Five-Day Fiesta
7/13-7/17
The jalape'o-eating contest alone is worth a trip to Topeka's Fiesta Mexicana, one of Kansas' largest cultural celebrations. The raucous festival has plenty of other things to offer -- local artists and musicians, authentic food and carnival rides on which someone is sure to lose his enchiladas. And it's a piece of cultural history. Over the decades since its inception in 1933, the fiesta has highlighted evolving attitudes toward Mexican culture. Recent years have revealed a heightened reverence for the past as well as an unflagging support for margaritas. The multiblock party, centered on Our Lady of Guadalupe's church grounds at 1008 N.E. Atchison Street, runs from July 13 to 17. Headlining acts include Freddy Fender and Los Garcia Brothers, among many others. For a schedule, see www.olg-parish.org/fiesta or call 785-273-4949. -- Sarah Smarsh
Sunday Blues
7/11-8/15
Unlike Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, the much less famous Washington Square Park between Crown Center and Union Station (at Pershing and Grand) doesn't see much traffic. We've witnessed workers from neighboring office buildings taking their lunches there during the week, but rarely have we observed any weekend action. However, this should change for the next six Sundays, when the Kansas City Blues Society puts on Blue Sunday concerts at 5 p.m. This weekend's introductory show spotlights the rootsy quartet Rain Dogs and blues singer Janiva Magness. For details, call 913-649-0383. -- Michael Vennard
