Hays, Kansas
Upcoming Events in Hays Kansas
Monthly
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January
| 7 |
A Taste of Hays
- Celebrate life with the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home and "A Taste of Hays". This is a fundraiser that helps support the mission and operations of the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home and provides local restaurants the opportunity to promote their new or signature dishes. 250 tickets will be sold at $100 a ticket, which allows 2 people to attend. Numerous local restaurants will be participating and will be bringing their signature dishes. The event is come and go between 4-6:30 pm. Come for the food, but stay to visit with friends and acquaintances. The ticket also enters you into a raffle for the different prizes that have been donated. For tickets please call (785)625-6800. Address: 204 West 7th , Hays, Kansas |
| 14 | 
Soup-R-Bowl Food Festival
- Annual Soup-R-Bowl Food Festival. Sample over a dozen great soups prepared by local celebrity chefs. Your $5 ticket lets you vote for what you think is the best tasting soup to help your favorite chef win the title of "Best Cook" and "Most Delicious Soup" recipe. Annual fundraiser for the Humane Society of the High Plains. 11 am to 1 pm. A raffle for a quilt and local artwork will be held. Directions - Exit 157 off interstate 70, south 1/4 mile to Fairground road, west 1/2 mile to Ellis County Fairgrounds. Restrooms Yes Food and Drink Vendors Yes Address: Ellis County Fairgrounds , Hays, Kansas |
February
| 3 | 
St. Catherine Church German Mardi Gras
- German style celebration right before Lent gets started. A German style Mardi Gras that serves as a fundraiser for the church. This unique celebration blends the traditional Ellis County German style festival, polka dancing, food and raffle with the New Orleans flair of gold and green decorations, costumes, beads, masks and streamers. Social Hour from 5-6 pm, Dinner 6-7 pm, Dance 7-11 pm. Call 785-650-1746 for more information. Address: Ellis County Fairgrounds - 1343 Fairground Rd , Hays, Kansas |
| 4 | 
Fasenacht
- Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Fasenacht Celebrate the German version of Mardi Gras and enjoy the traditional “Feast before the Fast”. Annual gathering and meeting held prior to Ash Wednesday. Social hour, refreshments, food, music and a special program. 11:30 am-3 pm. Address: Munjor Parish Hall , Hays, Kansas |
| 10 | 
Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever Banquet
- The evening includes a social, games, raffles and a great meal. All money raised says with the local Chapter to help improve local habitat and sponsor youth sportsman events. The banquet is held at the Ellis County Fairgrounds from 5 pm to 11 pm. Call 785-628-1415 for more information. Address: Hays Sportsman Club, 1678 230 Ave , Hays, Kansas |
March
| 18 | 
St. Francis of Assisi Annual Parish Supper
- This is a traditional Ellis County style of German roast beef dinner that also includes stewed chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, rolls, dessert and drink. Raffle & Country Store. 4-7 pm. 785-625-5314 Address: Munjor Grade School, Munjor, KS , Hays, Kansas |
| 2 - 3 | 
Home & Garden Show
- Annual show featuring lots of gardening ideas and home improvement products. Come and enjoy the Hays Daily News Home & Garden Show during the spring when the weather is beginning to turn in the gardener's favor. This show features commercial and non-profit booths that showcase businesses, products or services. This event is a great place to come and get ideas for your lawn & garden and meet representatives to improve your knowledge about gardening as well as home improvement. The show will be held on Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday Noon to 6 pm. Address: The Mall - 2918 Vine , Hays, Kansas |
| 3 | 
The McPherson Pipe Band Performance
- The McPherson Pipe Band, based out of McPherson, Kansas, was established in 1981. Under the direction of Pipe Major Ty Kaufman and Drum Sergeant Chris Bailey, the band promotes Celtic music and arts. Enjoy the Celtic music plus learn about the instruments and heritage of the traditional dress and accessories. This is an enormously popular musical event each year, so come early to get a good seat! 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Address: Hays Public Library, 1205 Main , Hays, Kansas |
April
| 5 - 7 | 
Annual FHSU N.I.R.A. Rodeo
- Fort Hays State University NIRA Rodeo. Exciting intercollegiate rodeo action that typically attracts more than 600 entrants from 26 colleges and universities from Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. This event is approved by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). Address: FHSU Doug Philip Arena , Hays, Kansas Ph: 785-628-4366 Email: cbrumford@fhsu.edu or ashleyjerree@gmail.com Friday – 7 pm Saturday -1 pm and 7 pm Sunday – 1 pm http://www.collegerodeo.com/Rodeos/Event_Schedule.asp#Central%20Plainss.asp?Rodeo=FTHAYS Events include: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, barrel racing, steer wrestling and team roping. The Sunday performance is the 'championship round' and only the top ten in each event compete. Slack performances are held Fri and Sat mornings. The slack performances do not require a ticket, are less 'formal' and are composed of around 300 contestants that are not competing in one of the three main performances. Saturday night is the infamous 'Wild Ride.' Five competitors ride saddle broncs dressed up in any costume that they wish to conjure up. Only requirements are that they must have clothes on and no fireworks. Otherwise anything is free game. There have had brides dresses, harley riders, thong clad 'cowboys,' and female impersonators. Contact Coach Bronc Rumford or Assistant Coach Ross Russell if you have any questions. 785-628-4689 Address: FHSU Doug Philip Arena, Golf Course Rd. , Hays, Kansas |
| 6 | 
Easter Egg Scramble
- Bring the kids to the center court at the Mall on Saturday at 10 am for the Easter Eggs Hunt. Lots of prizes with 4 age groups. Address: The Hays Mall - 2918 Vine , Hays, Kansas |
| 6 | 
Family Fun Fest
- Family Fun Fest is a special day for families to come out and have fun with children’s activities, games and educational programs that provide information for parents to help celebrate the week of the young child. Children ages 6 months to age 12 years will enjoy playing and participating in the various activities scheduled throughout the afternoon. Free Admission!!1-4 pm at the Mall in Hays This event is sponsored by the Hays Interagency Coordinating Council’s Education Committee. Contact Person: Michelle Dannels mdannels@usd489.com HICC Education Committee Chair (785) 623-2440 or (785) 623-2630 2300 E 13th Hays Ks 67601 Address: The Hays Mall - 2918 Vine , Hays, Kansas |
| 6 | 
Annual Hays High Plains Barbershop Show
- The Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus will present its 2015 Show at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Art Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University. 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM.Headlining the show will be Masterpiece - the 2013 International champions and Brovertones - the 2013 Collegiate championship quartet. Also joining the Chorus will be Full Chord Press, an all-boys chorus from the Hays area. Proceeds from the show are used to promote community singing and to stimulate singing by youth in the area. The Chorus routinely sings for community events, conventions, and health-care facilities. Men of all ages are encouraged to attend weekly rehearsals on Thursday at 7:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Address: Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, 600 Park St. , Hays, Kansas |
| 12 | 
Spring Gallery Walk
- Spring Gallery Walk and the Opening of the Annual Smoky Hill Art ExhibitionThe Hays Arts Council’s annual Spring Gallery Walk is from 6:30 -9:30. The Gallery Walk will feature exhibitions by various artists in a number of downtown Hays locations as well as FHSU. The Hays Arts Council will feature the works selected as part of the Annual Smoky Hill Art Competition and Exhibition. The Smoky Hill Art Exhibition is the states longest running juried, fine art competition. It’s open to all artists presently living in Kansas. Each year a new juror is selected to judge hundreds of submissions to determine the artwork featured in the final exhibition. The Smoky Hill exhibition runs from the end of April to June. All ages are welcome at this event. Free Admission! The Hays Arts Center hours are: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm Location 112 E 11th Hays Arts Center Gallery Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 625-7522 Address: Downtown Hays , Hays, Kansas |
| 13 | 
Home Based Business Fair
- The Mall in Hays, KS presents a Home Based Business Fair from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Shop at The Mall and visit the many vendor booths displaying crafts and home business products. Address: The Hays Mall - 2918 Vine , Hays, Kansas |
| 14 | 
Fidelisfest
- Fidelisfest in Victoria, Kansas, is a community celebration at the St. Fidelis Church fundraiser! The morning begins with visits to the local cemeteries, followed by Mass at St. Fidelis Church. After Mass, the festivities begin with a German wedding style dinner served until 2 pm. The Country Store features homemade baked items and a gift shop includes religious articles, rosaries, notecards, and many other items. Throughout the day are free kid's games, musical entertainment, a beer garden, hamburger and braut stand, a drawing with BIG CASH prizes and an auction of 200-300 new items donated by businesses and parishioners. Proceeds are used to maintain the church, which is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas.Address: Basilica of St. Fidelis - 900 Cathedral Ave - Victoria , Hays, Kansas |
| 14 |
Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Spring Meeting
- Find out about your Volga German heritage in songs, foods and genealogy. The chapter library is open during the meeting. Meeting begins at 1 pm with a program to follow. 11:30 am-3 pm. Address: Munjor Parish Hall, Munjor, KS , Hays, Kansas |
May
| 20 | 
Annual Children's Rope 'Em Ride Bike-A-Thon
- This one-day energetic extravaganza features a 5 mile to 100 mile bicycle ride. Serious and recreational cyclists come from across the state to participate. All proceeds from the event directly benefit children and families served through HACC. Along the bicycle route are numerous “SAG” stops (rest stops supplying food and water). Cyclists are served lunch, as well as breakfast and dinner (included with registration fee). A t-shirt is also provided with your registration and riders may also spend the night at Hays Area Children's Center. Anyone can participate; walk-in registrations are accepted.Facebook- Hays Area Children's Center Address: Hays Area Children's Center, 94 Lewis Drive , Hays, Kansas |
June
| 26 | 
A Day on the Ranch - The World of Miniature Horses
- The Wonderful World of Miniature Show Horses. Spend a day on the ranch and see the miniature horses.A special day set up for visitors to come to the Blue Sky Miniature Horse Farm and see the Wonderful World of the Miniature Horse. Come see the horse farm and see the Class A miniature horses, which are the smallest of the miniature horse breed. Take a tour of the stable and see the ribbon and trophy room, learn how the horses are trained by using the lounging pen and obstacle course. View demonstrations and and take a cart or surrey ride given by the miniature horses. See and hear about the miniatures horses from foal to adulthood, about their care, diet, training and registration. Normally the Blue Sky Miniature Horse Farm is open by appointment only, but on this special day, no reservations are necessary and tours are scheduled to start at 1 and 3 pm. Admission fee. Free Parking. Call 785-625-6725 for directions to the farm Address: Call for directions to the farm , Hays, Kansas |
| 1 | 
Great Planes on the Great Plains Hays Fly-In
- Bring the family and enjoy the Annual Hays Regional Airport Fly-In. This fun filled day will include helicopter rides, airplane and helicopter static displays, fire safety demonstrations/information, remote control planes, military aircraft displays, model rockets, Ident-a-kid through the Hays Police Department and Seat Belt Convincer through the Kansas Highway Patrol. There will be a free breakfast to all participating pilots and a breakfast and lunch will be available for the public to purchase. 8 am to 12 noon.Address: Hays Airport, 3950 E. 8th , Hays, Kansas |
| 7 | 
Summer Art Walk
- Join us for the Hays Arts Council’s annual Summer Art Walk 6:30 -9:00 on a Friday evening. The Gallery Walk will feature exhibitions by various artists in a number of downtown Hays locations as well as on the campus of Fort Hays State University. The Hays Arts Council features the works of local or regional artists for the Summer Gallery Walk. Exhibition will run through August. Free to the public.Hays Arts Center Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm Address: Downtown Hays , Hays, Kansas |
| 27 - 1 | 
Wild West Festival
- Come and see one of the largest fireworks extravaganzas in the state. There will be top name country and rock 'n roll concerts, children's activity center, and the Heart of America carnival. Also planned for the Wild West Festival: parade, tribute to veterans, carnival, family activities, sporting events, fishing/casting contest, petting zoo, baseball tournament, karaoke contest and city wide promotions.The Wild West Festival Committee and staff would like to invite you and your families to come down and enjoy 5 days of fun-filled excitement annually in July. Address: Municipal Park, South Main , Hays, Kansas |
July
| 4 |
4th of July Band Concert
- Join us for an old-fashioned Independence celebration with patriotic music played by the Hays City Summer Band. Please bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. 7-8 p.m. Call 785-625-6812 for more information. Wild West Festival Fireworks Spectacular in South Hays at 10 pm. Address: Historic Fort Hays - 1472 Hwy 183 Alt , Hays, Kansas |
| 5 - 7 | 
Blues, BBQ and Bargains Weekend
- Enjoy Blues music and great tasting BBQ while you shop downtown Hays and at The Mall. This is the annual sidewalk sale weekend in Hays with vendors set up offering specials and merchants displaying their bargains. You will find great deals at The Mall and downtown on sporting goods, furniture, home decor accessories, cosmetics jewelry, shoes, clothing Christmas items, hand bags, quilting supplies crafts, scrapbooking supplies and more. Live Blues music and local merchants serving BBQ sandwiches and meals.This Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned Cook-off brings world-class tasting barbeque to Hays as championship barbeque teams from throughout the Midwest descend on the downtown Chestnut Street District for prizes, cash and fame. A car show and cruise night is Friday night with live music at the Municipal Park and a Beer Garden. Food vendors are set Friday evening and the BBQ contestants register and start their grills for the big competition on Saturday. The Hays Mall features live blues bands on Saturday afternoon with BBQ food vendors and sidewalk sales. More information is available at the Hays Welcome Center - 2700 Vine - Hays, KS 67601 785-628-8201 www.haysusa.net Ph: 785-621-4171 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 13 - 20 | 
Ellis County Fair
- The Ellis County Fair is a celebration for 4-H members and other youth and adults to show off their creative skills, hard work and other endeavors to the community. These exhibits include visual arts, quilting, gardening, baking, photography and large animals such as steers, sheep, swine and horses and small animals such as rabbits, poultry, cats and dogs.The entertainment side of the fair includes races, mutton busting, rodeos, concerts and a demolition derby. We also offer free entertainment on the midway, free nightly concerts by local bands, karaoke contests, balloon artists and a Safety Fair. A variety of indoor exhibits and commercial vendors are set up in the air-conditioned buildings. The enlargement of the building facilities now provides one of the largest indoor air conditioned facilities in Northwest Kansas. The Ellis County Fairgrounds are open year round and used for a variety of activities. www.facebook.com/Ellis-County-Fair-317334115184/ Address: Ellis County Fairgrounds - West Fairground Rd , Hays, Kansas |
| 13 |
Lion's Club Demolition Derby
- Join us for the annual Demolition Derby fund raiser for the Hays Lions Club. Profits are used to support community organizations with an emphasis on sight and youth projects. 7:00 pm. during the Ellis County Fair. Address: Amphitheater - Ellis County Fairgrounds , Hays, Kansas |
| 19 - 22 | 
Wild Bill Hickok in Hays City
- You will find Wild Bill and Miss Agnes (Dave Wood & Dena Drummond) in person visiting in the Saloon at the Ellis County Historical Society Museum during Wild West Fest. Dust off your cowboy boots and mosey on over to the Saloon at the Ellis County Historical Society Museum, Historic downtown Hays. He will teach you how to play a cowboy card game. Bring your camera. JOIN IN ALL THE FUN! Regular Museum hours are 10am-5pm, Tuesday - Saturday and 1pm-6pm on Sunday. Address: Ellis County Historical Society Museum, 100 West 7th Street , Hays, Kansas |
August
| 2 - 3 | 
Herzogfest
- Celebrate the German heritage of this Volga German community with polka music, concerts, parade, car show, talent show, free swimming, food booths, kids pedal pull and fireworks show. Event features free entertainment on Friday and Saturday night with national recording artists and local bands. Saturday includes a 5K Run/Walk, parade, traditional German Welcome, horseshoe tournament, bingo, pinochle, beer and food booths, polka music, German singers, talent show and fireworks. Various vendors will be set up and food booths will have a variety of local favorites including dumplings, brauts, beirocks, galushkies and green bean dumpling soup. Saturday afternoon Polka Mass at 4 pm is a traditional Catholic service with polka music and German singers. FREE - All are invited to attend. Address: Honey Braun Park -Victoria, KS , Hays, Kansas |
| 3 | 
Youth Outdoor Festival
- Day of supervised target shooting for youth ages 17 and under. 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.The Youth Outdoor Festival is a community event held at the Hays City Sportsman’s Club the 3rd Saturday in August. The event is FREE and conducted by volunteers in an effort to introduce youth to the outdoors and the world of shooting sports. Expert mentors are on hand to assist with the safe and proper handling of shotguns, small bore rifles, muzzleloaders, air rifles, BB guns and archery equipment. Hunter Ed. Certification is NOT required to attend and this is a FREE event to all youth ages 17 and under. Registration is completed the day of the event and adults must accompany youth shooters. Other activities include simulated target shooting, paintball target shooting and Casting for Kids. The event is established through the combined efforts from many local conservation groups and area businesses. The Hays City Sportsman’s Club is located ¼ mile north of I-70 at exit 157. The Wildlife and Parks office phone number is 785-726-3212. Address: Hays City Sportsman’s Club, 5810 230 Ave , Hays, Kansas |
| 16 | 
Fall Gallery Walk
- The Annual Fall Gallery Walk will feature exhibitions by various artists in a number of downtown and area Hays locations. Come see the local as well as regional talent display their art. A variety of visual and performing arts are demonstrated throughout the community. From paintings and photography to live shows and music, the Hays Arts Council’s Art Walk will be sure to entertain everyone who comes for the event. 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM.All ages are welcome. Address: Various locations in Downtown Hays , Hays, Kansas |
September
| 1 | 
German Feast
- Enjoy a traditional Ellis County style German meal while you listen to old time German music including polkas and waltzes. German buffet includes green bean dumpling soup, sauerkraut soup, German sausage, ham and beans, noodles, homemade bread, pies, kuchen and other desserts. Handmade items, raffle and prizes. 4-7 pm Address: St. Anthony Community Center – 209 Front St., Schoenchen, Kansas , Hays, Kansas |
| 13 - 14 | 
Thunder on the Plains Car, Truck & Cycle Show
- Meet us at 27th & Vine on Friday for a cruise to Municipal Park where we will have food, fun and dancing.Saturday, bring your ride out to the car show and enjoy a day mingling with old friends and making new ones. An auction of really cool stuff will start at 1:00 and awards are PROMPTLY at 3:00. 35 Awards including Best of Show Car / Truck wins $500 and Best of Show Motorcycle wins $200 Thunder on the Plains takes great pride in our car show but we are also really proud of the fact that we have raised over $54,000 for local charities. That would not be possible with out our wonderful sponsors and great people like you who come to our show. We invite you to also join us every second Saturday of the month, now through August for Coffee and Cars, 8 am, in the parking lot in front of Starbucks at Big Creek Crossing. We also have a Cruise Night/Poker run the last Friday of every month, 6pm, now through August. Follow us on Facebook or check out our website, http://www.thunderontheplainsks.com for details. Register before September 1st and get a free t-shirt. Plan to stay around after the car show and enjoy the classic car auction that Nations Auction will be holding. You never know, you might find the car of your dreams or maybe you have one to sell. Contact Nations Auctions for further details. http://www.nationsauction.com Address: 700 W 48th St , Hays, Kansas |
| 28 | 
Annual Carrico Old Iron Classic Antique Tractor - Machinery Show
- Annual The Carrico Old Iron Classic Antique Tractor - Machinery Show - Annual The Carrico Old Iron Classic Antique Tractor - Machinery Show. Open to all Brands of Antique Farm Machinery Slow Poke Race @ 10 - 00am Hydraulic Drive Class Mechanical Drive Class Eagle Radio Kids Tractor Pedal Pull @ 11 - 00am Tractors only Back to Post Contest @ 1 - 00pm Egg Balance Contest @ 1 - 00pm Parade @ 2 - 30pm Award Ceremony @ 3 - 30 pm SWAP MEET ANTIQUE MACHINERY Reserve Your Booth today To enter contact - Cindy Eichman Carrico Implement 300 W. 48th Street Hays, Kansas 67601 800-658-4640 785-625-2219 ceichman@carricoimplement.com , Hays, 300 West 48th Street, Hays Kansas 67601 Exit 159, N Hwy 183 West on 48th Streer, Cindy Eichman 785-625-2219 or 800-658-4640. Address: Carrico Implement 300 West 48th Street , Hays, Kansas |
October
| 20 | 
Oktoberfest & FHSU Homecoming Weekend
- The Volga German Society Oktoberfest is an annual celebration of the Germans from Russia heritage of Ellis County. It is held at Frontier Park on the Friday before the Fort Hays State University Homecoming. The festival includes various activities and booths that provide food, crafts, refreshments, beer and musical entertainment. The Volga German Society, established in 1974, promotes the heritage of the German immigrants with various events, programs and the annual Oktoberfest. Friday 11 am - 7 pm. Parade on Saturday. http://haysoktoberfest.com Address: Frontier Park on South Main , Hays, Kansas |
| 28 | 
German Meal Banquet
- October 11, 2014 American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Kansas Round-Up of Chapters WCWFG Banquet Hall – 3203 Vine. 8 am to 8 pm. The annual gathering of the Kansas Chapters of the American Historical Society of German from Russia come together for a “mini-convention” in Hays, KS. The day includes speakers, video presentations, music, genealogy programs, banquet, speaker, entertainment and polkas. Registration begins at 8 am with business meeting and programs at 9 am. Contact Kevin Rupp at krupp@ruraltel.net or 785-656-0329 for more information. Address: Munjor, KS , Hays, Kansas |
| 5 - 6 | 
Western Kansas Train Show
- Model trains are a great family hobby and memory builder for the whole family. Whether you're an avid modeler or a collector of trains, there will be thousands of trains to look at and buy. We will have eight different layouts. Layouts from all across Kansas and Nebraska will be set up in both buildings of the fairgrounds. Steam, diesel, Thomas, passenger trains and of course modern freight trains will all be running on the various layouts. Dealers from all across the Midwest will be at the show. They will have many scales of trains, from N, HO, O and G. 74 tables of trains as of this release will be available. The railroad museum in Ellis will be open during the show from 10 am to 4pm Saturday. Join the fun at the fairgrounds. Sat, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun, 11:00am to 4:00pm. Free parking. Visit website for driving directions, vendor information and the application for table reservations. Address: 1344 Fairground Rd., County Fairgrounds , Hays, Kansas |
| 12 | 
Graveside Conversations at Historic Fort Hays
- Guided tour of the Fort Hays cemetery where you will meet some of its inhabitants from the days of Fort Hays. Join us as we explore the Fort Hays cemetery after dark. Volunteers portray "residents" of the cemetery and tell the stories of some of the 175 people who are buried there. Among them are two soldiers killed in a gunfight, a soldier who died of rabies, a woman who died of a mysterious illness, and a civilian who was run over by a horse. An appearance will also be made by local legend Elizabeth Polly, also known as the Blue Light Lady. Tours will be offered at 7:30 and 9:30 pm. Cost of the tour is $3 per adult and $1 per child. Reservations required and must be made by calling 785-625-6812. Fort Hays State Historic Site is located four miles south of I-70 exit 157 at Hays. Address: Fort Hays Historic Site - 1472 Hwy 183 Alt , Hays, Kansas |
| 18 - 20 | 
Downtown Hays Holiday Open House Weekend
- Kick off the FrostFest season in Downtown Hays with the Holiday Open House WeekendGet into the holiday spirit as your local Chestnut Street District merchants showcase holiday decorations, merchandise and gift giving ideas. Stop in and explore all that your favorite merchants have to offer, including food sampling, drawings and giveaways at various locations! Enjoy shopping for bargains throughout Hays because this is the weekend many businesses have their Holiday Open House. Enjoy shopping for bargains throughout Hays because this is the weekend many businesses have a Holiday Open House. http://www.chestnutstreetdistrict.com Ph: 785-621-4171 (Always call and confirm events) |
| 19 | 
Annual Malloween Carnival
- Costume Contest and Mall-O-WeenSign you child up for The Mall’s annual Halloween Costume Contest. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third in three age categories. The costume contest will be held at 11 am and preregistration is required. To register your child, please stop by The Hays Mall Office or call 785-625-3314. Following the costume contest children can stay and have some fun playing games at The Hays Mall's annual Mall-O-Ween! The annual Mall-O-Ween Carnival is a fun indoor Halloween event with non-profit organizations sponsoring children's games and activities. Each game requires one ticket which can be purchased for $1.00. All ticket proceeds benefit the participating non-profit organizations. Games will run from 12-2 pm. For more information, visit our website: www.ShopHaysMall.com Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for all the latest happenings at The Mall. Address: The Mall, 2918 Vine , Hays, Kansas |
| 26 | 
Haunted Boot Hill Cemetery
- The first cemetery for Hays City in 1867 was located on a hill just north of the town about half a mile. Because many of the first people who came to Hays City were either railroad workers or other rough citizens, some of the first burials at the cemetery were rather notorious characters. Horse thieves and other outlaws were buried at this first cemetery which was so named because many of the inhabitants “died with their boots on”. "The Homesteader", a statue by local artist Pete Felten, commemorates the location of the cemetery - which is no longer in use today. This special program sponsored by the Ellis County Historical Society allows you to visit the location of the first Hays City graveyard on Halloween night to learn about the violence and misfortune that claimed its inhabitants. Actors portray those who were buried at Boot Hill and tell the story of their lives and how they died. The program begins at dusk and is free. Address: Corner of 18th & Fort Streets , Hays, Kansas |
November
| 20 | 
Our Lady Help of Christians Fall Feast
- Old fashioned German roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. Home baked cakes, pies, rolls and cookies are served and are also available through the raffle drawing. Craft items, canned goods and handmade holiday gifts available to purchase. 4-7 pm.Address: Our Lady Help of Christians Church - Antonino, KS , Hays, Kansas |
| 26 | 
Lanternfest
- The festival of lanterns is a German tradition that takes place in the evening on or around the Feast Day of St. Martin where parents, families and neighbors gather together for a small, neighborhood parade led by St. Martin and his white horse. The children sing traditional songs in the glow of handmade candle-lit lanterns that symbolized the light St. Martin brought into people’s lives. The Lanternfest is an evening for children to make a lantern, learn the lantern songs and sing them as they walk the downtown streets with lanterns in hand. After making the lanterns and baking the little Weckmänner, the story of St. Martin is told, a shadow puppet show is shown, and the parade of lanterns goes into the streets where participants will sing the newly learned songs. Come enjoy warm baked goodies and beverages as well as a warm glowing atmosphere. Please bring a canned good for donation as well as $5 per family. Email gwyn.kuksi@gmail.com Address: Cottonwood Star Cultural Corner, 807 Main St , Hays, Kansas |
December
| 22 - 23 | 
Annual Christmas Past Celebration at Fort Hays
- Join us for our Christmas open house. Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at the Fort as it would have been decorated in the late 1800’s. Discover how soldiers and civilians who lived at the fort spent their Christmas holiday.In the officers’ quarters, visitors can sample fresh-baked, old fashioned chocolate chunk cookies and the children will receive a bag of goodies from Father Christmas who will be seated next to the large Victorian Christmas tree. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides around the fort grounds and frontiersmen will be serving hot spiced cider to help warm up the wagon riders. Near the blockhouse, soldiers will be making hot fried apples over a campfire. The buildings will be decorated with homemade ornaments, popcorn garland, candles, luminaries, kerosene lanterns and decorations of the 1860’s. Visitors are asked to go to the Visitor Center to begin their tour. Address: Historic Fort Hays, 1472 Hwy 183 Alt , Hays, Kansas |
| 22 - 23 | 
FrostFest
- Enjoy horsedrawn wagon rides, a baking contest, a visit with Santa, vendors, decorating cookies, children's arts & crafts, storytelling and the illuminated holiday parade will take place on Main Street at 6 pm on Saturday. Plus check out the FrostFest activities and specials offered by downtown merchants. Call us for a complete schedule of event - 785-621-4171. Also find the FrostFest Facebook page for lots more information. http://www.chestnutstreetdistrict.com Address: Downtown Hays , Hays, Kansas |
| 30 | 
Christmas Open House
- Special holiday open house held during the Frost Fest community celebration in downtown Hays.Christmas Open House at the Ellis County Historical Society museum. Enjoy the Christmas season at this free event and view the newest museum exhibits in the galleries while listening to live holiday music. The children can make a craft in the Discovery Center, while you are Christmas shopping in the Museum Store. Refreshments will be served and hayrack rides through the downtown area of Hays will be available. 7 p.m-9 p.m. . Address: Ellis County Museum, 100 West 7th , Hays, Kansas |
| 1 |
AHSGR Christmas Potluck Dinner
- Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia Christmas Potluck. Social hour, refreshments, lunch and a special Christmas program. 11:30 am- 3 pm. Membership Renewals are accepted at this meeting for the new year. www.germancapitalofkansas.com Address: Munjor Parish Hall, Munjor, KS , Hays, Kansas |