Being strategically located, Kansas played a vital role in the history and politics of the region. Hence, it is blessed with historical monuments, museums, and archeological sites. Apart from historical sites, this state is known for scenic tall prairie grasses, beautiful byways, 26 state parks, hills and valleys, and sparkling lakes and rivers. The diverse lifestyle here gives you a choice to relax and experience farm and ranch life or opt for an exciting day at adventure parks. The evenings here come to life with arts, dance, theatre, casinos, bars, and entertainment spots. Furthermore, you can also enjoy many festivals and events that display the culture, art, and heritage of the region. Read on to know more about the popular festivals in Kansas.
1. Grassland Heritage Festival
Grassland Heritage Festival strives to educate and promote the culture of the Santa Fe Trail’s historic travelers through performing arts. They are also keen to inform the audience about the need to preserve the high plains prairie grassland and the Cimarron National Grasslands and promote ecotourism along with cultural heritage. The festivities consist of events like fishing derby, street dance, dramas, films, music, grassland tours, museum tours, brisket dinner, art and craft, food and craft stalls, concerts, and a lot more.
Grassland Heritage Festival
Address: P.O. Box 817. Elkhart, KS 67950
Website: Grassland Heritage Festival
Takes place: June
Price: 5 USD
2. Walnut Valley Festival
Walnut Valley Festival is an acoustic music festival that takes place annually in Winfield. It is also known as the Flat-Picking Championships. It is a five-day affair that provides family entertainment on four stages simultaneously. Large art and crafts fair, acoustic instrument contests, and workshops are part of the festival. Today the festival is home to 8 contests and 30 acts that include 2 international, 5 national and 1 Walnut Valley contests. The festival draws more than 15,000 attendees from all across the world.
Walnut Valley Festival
Address: 918 Main – P.O. Box 245, Winfield, KS 67156
Website: Walnut Valley Festival
Takes place: September
Price: 80 USD onward
3. Messiah Festival of Art
Messiah Festival of Music & Art is held around the holy week of Easter to celebrate fine arts since the year 1886. The festival aims to honor the traditions, explore the new, and embrace the excellent. The festival showcases high-caliber art exhibits, engaging theatre performances, workshops, and conducts educational programs. More than 300 participants and vocalists take part in performing traditional Handel’s “Messiah” and Bach’s “Passion According to St. Matthew” every year. Apart from art exhibitions, concerts, solo vocalists, recitals and theatre plays are also part of the event.
Messiah Festival of Art
Address: Presser Hall, 335 E Swensson St, Lindsborg, KS 67456
Website: Messiah Festival of Art
Takes place: Easter weekend
Price: 10 USD
4. Fiesta Mexicana
Fiesta Mexicana is the oldest Hispanic community event since its commencement in 1933. It educates and teaches new Mexican-American generations about their Mexican culture and allows elders to reconnect with their culture and history. This festival is five days long and consists of many events such as a parade, carnival, coronation ball, golf tournament, 5k run/walk race, art shows and much more. Here you can shop Mexican merchandise, enjoy joy-rides, listen to live Latino music, and munch on delicious food.
Fiesta Mexicana
Address: 201 NE Chandler. Topeka KS 66616 US
Website: Fiesta Mexicana
Takes place: July
5. Wichita Jazz Festival
Wichita Jazz Festival is as good as 50 years old as of today. It aims to foster jazz music in Witchita and encourages the next generation of jazz musicians in Kansas. This festival provides a platform for new talent where they have the opportunity to display their skills along with the professionals. Wichita Jazz Festival organizes jazz events like ‘Jazz in the Neighbourhood,’ where jazz is played on the stage in McAdams Park, besides evening concerts and orchestras.
Wichita Jazz Festival
Address: Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218
Website: Wichita Jazz Festival
Takes place: Usually held in April
Price: 40 USD
6. Wichita Riverfest
Wichita Riverfest is a nine-day family-friendly festival full of fun events that include tours, races, sports, art and craft, rides, watersports, music, dancing, contests, food fest, exhibitions, carnival, fireworks and much more. It is a fest where you can get to do anything and everything you can think of. Witchita supports many social charities like ‘Heartspring,’ 'Big Brothers Big Sisters’, and aims at improving the lives of needy residents of the city.
Wichita Riverfest
Address: 444 E William St, Wichita, KS 67202, United States
Website: Wichita Riverfest
Takes place: Usually held in June
7. Smoky Hill River Festival
Smoky Hill River Festival is the official summer kickoff party of Kansas. Highlights of this festival are four live stage fun acts, music bands, and other performing arts. Here you can see fine art and craft shows and exhibits that have gained recognition for their quality and affordable costs. Festival also has Kid’s Artyopolis area where activities like face painting, hands-on craft and art, fun game street, and legos take place. Food rows with more than 30 vendors are not to be missed if you like delicious mouthwatering cuisine.
Smoky Hill River Festival
Address: 730 Oakdale Dr, Salina, KS 67401, United States
Website: Smoky Hill River Festival
Takes place: June
Price: 20 USD onward
8. Belle Plaine Tulip Time Festival
At Belle Plaine Tulip Time Festival thousands of visitors are greeted with fields of blooming tulips! Furthermore, you can enjoy a tulip parade, live entertainment, shop at stalls, tram and joy rides at the carnival, treat your taste buds to palatable food, participate in fun activities, watch tournaments and car or bike shows, and a lot more. The helicopter rides are a key highlight of the event. You can also visit the Bartlett Arboretum to support regional artists, musicians, and performers while munching on food catered by local restaurants.
Belle Plaine Tulip Time Festival
Address: 162-198 W 5th Ave, Belle Plaine, KS 67013, United States
Website: Belle Plaine Tulip Time Festival
Takes place: April
Price: 3 USD
9. Roots Festival (late August)
Roots Festival is yet another music festival that showcases live music performances by artists from across the country. Besides music, other attractions include ethnic dancers, food vendors, art and craft, East Central State BBQ Championship Cook-off, and games and ride for young audiences. Roots Festival has completed 30 years and attracts more than 6000 visitors every year.
Roots Festival
Address: 206 N. Agate St, Paola, KS 66071
Website: Roots Festival
Takes place: August
Price: 15 USD onward
10. Beef Empire Days
Beef Empire Days commenced with the goal of bringing improvement in the production and quality of beef while educating masses about the same. This festival has an event for everyone, irrespective of age or gender. You can have the first-hand experience of life on the ranch, learn the right ways of serving meat, enjoy live & carcass show, take a joyride at the carnival, and witness Garden City’s largest parade with more than 100 participants.
Beef Empire Days
Address: 206 E Fulton St, Garden City, KS 67846, United States
Website: Beef Empire Days
Takes place: Usually held between May to June
Price: 4 USD onward
Be a part of the Kansas festivities
If by any chance you miss out on the above festivals then Kansas has many other festivals which you would like to be a part of. Festivals like Heartland Stampede, Wichita Water Lantern Festival, Tumbleweed Music Festival, Kansas City Renaissance Festival, etc., are equally fun and entertaining for the visitors.
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