Manhattan's best ballroom dance instruction! We offer private lessons, group classes, and social dances for Manhattan and the surrounding areas. Come dance with us!

Location: 416 Laramie, Manhattan, Ks. 66505

Phone: (785)-703-5336

Website: https://www.ballroomdancemhk.com/ Email: Tim@BallroomDanceMHK.com

Aha Representative: Tim Gregory

Claflin Books is an independently and locally owned bookstore. Their inventory is hand-selected by knowledgeable staff, not just stocked.

Location: Claflin Books
    103 N. 4th St.
    Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone: (785) 776-3771

website: http://www.claflinbooks.com/

aha! Representative: Stormy Lee Kennedy

Email: Claflin@Interkan.Net

The Flint Hills Discovery Center inspires people to celebrate, explore, and care for the Flint Hills.

To accomplish this, we have developed an extensive array of exhibits and programs that are exciting, educational and authentic, so as to engage visitors of all ages from all walks of life.

Location: 315 South 3rd Street
Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone: (785) 587-2726
Website: flinthillsdiscovery.org

Email: events.fhdc@cityofmhk.com

aha representative: Jonathan Mertz

Our Mission:

To provide excellence in choral music instruction and performance for children and to provide enrichment in the arts for Manhattan and surrounding communities.

The Flint Hills Youth Choirs, founded in 2015 by musicians and educators Janet Armstead and Janie Brokenicky, is a choral experience for students with treble voices entering grades 3-10. The organization is made up of two ensembles; the Bluestem Choir for students in grades 3-5 and the Konza Choir for students in grades 6-10. In the 2016-2017 season the choirs were invited to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Association Annual Convention and traveled to St. Louis. The Konza Choir will be performing in New York City's Carnegie Hall in 2019 as part of the MCP Children's Choir Series. 

The Flint Hills Youth Choirs (FHYC) are open to girls and boys grades 3-10 with treble voices and offers an outstanding program of vocal training and music education taught by an experienced, caring staff. Musically-talented and motivated young people come together to produce high-quality, beautiful music from a wide variety of genres and styles. The students learn the value of leadership, self-discipline, and teamwork as they join their voices in the pure, angelic tones that only talented children can achieve.

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

Website: https://www.flinthillsyc.org/

AHA Representative: Janie Brokenicky

Email: exec@flinthillsyc.org

The mission of Friends of Peace Memorial Auditorium is to help raise funds to renovate Peace Memorial Auditorium so the memorial may continue to honor the 101 Riley County World War II veterans and the county's veterans of previous wars who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to serve the community's many needs, including the arts, athletics, and civic events into the future.

Friends of Peace Memorial Auditorium
100 S Delaware Ave
Manhattan, KS 66502

    P.O. Box 265
    Manhattan, KS 66505

Website: http://www.peacememorialauditorium.org/

aha! Representative: Kathy Dzewaltowski

email: Dzewk@Me.Com

The Foundation serves as a pool of charitable funds for our community. Through the long-term investment of capital contributed by individuals, organizations, and businesses, the Foundation makes grants to charitable organizations and programs to enhance the quality of life of the community. 

Vision: Enhancing quality of life through philanthropic giving
Mission: To build relationships between donors and community needs
Core Values: Service with accountability, integrity, quality, respect, and transparency

Greater Manhattan Community Foundation
555 Poyntz Avenue, Suite 269
PO Box 1127
Manhattan, KS 66505-1127

Phone: (785) 587-8995

Website: http://www.mcfks.org

aha representative: Vern Hendricks

We manifest the land-grant values and rich history of our university. We elevate academic success as an integral partner in research, learning, and discovery. We advocate for our campus and our community, connect their imaginations to information and number their successes among our own.

This mission and vision support K-State 2025 by developing K-State Libraries as the central place for discovery through providing resources and support for the teaching, research, and service of Kansas State University and the citizens of Kansas.

Location: 113 Hale Library, Manhattan, KS

Phone: (785)-532-7442

Email: martin05@K-State.edu

Website: https://www.lib.k-state.edu/

Aha Representative: Darchelle Martin

Kansas State University's College of Architecture, Planning & Design (APDesign) was established in 1963 by bringing together into one administrative unit the Departments of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Science, Interior Architecture, and Regional & Community Planning.

The early founders of that coalition were very insightful, realizing that the practice of the design professions would involve multidisciplinary efforts. Housing these programs in a single college enabled students to better understand the roles and relationships of the disciplines that comprised the design of the built environment. This combination of design and planning received national attention as a model organization for education in the design, planning and management of the environment.

Today, APDesign continues to be a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, environmental design college with accredited professional programs in Architecture, Interior Architecture & Product Design, Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning. APDesign's design programs have been consistently ranked by DesignIntelligence magazine as among the best in the nation. 

APDesign is proud to offer this multidisciplinary education, which reflects the nature of the professions APDesign serves and contributes to our students' successes.

Location: Kansas State University
115 Seaton Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-2902

Website: http://apdesign.k-state.edu/

AHA Representative: Michael McClure

email: Mamcclure@Ksu.Edu

The Historic Costume and Textile Museum is a notable collection of traditional and artistic artifacts. With over 15,000 holdings, the collection includes a number of Nelly Don dresses, wearable art from Anita Mayer, American quilts, salon shoes, military uniforms, Byzantine-era textiles, Chinese and other ethnic textiles, and clothing and textiles from famous and not-so-famous midwesterners. The collection began at the beginning of the 20th century and continues to be augmented by friends, faculty and Kansas State University alumni who have lived and traveled throughout the world.

Read more about the museum

Location: Apparel, Textiles and Interior Design
Kansas State University
225 Justin Hall
1324 Lovers Lane
Manhattan, KS 66506-1405

Website: https://apdesign.k-state.edu/iaid/dev-interior-design/

AHA Representative: Marla Day

A commitment to high quality undergraduate and graduate education in the visual arts is the cornerstone of the mission of the Department of Art. Quality teaching is enhanced by the creative research endeavors of the faculty who work closely with students to stimulate aesthetic and intellectual inquiry in both theory and application. The Department of Art prepares its students to become practicing artists who possess visual literacy, cultural and historical awareness, sound aesthetic judgement, and creative problem-solving skills.

Department of Art
Kansas State University
111 Willard Hall
Manhattan, KS 66505

Phone: (785) 532-6605
Fax: (785) 532-0334
Email: artadvising@ksu.edu or kevinber@ksu.edu
Website: http://art.ksu.edu/

aha representative: Kevin Bernstein

Students in English learn how to think critically, reason carefully, communicate effectively, and appreciate excellent writing and thinking. The education they receive provides them with the skills and experiences that prepare them for graduate and professional schools and for careers in technical and professional writing, editing and publishing, teaching, management, information services and technology, public relations, arts and humanities administration, government, philanthropic and not-for-profit agencies, among other fields.

Our award-winning faculty members have been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for their outstanding contributions to research in the field and their passionate commitment to excellent teaching.

To learn more about our courses, programs and people, to read department news and events, to support the work of the department, or to contact us, just follow the links.

Location: K-State English Bldg 122-E
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

Website: https://www.k-state.edu/english/

AHA Representative: Deborah Murray

The Gardens at Kansas State University are  horticulture display gardens that were established as an educational resource and learning laboratory for K-State students and the visiting public. The Gardens are a privately funded project, located on the K-State campus. When completed, The Gardens will be a 19-acre garden, designed to show hardscape and tested ornamental plant material in different aesthetic settings. The site is being developed and maintained by the Department of Horticulture, Forestry and Recreation Resources.

Location: 1500 Denison Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66506
Phone: (785) 532-6170

Website: https://www.k-state.edu/gardens/
Email: ksugardens@k-state.edu

aha! Representative: Tim Lindemuth

The Historic Costume and Textile Museum is a notable collection of traditional and artistic artifacts. With over 15,000 holdings, the collection includes a number of Nelly Don dresses, wearable art from Anita Mayer, American quilts, salon shoes, military uniforms, Byzantine-era textiles, Chinese and other ethnic textiles, and clothing and textiles from famous and not-so-famous midwesterners. The collection began at the beginning of the 20th century and continues to be augmented by friends, faculty and Kansas State University alumni who have lived and traveled throughout the world.

website: https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/hctm/

aha! Representative: Marla Day

Email: Mday@Ksu.Edu

ICDD is a campus/community collaborative dedicated to improving the quality and frequency of civic discourse. By facilitating public dialogue and deliberation, the institute promotes community engagement and self-knowledge, a means of reinforcing citizenship and mutual learning across multiple sectors and interests. Models of civic discourse include many modes of conversation based on the arts and humanities, such as Visual Thinking Strategies and Socrates Café. Assistance is offered to community groups convening public conversations, and training is provided to youth and adults interested in developing facilitation skills and applications. (ICDD is a non for profit organization)

Kansas State University

234 Nichols Hall

Manhattan, Kansas 66506

785-532-6875

Website: https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/icdd/

aha! Representative: Donna Schenck-Hamlin

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (MTD) is home to approximately 500 majors and minors, fifty faculty, and four administrative support staff. Additionally, more than 4,000 non-majors representing every department and college at the university participate in the performing arts at Kansas State! Hundreds of events are scheduled each year, most of which are free and open to the public. Campus performances are presented in McCain Auditorium, Nichols Theatre, All Faiths Chapel Auditorium, Purple Masque Theatre, and Forum Hall in the K-State Union. And, excellence in the arts extends far beyond campus. In recent years, KSU faculty and students have performed or presented to audiences in six continents, with more plans for the future.

Location: 109 McCain Auditorium
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506

Website: https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/

aha! Representatives:  Stephen Loch, Dance

Our mission is to engage the community in the active preservation of its
historic resources by

- promoting historic preservation in the community and surrounding area,
- enhancing economic development through historic preservation,
- and educating the community as to the cultural importance of historic preservation.

We have adopted the Charleston Principles as our guidelines.  The Preservation Alliance was formed in 1994, and one of the Preservation Alliance's early projects was the rehabilitation of the Union Pacific Railroad Depot located in Manhattan, Kansas.

Contact: M/RCPA
P.O. Box 1893
Manhattan, KS 66505-1893

website: http://www.preservemanhattan.org/

AHA Representative: Kathy Dzewaltowski

MAC offers a wide range of performing and visual arts activities and showcases the artistic talents of amateurs and professionals alike. We are always open to new avenues that will bring new arts experiences to the Manhattan region. In keeping with our mission of "Arts for All", we thrive on community involvement in all aspects of the arts – painting, acting, music, classes, etc. – as well as through memberships, volunteer activities and sponsors.

Location: 1520 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone: (785) 537-4420

Website: http://www.manhattanarts.org/
Email: Director@Manhattanarts.Org

aha! Representative: Kendra Kuhlman

The Manhattan Municipal Band has been part of the Manhattan community since 1920. Local members of all ages come together under the direction of Dr. Frank Tracz to perform free concerts in June and July at the Larry Norvell Band Shell in City Park. 

To see the full schedule or to find information about joining the band, please

Xylephonia Performance on YouTube

Location: Larry Norvell Band Shell at City Park near the corner of 11th and Osage

Website: https://www.k-state.edu/band/mmb/

aha! Representative: Frank Tracz

MNVI aims to build and strengthen relationships throughout MHK using arts, education, and conversation so all members of our community are acknowledged, valued, and respected.

​Our Vision: We envision a community where all thrive to their fullest potential and participate constructively in personal and community relationships.

Our Philosophy: We believe that there are fundamental human needs driving our actions and thoughts that are common to all people regardless of culture, personal demographics, or place. We believe that deep respect for and understanding of this shared humanity is the best starting point for creating a culture of nonviolence in our personal lives and in the community we share. We believe that nonviolence is the proactive engagement in difficult terrain that seeks to reduce violence, division, and discord. We believe that the practice of everyday nonviolence can be taught and learned through the acquisition of concrete practical communication tools. We believe that by engaging with community members of seemingly opposing views in skilled nonviolent dialogue, we can promote improved mutual understanding and regard for differences and promote a culture of safety and nonviolence for our community.

Email: sglymour@gmail.com

Website: http://mnvi.weebly.com/

Aha Representative: Susanne Glymour

Building a healthy community through people, parks, and programs. The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department offers sports, art classes, activities, cultural programs, and more for all ages.

1101 Poyntz Avenue, City Hall
Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone: (785) 587-2765
Website: http://www.mhkprd.com/

aha! Representative: Sydni De Hart

Email: Sydni.Dehart@Cityofmhk.Com

The Manhattan Public Library connects the community to a world of ideas and information by inspiring readers of all ages, bringing technology's benefits to everyone, and providing a comfortable, welcoming place for all.

Location: 629 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone: (785) 776-4741

Website: http://www.mhklibrary.org/

aha! Representative: Brea Braun

Email: Bbraun@Mhklibrary.Org

Manhattan Town Center is the region’s destination to shop, dine and unwind featuring AMC IMAX, H&M, Books-A-Million, and more than 50 stores & restaurants. The mall also hosts community events and exhibits throughout the year.

Location: 100 Manhattan Town Center
Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone: (785) 539-3500

Website: http://www.manhattantowncenter.com/

AHA Representative: Kyra Vanderbilt

Email: specialtyleasing@manhattantowncenter.com

Mission Statement:

The Manhattan Youth Symphony exists to educate and inspire young instrumental musicians through high quality musical experiences in an orchestral setting. Its vision is to foster commitment, nurture strength of character, build discipline, and promote performance within the context of a meaningful musical community. 

The Manhattan Youth Symphony (formerly the Gold Orchestra) has a long standing history, which has grown in size and quality since 1988. Starting with only ten students in its first year, the organization now serves over 90 students each season and offers three levels of orchestras - The Gold Symphony, which developed into a full symphony orchestra in 2022, the Silver Orchestra, an intermediate string ensemble, and the Bronze Ensemble, a beginning string ensemble. 

Location: Manhattan, KS

Website: https://www.manhattanyouthsymphony.org/

aha representative: Clara Mohlman

Vice President, Manhattan Youth Symphony

The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art offers an in-depth look at Kansas art and brings art and artists from around the world to the heart of Kansas. The museum’s collection continues to focus on the art of Kansas and the region.

The regional art in our collections — as well as art generally — provides a rich terrain for discussion across disciplines. We present encounters with art as opportunities for exploring human experience.

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art
Kansas State University
701 Beach Lane (14th St & Anderson Ave)
Manhattan, KS 66506

Phone: (785) 532-7718
Website: http://beach.k-state.edu/

Email: Kimbelanger@K-State.Edu

aha! Representative: Kim Belanger

McCain Auditorium is the home for performing arts at Kansas State University.

The McCain Performance Series is funded entirely by revenue generated from ticket income, grants, and contributions. Visitors will enjoy Broadway and other world-remowned artists and attractions in the Little Apple without Big Apple prices.

Location: Kansas State University
211 McCain Auditorium
1501 Goldstein Circle
Manhattan, KS 66506-4711

Phone: (785) 532-6428
Website: http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/
Email: mccain@k-state.edu

AHA Representative: Sandy Mead

The Museum of Art + Light is the first museum in the world, from inception to blend physical fine art with digital and immersive experiences. MoA+L’s mission is to bridge 21st-century technology with the visual and performing arts to incite positive emotion, cultivate connection, encourage artistic exploration, and spark innovation. 

316 Pierre St, Manhattan KS

Website: https://artlightmuseum.org

Phone: 785 775 5444 ext. 200

aha Representative: Riley Holland

email: rholland@artlightmuseum.org

For countless ages, the Flint Hills have sustained life, as an inland sea, as grazing and hunting grounds teeming with bison, and as agricultural land that feeds millions. Envisioned with the purpose of continuing this legacy of connection to life-giving land, Prairiewood is nestled amongst 500 private acres set aside specifically as a tallgrass prairie preserve.

Located just a mile west of Manhattan, Prairiewood offers first-class accommodations, event space, and community programs, all thoughtfully assembled to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience on 400+ acres of preserved tallgrass prairie. Prairiewood offers Sunday Open Trail Days, a full-service bar, and regular community programming such as yoga, live music and guest speakers. Check Facebook for upcoming events.

Phone: (785)-317-0663

Email: Beck@Capstone3D.Com

Website: https://prairiewood.com/

Aha Representative: Beck Katzenmeier

The Riley County Genealogical Society has a mission to provide educational and research opportunities for genealogy and family history researchers.  They maintain a genealogical research library, and collect, preserve and publish genealogical and historical records for Riley County and surrounding area. Classes are held for large and small groups and montly meetings are free and open to the public.

Location: 2005 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone: (785) 565-6495
Website: http://www.rileycgs.com/
Email: cmb@ksu.edu

AHA Representative: Charlene Brownson

The Riley County Historical Museum is a department of the Riley County Government. The Museum collects, preserves, and interprets Riley County History and promotes an interest in local history and historic preservation in all its forms.

Location: 2309 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone: (785) 565-6490
Website: https://www.rileychs.org/rchs-staff.cfm

AHA Representative: Melanie Highsmith

Side by Side offers a variety of cultural activities, from Manhattan's community chorus Flint Hills Masterworks Chorale (www.masterworksmhk.org) to The Actors Theatre and video recordings for schools.

Flint Hills Masterworks Chorale rehearses on Tuesday evenings at First Lutheran Church, 930 Poyntz, Visit www.masterworksmhk.org for more info.
Information about The Actors Theatre can be found at www.masterworksmhk.org/the-actors-theatre.html.

New singers, actors and techies always welcome!

aha! representative: Penny Senften

A fixture in downtown Manhattan since 1981, SNW Gallery represents the finest of Kansas and regional artists working in a variety of mediums, including painting, print, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, ceramic, glass, photography, and jewelry. SNW Custom Frames offers archival custom framing combined with superior design that truly showcases the art it preserves.

Location: 328 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone: (785) 537-2099

Website: http://www.snwgallery.com/

AHA Representatives: Alyn and Kevin West

Sunset Zoo is Manhattan's own accredited Zoo; inspiring conservation of the natural world. 200+ animals & open 360 days a year! Visit daily from 9:30am - 5pm. 

New art and artists arrive at the gallery each week.

Location: 2333 Oak Street
Manhattan, KS 66502
Email: sunsetzoo@cityofmhk.com

Phone: (785) 587-2730
Website: http://www.sunsetzoo.com/

AHA Representative: Heather Patrice Brown

The Columbian Artist Group is an organization of creative like-minded individuals dedicated to fostering the artistic growth and evolution of its members and promoting their talents.

•    artist networking
•    group exhibits/ shows in multiple venues
•    artist critiquing sessions
•    artist marketing
•    art education
•    organized outings and more!

website: http://columbianartist.weebly.com/

aha! Representative: Kellie Dillinger

Email: Kellie.Dillinger@Hotmail.Com

UFM is a non-profit campus and community education program serving Kansas State University, the Manhattan area and communities across Kansas. UFM was started in 1968 by a group of KSU students and faculty as a way to bridge communication between the campus community and the Manhattan community.

Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all.

Location: 1221 Thurston Street
Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone: (785) 539-8763
Website: http://tryufm.org/
Email: info@tryufm.org

AHA Representatives: Jake Huber

There's always something fun to do in Manhattan!

Located in the heart of the scenic Flint Hills, Manhattan is home to Big 12 sports, first-class accommodations, great restaurants, spectacular outdoor recreation, amazing history and regional shopping. Riley County boasts 75,000 residents and during the academic year 25,000 college students call Manhattan home.

2013 Accolades
Number 6  most exciting small city

Number 3 best small places for business and careers

One of the happiest student bodies in the nation

Location: 501 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone: (785) 776-8829

Website: http://www.manhattancvb.org/ 

aha! Representative: Julie Valldeperas

Email: Julie@Manhattan.Org