Celebration Kickoff

January 28 | 4 p.m. | Boot Hill Museum, Long Branch Saloon

Smack dab in between Wyatt Earp Day (Jan. 27) and Kansas Day (Jan. 29) we could think of no better time to kickoff Dodge City’s 150th Anniversary Celebration than Friday, Jan. 28. Join us beginning at 4 p.m. in the Long Branch Saloon at the Boot Hill Museum for a fun meet and greet, cookies, and even an appearance by Miss Kitty. Learn more about the celebration and how you can be a part of Dodge City history.

The West Is Just The Beginning Art Contest Show & Reception

April 29 | Carnegie Center for the Arts

Young artists throughout our community submitted pieces taking on a journey through "their" Dodge City and showcasing their talents in the realms of visual, literary, and performance arts. Their artwork will be on display throughout April, with the official show, reception, and prize awards on April 29 at the Carnegie Center for the Arts during Final Friday.

Concert in Wright Park

June 17 | 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Wright Park

Founder's Weekend kicks off Friday night, with a free Concert in Wright Park featuring Aether, Esper Winds, Ghost Town Strays, Lane Haas Band, Thunderbird Hotel, and more. Buy some grub from one of the food trucks and enjoy a beer* or cocktail* provided by Eclectic Bistro.

*cash only, ID required

Whiskey Run

June 18 | 6:30 a.m.

Founder's Weekend continues Saturday morning with the Whiskey Run, a 5-mile of run past some of Dodge City's most historical sites. Day of event registration begins at 6:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m.

Learn more and preregister at www.dodgecity150.com/events/whiskey-run

Hoover Day

June 18 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

More Founder's Weekend fun to be had when we celebrate Hoover Day with free admission to the Boot Hill Museum, where you’ll enjoy an ice cream social, a special exhibit ribbon-cutting hosted by the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce, a performance by the Dodge City Cowboy Band, and more.

Bat Masterson Statue Dedication

June 19 | 2:00 p.m.

On Sunday Founder's Weekend continues when the Ford County Historical Society celebrates and unveils the Bat Masterson Statue at the Mueller-Schmidt House Museum.

Old Fashioned 4th of July

July 4 | 10:00 p.m. | Boot Hill Casino and Resort

Celebrate Independence Day with family fun and entertainment at the Boot Hill Museum. Activities include can-can lessons, deputizings, medicine show, special gunfight - "The Shooting of Ed Masterson," an ice cream social, and special performance by the Dodge City Cowboy Band.

At 10 p.m. watch western Kansas's largest firework display from the United Wireless Arena.

Whisker Roundup

July 23 | 2:00 p.m. | Depot Theater

Join us at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 at the Depot Theater in Dodge City as we celebrate National Day of the Cowboy with the first Whisker Roundup, sponsored by the Rusty Edge Tonsorial Parlor. Contestants will flaunt their pruned, shaped, and waxed upper lipholstery in an intense mustache showdown to be named Dodge City's Mr. Mustache and have their dental drapes immortalized on the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau's 2022/2023 Mustache Fan.

A performance of the Boot Hill Museum Medicine Show will precede the competition. Warm peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream will be served during the event. Seating is limited and is first come first serve. Contests can register at https://forms.gle/Cc9f5aU9wWXhciM87

Dodge City Days

July 28 - August 7

The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce joins us in celebrating Dodge City's 150th Anniversary by making it the theme of this year's Dodge City Days. This 10-day, world-class community festival to honor and celebrate our western heritage has been running for more than 70 years. The second-largest community festival in Kansas draws approximately one-hundred thousand visitors to Dodge City every year. Annual events include the Western Parade, Longhorn Cattle Drive, KidFest, PRCA Rodeo, and more.

Ham Bell's Pioneer Picnic

September 10| 6 p.m. | Wright Park

Be there for the the return of Ham Bell's Pioneer Picnic on September 10 at 6 p.m. in Wright Park. Enjoy live local entertainment, games and activities, and a free chicken dinner for up to 500 people (first come, first serve).

Dodge City Lyceum: Knowing the Story of Our Own Place

March 31 | Carnegie Center for the Arts

Join Lead for America at the Carnegie Center for the Arts on March 31 at 7 p.m. for this Lyceum that will be a community conversation on the question "Do We Know Where We Come From? A Conversation on Local History and Why We Should Care." Kent Stehlik, President of Ford County Historical Society will begin the evening speaking on the topic, followed by breakout discussion groups to dive deeper into the topic. This event is presented in partnership with the Dodge City's 150th Anniversary committee.

Dodge City Cowboy Band Chalkley M. Beeson Birthday Concert

April 24 | Maple Grove Cemetery

Enjoy this mini-concert in honor of one of Dodge City's founders Chalkley Beeson on April 24 at 7 p.m. in the Maple Grove Cemetery. A select group of band members from the Dodge City Cowboy Band will perform at Mr. Beeson's final resting place and celebrate his 174th birthday. Mark your calendars!

Jam Session

June 18 | 7:00 p.m. | Carnegie Center for the Arts

Enjoy an evening of impromptu performances by a group of jazz musicians at the Carnegie Center for the Arts. Open to all guitarists, banjo players, drummers, spoon players, and anyone else with a musical inclination. $5 at the door for spectators, snacks and drinks available with donation.

Denim & Diamonds - Gala & Auction

October 29 | 5:30 p.m. | Dodge City Community College

Enjoy an evening of fun, food, and scholarship fundraising during the Dodge City Community College Foundation's Denim & Diamonds - Gala & Auction on Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Dodge City Community College. Meal provided by Cargill and Prime on the Nine. Drinks provided by the DC3 Foundation, Boot Hill Distillery, and friends of the Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at www.charityauction.bid/dc3auction.

Parade of Lights & Chili Cook Off

November 28 | 4 p.m. | Boot Hill Museum & Dodge City Visitor Information Center

Don't miss the annual Parade of Lights and Chili Cook-Off, returning on Monday, November 28. Festivities will begin at the Boot Hill Museum at 4:00 p.m. with the Chili Cook-Off Public Sampling. With the Chili Contest Awards at 4:30 p.m. Christmas fun including free hot chocolate and Santa's house begins at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m. join the Dodge City 150th Photo op and then enjoy the Q97 Snowball Drop. Then at 5:30 p.m., join us at the Visitor Information Center for the Mayor's Tree Ceremony events. The evening concludes with the Parade of Lights beginning at 6:00 p.m.