Wild West Festival
Four-day community celebration features all-star lineup, full carnival and free Fourth of July fireworks spectacular
Time is running out for regional music fans and community members to secure discounted admission to Western Kansas’ premier summer entertainment tradition.
Organizers for the annual Wild West Festival issued a final reminder today that advance general admission tickets for the 2026 concert series remain available for $35 only through Tuesday, June 30 at all Hays Cervs, and Dillons locations, along with the Hays Visitors Center, 2700 Vine. Ticket sales at those locations are cash only, but online sales are also available at wildwestfestival.com.
Following the deadline, ticket prices will increase for gate purchases when the festival grounds officially open.
The highly anticipated event, which has served as a cornerstone of the summer season in Western Kansas for decades, returns to Municipal Park from Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4.
This year's celebration features a comprehensive schedule of live entertainment, family-friendly programming, and community activities designed to attract thousands of visitors to the region.
"We are down to the final days for our advance ticket sales, and we want to ensure every family and music enthusiast has the opportunity to lock in the absolute best price," said Julie Edgeman, executive committee president of the Wild West Festival. "Our volunteers and coordinators have worked tirelessly to deliver a world-class experience right here in Hays, and purchasing your tickets ahead of time guarantees an affordable weekend of top-tier entertainment."
The ticketed three-night concert series kicks off on Wednesday, July 1, bringing a high-energy blend of modern country-rock to the main stage.
Local favorite Connor McCandless will open the festival at 6 p.m., followed by rising artist Brandon Wisham at 7 p.m.
National country-rock duo Lakeview will headline the opening night, taking the stage at 9 p.m. to deliver their trademark performance.
On Thursday, July 2, the country music showcase intensifies with another packed evening.
McCandless will make a second festival appearance to open the night at 6 p.m., paving the way for regional powerhouse Steel Skarecrow at 7:30 p.m.
Headlining Thursday night is break-out country artist Jackson Dean, scheduled for a 9:30 p.m. set. Dean, known for his grit and raw songwriting, is expected to be a major highlight of the 2026 concert series.
The musical genre shifts on Friday, July 3, giving alternative rock fans a dedicated evening of nostalgic and contemporary sounds.
Up-and-coming rock act Savin’ Jane will perform at 6 p.m., followed by the infectious rhythms of The Band Feel at 7:30 p.m.
Multi-platinum alternative rock band Eve 6 will headline the Friday night finale at 9:30 p.m., performing their iconic radio anthems and closing out the concert portion of the week. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. each evening for the ticketed performances.
Beyond the main concert stage, the Wild West Festival will once again feature a full-scale carnival operating from Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4.
The carnival will bring a wide array of classic amusement rides, midway games, and traditional festival food vendors to the park grounds, offering entertainment for families and children of all ages throughout the holiday weekend.
The entire four-day celebration culminates on Saturday, July 4, with a cherished Independence Day tradition.
While no ticketed concerts are scheduled for the final day, the festival invites the entire community to gather at Historic Fort Hays for the Prairie Picnic at the Fort culminating with a spectacular, completely free fireworks display, following the downtown parade at 10 a.m.
The aerial show, a long-standing gift from the festival organizers and local corporate sponsors, is scheduled to light up the night sky to cap off the week's festivities.
"While the concert lineup brings incredible star power to our main stage, the festival is truly about community connection," Edgeman said. "The combination of the four-day carnival, the exceptional music, and our free community fireworks show on the Fourth of July makes this an unforgettable week. It is the perfect way to bring neighbors together and celebrate our country’s independence."
Executing an event of this magnitude requires significant logistical support and civic involvement.
Festival organizers announced that they are still actively recruiting community volunteers to assist with various operational roles throughout the week.
The official sign-up form is accessible online at the festival's website, wildwestfestival.com.
Preparations at Municipal Park are scheduled to begin this Saturday, June 27, as volunteers and setup crews arrive on-site to begin erecting the security perimeters, and preparing for the park for the event.
Organizers encourage community groups, civic organizations, and individuals to join the setup crews this weekend to help build the foundation for the community celebration.
"Volunteers are the absolute heartbeat of the Wild West Festival," Edgeman said. "From the physical labor of setting up the park all week to greeting our guests at the gates, we depend entirely on the generosity and pride of our local volunteers. It is an excellent opportunity for civic groups, businesses, or individuals to give back and be a direct part of our success."
For more information regarding tickets, volunteer sign-up, residents can visit the official festival website wildwestfestival.com. For event updates during the festival, follow Wild West Festival on Facebook.