|
|
Abilene Tourism Advocate
August 3, 2023
|
|
|
|
Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. - TravelAwaits (2023) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Experience the Thrills and Fun at the Central Kansas Free Fair and Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo |
|
|
|
Welcome to Abilene, Kansas, where the Central Kansas Free Fair and Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo await you! This exciting annual event brings together the vibrant spirit of the Wild West and the festivities of a traditional county fair. From thrilling rodeo performances to mouthwatering fair food, exhilarating carnival rides, to awe-inspiring exhibits, this event has something for everyone. So, put on your cowboy hat and get ready for an unforgettable experience! |
|
|
|
"Great Pumpkin Patch Express" Tickets on Sale |
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad is bringing Charles Schulz’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” to life this coming Halloween season. Instead of ghosts, ghouls and goblins, the A&SV is observing Halloween by running special Peanuts-oriented trains during October that are based on Schultz's Halloween season classic. The Great Pumpkin Express is a train ride for the entire family that will feature Peanuts characters Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy, as the train rolls through the Smoky Hill River Valley to the pumpkin patch, where kids can choose their own Halloween pumpkin as they hear the reading of Schulz’s Halloween classic.
According to A&SV General Manager Ross Boelling, families are urged to come in costume, and there will be many activities in Old Abilene Town’s pavilion, including photo opportunities with the Peanuts characters. Boelling said Old Town’s Alamo Saloon will have refreshments for sale.
The A&SV will run four trains daily on Saturdays and Sundays, October 14 and 15, October 21 and 22, and October 28 and 29. Trains leave Abilene’s 1887 Rock Island Depot at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day. Advanced tickets are now on sale for $29.00 per person at the railroad’s website, asvrr.org.
|
|
|
|
|
Mindy's Murals recently completed this mural on the side of the Meraki Hair Studio building, 417 NW 3rd Street, in downtown Abilene.
The project is funded, in part, by a grant from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission.
|
|
|
|
|
9 Amazing Historic Attractions Off I-70 |
As you drive along Kansas’ main west-east stretch, pull off at these nearby attractions to see the state through history’s rearview mirror. |
|
|
|
|
True West Town of the Year by True West Magazine (2018 & 2023)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo
The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, named one of the top 5 professional outdoor rodeos in America. Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Central Kansas Free Fair
Celebrate small town at its best during the Central Kansas Free Fair! Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Central Kansas Free Fair Parade
The parade kicks off the annual Central Kansas Free Fair. The 2023 Parade begins at 4 p.m., Thursday, August 3, at 7th Street and Buckeye and proceeds south to 3rd Street and west to Washington St. Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4th Annual Abilene Boutique Crawl
Join us for our 4th Annual Boutique Crawl! Enjoy a girl's night out while shopping in our local stores. There will be grab bags with awesome prizes for the first 50 people. Fill out a blackout bingo card for entry into a prize drawing. For every $10 you spend at a shop, you will receive a ticket for entry into our grand prize drawing! Some stores will be serving snacks and drinks. We will start at Little Ike Park, then go to all the stores on the map to fill out your bingo cards! Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Around the World in 80 Days at Great Plains Theatre
Hold on to your seats in the original amazing race based on the classic novel by Jules Verne. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a shamelessly silly and high-spirited show. And they're off! Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Abilene Oktoberfest
Abilene Oktoberfest is excited for its 6th annual Oktoberfest held in Downtown Abilene. Enjoy German Dancers, music, authentic German food and drinks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heritage Day
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, a vendor fair and much more. Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Greyhound Association Fall Meet
Visit Abilene, Kansas, for the National Greyhound Association's Fall Meet and see the Greyhounds in action! Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meredith Wilson's Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
This musical version of the beloved Holiday classic follows a wave of love that is spread from the real Kris Kringle melting even the most cynical of hearts. This heartwarming spectacle of a musical is the perfect Holiday treat. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cowtown Christmas
Visit Abilene December 2-3, 2023 for the Heritage Homes Association’s Homes for the Holidays Tour, enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Old Abilene Town, tour the historic Seelye Mansion and see more than 60 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, ride the rails with Santa and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, see the live production of the Miracle on 34th Street at Great Plains Theatre, take an evening cruise and see Griswold-style decorations during the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Santa, and remember to shop small all season long at Abilene’s small businesses.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Experience Art & Culture
|
|
|
|
Journey to the Old West
|
|
|
|
Live the American Story
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Explore Ike's Life & Legacy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enjoy Family Fun and Learning
|
|
|
|
|
|
201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
|
|
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
