The Gordon Parks Museum will host the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration October 1-3, 2026, at the Gordon Parks Museum and Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the Fort Scott Community College campus, 2108 S. Horton St. The four-day event features films, presentations, music, history, poetry, tours and special guests celebrating the life and legacy of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks. Many activities are free; some events require advance reservations or ticket purchases.
Thursday, October 1
- 8 a.m. — Chamber Coffee. Kicks off the celebration at the Gordon Parks Museum; photo and poetry contest winners announced. Free.
- 9 to 10:50 a.m. — The Learning Tree. 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. Explores the life of Gordon Parks’ older brother, a decorated World War I officer. Free to attend; optional wrap lunches $12, order by September 30.
- 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Moments Without Proper Names. Screening of the film directed by Gordon Parks. Free.
- 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. — Gordon Parks Trolley Tour. Visits Fort Scott locations connected to Parks and The Learning Tree. Meet at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center entrance. $10, reservation required.
- 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. Documentary screening 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. Explores Leadbelly’s influence on American music. Free to attend; optional wrap lunches $12, order by October 1.
- 1 to 1:45 p.m. — Reflections on Filming Leadbelly. Conversation with cast and crew celebrating more than 50 years of the film. Free.
- 1:45 to 3:55 p.m. — Leadbelly. Screening of Gordon Parks’ film. Free.
- 8 p.m. — Celebration Dance Party. Dancing 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 $25 advance, $30 at the door.
Saturday, October 3
- 10 to 11:15 a.m. — Open Mic Poetry. Poets, rappers, musicians and artists of all ages 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 yearbook featuring Gordon Parks as an eighth-grade graduate. Free to attend; optional BBQ lunches $8, order by October 2.
- 1 to 2:45 p.m. — Fort Scott Stories. Encore screening of Michael Cheers’ documentary inspired by Parks’ unpublished 1950 LIFE magazine assignment. Free, but registration required; doors open 12:30 p.m., seating limited.
- 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. — Gordon Parks Trolley Tour. Same route as Thursday’s tour. $10, reservation required.
- 7 p.m. — Celebration Tribute Dinner. Dinner, music, a photo auction and presentation of this year’s Choice of Weapons and Learning Tree awards. Social hour begins 6 p.m. at the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main St. Reserved seats $35; reserve by September 30.
Sunday, October 4
- 9 a.m. — Breakfast at Crooner’s Lounge, 117 S. Main St. No event ticket needed; guests pay for their own meals.
Throughout the celebration
Photo exhibits and the “Giving a Voice to the Voiceless” photo and poetry displays will be on view at the Gordon Parks Museum and Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. Visitors can also see 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 are held at the Gordon Parks Museum or Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St. Registration is open outside the museum Thursday through Saturday.
For questions, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850, or gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu.