Music that moves you

Music as diverse as the region provides a backdrop for many of the events and activities within Miami County.

Rooted in traditional country music, Tumbleweed has a global audience attracting international fans May 30 through June 1 to the Wildwood Outdoor Education Center.

While attendees can come and go, the vast majority will camp onsite for this festival. Headliners for 2019 include the groups Alabama, Blackberry Smoke, The Marshall Tucker Band and Whiskey Myers. Previous performers have included Cody Jinks, Jamey Johnson and Cody Johnson. The full lineup will be released in early 2019.

Attendees can enjoy local food trucks while listening to national and local artists on two stages. Individuals and families can take part in outdoor fun including hot air balloon, boat and helicopter rides, archery, hiking and craft vendors.

Paola’s historic Park Square is home to a free summer concert series. Local and regional bands offer a variety of music including soul, folk, blues and country on Saturdays from 7-9 p.m., June through August.

Lights on the Lake in Osawatomie includes family activities and a parade, culminating in a free evening of music and fireworks June 29 at Osawatomie City Lake. Previous performers include Travis Martin. All events, including the concert, are free.

Louisburg’s Freedom Fest is each July 4 at Lewis-Young Park. Located just northwest of the city, you’ll find music, giveaways, food, games and booths set up by local businesses and churches. Leading up to the grand fireworks display, the Duke Mason Band will wow the crowd with everything from rock ‘n’ roll to country and gospel music.

Scheduled for Aug. 23-24, this year’s Roots Festival will mark 30 years of Paola’s biggest musical event. More than 6,000 people watch a dozen bands perform live. Previous acts include Jaime Wyatt, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The John Brown Boys, Walter Trout, Samantha Fish, Muddy Magnolias and Hamilton Loomis. You’ll also be able to find cultural dancing, craft and food vendors, and up to 65 teams competing in the annual East Central Kansas State BBQ Championship Cook-off. Kids 10 and under attend free.

Dancefestopia is a four-day, electronic dance music festival at Wildwood that features some of the most famous DJs in the world. From Sept. 5-8, more than 50,000 people take in the music on various stages with fireworks and pyrotechnics. A majority of attendees camp onsite. Vendors offer food and crafts from across the country and large, interactive art installations. They also offer helicopter rides, canoe trips, fishing, a zip line, and dance and yoga classes.

Spring Hill’s Fall Festival kicks off the fall season Sept. 27-29, with activities taking place throughout the community. Food vendors, games and booths are set up by local businesses and churches.

Evening activities feature local performers with a street dance Saturday night in the historic downtown.

Roots Festival

Lights on the Lake