Music festivals are a great way to enjoy the company of friends and family while listening to your favorite music. There are many different music festivals that take place in Kansas throughout the year. Here is a list of the best music festivals in Kansas.
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1. Dancefestopia Music and Camping Festival
Wildwood Outdoor Education Center
When: September (seven days)
A summertime utopia for music and art lovers, Dancefestopia host 200+ artists across five stages with world-class production value. Art installations are placed throughout the grounds for festival goers to appreciate and engage with.
Explore the Emerald forest as you journey through the rolling hills, which are surrounded by thousands of acres of untouched forestry and glistening lake waters.
Dancefestopia was founded in 2011 and has quickly become one of the nation’s most popular pumped up music festivals. Camping with your friends, listening to great music and appreciating the surrounding nature makes this one of the best parties in Kansas.
2. Walnut Valley Festival
Winfield, KS
When: September (five days)
For the bluegrass, old-time and acoustic music lover, the Walnut Valley Festival is a must for any music fan. It’s home to the National Flatpicking Championship—one of the most prestigious guitar competitions in the nation.
This five-day festival is full of exciting performances from top bluegrass performers and interactive workshops. There are also plenty of vendors selling crafts, food and drinks to keep you entertained throughout the festival.
3. Sunflower Music Festival
Washburn University
When: June
Music lovers rejoice! The Sunflower Music Festival is open to everyone and happens annually for ten days. Hosted in Topeka, some of the world’s most acclaimed musicians come together to perform a range of orchestra, chamber ensembles, and jazz pieces. The best part? It’s completely free.
The organization behind this festival strives to provide free, high-quality concerts during the month of June each year. If you’re around Topeka during the summer, take part in this festival and bask in the sounds of classical music.
4. Symphony in the Flint Hills
Wade Pasture, Wabaunsee County
When: June (one day)
The most notable event for this festival is an annual party on the plains celebrating music, art, and the local wildlife of Flint Hills. Tents are setup for visitors to take part in different activities.
If you’re a fan of the outdoors, this event is for you. Enjoy the beauty of nature with friends and family as musicians from all parts of Kansas come together to perform a wide variety of musical styles including folk, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and classical.
5. Country Stampede Festival
Topeka, KS
When: July (three days)
The Country Stampede, a highly respected outdoor music and camping festival that spans three days, is well known nationally as one of the biggest such festivals in the Midwest. It is held annually in Topeka, Kansas.
Party with the scenic landscape of Topeka and enjoy the country music styles of some of your favorite singers. Big stars are also regularly seen performing at this popular music festival.
6. Katy Days Festival
Forest Park, KS
When: May
This railroad-themed festival is celebrated in the small town of Forest Park, Kansas. It’s a three-day event full of live music, food vendors, and other fun activities.
Enjoy country, bluegrass, and rock music from some of the best local artists in the state. The Katy Days Festival is perfect for those who want to get away and enjoy some outdoor fun alongside great entertainment.
7. Wild West Festival
Hays, Kansas
When: June – July
A celebration of freedom, culture, music, and art all come together at the Wild West Festival in Hays. Each July, people from across the country gather to take part in this event.
The event ends with a stunning fireworks display and live performances from some of the best country music performers in Kansas. Along with the musical acts, visitors can also enjoy plenty of food vendors, activities, and more!
8. Central States Marching Festival
Kansas State University
When: October (one day)
Several high school bands from across the central United States will converge in Manhattan, Kansas to compete in the Central States Marching Festival. Every October, these bands come together to compete and showcase their amazing skills in an intense competition.
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of music you prefer, Kansas has a variety of festivals to choose from. From classical, country and bluegrass to marching bands , there’s something for everyone in the Sunflower State. So get out there and start exploring!
Walnut Valley Festival Featured Image (Top) by: Shinton, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
