Washington County Economic Development

Palmer Labor Day
2030-08-30 - 2030-09-01
Palmer Labor Day — Palmer, Kansas
The Palmer Labor Day celebration is a cherished annual community festival held each Labor Day weekend in the small town of Palmer, Kansas. This festive tradition brings together locals and visitors to enjoy a classic small-town holiday filled with activities, fun, and family spirit.
Centered around Labor Day weekend, the event features one of the most competitive co-ed softball tournaments in the region — a highlight that draws players and fans alike. Alongside the athletic action, the weekend includes a variety of activities such as a fishing tournament, gun show, and a parade, making it a fun and engaging experience for all ages.
Food trucks and live music add to the festive atmosphere, giving attendees plenty of chances to relax, socialize, and enjoy great food and entertainment. There’s something for everyone—from competitive events and community gatherings to casual fun and holiday camaraderie.
Whether you’re participating in events or simply enjoying the holiday weekend with friends and family, Palmer Labor Day captures the welcoming, community-oriented spirit of rural Kansas and is a great way to celebrate the end of summer.
Dates: Labor Day Weekend

Pony Express Festival
2030-08-31 08:00 - 2030-09-01 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Pony Express Festival — Hanover, Kansas
The Pony Express Festival is an annual celebration held at the Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site near Hanover, Kansas. This historic festival honors the legendary Pony Express mail riders and the crucial role this region played in the short-lived but iconic mail service of the 1860s. The Hollenberg Station is the only original Pony Express station still standing on its original site and serves as a living testament to frontier history.
Typically held in late August, the festival runs from mid-morning into the afternoon and features a variety of period demonstrations, historical activities, and family-friendly fun that bring the spirit of the Old West to life. Attendees often enjoy a pulled pork lunch, an ice cream stand, and interactive experiences that highlight pioneer life and the riders’ adventurous mail delivery routes.
A central part of the celebration is the mochila exchange, symbolizing the transfer of mail bags much like the original Pony Express riders did as they raced across the frontier. The event fosters appreciation for the courage and endurance of those early riders while offering educational insights into this unique chapter of American history.
Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for a fall outing, or simply curious about Kansas’s frontier heritage, the Pony Express Festival provides a memorable glimpse into the past in the heart of historic Hanover.
Dates: Last Weekend in August

Washington Fall Fest
2030-09-15 | Washington County, 214 C St, Washington, KS, 66968, United States
Washington Fall Fest — Washington, Kansas
Washington Fall Fest is a lively fall community celebration held each September in Washington, Kansas. This seasonal event brings together families, car enthusiasts, and community members for a day of autumn fun, classic cars, friendly activities, and small-town charm.
One of the centerpiece attractions is the Fall Fest Car & Truck Show, where vintage and modern vehicles line the streets around downtown Washington for visitors to admire. Participants can register their cars, enjoy friendly competition across multiple classes, and take part in fun prize drawings.
Beyond the car show, the festival offers food vendors, kid-friendly activities like inflatables and games, raffles, and other fall-themed fun. With something for all ages, Fall Fest captures the seasonal spirit and brings the community together for a memorable day celebrating autumn in northeast Kansas.

Highway 36 Treasure Hunt
2030-09-20 - 2030-09-22
Highway 36 Garage Sales / Treasure Hunt — Kansas
The Highway 36 Garage Sales, also known as the Highway 36 Treasure Hunt, is a popular annual fall event that turns U.S. Highway 36 into one of the biggest roadside shopping experiences in Kansas. Held every third weekend in September, this unique treasure hunt stretches over 400 miles across northern Kansas, linking dozens of towns from Elwood to St. Francis in a massive series of antique, estate, and garage sales.
Over the course of a weekend—typically Thursday through Saturday—shoppers and bargain hunters follow maps published for participating communities to find sales filled with antiques, collectibles, household goods, vintage items, tools, décor, and other hidden gems. Maps and Google-mapped sale locations are made available starting Mid – September, helping visitors plan their route and discover treasures from small towns along the highway.
Beyond the thrill of the hunt, the event also showcases the charm of Kansas’s rural communities. Each participating town joins in the fun, providing visitors with opportunities to explore local shops, historic sites, eateries, and community personalities along the scenic U.S.-36 corridor.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a weekend browser, or a road-trip enthusiast, the Highway 36 Garage Sales offer a memorable autumn adventure through the heart of small-town Kansas.

Palmark Christmas
2030-12-01
Palmark Christmas — Palmer, Kansas
Palmark Christmas is a festive annual holiday celebration held each December in Palmer, Kansas, that brings downtown to life with seasonal cheer and community spirit. Hosted by the Palmer Booster Club, this event is designed to capture that Hallmark-style Christmas magic — with activities and traditions the whole family can enjoy.
Throughout the day, downtown Palmer becomes a cozy holiday destination, featuring a visit from Santa Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, professional photos with Santa, and a hot cocoa bar to warm up holiday shoppers and families. Local businesses and volunteers often host additional activities, including children’s fun at the Palmer Café and a soup supper that adds to the community feel of the day.
A highlight of Palmark Christmas is the grand lighting countdown, which kicks off as twilight falls, and the festive town decorations shine bright. During the event, residents participate in a Christmas Lighting Contest, where judges tour local displays and award prizes for the best home light shows — along with a community-voted People’s Choice Award.
Whether you’re finding gifts, enjoying holiday treats, taking carriage rides, or meeting Santa, Palmark Christmas offers a warm and welcoming way to celebrate the season and make memories with family and neighbors right in the heart of Palmer.

Santas Gifts & Goodies
2030-12-07
Santa’s Gifts & Goodies — Washington, Kansas
Santa’s Gifts & Goodies is a festive, all-ages holiday event held each first Saturday in December in Washington, Kansas. This seasonal celebration offers a wonderful way for families and friends to enjoy the magic of the holidays while supporting local businesses and community spirit.
Throughout the day, the streets and venues of Washington are filled with craft vendors, local businesses hosting open houses, and unique holiday shopping opportunities — perfect for finding special gifts and goodies for everyone on your list. Adventurers can “weave through Washington” visiting multiple locations that showcase handmade items, holiday treats, and creative crafts.
No holiday celebration in Washington would be complete without a stop for a Lions Club pancake feed, a beloved tradition that draws locals together over delicious breakfast favorites. Later in the afternoon, Santa Claus makes a cheerful appearance, greeting families and adding extra holiday magic to the festivities.
Whether you’re checking items off your Christmas list, enjoying seasonal food and treats, or just soaking up the warm community atmosphere, Santa’s Gifts & Goodies is a cherished way to kick off the holiday season in Washington.
