Evergy Plaza will launch the inaugural Kansas Courage Celebration, presented by the Greater Topeka Chamber’s Military Relations Council and Visit Topeka, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12 p.m. 

Designed to complement the Topeka Veterans Day Parade earlier that morning, the Kansas Courage Celebration will offer an afternoon of entertainment, appreciation, and community connection for veterans, military families, and the public. The event will feature: 

  • Free meals provided by VFW Post 1650, with donations optional 
  • Inflatable attractions for families, courtesy of The Carnival Guy 
  • A display of military vehicles 
  • Live music by Better than Roadkill, a band with extensive experience performing in veteran clubs; their harmonica player and vocalist is a veteran herself 
  • Participation from veteran-owned businesses, including Joylight Coffee, which will be handing out free coffee 

“Evergy Plaza is thrilled to host Kansas Courage and to provide the community with an afternoon of music, family fun, and celebration,” said Dylan Tyler of Evergy Plaza. “Pairing this event with the Veterans Day Parade makes downtown Topeka the place to be on November 8, and we’re proud to play a part in honoring those who serve.” 

“Topeka is proud to be home to more than 3,000 active-duty military personnel across the 190th Air Refueling Wing, the Kansas National Guard, the Coast Guard, and more,” said Bob Ross, Interim President of the Greater Topeka Chamber. “We also sit between Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth and are home to countless veterans. The Greater Topeka Chamber, through its Military Relations Council, is honored to help present this event as a way to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices of our military families and veterans.” 

“Our military families and veterans make tremendous contributions to our community and to our country,” added Sean Dixon, President of Visit Topeka. “Supporting Kansas Courage is one small way Visit Topeka can show our gratitude, while also creating a space for residents and visitors to come together in appreciation and celebration.” 

The Kansas Courage Celebration is free and open to the public.