A symphony of contrasts, the Smoky Hill River Festival is a cultural
event with an uptown sensibility, presented in beautiful, historic
Oakdale Park in Salina, Kansas.
For 36 years, friends and family from across Kansas and the Midwest have met in Salina at the River Festival to reconnect during the second weekend in June. As part of the Festival's intriguing 'mix,' many international and well-traveled artists and entertainers also take part. The River Festival bursts forth with the color and energy of early Summer, as it unfolds over the 3.5-day weekend. Art vendors and more than 20 special art installations and four stages of live music infuse, but never overpower, the natural surroundings of Oakdale Park.
Here, Festival-goers will discover the vibrant sounds of musical instruments and voices blended with colorful artwork and outdoor-art installations designed to intrigue and engage each visitor. Mix these elements with a touch of children's laughter and a 'dash' of tantalizing outdoor cooking and you can just about captured the essence of the unique 'recipe' that comprises the Smoky Hill River Festival. A new discovery for some and a beloved family tradition for others each year, the Festival is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, 2012.
The River Festival begins on Thursday evening with the Festival Jam concert on June 7, at 6 p.m. Festival gates open that night at 4 pm, so come early to stake out your spot and enjoy supper on the grounds from more than 30 outstanding Festival food vendors. That's just the beginning, as the Festival evolves over the weekend with special events including a fun run, Big Band Dance, children's art activities, artisan craft demonstrations and more, highlighted by time to browse each fine art and craft booth and enjoy entertainment on the hour on the Festival stages.
Admission to the Smoky Hill River Festival is by Festival Button only, which are $10 in advance or $15 day-of at the Gate. Gates of the River Festival open at 9 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for patrons to enter, with activities running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, the Festival's final day. So, grab your lawn chair, blanket, and cooler and plan to join your friends and loved ones for a time of relaxation and discovery at a 'festival like none other!
For 36 years, friends and family from across Kansas and the Midwest have met in Salina at the River Festival to reconnect during the second weekend in June. As part of the Festival's intriguing 'mix,' many international and well-traveled artists and entertainers also take part. The River Festival bursts forth with the color and energy of early Summer, as it unfolds over the 3.5-day weekend. Art vendors and more than 20 special art installations and four stages of live music infuse, but never overpower, the natural surroundings of Oakdale Park.
Here, Festival-goers will discover the vibrant sounds of musical instruments and voices blended with colorful artwork and outdoor-art installations designed to intrigue and engage each visitor. Mix these elements with a touch of children's laughter and a 'dash' of tantalizing outdoor cooking and you can just about captured the essence of the unique 'recipe' that comprises the Smoky Hill River Festival. A new discovery for some and a beloved family tradition for others each year, the Festival is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, 2012.
The River Festival begins on Thursday evening with the Festival Jam concert on June 7, at 6 p.m. Festival gates open that night at 4 pm, so come early to stake out your spot and enjoy supper on the grounds from more than 30 outstanding Festival food vendors. That's just the beginning, as the Festival evolves over the weekend with special events including a fun run, Big Band Dance, children's art activities, artisan craft demonstrations and more, highlighted by time to browse each fine art and craft booth and enjoy entertainment on the hour on the Festival stages.
Admission to the Smoky Hill River Festival is by Festival Button only, which are $10 in advance or $15 day-of at the Gate. Gates of the River Festival open at 9 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for patrons to enter, with activities running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, the Festival's final day. So, grab your lawn chair, blanket, and cooler and plan to join your friends and loved ones for a time of relaxation and discovery at a 'festival like none other!