Bourbon County Arts Council
Presents a concert featuring
Flagship Romance
Friday, November 20th
8:00-10:00pm
Liberty Theatre
113 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS
Reservations Required
Tickets
$15 BCAC Member
$20 Non-Member
Contact
Terri Floyd 620.224.7221
Steve Floyd 620.224.7702
Click HERE to visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s Facebook Page.
Click HERE to visit Flagship Romance Facebook Page.
Presented by the Bourbon County Arts Council! Enjoy an evening of live music at Liberty Theatre. Tickets $15 for members, $20 for non-members.
Friday, November 20th
8:00-10:00pm
Liberty Theatre
113 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS
Reservations Required
Tickets
$15 BCAC Member
$20 Non-Member
Contact
Terri Floyd 620.224.7221
Steve Floyd 620.224.7702
PraiseFest, an event in Gunn Park on Saturday afternoon, features fun family activities including athletic events, live music, food vendors, inspirational speakers, and featured artist Tasha Layton.
PraiseFest offers activities all day on October 24, with the stage events starting at 3 p.m. and the featured artist, Tasha Layton, at 6pm. Parking will be near shelter house #3 with the events near shelter house #5.
Tasha Layton, Christian music artist, earning three #1 hits, is featured with local artist Megan Thieman, 2026 winner of Recovery Idol in Wichita, opening for Tasha.
Higher Ground, a christian music band, will start the stage events at 3pm.
Jenni Simhiser, CEO of Path of EASE and a 2026 Core Community graduate, will give her testimony.
Pastor David Case, McPherson, will be the guest speaker. He is also founder of Live Free Ministries and the Omega Project.
Cost is $10 for wristbands with 5 years-old and younger, free. This will benefit Bourbon County Core Community, a local non-profit organization.
PraiseFest is partnering with the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism for a Fishing Derby, which will be offered at 1 p.m. All fishing gear will be provided onsite, unless you want to bring your own gear. No license or pre-registration is needed for the Fishing Derby.
There will be a Kiddie Zone with some inflatables and yard games for the young ones.
Food vendors on site will be The Sweet Pitt, Granny V’s , Uncle Tators, Nothing Bundt Cake, Busy Bees Micro Bakery, and the Core Community Lemonade stand.
One can find out more information about the event by visiting Core Community’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/
A disc golf tournament is offered starting at 9 am, cost is $25 one can register here
PraiseFest is partnering with the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism and they will be providing all fishing gear onsite, unless you want to bring your own gear. No license or pre-registration is needed for the Fishing Derby
2026 TRI-YAK-A-THON is a RUN – KAYAK – MOUNTAIN BIKE competition that will be in conjunction with PraiseFest and starts at 12 noon.
Register as an individual for $40 or a team of 2 or 3 for $60.
Equipment is not provided, bring your own equipment (kayak, bike, etc.).
Only single person kayaks are allowed, and life jacket will be required in the boat.
No stand up paddleboards (SUP) will be permitted.
Strava link to map of the 5K Kayak here.
More details on the Tri-Yak-A-Thon and event updates can be found on the Gunn Park Trails Facebook page.
About Core Community
Submitted by Deana Betts, Core Community Liaison.
Core Community believes something powerful: Poverty can be solved when a community comes together with the right tools, trusted relationships, and long-term support.
We equip families by inviting them to participate in a 22- week- long class, mobilize food donors and childcare volunteers to help eliminate barriers during class, and wrap our participants (Core Leaders) with support and proven tools.
After the class and graduation, we invite our graduates into Phase 2 where they are partnered with a community volunteer that comes once a month to class to walk alongside our Core Leaders in their journey as they continue to work on their goals and gain resources from presenters from the community. We meet every Tuesday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, 1728 S Horton.
Get ready for an incredible day of live music, family fun, community, and inspiration at PraiseFest 2026!
Join us Saturday, October 24th, at Gunn Park in Fort Scott for a day packed with activities, entertainment, and opportunities to come together for a great cause!
This year’s event features Christian recording artist Tasha Layton, taking the stage at 6 p.m.! Plus, enjoy local artists, guest speakers, food trucks, vendors, family activities, and so much more!
Planning to enjoy the live music and performances at PraiseFest? Be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on!
The main stage area will be set up for the event, but seating will NOT be provided.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, portable seating, or blankets to sit back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon and evening of great music, entertainment, and fellowship!
Don’t just hear about PraiseFest. Come experience it!
Saturday, October 24th
Gunn Park, Fort Scott
Featuring Tasha Layton
Stage events begin at 3 p.m.
Main event at 6 p.m.
Festival activities include:
Pre-Register for PraiseFest Activities: Visit the PraiseFest event page to find additional information and pre-register for the festival activities.
Wristbands may be purchased at the event ticket table.
Partner with Bourbon County Core Community and help make an eternal impact through PraiseFest 2026!
Visit the Core Community – Bourbon County Facebook Page for more information.
Actor Tyler Slinkard in a previous Voices from the Grave Tour.
Bourbon County Community Theatre in cooperation with Fort Scott Community College presents their annual Voices from the Grave Tour.
Voices from the Grave takes place from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the walking trail at Fort Scott Community College. Guests will enjoy a guided walking tour of short acting vignettes centering around stories of murder and mayhem in Fort Scott. Scenes were written by members of the Advanced Drama Class at Fort Scott High School and are based off of stories from local authors.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available from bcct.ludus.com. Tour times must be pre-scheduled and tours will meet at the school house on the northeast corner of the walking trail. Parents must accompany children under the age of 14.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page or by contacting Director Christina King at 913-827-6401.
Contact: Angie Bin, 620-719-9622, angela.bin@usd234.org
Spend an evening dancing to R&B and soul during the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration! The Gordon Parks Museum presents Power Unlimited featuring Keith Marlo, a group of musicians and performers from Wichita, Kansas.
Friday, October 2nd, 2026
Doors open at 7 p.m. | Performance at 8 p.m.
The River Room Event Center
3 W. Oak St., Fort Scott, Kansas
Tickets: $25 in advance | $30 at the door. Cash bar available.
Tickets are available at the Gordon Parks Museum, online at gordonparkscenter.org, or by calling (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850.
This event is supported in part by the Bourbon County Arts Council and Peerless Products, Inc.
The Gordon Parks Museum’s Celebration Tribute Dinner will bring the community together for an evening of dinner, music and recognition during the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration.
This year’s Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award honorees are Victor Goines, an internationally acclaimed musician and educator, and Maryemma Graham, an award-winning educator, scholar and author. Marion Stepps will receive the Gordon Parks Learning Tree Award.
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Social hour: 6 p.m. | Dinner: 7 p.m.
Liberty Theater
113 S. Main St., Fort Scott
Tickets: $35 per person with reserved seating.
The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at gordonparkscenter.org.
For the full schedule of events, visit gordonparkscenter.org.
Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 or gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu.
Ask the Sleep Inn Hotel & Suites at 620-223-2555 about the 10% Gordon Parks Celebration rate.
The Gordon Parks Museum presents a “Celebration Dance Party” featuring Power Unlimited featuring Keith Marlo, a group of musicians and performers from Wichita, Kansas, during the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration.
Spend an evening dancing to R&B and soul.
October 2nd, 2026
The River Room Event Center
3 W. Oak St., Fort Scott, Kansas
Tickets: $25 in advance | $30 at the door
Cash bar available
Tickets are available at gordonparkscenter.org, at the Gordon Parks Museum, or by calling (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850.
This event is supported in part by the Bourbon County Arts Council and Peerless Products, Inc.
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.
For the full schedule of Gordon Parks Celebration events, the Gordon Parks Museum Facebook Event Page, or the Gordon Parks Museum webpage, visit gordonparkscenter.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Cato Historical Preservation Association will hold its annual fall events in historic Cato, Kansas, on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3.
Over 500 fourth- and fifth-graders from area schools will be bused to Cato from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see presentations on life in the late 1800s and Cato’s history. Students will rotate through stations covering schools, blacksmithing, covered wagons, cattle drives, 1800s weaponry, farming, cowboys and Native Americans, and the day will close with a reading of the Gettysburg Address and a sing-along. Participating schools include Uniontown, Bronaugh, Girard, Lakeside, Liberal, Westside, Frontenac, Fort Scott, Northeast, St. Mary’s FS and Meadowlark. Visitors are welcome.
Stations and presenters:
See the full station list here: Cato Kids’ Day Stations/Presenters (2026)
Cato Day, the public celebration of Cato’s pioneer heritage, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Sign-in begins at 9 a.m., but visitors are welcome to arrive anytime; guests are asked to sign the guest book.
The Cato Store will sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, historical booklets, insulated cups and other Cato merchandise — cash or check only. Proceeds from the quilt raffle, “Cowboy Stew,” books and merchandise support preservation of Cato’s historic buildings and Cato Kids’ Day, held every year for local fourth- and fifth-graders.
Cato is the oldest town in Crawford County, located off Hwy 69 in northern Crawford County. From Hwy 69, turn west on 720th Avenue and follow the signs to Cato. Directions are also available at catoschool.com.
The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Cato’s buildings and history, including the “Old Stone School” (built in 1869 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Cato Christian Church (built in 1915), and a full-sized replica of an 1860s settler cabin. A stone bridge, part of the “Old Wagon Road,” also sits on the property. Cato’s buildings are open to the public only a few times a year, making this a rare chance to visit.
See the full event flyer here: Cato Days 2026 flyer
Contact: Katharine Spigarelli, President, Cato Historical Preservation Association, 417-825-2127, kspigarelli@gmail.com, catoschool.com.
This is the 70th and final year for Pioneer Harvest Fiesta (PHF), according to a press release.
PHF is Kansas’s oldest antique farm show, according to Jim Kemmerer, a spokesman for the annual event in Bourbon County at the fairgrounds.
The event kicks off with a Parade of Antique, Classic Farm Implements and More through Fort Scott’s historic downtown on October 1 at 6 p.m. on Main Street.
All three days are alive with events that help tell the story of life in the area in earlier times.
Steam Engines, Blacksmiths, Food and Flea Market Vendors, Drag Saw Demonstrations, Tractors & Gas Engines on Display, Baker Fan Demonstrations, Quilt Show, Straw Baling, Wheat Threshing, Corn Husking/Shelling, Sorghum Making Demonstration, Rock Crushing, Saw Mill Operation, Car Show, Tractor Pull (Antique & Classic), Garden Tractor Pull, and many more learning events.
It’s one great weekend to kick off Fall in the 4-state’s region, according to its website.
Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, events, vendors, demonstrations, etc. will be at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street, across from Fort Scott Community College.
Visit the event on YouTube to view Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. https://www.youtube.com/@PioneerHarvestFiesta
To learn more, view the website www.pioneerharvestfiesta.com for the schedule and other information.
Each day’s events start at 10 a.m., with an outdoor church service at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Volunteers are needed to help with working the grounds and operating the demonstrations. Get in for free and make a memory that lasts a lifetime.
If more information is required, please contact Jim Kemmerer at 816-898-8068 or jimkemmerer86@gmail.com
Reserve your tickets for an evening of live music and a hearty appetizer buffet on October 8.
Thursday, October 8th
Please note: The date for this event has changed. Please update your calendar accordingly.
5:00 pm Doors Open
5:30-7:30pm Hearty Appetizer Buffet
8:00pm Performance
Crooner’s | Liberty Theatre
113 S. Main
Fort Scott, KS
Reservations Required
Tickets: $50 BCAC Member / $60 Non-Member
Contact Terri Floyd 620-224-7221 or Steve Floyd 620-224-7702
Visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s Facebook Page or The Young Fables Facebook Page for more details.
Bourbon County Arts Council
Presents a concert featuring
Please note: The date for this event has changed. Please update your calendar accordingly.
5:00 pm
Doors Open
5:30–7:30 pm
Hearty Appetizer Buffet
8:00 pm
Performance
Crooner’s | Liberty Theatre
113 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
Reservations Required
Tickets
$50 – BCAC Member
$60 – Non-Member
Contact
Terri Floyd – 620-224-7221
Steve Floyd – 620-224-7702
Visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s Facebook Page
Visit The Young Fables’ Facebook Page
