Abilene Tourism Advocate

October 15, 2026

 
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Best Historic Small Town - USA TODAY

 

The Pumpkin Harvest Express

It’s the PUMPKIN HARVEST EXPRESS! Join us on the train this Halloween season! The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad presents The Pumpkin Harvest Express, a train ride that's fun for the whole family! The train will visit our secret pumpkin patch where everyone will get to pick out their perfect pumpkin! Games and fun for everyone!! Costumes are welcome.


During our one hour trip, you'll have a lot of fun as we welcome in the Fall season together!

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Latest News

Fall Plein Air Painting Event Planned at Seelye Mansion

The Arts Council of Dickinson County and the Historic Seelye Mansion invite the public to enjoy another afternoon of creativity during a fall plein air painting event at the Seelye Mansion on Saturday, October 24.


The event will begin with light refreshments and an opportunity to meet artist and instructor Heather Barclay at 3:30 p.m. Painting instruction will begin at 4:00 p.m., with participants creating a fall painting featuring the Seelye Mansion’s gazebo surrounded by the colors of the season.


Artists of all experience levels are welcome. Beginners will have the option to work from a canvas featuring a sepia-tone underpainting of the gazebo prepared by Barclay, providing a foundation to paint over as they add fall colors and details. Intermediate and advanced artists may choose to begin with a blank canvas and create their own interpretation of the autumn scene.


Barclay will provide instruction throughout the event, allowing participants to work at a level that matches their experience while enjoying an afternoon of painting on the grounds of one of Abilene’s most beautiful and iconic historic homes.


Plein air painting, from the French term meaning “open air,” is the practice of painting outdoors on site to capture natural light, atmosphere and color.


Reservations are required by October 20. The cost is $40 per person, which includes light refreshments and all painting supplies.


To reserve a spot, contact the Seelye Mansion at 785-263-1084.

Annual Haunted Cowtown Returns to Old Abilene Town

Halloween isn’t complete without a trip through Old Abilene Town after dark! The Haunted Cowtown Walk returns with an all-new experience guaranteed to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.


October 23, 24, 30 & 31 | 7:30–10:30 p.m.


Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under.


Gather your bravest friends and take a scary walk through Old Abilene Town, where you never know what might be waiting around the next corner.

America Likes Greyhounds

And this week, Abilene is rolling out the welcome mat for some of our favorite four-legged friends!


The National Greyhound Association Fall Meet returns to Abilene October 12-16, bringing greyhounds, owners, trainers, breeders, and enthusiasts from across the country to our community.


As the home of the National Greyhound Association and the Greyhound Hall of Fame museum , Abilene has a special connection to these incredible canine athletes and the history of greyhound racing.


  • Welcome our four-legged visitors
  • Celebrate the NGA Fall Meet
  • Discover legendary champions at the Greyhound Hall of Fame
  • Meet the museum's resident greyhound greeters


Welcome to Abilene, NGA Fall Meet attendees! We're glad you're here and hope you enjoy your time in our community!

Upcoming Events

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.

12-16


Monday - Friday

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

24


Saturday

Abilene Fly-Inn & Pancake Feed

The 28th Annual Abilene Fly-In & Pancake Feed returns to the Abilene Municipal Airport on Saturday, October 24! Enjoy a morning of aviation, pancakes and community while watching aircraft fly in from across the region. Learn more

20-24


Tuesday- Saturday

Central Kansas Yarn Hop

Hit the road for the Central Kansas Yarn Hop, October 20-24! Visit five yarn shops stretching from Wichita to Manhattan, including The Shivering Sheep in Abilene. Learn more

20


Friday

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

4 - 6


Friday - Sunday

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

4 - 20


Friday - Sunday

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

5 & 6


Saturday & Sunday

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

Community Attractions
Experience Art & Culture

Journey to the Old West

Live the American Story

 
Explore Ike's Life & Legacy

Have an Adventure


Enjoy Family Fun and Learning

 

Community Spotlight

 

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

 
 

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

 
 
201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
 
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
 
 
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