|
For any of you who have wanted to travel through Kansas, but haven't come up with ideas on where to go and what to attend during your visit, a list of annual events has been compiled for your convenience. Whether traveling in the spring, summer, autumn, or winter, there is always something fun to do in the Sunflower State.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival (Bonner Springs)
Kansas City Renaissance Festival is held from the beginning of September to the middle of October technically in outside of Bonner Springs, Kansas. The festival is a celebration of the 16th century and each weekend has a theme. Available to the festival goers are: a children's area, strolling minstrels, a parade of the King and Queen, a live game of Chess, jousting, armored fighting, concerts, skits, comedians, puppet shows, dancers, an abundance of fabulous foods such as their famous turkey legs, shops galore, and so much more. Maps are available in order to be able to navigate your way through the festival. There is first aid, parking, and bathroom facilities on site as well. Be sure to arrive for the opening ceremony to be properly welcomed to the festival. The price for admission is $13.95 for adults, $6.95 for children over five, free to children under five, and $12.50 for seniors. Discounts are available in advance as well as two day, group, and season passes.
Ceremony of Lights (Kansas City)
Every Thanksgiving, the annual ceremony to switch on the Christmas lights on the Plaza in downtown Kansas City takes place. Parking is a feat, but the view is worthwhile. The Plaza sports several eating establishments, shops, and carriage rides. If planning on attending, be sure to come early and be prepared for some hefty expenditure, if eating in the area.
Old-Fashion Christmas (Wichita)
On the weekends during the month of December, a view of an Old-Fashion Christmas can be seen at the Cow Town museum in Wichita. Cow Town is a live-history museum which includes a frontier main street setting, informative re-enactments, and more. Souvenirs can be purchased at the General Store.
Louisburg Cider Mill (Louisburg)
Louisburg Cider Mill is renown for its line of food products and especially, for apple cider. Every fall, they host an annual Ciderfest as well as Fall Festivals each weekend. The Ciderfest in a four-day event which includes activities such as games for children, pancake breakfast, craft booths, live music, and cider and doughnut making. A pumpkin patch and a general store are also located on the premises.
Old Settler's Day (Olathe)
Each September, Olathe celebrates its heritage as being one of the stop-overs on the Sante Fe Trail. Admission to the event is free and includes games, concerts, booths, and food vendors.
Cinco de Mayo (Topeka)
Hosted the week of May 5th, the event commemorates the heritage of the Mexican people. Activities such as music, games, dancing, and shows as well as a carnival keep visitors busy with fun. Fabulous Mexican food can be sampled throughout the week and lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome.
Kansas Sampler Show (Varies)
A new city is selected to host the Kansas Sampler Show every year in October. It's a great way to sample the art, culture, history, and products of Kansas. Activities at the event include workshops, shows, wonderful food, booths, crafts, and artwork. The price to attend is $7. For information on which city will be hosting the show this year, contact the Kansas Department of Travel and Tourism.
Beef Empire Days (Garden City)
Beef Empire Days lasts a week during the month of June and includes events such as a rodeo, country ball, cowboy poetry reading, a symposium, western art, shows, breakfast feeds, pizza feeds, and Bar-B-Q dinners. The prices for the events varies from $3 to $20.
Boo at the Zoo (Topeka, Garden City, and Wichita)
Each Halloween, local sponsors donate candy so children can parade in costume and pick up treats along the way. Parking is convenient and the price of admission to all three is minimal to none. Be sure to go early and avoid the lines.
State Fair (Hutchison)
Hutchison, Kansas is the home of the annual State Fair every September. A variety of events take place over the course of a week including judging competitions, concerts, shows, petting zoo arenas, and workshops. Vendors are on site to provide you with food and souvenirs. The price of admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages six to twelve, and $4 for seniors. You can purchase advance tickets at a discount from Dillons grocery stores. Twenty carnival ride tickets are also available for an additional $20. Overnight lodging is accessible in the area, but if you're planning on staying in a hotel, be certain you reserve well in advance.
Lawrence Artwalk (Lawrence)
In it's sixth year, the Lawrence Artwalk is a self-guided tour of artists' studios and galleries which occurs in the month of October. It's a great way to view the artwork of new and established artists alike, while getting some exercise.
Chisholm Trail Day Festival and Carousel Rendezvous (Abilene)
The Chisholm Trail Day Festival and Carousel Rendezvous occurs every October. It's a celebration of western heritage and offers activities such as participation in live-history reenactments, arts and crafts fair, historical entertainment, an antique tractor show, and competitions. Expense is little to none and minor comforts of home are welcome.
Christmas in Old Dodge City (Dodge City)
Held from the end of November through December, Christmas in Old Dodge City delights visitors with trolley tours of the city, bazaars, home tours, and more. It's an excellent view of Christmas on the Plains.
Oktoberfest (Topeka)
Each October, Topeka hosts an annual, German celebration. The event offers samplings of 150 different beers, traditional German food, music, dancing, and cultural shows.
Dalton Defender Days (Coffeyville)
Dalton Defender Days is a two-day event which emphasizes a re-enactment of from Coffeyville history. The Dalton Raid was a notorious bank robbery attempt on two banks simultaneously which ultimately ended with the death of four gang members and four townspeople. This is a wonderful event to attend for history buffs and occurs every October.
Wichita River Festival (Wichita)
The Wichita River Festival is a ten-day annual event which takes place every May along the river. Activities at the event include plays, concerts, museum exhibits, art and book fairs, military jet fly-over, fireworks, contests, water-ski competitions, antique bathtub races, and more. A $3 button gives you access to all the activities. Food vendors are on site as well as music and dancing, but you are free to bring your own picnic set-ups.
Hawkfest (Topeka)
Hawkfest is a festival that takes place every June to celebrate the life and music of the "father of the tenor saxophone", Coleman Hawkins. The festival lasts two days and comprises workshops, food vendors, and performances by jazz musicians from all over the country. Admission to the festival is free, but they solicit donations to benefit the music education of children with low incomes.
Kansas City Spirit Festival (Kansas City, Kansas)
Every September, the Kansas City Spirit Festival kicks off at the Liberty Memorial. The festival is a three-day event that includes live music by nationally, renown artists, a children's pavilion with games and workshops, craft booths, and a food court. Items not allowed into the festival are pets, cameras, video recorders, coolers, alcohol, Frisbees, tents, roller blades, large umbrellas, cans, and bottles. Lawn chairs, blankets, and sunscreen are encouraged. Parking is located nearby, but there is also a shuttle service available. First aid, an ATM, and free water are accessible on the grounds. The cost of entrance is $12, but advance tickets can be purchased at a discount. Children under 12 and seniors age 62 and over are free.
Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival (Kansas City)
The Kansas City Blues and Jazz festival is held every July over a two day period. Features of the festival include separate blues and jazz stages, a food court, a rain tent to cool off from the summer's heat, educational workshops in an air-conditioned tent, and a jam session. Prices for admission are $25 for a two-day pass and $12 for a single day at the gate. Advance ticket prices are $20 for a two-day pass and $10. Children under the age of ten are free. Lawn chairs, blankets, and sunscreen are good ideas to bring along. Souvenirs of the event are available for purchase.
Kansas Blues Festival (Newton)
The Kansas Blues Festival occurs each June in Newton, Kansas on the grounds of Harvey County Camp Hawk. It's a two day festival which include jam sessions, workshops, and concerts. There are games, play equipment, and also workshops for children. Food vendors sell their scrumptious delectables on the grounds, but you are free to bring your own food. Lawn chairs, sunscreen, coolers, and blankets are encouraged. The cost of a ticket covering the event is $20 per person. Disabled parking and first aid are available to festival goers. You are able to leave and return provided a hand stamp is in place on your return. Souvenirs such as T-shirts, posters, festival programs, and CDs are on sale around the area as well. Camping at Camp Hawk is also available for an additional $7, but there are no hook ups, so be prepared for a bit of roughing it, if you choose to camp out. Be sure to let someone at the gate know you'll be camping though. The organizers request that you bring no glass containers, drugs, weapons, or pets to the festival.
|
| |
