Smoky Hill River Festival

Soon, summer will be just around the corner. Get your party started at the Smoky Hill River Festival, the best "sensory feast" Kansas has to offer. The River Festival will awaken your senses with original art, live music, fantastic food and kids' stuff. Now in its 42nd year, the River Festival is described as 'like none other,' with its unique arts offerings set in beautiful, shaded Oakdale Park near downtown Salina.

[Eye] Nationally known for its high-quality, affordable artwork, the Festival's art show highlights more than 135 U.S. artists. Confident collectors or first-time buyers can meet artists face-to-face, making it educational and entertaining. See artist materials and processes firsthand in the Art/Craft Demo area. About 20 Art Installations encourage Festival-goers to interact with artists and their creative processes across the park.

[Ear] The Festival's four live stages offer enticing bands, roving artists and children's acts. More than 20 professional touring groups rock the Eric Stein Stage and Stage II. The Bravo Stage presents emerging local and regional talent including spoken-word and hip-hop artists, youth dancers and more. Thursday night's Festival Jam features a local band every 15 minutes for four hours. On Friday evening, swing dancers catch the beat at the indoor Big Band Dance.

[Hand] Artyopolis offers hands-on arts and crafts, games and face painting, to spark creativity and experimentation. Toddlers through pre-teens can create free make-and-take projects at Creation Crossing, win a Game Street prize, or enjoy Arty's Stage acts. Roving performers create magical Festival moments wherever they encounter an audience.

[Mouth] Food Row delights with the aroma of roasted nuts, barbecued meats and funnels cakes. More than 30 vendors offer mouthwatering treats from buffalo burgers to Asian noodles to alligator on a stick. Grilled lemonade, Cuban sandwiches, Indian fry bread and homemade ice cream are some other goodies to try under a shade tree or near your favorite stage.

Infuse your senses with the summer smells, sights and sounds of the Smoky Hill River Festival. Whether you enjoy art, music, great food or some of each, the Festival is an delectable "arts feast" you can't miss. Invite friends and family to meet you at the River Festival in Salina's Oakdale Park, Thursday through Sunday June 7-10, 2018.