Downtown Parsons Comes Alive for PK Art Fest This Saturday

Downtown Parsons will be filled with art, music, performances and plenty to do this Saturday, October 3, as PK Art Fest returns from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 20 artists and vendors will be set up throughout downtown, along with pop-up galleries, hands-on activities, live performances, food and opportunities to see local artists at work.

The performances at 18th and Main begin at 10 a.m. with Karma School of Dance, followed by an improv show from LCHS Theatre at 10:30 a.m., Viking Dance & Color Guard at 11 a.m., Melissa Sollner at 11:30 a.m., PHS Dance & Cheer at noon and LCC Cheer at 12:30 p.m. Prizes for the Chalk Walk, photography contest and more will be awarded at 2 p.m. (Parsons Chamber of Commerce)

There will be plenty happening beyond the performance area, too. The Chalk Walk Contest runs from 10 a.m. to noon, free inflatables will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Happy Foods Concessions will be on hand. Visitors can also stop by the Skin Smith pop-up gallery and Bleacher Gear demonstration, check out Ted Watts Sports Art at KLKC, and browse artists and vendors throughout downtown.

Art will also be popping up inside downtown buildings. The Parsons Arts & Humanities Council will present the work of Jim Kutz at the Carnegie Arts Center, while artwork from Parsons High School and Parsons Middle School students will fill a pop-up gallery at 1718 Main. The SEK Photography Contest entries will be displayed at 1720 Main, with winners announced during Art Fest. The deadline to enter the photography contest has been extended to Monday, September 29, giving area photographers one more day to get their entries submitted. The contest is open to Southeast Kansas photographers of all experience levels, with youth, teen, adult and professional divisions.

Those looking for a hands-on art experience can sign up for the 1 p.m. fall painting class with Morgan Strait of Creative Side Art at 210 S. 18th Street. Advanced registration is required, and the $35 registration includes all supplies. 

And don't forget to explore the businesses while you're downtown. The Mustard Seed is celebrating its 35th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will welcome Kansas author Amanda Wen for a book signing from 12:30 to 3 p.m. PK Art Fest is meant to celebrate art in all its forms — from painting and photography to dance, theatre, music, writing and the work of local makers. Come downtown, walk around, shop the artists and businesses, catch a performance, try something creative and see just how much talent there is right here in our community.

PK Art Fest
Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Downtown Parsons

The Parsons Area Chamber of Commerce thanks Platinum Sponsors Great Plains Industrial Park and Labette Health; Gold Sponsors Variety 96.9/KLKC and FOX 106.7 FM KLKC; Silver Sponsor City of Parsons; and Bronze Sponsors Presbyterian Manor, Deep Fission and Tank Connection for helping make this year's Art Fest possible.

See the PK Art Fest event page