Washington County Economic Development

Pony Express Festival
2026-08-29 08:00 - 2026-08-30 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

Holidays in Hanover
2026-12-01 08:00 - 2026-12-31 17:00
Holidays in Hanover — Hanover, Kansas
Holidays in Hanover is a festive seasonal celebration that shines each December in Hanover, Kansas, blending small-town charm with holiday spirit and community togetherness. This event, often dubbed A New Twinkling Tradition, creates a magical atmosphere where lights, music, shopping, and family-friendly activities usher in the holiday season for residents and visitors alike.
The celebration typically unfolds in early December and includes a variety of activities that highlight the charm of Hanover in winter. Downtown streets sparkle with holiday lights and decorations, while local vendors and makers line North Street with booths offering handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and festive treats — perfect for holiday shopping and supporting small businesses.
Families can enjoy children’s crafts, holiday games, Christmas Bingo, and letters to Santa at community hubs like the Knights of Columbus Hall, and don’t miss the chance to meet Santa himself, whose arrival adds that classic holiday excitement. A centerpiece of the evening is the town’s Christmas tree lighting, where neighbors gather around a beautifully decorated tree — often a freshly chosen local cedar — to sing carols and celebrate the season together.
Holidays in Hanover is more than just an event — it’s a heartfelt community tradition that captures the warmth, nostalgia, and joy of the holidays in rural Kansas. Whether you’re browsing festive booths, sipping a warm drink by the lights, or sharing moments with family and friends, this special celebration truly embodies the holiday spirit.
