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In just one week, one of Abilene's favorite traditions returns!
The Central Kansas Free Fair Parade is on Tuesday, July 28, at 4:00 p.m., bringing patriotic floats, marching bands, community organizations, and plenty of hometown spirit to the streets of Abilene.
Theme: Let Freedom Ring
2026 Parade Marshal: Local VA Groups
Parade Route: The parade begins at 7th Street and Buckeye Avenue (K-15), travels south to NW 3rd Street, then heads west to Washington Street.
Bring a lawn chair, wear your red, white, and blue, and join us as we celebrate one of the biggest traditions of the Central Kansas Free Fair!
The 2026 Central Kansas Free Fair Parade will stream live on the Salina Post's YouTube Channel.
| | Seelye Mansion America 250 Celebration This Weekend! | | |
The historic Seelye Mansion will host a special community celebration this weekend honoring the nation's history and the Seelye family's longstanding connection to it.
The Seelye Mansion's America 250 Celebration will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, on the grounds of the Seelye Mansion in Abilene. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held on Sunday, July 26, during the same hours.
The event commemorates both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Seelye family's deep roots in American history. The Seelye family first arrived in America in 1630 under orders from the King of England to help establish colonies in the New World. During the Revolutionary War, at least 85 family members served in support of the nation's fight for independence.
The Seelye Mansion also has strong ties to America's military history. During World War I and World War II, the home welcomed servicemen stationed throughout Kansas. Mansion guest books contain more than 800 entries from military visitors between 1942 and 1945, including servicemen from Fort Riley, the Smoky Hill Army Air Base in Salina, and other military installations.
Guests attending the celebration will enjoy an evening of food, music, and family-friendly activities on the mansion grounds. Barbecue will be available for purchase from Rackets Tap House, with additional offerings from the Wanderlust food truck. Live music will be provided by The Fiddlers, and activities will include a watermelon feed, cornhole, and other lawn games.
As a special keepsake, all guests will receive a complimentary souvenir postcard featuring a painting of the Seelye Mansion created by local artist Heather Katrinia.
A tent will be available on-site, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for additional comfort while enjoying the festivities.
"America's story is made up of millions of individual stories, and the Seelye Mansion is fortunate to preserve a small piece of that history," said Seelye Mansion caretaker Terry Tietjens. "We look forward to welcoming friends, neighbors, and visitors for an evening of fellowship, history, and celebration."
The Seelye Mansion America 250 Celebration is supported in part by a Dickinson County Celebrates America 250 Community Grant Program, which assists local organizations in creating projects and events that commemorate America's 250th anniversary and highlight the people, places, and stories that have shaped our nation.
For more information about the Seelye Mansion or the America 250 Celebration, contact the Seelye Mansion at (785) 263-1084.
| | 2026 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. | | | |
Cinderella at Great Plains Theatre
You are cordially invited to the GPT castle to enjoy the fairytale you know and love. Dance the night away with us - we promise you'll be home before midnight! Learn more
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Union Pacific "Big Boy" Returns
Rail fans, take note! The legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 will travel from Topeka to Salina on Thursday, July 23, following the same route it took in 2024 when it passed through Abilene.
The excursion is part of a historic coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, making this a special chance to see a moving piece of railroad history. Learn more
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Seelye Mansion to Host America 250 Celebration
The Seelye Mansion's America 250 Celebration will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, on the grounds of the Seelye Mansion in Abilene. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held on Sunday, July 26, during the same hours.
The event commemorates both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Seelye family's deep roots in American history. The Seelye family first arrived in America in 1630 under orders from the King of England to help establish colonies in the New World. During the Revolutionary War, at least 85 family members served in support of the nation's fight for independence. Learn more
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Central Kansas Free Fair
Mark Your Calendars: Central Kansas Free Fair Returns to Abilene – July 28 to August 2, 2026.
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Central Kansas Free Fair. This beloved tradition continues to shine as one of the region’s favorite summertime events! Learn more
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Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
Get ready for action-packed nights at the Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo, July 28 - 31! Watch as talented cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills in exciting rodeo events. Learn more
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Central Kansas Free Fair - Parade
Experience the excitement of the Central Kansas Free Fair, starting with the annual parade on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. Don’t miss this annual tradition! Learn more
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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. Learn more
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Chisholm Trail Day: Longhorns & Legenda
Step back in time and celebrate the spirit of the old West at Chisholm Trail Day: Longhorns and legends - August 15, 10 AM to 5 PM at Old Abilene town. Enjoy a full day of activities including- Longhorn parade, Wild Bill Hickok and his stories, food vendors the mini old town, fun and more family friendly fun! Learn more
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Wild Bill Hickok Monument Dedication
The citizens of Abilene will be pleased to learn that arrangements have been made for the erection of a handsome bronze monument honoring our distinguished City Marshal, Mr. James Butler Hickok, known throughout the frontier as "Wild Bill."
The likeness of Marshal Hickok shall be erected near the cabin he occupied and the city jail over which he kept watch, so that citizens and travelers alike may remember the man who maintained order in Abilene during the great cattle drives. There his image shall stand guard over the very ground where he once performed his duties. Learn more
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18 & 19
Friday & Saturday
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Abilene Oktoberfest
The 9th Annual Abilene Oktoberfest is back for another fun-filled celebration of German food, music, dancing, and tradition!
Bring the whole family and enjoy authentic German food, German bier, live German music, and traditional German dancers from Kansas City. Festival traditions and activities include the tapping of the keg, Hammerschlagen, a cornhole tournament, and plenty of opportunities to join in the fun.
Oktoberfest is a family-friendly celebration with activities for all ages, including bouncy houses and other entertainment for the kids.
Gather your family and friends and come celebrate Oktoberfest in Abilene with great food, cold bier, lively music, dancing, and plenty of German-inspired fun! Learn more
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Eisenhower Foundation's Annual Eisenhower Legacy Gala
This exclusive Gala honors General and President Eisenhower with a reception, dinner, and keynote speaker. Learn more
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National Greyhound Association Fall Meet
See the world's fastest canine in action and learn why Abilene is the Greyhound (dog) Capital of the World! Learn more
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Pink Friday
We've all heard of Black Friday, American Express Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, but what about Pink Friday? Pink Friday is a small business spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience, reminding people to #ShopSmallFirst. Learn more
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Cowtown Christmas
Celebrate the season in Abilene, December 4-6, 2026! Tour stunning homes during the 49th 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 and ride the Cowtown Santa Express with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. 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! Learn more
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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
The mean green Grinch is making hs way to Abilene for the holidays! Your heart will grow three sizes the day you come see this family-friendly holiday celebration on stage. Featuring the story and music you know and love. This musical is the perfect addition to your holiday traditions. Learn more
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49th Homes for the Holiday Tour
Discover why USA TODAY readers rank Abilene as one of the Best Historic Small Towns during the Heritage Homes Association's 49th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour! Explore beautifully decorated historic homes and a charming church decked out for the season. Learn more
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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.
Learn more
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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.
Learn more
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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