October: Free to the community

A variety of events free to the campus and the community are planned this month at Pittsburg State University.   

Now through Dec. 10: View a censorship exhibit   

See an exhibit focused on censorship that kicked off during Banned Books Week and will continue through the end of the semester in the art gallery at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. It was developed as a collaborative project with Library Services. The exhibit is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and anytime the Bicknell Center is open for evening and weekend events. 

Oct. 5: Learn more about the Amazon Army 

Attend a talk at 7 p.m. at Axe Library by local teacher and historian Linda Knoll to learn about a local group of women that 100 years ago this year drew national media attention when they held a protest. Several thousand wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters of local miners were standing up for miner’s rights in a march to mine headquarters in tiny Franklin, Kansas, in an event that became known as the Amazon Army March.  

Oct. 9-Oct. 31: Look at autumn colors*

By about the second weekend in October, the autumn colors have begun to make an appearance on campus, providing a lovely atmosphere for walkers, garden enthusiasts, and photographers that often lasts several weeks. Make a loop around The Oval in the heart of campus, then follow the hike-bike path past the stadium and the University Lake. *Please note this time fluctuates each year according to the temperatures.

Oct. 16: Go to a parade 

The PSU Homecoming Parade is back! Perhaps the oldest of homecoming traditions, you can see it in Downtown Pittsburg starting at 9 a.m. It will feature bands, floats, and other parade entries from Pittsburg and surrounding towns. Leading the way will be the Pride of the Plains Marching Band. The parade route extends along Broadway from 11th and Broadway to Second Street. Parking is available in free lots and on side streets surrounding the area.  

Oct. 17: Attend a symphony concert* 

Attend the first concert of the season by the SEK Symphony at Pittsburg State University. Called “From Russia With Love,” it will be held at 3 p.m. in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts and will feature Vladimir Gorbik, guest conductor from the Tchaikowsky Moscow State Conservatory in Russia, and pianist Luigi Borzillo, from Italy. You’ll also hear the University Choirs perform. (*This one’s free to anyone with a PSU ID; all others may buy tickets online.) Read more about the symphony season.

Oct. 21-24: See a stage comedy* 

Head to the Dotty and Bill Miller Theatre in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts for “Lapin Lapin!” — a French comedy best described as a “farcical romp,” produced by Pitt State Theatre and directed by Linden Little, who says it’s a tribute to working class mothers around the globe. Mama Lapin thinks her work raising her children was behind her, until each child returns home through a series of plot twists and turns. (*This one’s free to anyone with a PSU ID; all others may buy tickets online.) Read more about the show. (link) 

Oct. 26 and Oct. 27: Listen to recitals 

On Oct. 26, plan to attend a free guest tuba recital at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall in McCray Hall, home to PSU’s Department of Music. On Oct. 27, you can hear a chamber brass recital at the same time in the same place.