Topeka Performing Arts Center

Our family attended a concert here a couple weeks ago!With a location in downtown Topeka, right off the highway, it's not too difficult to find!On the flip side of that, the location DID make parking a little tricky - there are numerous garages and street parking options around, but if you read carefully, many are highly restricted, and/or close to the public early in the evening, and/or have other restrictions. We parked in one garage, only to read on the door on the way out that it was set to close and lock down 20 mins later. So, back to the car, and I had to drive a couple blocks over to (luckily!) find what was probably the very last street parking space within a 10 block area.Inside the venue, I feel this place has aged particularly well. I remember when it was newly renovated, and despite that being decades ago, it still seemed in good repair and was a nice place to see a medium-sized event. Lighting and sound were both excellent, and the acoustics from our angle on the floor, near the back, was also very good. The view was perfect - no obstruction in front, due to ample rise in the auditorium as you go back.Navigating the building was also simple, well organized, and well attended by staff to help.Maybe the only thing that could really use some help is the restroom facilities, at least the one on the main floor. It's very tight, and falling into a bit of a state of needing some update and repair. Security did a nice job on our visit, and moved through our line pretty quickly!I'll probably have a better plan for parking next time; other than that, this was a good experience!

Built in 1940 in the Art Deco style and renovated in 1985, this 2500 seating auditorium gives a personal performance experience. Really no bad seat in the house. A few things to note, no elevators so stairs are required for balcony seating. Limited bathroom facilities so expect lines during intermission. Multiple portable bars set up around the main level so don't stop at the first. Also has an express grab and go line. Reasonably priced concessions. I would definitely return.

Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC) has been the home for the Topeka Jazz Workshop (TJW) since its post-Covid return. Before the height of Covid, TJW held performances at the nearby Ramada hotel. TPAC is an older venue and could use some small updates like paint, but that's a very small complaint. The staff is all really nice and welcoming. The concession area is nicer than other concert venues, and the prices aren't outrageous. TJW meets in one of the ballrooms downstairs and the lighting and sound are very well done. There are nearby restrooms, but the doors leading from the ballroom to the hall by the restrooms are oddly loud- definitely jarring and annoying during a show. TJW is held on Sundays and parking is free- there's a parking lot as well as metered parking. I'm assuming that the meters aren't free during the week.

We attend events (mostly concerts) at TPAC several times a year, and have really enjoyed them all. Everything here is usually great, and we are glad they finally allowed us to purchase and bring in food and pop that we purchase in the lobby!Just a few suggestions though that would make the experience at TPAC perfect:1-Allow the public access to the elevator if anyone has to sit in the upper balcony. We almost always purchase seating near the front area of the stage, but once in a while, events have filled up quickly and the balcony seating was the only option. We always overhear people seated near us commenting on this issue too.2-Allow the public access to the outer lobby area during hot summer/cold winter months about 1.5 hours before showtime, as some of us do get there a little early to get a safe and close parking spot. Sometimes, we have not even been allowed in until about 45 minutes before show time and in extreme weather conditions.3-Please put more seating areas around (even if only benches) for elderly patrons who need a spot to rest before going to their seats, as sometimes we have to wait awhile before we are allowed in the theater.4-And last but not least...most of your volunteers are GREAT...but some can be absolutely RUDE! They talk down to you like you've never been there before, or demand you use certain doors, and even at the REO Speedwagon concert in May, one male usher told us all to go to another door, and when we did another male usher came ranting and raving at us saying "I don't care what he said you go back to that other door"! There is no need for infighting and treating your patrons as though we are children when we pay hundreds of dollars for tickets each year at your theater!....and one last item...please bring back programs describing the performance that we paid to see!

I have attended events at TPAC and also been a part of several productions at TPAC and I think the facility and employees are top of the line. There is really no bad seat in the house and they are comfortable. From the production side, the facility has numerous dressing rooms, room for meetings, VIP rooms, a black box, and just about everything you would need for a successful show. The staff are professional and helpful and our organization's experience was great!

We went here to see Ron White when he came to Kansas. My husband and I had the same thought when we got here: the auditorium itself looked like some sort of Miami inspired retirement home. It was amazing to us that in a short 30 minutes, one of the raunchier comedians would be up on stage smoking and boozing it up. Otherwise, the seating was pretty nice. I'm short, so I always worry about being able to see over the other people. Here, the seats in the balcony were steep enough, that it wasn't going to be a problem to see, and there really were no bad seats there.

The carpet is worn, the restrooms have no soap. The building is in disrepair. Security was very rude, and did not listen to guests. TPAC needs to get it together. This place is gross and the security they hired are terrible.