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Osher Membership Fee

A required individual Osher membership fee of just $25 will be collected during the fall semester each year to grant participation in the Osher offerings for the next 12 months. Your paid membership allows you to attend Osher courses and special events. Membership in Osher helps to keep the cost of classes affordable for all. We're excited to nurture your ongoing quest to learn as you engage with and contribute greatly to the world around you.

July 6, 2026 to June 30, 2027

Crimson & Blue Day Mini College

Go 'back to school' at KU! Crimson & Blue Day is a special day for prospective KU students to experience a day in the life of a Jayhawk, and this year, Osher students are invited to join in the grand tradition. You'll choose your own schedule from six different classes and will learn alongside future KU undergraduate students and their parents. All classes will be taught by current faculty from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and will be presented on the main campus. You'll park at the St. Andrews Office Facility for free and ride the bus to and from campus. Lunch will be on your own at the DeBruce Center Food Court, a short, three-minute walk from the Burge Union. Class descriptions and schedule can be found online at osher.ku.edu. Includes three one-hour class sessions, transportation to and from campus, and a special Crimson & Blue Day surprise.

Friday, October 16, 2026

Early Lawrence, 1860-1910: Walking Tour

Led by local historian Bob Dinsdale, this walk through downtown Lawrence lets us learn about the early entrepreneurs, architects, social organizers and business leaders who laid the foundation for our city. Just for good measure, we will add a dash of 1863 and 1970 history as well. Instructor Bio: Bob Dinsdale grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, went to undergrad at Baylor University, then to medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He and his family moved to Lawrence in 1990. Now retired, Bob started lawrencehistorytours.com. He has a decades-long passion for history, especially the stories of the people and events that have shaped our town. He uses techniques learned in his medical training to find facts and see things in new ways. Limited to 15 participants.

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration

This sell-out event returns to Osher, with all new speakers and a unique culinary experience for 2026. Get to know Indigenous peoples' histories and celebrate their contributions to society. This deep dive into Native cultures, histories and current issues will feature six lectures as well as ample time for questions and answers. Chef Melissa Garrett of Wadulisi's will cater lunch and discuss the traditional Indigenous ingredients used and the importance of regenerative agriculture in the Native community. Limited to 55 participants. Includes six presentations and a catered lunch prepared with Indigenous ingredients.

Monday, October 12, 2026, KU Innovation Park Auditorium

Kansas City Sites and Christmas Lights Bus Tour

Start the holiday season with Osher and a trip to some of Kansas City's crown jewels! The day will start with a special docent-led tour of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, located in Crown Center. After the museum, you will enjoy authentic Kansas City barbecue in a private dining room at Jack's Stack in the Freight House for lunch. After lunch, we will tour the Kansas City Museum in the historic Corinthian Hall and learn about local history before enjoying refreshments at the museum's soda fountain. We will end the day with a drive through some of Kansas City's beautiful holiday light displays, including the world-famous Plaza Lights. Limited to 50 participants.Includes executive coach transportation, admission to all sites, docent-led tour of the National WWI Museum, tour of the Museum of Kansas City, premium barbecue lunch at Jack Stack's Freight House, bus tour of the Plaza Lights and surprise guests.

Friday, December 11, 2026

Manhattan, Kansas: Art & Exploration in the Flint Hills

Osher heads due west to experience art, technology and more in Manhattan, Kansas. The day will start at the Museum of Art + Light, Manhattan's newest museum conceived as the first contemporary art museum in the world to showcase immersive, digital and permanent collections from inception. Through music, light and digital innovation, we will explore the evolution of Pablo Picasso - one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. After lunch at the museum, we will explore art through the lens of Native American artists at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art's "Home/Land: Wahzhazhe Artists Speak," a new exhibition of Osage Nation artists. Both tours will include docent-led activities. We will end the day with a stop at the Flint Hills Discovery Center to learn more about the natural beauty of the land surrounding Manhattan. Limited to 50 participants. Includes executive coach transportation to three sites, entry and docent-led tours of all sites, lunch, snacks and water.

Friday, September 25, 2026

Mariachi Herencia de M�xico: "A Mariachi Christmas"

In this special Christmas edition of their world tour, "La Nueva Generaci�n," the two-time Latin Grammy-nominated ensemble delivers a holiday concert that honors both the magic of Christmas and the cultural vibrancy of Mexico. Experience an unforgettable night as they blend beloved holiday classics with mariachi traditions. Includes reserved seats for the performance, a pre-performance guest lecture and dinner featuring authentic Mexican food and pastries. All reservations must be made by Nov. 27. No refunds will be given after that date.

Monday, December 7, 2026, Lied Center

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Osher - Special Events

Special Events

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