The Gordon Parks Museum invites the community to the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, four days of films, presentations, music, history, poetry, tours, food and special guests celebrating the life and legacy of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks.
October 1st-3rd, 2026
Gordon Parks Museum, Ellis Fine Arts Center, Fort Scott Community College Campus
2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas
Many activities are FREE. Advance reservations or ticket purchases are required for select events.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
8 a.m. | Chamber Coffee
Kick off the celebration at the Gordon Parks Museum. Photo and poetry contest winners will be announced. Free.
9 to 10:50 a.m. | The Learning Tree
A screening of Gordon Parks’ film at the FSCC Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Theater. Free.
11 a.m. to noon | Lunch and Learn: Clemmie Parks
Explore the life of Gordon Parks’ older brother, a decorated World War I officer. Free to attend. Optional wrap lunches are $12 and must be ordered by September 30. Bring your own lunch if you prefer.
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Moments Without Proper Names
A screening of the film directed by Gordon Parks. Free.
1:45 to 2:45 p.m. | Gordon Parks Trolley Tour
Visit Fort Scott locations connected to Parks and The Learning Tree. Meet at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center entrance. $10.
3 to 4 p.m. | The Sounds of Leadbelly
Blues guitarist Lem Sheppard shares the music and story of Leadbelly. Free.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
10 to 10:50 a.m. | David Parks GI Diary Vietnam
Watch the documentary, followed by a brief conversation with David Parks. Free.
11 to 11:50 a.m. | A Conversation with Victor Goines and Maryemma Graham
Meet the 2026 Choice of Weapons honorees. Free.
Noon to 12:45 p.m. | Lunch and Learn: Leadbelly and Irene
Explore Leadbelly’s influence on American music. Free to attend. Optional wrap lunches are $12 and must be ordered by October 1.
1 to 1:45 p.m. | Reflections on Filming Leadbelly
A conversation with cast and crew celebrating more than 50 years of the film. Free.
1:45 to 3:55 p.m. | Leadbelly
A screening of Gordon Parks’ film. Free.
8 p.m. | Celebration Dance Party
Dance to R&B and soul with Power Unlimited featuring Keith Marlo at the River Room, 3 W. Oak St. Doors open at 7 p.m. Reserved seats are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
10 to 11:15 a.m. | Open Mic Poetry
Poets, rappers, musicians and artists of all ages are welcome. No sign-up needed. Free.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Lunch and Learn: The 1927 Plaza School Yearbook
Learn about the Fort Scott school yearbook that features Gordon Parks as an eighth-grade graduate. Free to attend. Optional BBQ lunches are $8 and must be ordered by October 2.
1 to 2:45 p.m. | Fort Scott Stories
An encore screening of Michael Cheers’ documentary inspired by Parks’ unpublished 1950 LIFE magazine assignment. Free, but registration is required. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; seating is limited.
3:15 to 4:15 p.m. | Gordon Parks Trolley Tour
Visit Fort Scott locations connected to Parks and The Learning Tree. Meet at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center entrance. $10.
7 p.m. | Celebration Tribute Dinner
Enjoy dinner, music, a photo auction and the presentation of this year’s Choice of Weapons and Learning Tree awards. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. at the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main St. Reserved seats are $35. Reserve by September 30.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
9 a.m. | Breakfast at Crooner’s Lounge
Gather for breakfast at 117 S. Main St. No event ticket is needed; guests pay for their own meals.
EXPLORE THROUGHOUT THE CELEBRATION
Visit the photo exhibits and “Giving a Voice to the Voiceless” photo and poetry displays at the Gordon Parks Museum and Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. You can also explore the Gordon Parks sign at Lowell Milken Center Unsung Heroes Park, the mural at Riverfront Park and Wayman Chapel AME Church Commemorative Park.
Most daytime programs take place at the Gordon Parks Museum or Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott. Registration is open outside the museum Thursday through Saturday.
Questions? Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850, or gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu.
Visiting Fort Scott? Ask the Sleep Inn Hotel & Suites at 620-223-2555 about the 10% Gordon Parks Celebration rate.