Advance general admission tickets for the 2026 Hays Wild West Festival are now available for purchase, offering area residents an opportunity to secure their entry to the July 1-4 event at a discounted rate.
From now until June 30, a limited quantity of advance tickets can be purchased for $35 at all Cerv’s and Dillons locations in Hays and online, exclusively at WildWestFestival.com.
“We are thrilled to bring another incredible year of entertainment and community celebration to Hays,” said Wild West Festival Committee president Julie Edgeman. “Offering these advance ticket prices is our way of ensuring the festival remains accessible and enjoyable for all of our local residents as we gear up for an unforgettable holiday weekend.”
In addition to advance general admission, three-night VIP access passes are available for $300.
VIP tickets include access to a reserved stage-front seating area, catered meals, and complimentary beverages, including the addition of canned beer this year.
Advanced tickets are available exclusively at the Hays Welcome Center and require cash payment. Three-day VIP ticket packages will also be available at the gate during the festival for the same price.
And for those purchasing at the gate, the festival has introduced new general admission options this year.
Attendees can purchase a three-night pass for $60, a single-night pass for $45, or a youth single-night ticket (ages 6 to 10) for $15. Children ages five and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
"With our new, flexible general admission options at the gate and the deeply discounted advance tickets at Cerv's and Dillons, our goal is to give every family the chance to enjoy world-class entertainment right here at home," Edgeman said.
Complete ticket information is available at wildwestfestival.com/tickets.
This year’s concert series features a robust lineup of musical acts. The performances kick off on July 1 with Lakeview, Brandon Wisham, and Connor McCandless.
On July 2, Jackson Dean, Steel Skarecrow, and Connor McCandless will take the stage.
The musical entertainment continues on July 3, featuring Eve 6, The Band Feel, and Savin' Jane.
"This year’s musical lineup truly offers something for everyone, from rising country stars to rock hits that will have the whole crowd singing along,” Edgeman said. “We have worked hard to bring top-tier talent to the stage while keeping the festival an affordable experience."
The Wild West Festival extends its gratitude to its dedicated sponsors, including stage sponsors Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Eagle Radio, Nex-Tech, and Vyve Broadband, along with the numerous local businesses that make the event possible.
“We owe a massive thank you to our local stage sponsors and the local business community,” Edgeman said. “Their continued support is the backbone of this festival, allowing us to elevate the event year after year while keeping the tradition alive."
A full schedule and sponsor list can be found at WildWestFestival.com.
Beyond the musical performances, the festival will feature several auxiliary events, including a carnival running from July 1 through July 4. On Saturday, July 4, the annual Main Street Parade will begin at 10 a.m., traveling south from 15th Street to 5th Street, the 2026 Wild West Fest 5K, and the Wild West Cup.
As an added bonus to the weekend festivities, the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the Prairie Picnic at the Fort on July 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Fort Hays State Historic Site.
This free, family-friendly event celebrates America 250 with vintage baseball, live reenactments, food trucks, and live music.
"Partnering with the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau for the Prairie Picnic at the Fort adds a fantastic, family-friendly historical element to our Independence Day celebrations,” Edgeman said. “It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon before the sky lights up with our fireworks spectacular."
Additional information about the Prairie Picnic is available at VisitHays.com.
The holiday celebrations will culminate in the Wild West Festival Fireworks Spectacular at dark, with a soundtrack provided courtesy Eagle Media, on KJLS Mix 103.3, available at 103.3 FM, or online at Hayspost.com.
The festival is always happy to accept volunteers to assist with the weekend's events.
Community members interested in signing up or learning more about volunteer opportunities can get details at WildWestFestival.com/Volunteer.
"The Wild West Festival is built on the hard work, passion, and dedication of our community,” Edgeman said. “We simply couldn't pull off this four-day celebration without our incredible volunteers, and we are always eager to welcome more helping hands to our team."
For more information on the Wild West Festival, visit WildWestFestival.com or email contact@wildwestfestival.com. For event updates follow their official Facebook page, facebook.com/wildwestfestival.