There are a few things you can always expect about July in Kansas. First, it's going to be hot, and for most of the state, it's a steamy, sticky, humid kind of hot. Second, despite the heat, there's always something to do.
Community Fireworks Show & Fourth of July Celebrations
Paint the town red… white and blue. If you're looking for a fantastic evening filled with joy, laughter, and a spectacle of lights, attending a community firework show is an absolute must! Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and a well-stocked cooler of beverages and snacks. Then sit back and watch the show.
Fiesta Topeka Festival | July 18th - 22nd
2023 is a milestone year for Fiesta Topeka, formerly known as Topkea’s Fiesta Mexicana. This iconic event has been celebrating the communities Mexican culture for 90 years. What originally started as a one-day church festival for the Our Lady of Guadalupe congregation, has turned into a week-long festival that encompasses the church and the surrounding streets in Topeka’s historic Oakland neighborhood.
The Fiesta is one of the Capital City’s signature summer events. Locals coming to eat know to arrive early, the lines are notorious for being long. Parking can be found on residential streets nearby, or at designated parking lots. The festival will kick off the week before on July 8th with a concert at Evergy Plaza in downtown Topeka. This event includes a parade (July 15), carnival, music, dancing, an art show, and more.
Amelia Earhart Festival | July 21 - 22
The ultimate birthday party for Atchison native and famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart. Festivities begin Friday evening with a concert on the Riverfront, Sawyer Brown will be the headliner this year. On Saturday, events will take place all day long throughout the community of Atchison. Activities will include a classic car show, a speaker symposium, with an air show and fireworks for the finale.
Make sure to leave time to tour both the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and the newly opened Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum. The Hanger Museum is home to “Muriel” the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E aircraft, the same plane Amelia was flying on her last flight. Named in honor of Amelia's sister the aircraft has been fully restored.
Dinosaurs Around The World at Botanica
It’s a dino-mite summer in Wichita (I couldn't help myself). Through September, Botanica is hosting 10 different life-size, animatronics Pre historic friends - including fan-favorites the Triceratops, an Amargasaurus, and the king of the Jurassic Kingdom the T-rex.
Botanica is all hosting special dino-theme programs. From classes to create dino terrariums, to a Dinosaur Days Summer Party on July 15th. Some activities are an additional fee, but the dinosaur exhibit can be experienced as part of Botanica’s general admission, or free for members of the garden.
Visit the Cosmosphere
July 20th is Space Exploration Day, what better way to celebrate than a visit to the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson? It's an out-of-this-world experience. The Cosmosphere is home to one of the world’s largest collections of USA and Russian-made space artifacts. In the Hall of Space Museum, exhibits take you through the historic timeline of the space race. Highlights include a moon rock from Apollo 11, the Liberty Bell, a lunar module, and the Apollo 13 capsule.
It is easy to spend the better part of the day here. Once you’ve completed the galleries, take in a show in the Justice Planetarium. Or watch a film in the Cosmosphere two-story dome with 4K digital viewing. For aspiring scientists, experiencing the interactive Dr. Goddard’s Lab is a must.