Looking for a summer getaway that hits all the right notes? Marion, Kansas, is your backstage pass to some of the most unforgettable music festivals. Toe-tapping tunes, scenic views, and good old-fashioned fun await this charming town.
Marion's rich history includes the development of Chingawassa Springs in the late 1800s. A large summer hotel and dance hall operated there from May to October. Visitors came to the resort for relaxation and entertainment. That was then, but Marion continues to shine.
Today, Marion celebrates its love for music through a river festival that unites the community and gets your heels tapping with joy. So grab your calendar, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the harmonious blend of history and melody that awaits you in Marion, Kansas.
Chingawassa Days
Let's talk Kansas-style celebrations in Marion! Looking for a reason to head downtown and have some fun? Chingawassa Days is Marion's biggest bash of the year — live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and a whole lot of good vibes, all packed into one incredible weekend.
This festival takes over the heart of town every summer and brings the whole community together. We're talking big-name bands, hometown charm, and yes, plenty of ice cream.
If you're all about festivals downtown that feel like a celebration and a reunion all rolled into one happy and festive party, this one's for you. Plus your button not only gets you admission but also a free BBQ meal on Friday night!
Symphony in the Flint Hills
Ever listened to an orchestra while a Kansas breeze rolls by and the sky lights up? That’s the magic of Symphony in the Flint Hills — no stage curtains, just prairie and sky.
This live music event started in 2006 and moves to a new spot each summer. It’s all about celebrating the Flint Hills and sharing Kansas prairie culture with the world.
This year’s extra special. The 2025 finale is June 14 at Evans Family Ranch. If music festivals with sunsets and wide-open views are your thing, this one’s a must.
The River Suite
Want something a little more low-key but still seriously memorable? Head over to The River Suite. This outdoor concert takes place on a bridge stretching across the Cottonwood River in nearby Cottonwood Falls, just 45 minutes from the Historic Elgin Hotel.
It's intimate, scenic, and one of those music festivals most travelers don't know about yet. Guests enjoy live jazz or classical music while dining on local fare and watching the river drift by. That makes this event perfect! You might even call it "relaxed elegance." Ready for some music served with a view?
Fun Fact: The event supports the Chase County Chamber of Commerce.
Emma Chase Friday Night Music
Looking for live music events that are laid-back and full of local flavor? We’ve got you. Just a short drive from Marion, this little tradition brings the town together for live music on Fridays.
Locals bring lawn chairs, musicians show up with guitars and fiddles, and the fun flows from there. This weekly jam started in 1999 and quickly became a staple in the Flint Hills scene.
There’s no fancy setup — just music, laughter, and a Kansas sunset doing its thing. You’ll head home full of heart and a story or two.
Other Things to Do in Marion
Start with a signature experience right here at the hotel. Parlour 1886, our on-site restaurant, blends history with flavor and hosts live music once a month. Depending on the night, you might catch a piano or violin performance.
Need a dose of fresh air? Try gravel biking through rolling Kansas backroads. Planning a romantic getaway? Marion has just the right mix of historic charm, quiet streets, and cozy corners. It's a great spot to reconnect, relax, and enjoy a slower pace — no matter the season.
You'll also find local dining spots, unique shops, art galleries, and plenty of friendly faces. Small town? Yes. Boring? Not even close.
Plan Your Perfect Music Festival Getaway in Marion, KS
Music festivals are just the beginning. Marion's packed with unique, out-of-the-ordinary things to do. Ready to turn up the volume on your summer plans? Marion has the charm, live music, and cozy stays to plan your perfect weekend getaway.
Not sure where to start? Check out the Elgin’s travel guide to map your weekend like a pro. Then book your room, grab your playlist, and everything in between, and head to Marion. We'll save you a seat. Maybe even a slice of pie.
Let the music play, the memories roll, and the Kansas getaway begin.
Chingawassa Days and Symphony in the Flint Hills photos used by permission
Photo Credit: © PhotoCPL via canva.com