From Jousting to Jazz: Kansas' Best Festivals in 2025

_{[Cover photo by Kansas City Renaissance Festiva]}

Kansas may be known for its wide-open plains and vibrant sunsets, but the Sunflower State also offers an impressive lineup of festivals that blend music, art, culture, and food. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, 2025 is packed with events that celebrate everything from medieval history to jazz, making Kansas a hotspot for unique and exciting festivals.

Here are the top 10 festivals in Kansas you shouldn't miss in 2025:

1. Kansas City Renaissance Festival – Bonner Springs, KS (September 6 - October 20, 2025)

Step into a world of knights, jesters, and mythical creatures at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Held over eight weekends, this festival offers an immersive journey into medieval times, with live jousting tournaments, costumed performers, artisan crafts, and delicious food and drink (giant turkey legs, anyone?). It’s family-friendly, but there’s plenty for adults too, like the ever-popular mead tastings.

How to Get There: Located in Bonner Springs, about 20 minutes from Kansas City, the festival is easily accessible by car with ample parking.
Tickets: Around $25 for adults, with discounts for kids and weekend passes available.
Must-See: The jousting tournaments are a highlight, but don’t miss the live music and storytelling stages.
Local Tips: Rent a costume to fully immerse yourself in the experience and get a discount on your ticket!

2. Kansas State Fair – Hutchinson, KS (September 5-14, 2025)

The Kansas State Fair is a celebration of agriculture, art, and local talent. Known for its iconic carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, and delicious deep-fried fair food, this 10-day event is a Kansas tradition. From concerts by top country and pop artists to competitions in everything from quilting to butter sculpture, the fair has something for everyone.

How to Get There: Hutchinson is about an hour northwest of Wichita, accessible by car.
Tickets: Entry starts at $10, with ride tickets and concert passes available separately.
Must-See: The giant Ferris wheel and the butter sculpture exhibit.
Local Tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag some of the legendary fried food before it sells out.

3. Tallgrass Film Festival – Wichita, KS (October 1-5, 2025)

Film lovers won’t want to miss the Tallgrass Film Festival, one of the Midwest’s most respected independent film festivals. Showcasing over 180 films from around the world, this festival is known for its diverse programming, from quirky indie flicks to thought-provoking documentaries.

How to Get There: Wichita’s downtown is accessible by car, rideshare, or public transit.
Tickets: Full festival passes start around $150, with individual screening tickets available for $10.
Must-See: Check out the special filmmaker Q&A sessions for behind-the-scenes insights.
Local Tips: Wichita has a thriving local food scene—make sure to grab dinner at one of the city’s eclectic eateries between screenings.

4. Symphony in the Flint Hills – Flint Hills, KS (June 14, 2025)

This one-day event is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of Kansas’ beautiful tallgrass prairie. Held in a different location within the Flint Hills each year, the Kansas City Symphony performs in the open air, surrounded by stunning landscapes. It’s an experience that combines nature, music, and local culture in a way that’s truly unique.

How to Get There: The exact location changes, but it’s typically a few hours' drive from Kansas City or Wichita.
Tickets: Prices start around $100, and it sells out fast!
Must-See: The sunset over the Flint Hills while the symphony plays.
Local Tips: Bring a blanket or chair, and pack a picnic to enjoy during the show.

5. Smoky Hill River Festival – Salina, KS (June 12-15, 2025)

This arts and music festival in Salina has been a summer staple since the 1970s. The Smoky Hill River Festival features live performances from regional and national bands, along with hundreds of booths showcasing handmade art, crafts, and local food vendors.

How to Get There: Salina is centrally located, about two hours from both Kansas City and Wichita.
Tickets: Weekend passes are about $15, and children under 12 get in free.
Must-See: The chalk art contest and live music performances.
Local Tips: Check out the River Festival Jam, a free pre-festival event with live music and food trucks.

6. Wichita Riverfest – Wichita, KS (May 30 - June 8, 2025)

Wichita Riverfest is a massive celebration along the banks of the Arkansas River, featuring concerts, fireworks, food vendors, and a river parade. This week-long event brings the entire city together and draws visitors from across the region, offering everything from paddleboarding to carnival rides.

How to Get There: Downtown Wichita is easily accessible by car, rideshare, or bus.
Tickets: $10 for an all-festival button, which grants access to all events and concerts.
Must-See: The river parade and the grand fireworks display.
Local Tips: Grab a spot early along the riverfront for the best view of the fireworks.

7. Walnut Valley Festival – Winfield, KS (September 17-21, 2025)

Known as “Winfield” to its devoted fans, the Walnut Valley Festival is one of the best bluegrass and folk music festivals in the country. With top-tier musicians, instrument contests, and camping under the stars, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves traditional American music.

How to Get There: Winfield is about 45 minutes south of Wichita.
Tickets: Early bird tickets start at $80 for the full weekend.
Must-See: The National Flat-Picking Championships and campground jam sessions.
Local Tips: Camp out to fully experience the festival vibe and late-night jam sessions.

8. Kansas City Irish Fest – Kansas City, KS (August 29-31, 2025)

Celebrate Irish culture at this three-day festival in Kansas City. Featuring live Irish music, dancing, food, and cultural exhibits, the Kansas City Irish Fest is a great way to experience traditional and modern Irish culture.

How to Get There: Held at Crown Center, which is easily accessible by public transit or rideshare.
Tickets: Weekend passes start at $35, with discounts for kids and families.
Must-See: The Irish dance performances and whiskey tastings.
Local Tips: Get there early for the best spots at the main stage and a pint of Guinness.

9. Sunflower Music Festival – Topeka, KS (June 20-28, 2025)

This free, classical music festival in Topeka brings together world-class musicians for nine days of performances. With everything from orchestral concerts to chamber music, the Sunflower Music Festival is a cultural highlight in Kansas.

How to Get There: Held at Washburn University in Topeka, which is easy to access by car.
Tickets: Free, but donations are encouraged.
Must-See: The opening night performance featuring a full orchestra.
Local Tips: Arrive early to get good seats, and explore the Washburn campus while you're there.

10. PrairieFest – El Dorado, KS (June 20-22, 2025)

This three-day festival celebrates Kansas' small-town charm, with live music, parades, a BBQ competition, and craft vendors. PrairieFest in El Dorado is a family-friendly event that brings the community together, making it a fun weekend getaway for anyone looking to experience authentic Kansas culture.

How to Get There: El Dorado is about 30 minutes from Wichita, easily reachable by car.
Tickets: Free entry, with separate costs for certain events and food vendors.
Must-See: The BBQ competition and street parade.
Local Tips: Bring your appetite—there’s plenty of great food to enjoy, especially if you’re a BBQ lover.

Kansas is full of surprises, and its festivals showcase the state’s unique blend of culture, music, and fun. From stepping back into medieval times at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival to enjoying the finest bluegrass at the Walnut Valley Festival, 2025 has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or just someone looking to experience the local vibes, these festivals will give you an unforgettable taste of Kansas. Plan ahead, grab your tickets, and prepare for an adventure across the Sunflower State that will leave you with lasting memories and maybe even a new favorite annual tradition.

Stay tuned for more exciting event tips and insider guides at Woke Waves Magazine. Catch you at the next festival!

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