Summer Festivals in Kansas

Sample an abundance of different festivals, and all of Kansas at one distinctive festival, this summer in the great plains of Kansas.

If you have ever thought about visiting Kansas, but wondered what on earth there might be to do there, the Kansas Sampler Festival should be your first stop on your first visit. Three hundred or so Kansas-based organizations, representing both regional businesses and attractions, will be on hand with exhibits, performances, food, and merchandise. With continuous stage shows, ethnic dancing, and living history with character performers, the Kansas Sampler Festival enlightens visitors as to just how enchanting this state can be. This "moving festival" will be held from May 5 - 6, 2007 at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City. Additional information is available at http://www.kansassamplerfestival.com/

This year from May 11^th through the 19^th, the Wichita River gets its due in the festival that honors it, The Wichita River Festival, held in the downtown Wichita area at several sites, including the river corridor of the city and Old Town. Concerts, two-mile and 10k runs, an art and book fair, food, a kite fest, and an ice cream social are sure to entertain the youngest to the oldest visitors. Find out more at http://www.wichitariverfestival.com/index.cfm

The Katy Days Festival, that takes place at Forest Park in Parsons, KS from May 25^th through 27^th, honors the Katy, the first train that brought people into the town in 1870 that would later become the town of Parsons. The focus is on town and railroad history and heritage, and features a train ride, as well as other railroad-focused activities and events. There is also, of course, entertainment and plenty of food. Get the scoop at http://www.katydays.com/

The El Dorado Prairie Port Festival, El Dorado, KS is held this year from July 26^th through 29^th. An ice cream social, Bingo, mud volleyball, a parade, a marathon, a gunfight contest, a street dance, and more are offered up at this popular event that brings in people from all over the state. Be a part of the ATV rodeo or take part in the cardboard boat races held on the East Park Pond. This is one festival that really outdoes itself. Find out how to participate at http://www.prairieportfestival.com/

Like many of the heritage-celebrating festivals in Kansas during the summer, Dodge City celebrates its past with the Dodge City Days, holding events all over the city from July 27^th through August 5^th. There is a kick-off concert, the Dodge City Days Rodeo, with over one thousand participants, a barbecue cook-off (you are in Kansas after all), and a Western parade. Celebrate Kansas life with the people who live there year round. Get all of the information you need at http://www.dodgecitydays.com/

These are just a sample of the great festivals that Kansas has to offer all summer long.