Local musicians, restaurants and artists will gather to offer their good vibes, tasty treats and local wares at Volkerfest, a free community-building festival on Saturday, June 25.
More than 40 Midtown makers, businesses and organizations will be selling local art, jewelry, pottery, clothing, photography, candles, prints and more. The Westport Roanoke Community Center will host a Stone Lion Puppet Show and an Imagination Playground for children. This is the second year that the Volker Neighborhood Association is partnering with Kansas City Parks and Recreation to host Volkerfest.
“This event is not just for those who live in Volker,” said Melissa Martin, a Volker Neighborhood Association Board member and event organizer. “We want to share our slice of Midtown with all of Kansas City.”
The musical line-up includes two stages with nine bands, including Scotty Stanton and Friends, Frankowski, Salar, Arsenia/Hutchison, Lauren Anderson, Amanda Fish, Longer Days, Mo oh My! and KC Bear Fighters.
Food vendors include Anna’s Oven, Artego Pizza, Cupini’s, Kosmic Cake Art, Smallcakes, Mud Pie and Sultan’s Bakery.
Organizers encourage participants to bike, walk or carpool to the event. Free bike valet parking will be provided as well as free, first-time rides from Uber for up to $20 when using the code Volkerfest16.
The festival is being held on the southern end of the 38-acre Roanoke Park, which is bordered by four historic neighborhoods – Volker, Roanoke, Coleman Highlands and Valentine. The Roanoke Park Conservancy has been working on restoring the 112-year-old park’s forested bluffs and green spaces for the past several years.
“Roanoke Park is what I like to call a hidden gem,” Martin said. “When thinking of locations, we wanted Volkerfest to have a laid back, festival feel where you could relish in the beauty of our park and also see all that it has to offer, so you can come back often.”
A parade will begin at 10 a.m. with music to invite all to the event. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to decorate their scooters or bikes and join the parade through Midtown, starting at 42nd and Terrace streets.
Volkerfest will be held 3 – 9 p.m. Saturday, June 25 in Roanoke Park, 3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City, MO. For more information, visit www.volkerfest.com.
Parking: The Westport Roanoke Community Center parking lot will be available for parking. Roanoke Road will be closed at Karnes Boulevard, so entry to the parking lot must be made from Valentine Road, 38th Street or 39th Street. Parking will be allowed on Roanoke Road south of the Westport Roanoke Community Center.
Photo: Donnie Morehouse
