Sponsored By:
Also brought to you by:
Donate Now
The Great Plains Art & Music Festival is more than a celebration — it’s the heart of a movement to build an amphitheater at Sesquicentennial Point.
​
This stunning park, managed by Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture and overlooking Clinton Lake and the surrounding valleys, is already on the city’s master plan for an outdoor performance space. Our festival brings the vision to life each year — with music, art, food, and connection.
​
Your donation helps pay regional/local musicians, supports the free daytime portion of the event, and brings us closer to completing a public amphitheater that will serve the people of Lawrence for generations.
​
With other parks losing event space and parking, this location is more important than ever. Let’s build the stage. Let’s keep the festival alive. Donate today.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Unleash Your Inner Artist
​​​​​
4th Annual
Great Plains Art & Music Festival
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11:30 AM – Midnight
Sesquicentennial Point Park (“The Point”), Lawrence, KS.
​
An art fair, makers market, food and dessert truck rally, and music fest all in one—for just $20(Kids 15 and under free). Set on the scenic overlook above Clinton Lake, the festival brings professional artists, original handmade vendors, curated food/dessert trucks, and a full day of live music on two stages.
This hidden gem of a park—overlooking the Wakarusa, Kaw, and Blanton Creek valleys—is more than a beautiful setting. It’s the future home of a public amphitheater, and your ticket directly supports that vision.
Live Music on Two Stages​
From early afternoon until midnight, experience top-tier regional acts spanning bluegrass, reggae, jam bands, progressive rock, blues, and more.
Main Stage
MoonShroom – With their “Grassadelic Twang,” MoonShroom blends rootsy jamgrass with cosmic folk energy, weaving tight harmonies into high-energy improvisation. Since forming in 2022, they’ve already shared stages with Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and Railroad Earth.
​
Pretend Friend – A progressive bluegrass band whose soulful songwriting and intricate arrangements push acoustic music into new territory. They’ve performed at Walnut Valley Festival, Blue Ox, Hillberry, and opened for Béla Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart and Yonder Mountain String Band.
​
Half Tiger Half Bear – With a sound that fuses rock, folk, and heartfelt storytelling, they create a lush, cinematic take on Americana. Their members have collaborated with nationally touring acts, bringing seasoned musicianship to every performance.
​
Page 7 – Delivering a modern twist on reggae and rocksteady, Page 7 mixes classic island grooves with global pop and soul influences. Its veteran members have over 100 album credits and have played alongside reggae greats such as Burning Spear, Toots & the Maytals, The Wailers, Luciano, and even crossover acts like 311 and No Doubt.
​
Jessica Paige Band – Rooted in folk and soul, Jessica Paige’s powerful vocals move effortlessly between grit and grace. A three-time American Idol semi-finalist, she has twice been voted “Best Vocalist” in Kansas City and featured with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.
​
​
VIP Stage
Inside the VIP tent, but shared with the entire festival
Dames of the Dead – The all-female tribute to the Grateful Dead captures the spirit of improvisation with psychedelic jams and tight harmonies. Their performances channel the Dead’s legendary songbook while putting a bold new stamp on it.
​
Black Light Animals – Psychedelic soul infused with dark pop and cinematic grooves. They’ve toured widely in the Midwest and have shared the stage with nationally recognized rock and funk acts.
​
Sirens in the Suburbs – With raw punk energy blended with Midwestern soul, this Kansas City original rock band formed during the pandemic has quickly gained recognition. Their unapologetic live shows set them apart in the region’s rock scene.
​
Brody Buster -– Called “one of the greatest harmonica players of our time” by B.B. King, Buster is a powerhouse bluesman with raw vocals and fiery guitar. He has shared stages with Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Keb’ Mo’, and Lee Oskar, and was named Harmonica Player of the Year at the International Blues Challenge.
​
Market-place of Makers
Our outdoor marketplace is a full-on Maker Fest meets Art Fair—featuring professional artists, handmade designers, and culinary creators, each carefully juried to bring authentic creativity and originality.
Confirmed vendors for 2025 include:
Addie’s Art – Original artworks and charcoal portrait studies that capture human form and emotion with striking detail.
Quinntessential Art – Hand-carved prints, framed works, and ceramics that blend whimsy with bold artistic vision.
Blissful Arts Collective – Jewelry, candles, teas, and natural body care products created with intention and artistry.
Renéeisance Art – Watercolor and ink originals, prints, and stickers infused with delicate, hand-crafted charm.
Wild June – Permanent and handmade jewelry in sterling silver and gold-filled designs, each crafted with elegance.
Village Boutique – A Lawrence staple offering curated treasures, home décor, furniture, and the beloved Wild Stone Jewelry line.
Sisters in Nature – Nature-inspired paintings and journals paired with an interactive art-making experience.
The Fairy Godcow – Custom, hand-drawn henna body art that transforms skin into a living canvas.
Eggimann Acres – Pickles, salsa, honey, jams, breads, and totes made with heart from this family-run farmstead.
The Tie-Dye Lady – Colorful, hand-dyed clothing and accessories that spread joy in every shade of the rainbow.
Satalizar – Imaginative, original artwork bursting with energy and vibrant creativity.
b.e. nurtured – Handmade soaps, candles, and wellness goods designed to bring balance and natural beauty into daily life.
Art Glass Heart – Luminous glass creations crafted with care, reflecting light and artistry in every piece.
Heather Duris Art – Nature-inspired oil and acrylic paintings that radiate warmth and texture.
Brian Giammasi – Abstract works in acrylic, ink, and resin presented with handmade frames, merging form and depth.
Ithenshe Designs – Traditional Native beadwork and ribbon skirts that honor cultural heritage and craft.
Isaac Duff – Bold, original visual art from an emerging Kansas talent with a fearless style.
Sippin’ Dirty – Dirty soda blends served from a vintage camper, reimagining a nostalgic favorite with modern flair.
Heaven Scent by Victoria – Handmade skincare products including butters, scrubs, and oils, all crafted with care.
Michael McJunkin – Original local artworks that give voice to a creative Kansas artist.
Just Send It Disc Dyes – Custom-dyed discs for Disc Golf enthusiasts, featuring vibrant colors and designs on major brands.
Pretty in Pink Lemonade — fresh-to-order lemonade in multiple flavors and cider; menu names tailored to each event
​
…and more vendors are joining weekly as we build toward nearly 40 booths!
Vendor spaces remain open until all booths are filled:
• $85 for new vendors
• $45 for returning vendors
​
Food, Drinks & More
Enjoy a hand-picked mix of food and dessert trucks designed to complement each other, not compete. Add in local baked goods, unique treats, and refreshing beverages, and you’ve got the perfect pairing for a day of art and music.
Alcohol is provided by Fields & Ivy Brewery!
​
Make It a Weekend
​
Camping is available at Clinton Lake State Park with hookups, electricity, water, and shower houses. Extend your stay and make the festival part of a fall getaway.
​
Tickets
• $20 General Admission/$25(Day of)(Kids 15 and under free) – Includes both stages, art and maker fair, and food truck court
• $40 VIP Pass/$50(Day of) – Includes shaded VIP tent, up-front stage access, reserved seating, and a free festival T-shirt (while supplies last)
​
Why It Matters
Produced by the Great Plains Emerging Arts Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, the City of Lawrence, and eXplore Lawrence.
All proceeds go toward building a permanent amphitheater at The Point. With land already designated and parking for thousands in place, this park is destined to become the cultural hub of Lawrence and the region.
​
October 18, 2025​
​
Come for the art. Stay for the music. Leave inspired.
​
Festival
Restricted
Items:
​
​
-
Outside alcohol
-
Outside food or coolers (coolers must remain in vehicles/parking areas)
-
Drugs or illegal substances
-
Weapons of any kind
-
Fireworks or explosives
-
Large umbrellas or shade tents in audience areas
-
Pets (only trained service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted; emotional support animals are not allowed by insurance)
-
Glass containers
-
Drones or unauthorized recording equipment
​
​
Accessibility & Parking Notes:
-
General parking is located in a mowed hay field.
-
ADA and motorcycle parking is available in the gravel lot at the festival site. This lot includes a zero-entry area for wheelchair unloading, with direct cement sidewalk access to the top of the point (where a designated wheelchair seating section is located) as well as accessible spaces near the parking lot.
-
Clear bags are suggested for purses and personal items to speed up entry.
-
Water bottles are welcome, but please note there is no water refill station on site.
Sponsor the Festival
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the festival. If you have not already spoken with Tom Pfeiler please email producer@greatplainsfest.com or call Tom at 785-521-3347 to build a relationship with the festival!
Support the Festival and be acknowledged by the community with a personalized thank-you advertisement. Click below to explore our 2025 Sponsorship Kit.
Click the PDF IMAGE ABOVE to download the sponsorship kit
Click the button below if you would us to email you the sponsorship kit
View samples of the ads we're creating for sponsors, vendors, and performers.
Explore Festival Location: Sesquicentennial Point Park, Lawrence, KS, with Drone Footage
Choose a picture below to select and explore the benefits offered at each sponsorship level.
"The Great Plains Art and Music Festival last fall was pure magic! The stunning environment, with the lake and valley, added an enchanting touch to the event. The talent showcased in the music, art, and vendor booths was exceptional. Can't wait to experience it again!"