Visit Independence KS

08/18/2026

Ready to take on one of Kansas’ most legendary trails?

FlatRock returns to the Elk City State Park - Kansas Wildlife & Parks Elk River Hiking Trail in Independence on Saturday, Sept. 26!

This race gives runners the chance to experience rugged limestone bluffs, incredible rock formations and beautiful views along one of southeast Kansas’ most unique trails.

With 50K, 25K, 12K and 5K distances available, there’s more than one way to take on FlatRock. Race headquarters will be at the Elk City Lake Outlet Channel Group Shelter.

Come for the challenge. Stay for the scenery. And experience a side of Independence, Kansas you may not have seen before!

Locals who sign up will receive a 25% discount! Just email [email protected] for the code!

📅 Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
📍 Elk City Lake / Elk River Hiking Trail
🏃 50K | 25K | 12K | 5K

Registration is open through Sept. 21.

Register for FlatRock here

👉 https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132317&fbclid=IwY2xjawTxrm1wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7zUS5JeG3DinOps3grvUMmJMb46on3Ct2uNlgn4Jfrc4riH1M0tpQ5f0Vgtg_aem_xeDPMrYKwiM3QJSdgNu1Uw

September 26, 2026: 50K race in Independence, KS. Organized by FlatRock Race Series. Register now on UltraSignup.

08/17/2026

Hey Independence! Planning a rummage sale during the Kan Okla 100 Mile Highway Sale and Independence City- Wide Rummage Sale? Get your FREE permit at the Independence Chamber of Commerce!

The 19th Annual KAN-OKLA 100-Mile Highway Sale and City-Wide Rummage Sales are coming September 10, 11 & 12, and Independence residents planning to have a sale can pick up their FREE permit at the Independence Chamber of Commerce!

📅 Permits available August 17–28
📍 Independence Chamber of Commerce
616 N. Penn Ave.
⏰ Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Clean out those closets, garages and storage sheds and turn your unwanted items into someone else’s treasure!
Questions? Call 620-331-1890.

08/17/2026

❄️📸 Downtown Movie Night memories! 📸❄️

What a FUN night in Downtown Independence!

Take a look through some of our favorite moments from the night! We loved seeing so many families and friends enjoying everything Downtown Movie Night had to offer.

See someone you know? Tag them in the photos and feel free to share!

08/14/2026

🎶 Makin’ my way downtown… walking fast… ☃️❄️

Looks like Olaf is making his way downtown for FREE Downtown Movie Night! And everyone else should, too!

Tonight, downtown Independence is transforming into a little bit of Arendelle for a magical showing of Disney’s Frozen, sponsored by Great Plains Federal Credit Union and Independence Community College.

❄️ FREE Frozen-themed pre-show fun begins at 7:30 p.m.
❄️ Face painting
❄️ Popcorn
❄️ Popsicles & Root Beer Floats
❄️ Fun giveaways
❄️ Beach Balls
❄️ Bubbles and Hoops
❄️ Adoptable Dogs
❄️ Fire Hose Bowling
❄️ Games
❄️ A special Neewollah Musical Cast Sing- Along
❄️ Crafts
❄️ Water
❄️Elsa Punch
❄️ Animal Encounters
And much, much more!

🎬 Movie begins at 8:30 p.m.

Grab the lawn chairs and blankets, round up the family and make your way downtown for a FREE night of Frozen fun under the stars!

📅 Tonight — Friday, August 14
📍 Downtown Independence
🎟️ FREE admission!

Olaf is on his way… are you?

08/14/2026

🍉 Your Sweetest Saturday Stop Is the Market! 🍉

The Independence Farmers & Makers Market is the place to be Saturday morning! Shoppers are invited to stop by and see what local vendors have in store this week.

From fresh produce and delicious treats to handmade goods and unique finds, there’s always something new to discover while supporting local growers, bakers, makers and small businesses.

📅 Saturday, August 15
⏰ 7:30–11:00 a.m.
📍 Parking Lot at 8th & Chestnut

🍉 Fresh Finds Are Ripe for the Picking!

🍉 Your Sweetest Saturday Stop Is the Market! 🍉

Start your Saturday with a trip to the Independence Farmers & Makers Market! Shop fresh, shop local and see what our amazing vendors have waiting for you this week.

From homegrown goodies and delicious treats to handmade finds and more, you never know what you’ll discover! Come support local growers, bakers, makers and small businesses while enjoying a sweet summer morning at the market.

📅 Saturday, August 15
⏰ 7:30–11:00 a.m.
📍 Parking Lot at 8th & Chestnut

🍉 Fresh Finds Are Ripe for the Picking! See you Saturday!

08/14/2026

It's FREE Downtown Movie Night Day! Head to the 100 Block of North Penn. Avenue in front of Community National Bank and join in the fun! Pre-show activities start at 7:30 p.m. and the movie Frozen starts at 8:30 p.m. We can't wait to see you there!

08/13/2026

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN INDEPENDENCE!

It’s a BIG weekend in Independence! From Downtown Movie Night and All-Wheels Night to the Farmers & Makers Market, the Elk City Bobber Drop and live theatre, there’s plenty happening around town. Make your weekend plans! 👇

📅 FRIDAY, AUG. 14

Independence KS Main Street All-Wheels Night – Kids’ Night
6:00–8:00 p.m.
SPECIAL LOCATION: 200 Block of North Penn Avenue – Downtown Independence
Bring the family downtown for Kids’ Night and check out the cars, trucks and other wheels lining Penn Avenue!

Live Music Night
6:00–9:00 p.m.
Uncle Jack’s Bar & Uncle Jack's Bar & Grill – 104 N. Penn Ave.
Enjoy Friday night in Downtown Independence with live music at Uncle Jack’s!

FREE Downtown Movie Night – Featuring Disney's Frozen
Pre-show activities begin at 7:30 p.m. | Movie at 8:30 p.m.
CNB&T Parking Lot – 121 N. Penn Ave.
Downtown is turning into Arendelle! Come early for tons of FREE pre-show activities, then find a spot and enjoy Disney’s Frozen on the big screen. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
Admission and pre-show activities are FREE!

Karaoke Night
9:00 p.m.
Turbos Sports Bar and Grill – 103 W. Main St.
Finish off Friday night by grabbing the microphone and singing your favorites!

📅 SATURDAY, AUG. 15

Independence Farmers & Makers Market
7:30–11:00 a.m.
Chestnut & 8th Street Parking Lot
Start Saturday morning at the market! Shop fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items and more from local farmers and makers.

Friends of Elk City State Park Elk City Bobber Drop
10:00 a.m.
Elk City State Park – 4825 State Park Road
Get ready to hunt! Numbered bobbers will be dropped in the water, with each one redeemable for a prize. Bobbers may be found along the shoreline, in the water or throughout the park. One bobber per person so everyone has a chance to join the fun!

24th Annual 24-Hour Plays
7:00 p.m.
William Inge Theatre at Independence Community College – 1057 W. College Ave.
See what can happen in just 24 hours! Writers, directors and actors come together to create and perform original plays in only one day. Head to ICC Saturday evening to see the finished productions take the stage!