchor in the community’s culture. Onward, Haskell! Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!
DECEMBER | Old Fashioned Christmas Parade The largest parade of horse-riders and horse-pulled carriages, buggies and wagons in the Midwest. A family favorite!
University of Kansas | ku.edu The main campus of the University of Kansas sits in the center of Lawrence on a steep hill known as Mount Oread. The University of Kansas, more commonly known as KU, is the state’s flagship public university with a graduate and undergraduate enrollment of approximately 28,500 students. The university’s schools regularly feature in top national rankings, and its faculty produces research and cultural works that have won international recognition and prizes from an Oscar to a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant.” Campus Attractions Open to the Public: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (on game days), Allen Fieldhouse, DeBruce Center, Booth Family Hall of Athletics, Dole Institute of Politics, Spencer Museum of Art, Lied Center of Kansas, KU Natural History Museum
ALL YEAR LONG | Final Fridays Haskell Indian Nations University | haskell.edu Located in the southeast area of town, Haskell Indian Nations University is the nation’s only fully accredited, four-year college specifically for students from federally recognized tribes and boasts a student body representing over 150 tribal nations and Alaska Native villages. The campus sporting events and many of its presentations are open to visitors, as is the annual Indian Art Market. Campus Attractions Open to the Public: Haskell Cultural Center and Museum, Coffin Sports Complex, Self-Guided Walking Tours
On the last Friday of every month (all year long!) from 5-9 PM, the streets of Downtown Lawrence, the Warehouse Arts District, and random places city-wide come alive with various arts and culture events.
FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING DURING YOUR VISIT:
@EXPLORELAWRENCE EXPLORELAWRENCE.COM
History
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2. Spencer Museum of Art | 1301 Mississippi St.
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The only comprehensive art museum in the state of Kansas, the Spencer Museum of Art houses a diverse collection of more than 45,000 artworks across all media, from ancient to contemporary.
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Free State Brewing Co. opened in 1989 as the first legal brewery in Kansas in over 100 years, becoming a cornerstone of the downtown community with its award-winning beers and hearty menu.
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BOB BILLINGS PKWY
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MASSACHUSETTS ST.
WESTERN HILLS
A cozy Asian-fusion destination that invites diners on a flavorful journey with its signature handmade dumplings and sizzling grilled delights.
O
KASOLD DR.
WEST LAWRENCE
15. Lucky Seb’s Dumpling Bar and Grill | 2210 Iowa St.
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SUNSET HILLS
The Eldridge Hotel stands as a historic landmark in Downtown Lawrence, offering a tradition of hospitality that dates back to the city’s founding and the era of “Bleeding Kansas.”
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9TH ST.
4. Eldridge Hotel | 701 Massachusetts St.
5. Free State Brewing Co. | 636 Massachusetts St.
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DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE
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14. La Estrella | 2323 Ridge Ct. This vibrant market and taqueria is dedicated to making the community happier one taco at a time by serving authentic, traditional Mexican street food.
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GATEWAY
Housed in historic Dyche Hall, the KU Natural History Museum features four floors of exhibits, including the famous panorama of North American plants and animals.
NORTH LAWRENCE
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FREE STATE PRAIRIE
3. KU Natural History Museum | 1345 Jayhawk Blvd.
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KANSAS RIVER
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The legendary home of the University of Kansas Jayhawks since 1955, Allen Fieldhouse is widely considered one of the best places in the world to watch a college basketball game.
In Lawrence, a good visit starts with an unmistakable meal. We’ve always been close to the land, with a restaurant scene defined by farm-to-table pioneers and menus that proudly feature local harvest. But “local” doesn’t mean limited: our flavors are as global as our community. You can experience a refined European café atmosphere one night and a vibrant street-side food truck the next. Whatever your mood, you’ll find chefs who are passionate about their craft and the farmers who supply them. Come as you are—casual is our default, but “extra” is always welcome.
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E. 1000 RD.
1. Allen Fieldhouse | 1651 Naismith Dr.
70
N. IOWA ST.
Founded by New England abolitionists as a resilient “free state” stronghold, Lawrence’s history is defined by a courageous spirit that rebuilt the community after the devastation of the Civil War era. This legacy of progress continues today, particularly as the place where James Naismith established a world-renowned basketball tradition that has become a cornerstone of the city’s identity. Beyond sports, Lawrence has long served as a hub for creative minds and literary icons, having been home to influential authors ranging from Langston Hughes to William S. Burroughs. Today, the city remains a vibrant, welcoming destination that honors its pioneer roots while constantly evolving as a hub of education, civility, and innovation.
Dining
N. 1800 RD.
N. 1800 RD
Located just off Mass St., Q39 features chef-driven, “pit-to-plate” barbecue, award-winning burnt ends, and a spacious outdoor patio.
17. Limestone Pizza | 814 Massachusetts St. Focused on a mission of uniquely excellent food, this downtown staple serves hand-crafted, locally sourced pizzas made with time-honored techniques.
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UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
16. Q39 | 639 New Hampshire St.
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18. 715 | 715 Massachusetts St. A European-style neighborhood restaurant and bar that specializes in simple, fresh, and handmade Italian cuisine paired with creative cocktails.
6. Raven Book Store | 809 Massachusetts St. An award-winning independent bookstore known for its strong community advocacy, curated selection, and its famous resident shop cats.
19. Terrebonne Po’ Boys | 845 Massachusetts St.
7. Watkins Museum of History | 1047 Massachusetts St.
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Located in a stunning 1888 building that was formerly a bank, the Watkins Museum of History shares the fascinating stories of Douglas County through three floors of engaging exhibits.
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8. Haskell Cultural Center and Museum | 2411 Barker Ave. The Haskell Cultural Center and Museum honors the living history and resilience of the students of Haskell Indian Nations University, representing more than 150 Tribal nations.
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20. Culinaria | 512 E. 9th St.
HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY
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This local favorite brings a taste of the Gulf to Kansas with its authentic Cajun-style po’ boys, jambalaya, and famous hushpuppies.
PRAIRIE PARK
Tucked away in a historic East Lawrence building, this cozy Mediterranean kitchen specializes in made-fromscratch cuisine, craft cocktails, and a lively vibe.
Haskell Cultural Center and Museum
DINE LIKE A LOCAL:
UNCOVER OUR STORY:
Allen Fieldhouse
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BAKER WETLANDS
Hotels
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IS CALLING!
9. Clinton State Park | 798 N 1415 Rd. This expansive park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing on the 7,000-acre lake to hiking and biking on the scenic North Shore Trails.
The Great Outdoors KU Natural History Museum
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Clinton State Park Marina
13. Grinter’s Sunflower Farm | 24150 Stillwell Rd. Grinter’s Sunflower Farm
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A world-famous agricultural destination that draws visitors from across the region every late summer to witness thousands of sunflowers in peak, golden bloom.
J. DoubleTree By Hilton, 200 McDonald Dr.
N. SpringHill Suites by Marriott, 1 Riverfront Plaza
This developing paved trail system currently offers over 22 miles of continuous paths for cyclists and runners to explore the scenic perimeter of the entire community.
O. T ownePlace Suites by Marriott, 900 New Hampshire St.
12. Baker University Wetlands | 1365 N 1250 Rd. WATKINS HISTORY MUSEUM
I. Days Inn, 730 Iowa St.
M. Eldridge Hotel, 701 Massachusetts St.
11. Lawrence Loop | 900 E 15th St.
CHOOSE YOUR TERRAIN:
H. Baymont Inn & Suites, 740 Iowa St.
L. The Oread Lawrence Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 1200 Oread Ave.
Located on the northwest side of the city, this peaceful 100-acre park features unpaved woodland trails perfect for hiking and observing local wildlife in a quiet setting.
As one of the most biodiverse areas in the state, this marshland ecosystem provides 11 miles of trails for world-class birdwatching and nature photography.
G. Q uality Inn & Suites, 2309 Iowa St.
K. Comfort Inn & Suites, 151 McDonald Dr.
10. Lawrence Nature Park | 201 S Folks Rd.
Ready to get moving? Lawrence offers an unmistakable playground of outdoor adventures for every pace. From competitive rounds of disc golf and pickleball at our vibrant city parks to a quiet morning of fishing at the expansive Clinton State Park, there are endless ways to enjoy the Kansas fresh air. If you prefer life on the move, explore miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking, cycling, or birding at the serene Baker Wetlands, while golfers will find several premier courses ready for a tee time. Whether you’re looking for high-energy sand volleyball or a peaceful stroll through the prairie, you’ll find the perfect spot to play.
F. H oliday Inn Express & Suites, 3411 S Iowa St.
P. Motel 6, 1130 N 3rd St. 12
Baker University Wetlands
Q. C ountry Inn & Suites by Radisson, 2176 East 23rd St = ACCESSIBLE
= POOL
= PET-FRIENDLY
= FREE BREAKFAST
WAKE UP IN LAWRENCE:
@EXPLORELAWRENCE EXPLORELAWRENCE.COM