Salina Arts and Humanities announces Smoky Hill River Festival details

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Salina Arts & Humanities announced this week the details for the 49th Smoky Hill River Festival, happening June 12–15 in Oakdale Park.

The energetic and epic arts party returns in less than 50 days, featuring new food offerings, new activities for kids, new roving and mainstage entertainers, new art installations, and new artists selling their work in the Fine Arts and Craft Show.

Festival Medallion Quest kicks off May 21

The Festival Medallion Quest begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at the front steps of the Smoky Hill Museum. Salina Arts & Humanities Commissioners will reveal the first clue for a $3,000 prize package.

Twice daily clues will be released at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until the Medallion is found.

Thursday night: Food, art, and a jam-packed night of music

Festival gates open at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 12, with 35 food booths, an Art Patron Party, and the legendary Festival Jam produced by S.M. Hanson Music.

The Festival Jam starts at 5:45 p.m. and rocks on for four hours with 17 bands taking the stage.

Full festival experience Friday–Sunday

From Friday through Sunday, enjoy:

1. Three stages of live entertainment
2. Fine Arts and Craft Show
3. Artyopolis for kids
4. An incredible array of food vendors

"For the last fourteen months, our staff has worked closely with committees, artists, City of Salina staff, and partner organizations to shape the 2025 Festival," says Anna Pauscher Morawitz, Operations & Development Manager. "The Smoky Hill River Festival is more than an epic celebration of the arts; it’s a place where friendships are made, creativity thrives, and our community grows stronger through connection and shared creative expression. We look forward to seeing everyone in the park!"

Discover new music for all ages

The Festival’s entertainment lineup features some of the best talent from the region, nation, and beyond — offering a wide range of musical styles, from the familiar to the wildly unconventional.

Headliners include:

1. The Freedom Affair (Friday)
2. My Son the Hurricane (Saturday)
3. Carswell & Hope (Sunday)

New acts this year include:

1. The Animeros
2. Jon Muq
3. The Matchsellers
4. Me Like Bees
5. The Swallowtails
6. Willy Vela Y Sus Aquilillos

"We have a mix of familiar faces and brand-new acts this year. The music will have something for everyone, from those who enjoy sitting and listening to those who love dancing along with the performers," says Sarah Keck, Entertainment Coordinator.

Full artist lineup available at www.riverfestival.com.

Visual surprises at every turn

Visual artists from 21 states will sell, demonstrate, and install their work across the Festival grounds. It’s a once-a-year opportunity to purchase original artwork directly from over 125 visual artists — with 52 artists making their River Festival debut this year across the Fine Arts and Craft Show and Art Demonstration areas.

"This season always feels like the perfect storm: chaos, excitement, hard work, and, most importantly, abundant creativity," says Chrystal Hammerschmidt, Visual Arts Coordinator. "There is an undeniable energy that surrounds the work everyone is putting in and what comes to fruition in Oakdale Park."

Art Patron Program – support creativity, get special access

The Festival’s Art Patron Program offers art lovers and collectors special perks, including:

1. Admission to the Thursday night Premiere Party
2. Friday morning shopping preview hour before the Fine Arts Show opens to the public
3. And more!

Artists seek out shows with strong community support and art patronage, and Salina delivers. Become an Art Patron by May 22 at https://www.riverfestival.com/patron/ or by calling 785-309-5770.

Immersive outdoor art installations

Festival-goers will encounter more than 20 outdoor, site-specific Art Installations around Oakdale Park, including:

1. "Salina Downtown Inc. Trash Corral Collaboration" by Mindy Allen
2. "Tool trailer mural" by Scribe
3. "Crazy Cool Crochet" by Tamara Kingery-Gonzales
4. "Who Let the Dogs Out" by Juniper “TJ” Tangpuz
5. "Twisted Tornado" by Margaret Craig
   

Festival Print – Nick Perry’s bold new vision

The commissioned Festival Print is created by Nick Perry of Red Legger Studio (Lawrence, KS). His foundation in drawing and printmaking leads to a semi-psychedelic, illustrative style of pop surrealism.

Donate $100 or more and pick up your exclusive print at the Salina Arts & Humanities office before June 10.

Festival T-shirt – fresh, energetic design

This year’s t-shirt features original artwork by Paul Punzo of Lawrence, KS. His design combines rich red brushstrokes with stencil and relief cut printmaking to form a vivid Festival landscape inside the shape of a guitar.

Artyopolis – Fun for kids and kids at heart

The Artyopolis area is a festival in itself! It features:

1. Creation Crossing make-and-take crafts
2. Button Boulevard
3. Game Street (artistically improved!)
4. Lego Lane
5. Paintchoo Plaza
6. Arty’s Stage with fun performers

Hours:

1. Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

First Treasures returns Saturday, June 14! At this special tent, kids ages 4–13 can shop from hundreds of items priced from $1 to $5, provided by exhibiting artists.

“Kids will get to experience hands-on activities in Creation Crossing while having their own entertainment at Arty’s Stage, with performers like Duke Otherwise and Count Everyone. I also love supporting young collectors with purchasing their art in First Treasures on the Saturday of Festival,” said Allie Fischer, Artyopolis Coordinator.

Festival food – nostalgic and new favorites

Taste buds, get ready! This year’s new food vendors bring incredible new options:

1. Korean corn dogs
2. Teriyaki steak and chicken on-a-stick
3. Carne adovada street tacos
4. Roasted spicy peanuts
5. Fried Oreos
6. Cotton Candy Bomb drinks
7. Sour Gummy Surprise drinks

"I’m excited about the Korean corn dogs, birria tacos, and ice cream nachos! There’s truly something for everyone," says Maira Mota, Food Coordinator.

See the full food vendor list at www.riverfestival.com.

Make a difference – Volunteer!

The Festival depends on approximately 2,000 volunteers each year! Help with:

1. Artyopolis
2. Artist hospitality
3. Technical areas
4. Gates and more

Sign up online at https://salinaareaunitedway.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=87807.

Smoky Hill River Run

On Saturday morning, June 14, the Salina Regional Health Center hosts the 44th Smoky Hill River Run including:

1. Two-mile walk
2. Children's races
3. Two-mile and five-mile electronically timed races

Register now at https://srhc.com/riverrun/.

Sunday at the Festival – Chill out and hunt for "seeds"

Sunday, June 15 brings:

1. Great music
2. A relaxed atmosphere
3. A scavenger hunt for plastic flower seeds handmade by artist Margaret Craig

The “seeds” are handmade by Margaret Craig, a Festival Installation artist, and will be released into the wild on Sunday, throughout the day, but you will be able to see them in full bloom near the demonstration area Friday and Saturday at the “Setting Seed” installation near the art demonstration area.

Admission info

🎟️ Weekend wristband:

1. $15 advance (starting May 1)
2. $20 at the gate

🎟️ Daily wristband:

1. $10 (only at the gate)
2. Children 11 and under: FREE!

Find participating retailers for advance wristbands starting May 1 at www.riverfestival.com/participating-retailers.

Festival hours:

1. Thursday, June 12: 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
2. Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
3. Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

For more details, volunteer info, entertainment schedules, and more, visit www.riverfestival.com or call 785-309-5770.