Great Plains Art & Music Festival
Sat. Sep. 26th, 2026 Lawrence, KS.
Art, Food and Maker Festival with Live Music and Stunning Views of Lake Clinton and the Wakarusa River Valley
2026 VENDOR APPLICATION Scroll Down
Held at Sesquicentennial Point Park overlooking Clinton Lake and the Wakarusa River Valley in Lawrence, Kansas(1333 E 902 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047)
Sponsored By:
Donate Now
The Great Plains Art & Music Festival is more than a celebration — it’s the heart of a movement to build an amphitheater at Sesquicentennial Point.
This stunning park, managed by Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture and overlooking Clinton Lake and the surrounding valleys, is already on the city’s master plan for an outdoor performance space. Our festival brings the vision to life each year — with music, art, food, and connection.
Your donation helps pay regional/local musicians, supports the free daytime portion of the event, and brings us closer to completing a public amphitheater that will serve the people of Lawrence for generations.
With other parks losing event space and parking, this location is more important than ever. Let’s build the stage. Let’s keep the festival alive. Donate today.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Unleash Your Inner Artist
5th Annual
Great Plains Art, Food & maker Festival
Saturday, September 26th, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Sesquicentennial Point Park (“The Point”), Lawrence, KS.
An art fair, makers market, food and dessert truck rally, and music fest all in one—for just $10 (Kids 15 and under free). Set on the scenic overlook above Clinton Lake, the festival brings professional artists, original handmade vendors, curated food/dessert trucks, and a full day of live music on two stages.
This hidden gem of a park—overlooking the Wakarusa, Kaw, and Blanton Creek valleys—is more than a beautiful setting. It’s the future home of a public amphitheater, and your ticket directly supports that vision.
Live Music
Experience top-tier regional acts spanning bluegrass, reggae, jam bands, progressive rock, blues, and more.
Bands-booking now!
Market-place of Makers
Our outdoor marketplace is a full-on Maker Fest meets Art Fair—featuring professional artists, handmade designers, and culinary creators, each carefully juried to bring authentic creativity and originality.
Confirmed vendors for 2026 include:
We are currently marketing 2026 Vendor Booth Space now
…vendors are joining weekly as we build toward nearly 100 booths!
Vendor spaces remain open until all booths are filled:
$100 for 10 X 10 Space
Food, Drinks & More
Enjoy a hand-picked mix of food and dessert trucks designed to complement each other, not compete. Add in local baked goods, unique treats, and refreshing beverages, and you’ve got the perfect pairing for a day of art and music.
Alcohol is provided by Fields & Ivy Brewery!
Make It a Weekend
Camping is available at Clinton Lake State Park with hookups for electricity & water. Extend your stay and make the festival part of a fall getaway.
Tickets
• $10 General Admission/$15 (Day of) (Kids 15 and under free) – Includes main stage, art and maker fair and food truck court
• $25 VIP Pass/$35(Day of) – Includes shaded VIP tent, up-front stage access & reserved seating)
Why It Matters
Produced by the Great Plains Emerging Arts Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, the City of Lawrence, and eXplore Lawrence.
All proceeds go toward building a permanent amphitheater at The Point. With land already designated and parking for thousands in place, this park is destined to become the cultural hub of Lawrence and the region.
Come for the art. Stay for the music. Leave inspired.
Festival
Restricted
Items:
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Outside alcohol
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Outside food or coolers (coolers must remain in vehicles/parking areas)
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Drugs or illegal substances
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Weapons of any kind
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Fireworks or explosives
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Large umbrellas or shade tents in audience areas
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Pets (only trained service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted; emotional support animals are not allowed by insurance)
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Glass containers
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Drones or unauthorized recording equipment
Accessibility & Parking Notes:
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General parking is located in a mowed hay field.
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ADA and motorcycle parking is available in the gravel lot at the festival site. This lot includes a zero-entry area for wheelchair unloading, with direct cement sidewalk access to the top of the point (where a designated wheelchair seating section is located) as well as accessible spaces near the parking lot.
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Clear bags are suggested for purses and personal items to speed up entry.
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Water bottles are welcome, but please note there is no water refill station on site.
Sponsor the Festival
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the festival. If you have not already spoken with Tom Pfeiler please email producer@greatplainsfest.com or call Tom at 785-521-3347 to build a relationship with the festival!
Support the Festival and be acknowledged by the community with a personalized thank-you advertisement. Click below to explore our 2025 Sponsorship Kit.
Click the PDF IMAGE ABOVE to download the sponsorship kit
Click the button below if you would us to email you the sponsorship kit
View samples of the ads we're creating for sponsors, vendors, and performers.
Explore Festival Location: Sesquicentennial Point Park, Lawrence, KS, with Drone Footage
Choose a picture below to select and explore the benefits offered at each sponsorship level.
"The Great Plains Art and Music Festival last fall was pure magic! The stunning environment, with the lake and valley, added an enchanting touch to the event. The talent showcased in the music, art, and vendor booths was exceptional. Can't wait to experience it again!"