Signature Event
WASHUNGA DAYS FAQ
Washunga Days is an annual festival which celebrates the culture – both past and present - of Council Grove, showcasing the city and all of its amenities. The weekend celebration offers activities and entertainment for everyone of all ages. The proceeds of the festival provide the Council Grove Area Trade & Tourism Association funding to promote the area ultimately supporting the community at large.
We hope this Washunga Days "Frequently Asked Questions" will help you make the most of your experience!
WHEN IS THIS AMAZING FESTIVAL, AND WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE?
Washunga Days is June 21 & 22, 2024. Click here to check out the schedule of events! This year there will be a free community night on Thursday, June 20, where we’ll have food vendors, the CG Rotary Beer Garden, kids activities, and live music. The best part! No wristband is necessary.
HOW DO I GET INTO THE FESTIVAL?
Wristbands are the "tickets" for this festival. You need an admission wristband to get in the Neosho Riverwalk Park, where the main festival is held. Please, no sharing wristbands. They also must be on your wrist for entry. You don't need any additional tickets for concerts.
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Children 5 and under do not require a wristband for entry. Ages 6+ require a wristband for entry.
Additional activities will happen throughout the City of Council Grove that do not require wristbands to get in. Visit the Council Grove Area Trade & Tourism Association's Facebook page for updates and details.
OMG! HOW DO I SEE THE CONCERTS?!
Please see the answer above. We can't wait for you to join us!
ARE THERE ARTIST MEET & GREETS?
(please, say yes....please, say yes)
Yes! You can VIP tickets that include meet & greets soon by clicking here! Watch our social media closely for meet & greet giveaways too!
WHERE DO I BUY ADMISSION WRISTBANDS, AND HOW MUCH ARE THEY?
Wristbands purchased at the DESTINATION: Council Grove office or online.
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Wristbands can be purchased online until 6/12/2024 and always at the DESTINATION: Council Grove office. No wristbands will be mailed out after June 12th, 2024.
ARE USD 417 STUDENTS FREE?
Yes! A special thank you to our sponsors for making this happen. Families will receive wristbands for each student currently enrolled.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY WRISTBAND BEFORE THE FESTIVAL?
That would be a bummer! Please make sure to keep wristbands in a safe place. If something is wrong with your wristband, please contact us immediately, and we will plan to get you a replacement.
WHERE DO I STAY?
Council Grove and the surrounding communities have many great lodging options!
Click for more information.
WHERE DO I ENTER THE FESTIVAL?
There are two entry points to the festival at Neosho Riverwalk Park. The main gate is the south entrance off Main Street. The other is at the park's north side, just down the walking path from the Kaw Mission museum. The live music, food vendors, children's activities, and beer garden are all within the festival grounds at Neosho Riverwalk Park. There are other events outside of the park. Check the maps/events on our site for more information.
IS THERE BEER?
You bet. Beer will be available for purchase in the beer garden. An ID check is required by law. No matter how old you are, we will check your ID. Wristbands are required to purchase beer and will be given once you provide your ID. No alcoholic beverages are allowed to be carried in or out of the Neosho Riverwalk Park or in the area of the Children's Activities. Please bring cash, and you'll get your beer faster!
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
We'll have security at the festival. A safe ride will be available from the Trail Trolley. You can be picked up at the main gate entrance by the Trail Trolley sign. Please know there will be a wait. Please make good choices and get a safe ride home if you've been drinking. We care about you and aren't responsible for you, so please don't drink and drive.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
While we love living in Kansas....we don't always love the unpredictable Kansas weather. This is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of rain, the area will likely be soggy/muddy. Please dress accordingly. No refunds are given for inclement weather.
WHAT AM I ALLOWED TO BRING WITH ME?
Chairs, umbrellas, cameras, blankets, water (one unopened bottle/person), handicapped motorized vehicles, joy, family, and friends. We also vote that you bring sunscreen!
WHAT DO I NEED TO LEAVE AT HOME?
Bicycles, dogs or other animals (we get it - this bums us out, too), outside alcoholic beverages or food, weapons, tents, drugs, coolers, ATVs or non-handicap motorized vehicles, and bad decisions.
IS SMOKING ALLOWED?
No, smoking is not allowed in any area of the festival grounds. Please help keep our park beautiful.
WHERE DO I PARK?
Parking will be available on Main Street and surrounding neighborhoods. You can also park at the Kaw Mission, the north edge of the Riverwalk on Valley Street, and Council Grove High School. Please be mindful of driveways and people's homes. Please note on the map where the shuttle pick-ups are available. Carts and a trolley will run periodically to and from the parking areas to the festival. A 2023 festival map will be available soon. Please come early and know that there isn't a lot of parking by the park, you will have a walk.
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Handicapped Parking: The only cart rides offered into the festival grounds will be from the park's north side. There will be a handicapped parking lot available at the Berean Baptist Church, 330 Huffaker Street. There will not be cart rides into the festival grounds from the south side of the park, and there will be no cart rides other than those from the handicapped parking area. (Drivers will not be allowed to drive on the road into the park.)
WHY DO YOU HAVE WASHUNGA DAYS?
We want to celebrate Council Grove/Morris County and our past and present culture. The proceeds of the festival provide the Council Grove Area Trade and Tourism Association (CGAT&TA) funding to promote the area, ultimately supporting the community at large.
DOES IT COST TO GO TO THE POWWOW?
No, there is no admission cost for the Powwow. Learn more about the Powwow.
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN THE AREA?
Council Grove is located in the Flint Hills with many things to do, such as shopping, dining, history, recreation, and more! For specific things to do in Council Grove and Morris County, please visit CouncilGrove.com
Upcoming Event Details...
- Multiple DatesSun, Dec 08The Dealership BuildingDec 08, 2024, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PMThe Dealership Building, 318 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USADec 08, 2024, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PMThe Dealership Building, 318 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USAThe 2024 Kaw Mission Councils are a series of lectures and events focused on the rich history of westward expansion and how in affected Anglos, Hispanics, and Native peoples. All programs unless indicated will be held at 2pm on the Santa Fe Trail at the Dealership Building, 318 West Main Street.
- Mon, Dec 09Council Grove Christian ChurchDec 09, 2024, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMCouncil Grove Christian Church, 106 E Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
- Multiple DatesThu, Dec 12Council Grove Senior CenterDec 12, 2024, 12:45 PM – 2:45 PMCouncil Grove Senior Center, 227 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
- Multiple DatesSat, Dec 14Council Grove, KansasDec 14, 2024, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMCouncil Grove, Kansas, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
- Tue, Dec 31The Dealership BuildingDec 31, 2024, 8:00 PMThe Dealership Building, 318 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
- Fri, Jun 20Neosho Riverwalk AmphitheaterJun 20, 2025, 12:00 AM – Jun 21, 2025, 11:50 PMNeosho Riverwalk Amphitheater, 14 E Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA