Central Kansas Free Fair Schedule | | Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Schedule | | |
Sunday, July 27th: Sponsor Dinner and Buckle Auction
Monday, July 28th: Steer Roping @ 8 AM
Tuesday, July 29th: PRCA Timed Event Slack @ 8 AM
Tuesday, July 29th: CKFF Parade @ 4 PM
Tuesday, July 29th: PRCA Performance @ 7:30 PM
Wednesday, July 30th: Bulls Broncs, Barrels and Breakaway @ 7:30 PM
Thursday, July 31st: PRCA Performance @ 7:30 PM
Friday, August 1st: Spurs & Spikes Golf Tournament 8 AM
Friday, August 1st: PRCA Performance @ 7:30 PM
| | History of the Central Kansas Free Fair | | |
The first Fair on record in Dickinson County was held October 18 & 19, 1870, in the James Bell meadow immediately south of the old Abilene City Dump.
In 1879 the directors of the Dickinson County Agriculture Society purchased approximately 40 acres from Eliphak Barber located just north of the old City Dump. A stock shed and racetrack were built and fairs of 1879 & 1880 featured horse racing.
By 1881. The Agriculture Society evidently fell upon hard times and had to mortgage their property in order to pay taxes. No Fair was held that year. Newspaper reports indicate that the Fair held in September 1882 had 26 classes of entries, 12 horse races, 2 bicycle races and 2-foot races. in November 1886 the Agriculture and Industrial Association of Dickinson County sold the Fairgrounds to J. S. Drake.
In the fall of 1887, the Central Kansas Free Fair Association held a Fair in Hope. The Santa Fe Railroad ran trains from Abilene to Hope for 85 cents per round trip. The Fair was held in Hope again in September 1890. Abilene held a Fair in the fall of 1891.
No Fairs were held in the County from 1892 until 1906, except for a big corn carnival held in Abilene on October 12. 1899 and sponsored by the merchants of Abilene. In February 1906 the Dickinson County Fair Association purchased 30 acres from Josiah Snyder. This is where the Fairgrounds and the Eisenhower park are now located (see #17 in the 1909 Gran Township Plat). The "Agriculture Hall" was built and located west of where the swimming pool is now located. A 1500 capacity stadium was built where the current one is now located.
The first Fair at the new fairgrounds was held October 2-5, 1906. It featured Trotting Ostrich, Horse Racing, and Balloon Ascension. It was the first real Fair in Abilene in 15 years. The Fairs of 1907-1911 featured public weddings, baby showers, and horse racing. Buick’s were winning all the auto races. The City of Abilene purchased the Fairgrounds and converted the property into the City Park and Fairgrounds. Numerous buildings had already been constructed. Starting October 29, 1925, a 3-day livestock show was held. General Booth was to speak but had to go to Washington, D.C. for the court-martial of Col. Billy Mitchell. The Stock Show of October 6, 1927, had horse and auto races.
| | 2025 is off to a great start! Check back weekly for updates as we receive more information from our partners about exciting events happening this year. | | | |
Central Kansas Free Fair - Parade
Experience the excitement of the Central Kansas Free Fair, starting with the annual parade on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 4 p.m. The parade begins at 7th Street and Buckeye Avenue (Highway 15), travels south to 3rd Street, and heads west to Washington Street. Don’t miss this annual tradition!
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Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
Get ready for action-packed nights at the Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo, July 29 - August 1! Watch as talented cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills in exciting rodeo events.
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After the Rodeo Dance at Old Abilene Town
Featuring the Lazy Wayne Band.
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Central Kansas Free Fair - Demolition Derby
Visit Abilene, Kansas, for one of the region's best demolition derbies! Watch as drivers compete in a high-energy clash of skill and durability, battling to be the last car standing.
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18 - 20
Thursday - Saturday
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Disney * Pixar's Finding Nemo Jr. at Great Plains Theatre
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19 & 20
Friday & Saturday
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Abilene Oktoberfest
The 8th Annual Abilene Oktoberfest is back and promises to be a memorable celebration of German culture for the whole family! This exciting event will feature a delightful array of authentic German food, ensuring that your taste buds embark on a flavorful journey. As you savor these culinary delights, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere created by traditional German Dancers from KC that will have you tapping your feet and joining in the fun. Of course, no Oktoberfest would be complete without a selection of German beers, offering a variety of brews to satisfy every palate. The festival is designed to be kid-friendly, with bounce houses, barrel train, & face painting to keep the little ones engaged and entertained. Gather your family and friends and join us for an unforgettable celebration at the Abilene Oktoberfest, where the spirit of Germany comes to life in a vibrant and welcoming setting! Learn more
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Wild West Gravel Fest
For adventure enthusiasts on two wheels, the Wild West Gravel Fest is a must! This dynamic event offers three race options: a 50k fun ride perfect for all ages, a 100k competitive race for those seeking a challenge, and a 200k endurance race designed for dedicated cyclists. Beyond the race itself, gravel racing is all about camaraderie—connecting with fellow riders and sharing the joy of exploring the scenic Kansas countryside. Whether you're a seasoned racer or simply looking for a memorable ride, the Wild West Gravel Fest promises an unforgettable experience. Learn more
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Much Ado About Nothing at Great Plains Theatre
A GPT Live Lit performance.
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*CANCELLED* Heritage Day at Dickinson County Heritage Center
The annual Heritage Day Festival features living history with blacksmith and antique agriculture demonstrations, steam engine carousel rides, an antique tractor show, a classic car show, model trains, vendor fair and much more.
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NGA Fall Meet
See the world's fastest canine in action and learn why Abilene is the Greyhound (dog) Capital of the World!
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17 & 18
Friday & Saturday
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Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's a sense of enchantment in the atmosphere. In Abilene, Kansas, this time of year is synonymous with the spine-tingling delight of Halloween, and one event that's eagerly awaited is the return of the beloved Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town. This annual favorite promises an unforgettable experience for those who dare to embrace the chills and thrills.
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24 & 25
Friday & Saturday
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Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's a sense of enchantment in the atmosphere. In Abilene, Kansas, this time of year is synonymous with the spine-tingling delight of Halloween, and one event that's eagerly awaited is the return of the beloved Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town. This annual favorite promises an unforgettable experience for those who dare to embrace the chills and thrills.
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Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's a sense of enchantment in the atmosphere. In Abilene, Kansas, this time of year is synonymous with the spine-tingling delight of Halloween, and one event that's eagerly awaited is the return of the beloved Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town. This annual favorite promises an unforgettable experience for those who dare to embrace the chills and thrills.
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Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn - The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut... but life just isn't the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim's luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim's best friend Ted tries to lure Linda to Hollywood to be his new dance partner, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love? Based on the classic film, this joyous musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including "Blue Skies," "Easter Parade," "Steppin' Out With My Baby," "Heat Wave," "White Christmas," "Be Careful, It's My Heart," "Cheek to Cheek," "Shaking the Blues Away" and many more! This production is rated G, perfect for the whole family!
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Cowtown Christmas
Celebrate the season in Abilene, December 6-7, 2025! Tour stunning homes during the 48th Annual Heritage Homes for the Holidays Tour, enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Historical Society, and experience a Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town. Visit the Historic Seelye Mansion to see over 60 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, ride the Cowtown Santa Express with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, and catch a live holiday show at Great Plains Theatre. Don’t miss the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown evening cruise for dazzling decorations, plenty of Santa sightings, and opportunities to shop small at Abilene’s unique businesses all season long!
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48th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour
Discover why USA TODAY readers rank Abilene as one of the Best Historic Small Towns during the Heritage Homes Association's 48th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour! Explore beautifully decorated historic homes and a charming church decked out for the season.
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Experience Art & Culture
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Journey to the Old West
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Live the American Story
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Explore Ike's Life & Legacy
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Enjoy Family Fun and Learning
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Stay in Abilene
Abilene is home to more than 200 rooms ready to serve travelers. From national chain hotels to locally-owned motels, award-winning bed and breakfasts, and unique Airbnbs, Abilene's lodging community offers something for every price point.
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Gunsmoke Trail
Howdy, partners, and welcome to the Gunsmoke Trail! This road trip visits four cities in Kansas that had a role in Gunsmoke, the Emmy award-winning primetime Western that entertained audiences for 20 years.
The show still runs on select networks, with iconic characters telling the story of frontier life in the Old West. Several present-day cities in Kansas play a part in the show’s storylines, including Wichita, Abilene, Hays City (now Hays), and of course, Dodge City.
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Itinerary
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201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
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