Neewollah is the largest annual festival in Kansas. The city of Independence will grow from a town of around 8,500 inhabitants to 75,000 in the final days of the now 9-day celebration.

Schedule of Events

October 20, 2023

7:00 PM - Musical: Beauty and the Beast at Memorial Hall

October 21, 2023

8:30 AM: 5K/10K Run at Riverside Park Oval
A Fun Run/Walk and a USA Track & Field Certified 5K and 10K Run. Starts in the park to kick off the first weekend of Neewollah.

10:00 AM: Start Fun Run at Riverside Park Oval
A Fun Run/Walk and a USA Track & Field Certified 5K and 10K Run. Starts in the park to kick off the first weekend of Neewollah.

11:30 AM: BBQ & Dessert Cook-Off at Riverside Park Oval

12:00 PM: Medallion Hunt Kick-off at Riverside Park Oval
The Medallion Hunt is an event that captures the entire town come Neewollah time. Clues are released each day, and the hunt begins. Participants search scenic Independence for the infamous Medallion. The Medallion, when turned in, is worth $250 without a

7:00 PM: Musical: Beauty and the Beast at Memorial Hall

October 22, 2023

2:00 PM: Musical: Beauty and the Beast at Memorial Hall

October 23, 2023

7:00 PM: Queen Neelah Talent Competition at Memorial Hall
The Queen Neelah Talent Night is a fun filled evening where the public meets the contestants for the first time as they showcase their talent on stage.

October 24, 2023

7:00 PM: Queen Neelah Coronation at Memorial Hall
The Queen Neelah Pageant is a pageant of beauty, poise, and grace, in which more than twenty high school Seniors from the area compete to reign over Neewollah as Queen Neelah.

October 25, 2023

11:00 AM: Food stands Open at Downtown Independence
Each year the Food Vendors committee starts early contacting interested parties to insure Neewollah goers find a great mix of good food as they enjoy downtown Independence. Concession Stands are open Wednesday through Saturday.

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Carnival Opens at Downtown Independence
The Neewollah Carnival is brought to you by WEEE Entertainment. One of the favorites in the Neewollah tradition, the carnival is a plethora of glittering lights and delighted screams. The Carnival is fun for the whole family.

October 26, 2023

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Carnival Opens at Downtown Independence

6:00 PM - Doo Dah Parade at Downtown Independence
The adults get to live it up in the Neewollah DooDah Parade. They harken back to their younger years, dressing up in some of the most creative costumes out there.

October 27, 2023

3:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Carnival Opens at Downtown Independence

4:00 PM: Kiddie Parade at Downtown Independence
The Kiddie parade goes back to 1959. Most elementary school students dress up in their finest Halloween costumes.

October 28, 2023

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Arts and Crafts Show at Downtown Independence
The Arts & Crafts show has been a main stay of the Neewollah festival. Over the years bringing in high quality hand crafted items has been a priority. This is a great time to shop for Christmas.

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM: Carnival Opens at Downtown Independence

11:00 AM: Neewollah Grand Parade at Downtown Independence
Each year the Grand Parade draws thousands to Independence. Marching bands and floats make parade day a real joy.

1:30 PM: Marching Band Competition at Shulthis Stadium
The Neewollah Marching Festival is one of the longest running festivals in the state or area. In accordance with regulations approved by KSHSAA, we are able to offer to any band that wishes to compete for top honors, the opportunity to compete.

7:30 PM: Oak Ridge Boys at Memorial Hall

Date: October 20-28, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Independence, KS 67301.

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