The Grand Opening of the 1861 Club coincided with the opening of the 2024 Kansas State Fair – Friday, Sept. 6 was a note worthy day as the first Kansas State Fair patrons came through the gates and entered the 1861 Club for the first time. As people entered, they looked up in amazement at the beautiful wood beams and 30+ foot ceiling. Then as they wondered further into the building you could see how awestruck they were, taking in the full view of the beautiful stone featured wall, the black metal accents, the polished concrete floors, the glass walls and doors leading out onto the inviting patio designed for comfort and conversation.
The 1861 Club offered a menu unlike anything else found on the Fairgrounds and featured a wide selection of incredible beverages including a signature 1861 Club beer created and brewed specifically for the 1861 Club by Sandhills brewery. Favorites off the 1861 Club menu included the delicious Braised Beef and Cheddar Melt and the Fiesta Fusion Boat.
Opening evening of the 1861 Club featured entertainment provided by Paramount – the 80’s Anthem Rock Band – the first of a 2-night stand for the band. By their second night, word had gotten around about the 1861 Club and Paramount and the band played to a standing-room only crowd of State Fair goers. All day on Saturday, fair patrons were able to watch the activities from the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive including the Final Drive for all species.
Sunday through Tuesday featured DJ OG and DJ Bearfoot spinning tunes. Then on Wednesday the band Artifact took the stage at 1861 to a great crowd. On Thursday, Deuling Pianos from HiFi Productions had the entire standing room only crowd rocking to the music and singing along as they played crowd requests all night long.
On Friday evening, the 1861 Club was filled with Wildcat and Jayhawk fans cheering for their favorite football team, enjoying cold brews, and fun times with friends. Saturday the 1861 Club TV’s brought college football to patrons all day long and then Saturday evening, the band Orphan John and the Abandon played to a packed-out crowd both in the venue and on the patio. Then Sunday, NFL football was on the big screen TV’s featuring the Kansas City Chiefs that afternoon.
1861 Club patrons enjoyed the air-conditioned venue, the cleanliness of the Club, the ability to easily access the patio through the nano wall doors, the comfortable tables, conversation areas and corn hole, large Jenga style and outdoor connect 4 style games.
We are thankful for an incredible 1861 Club staff and crew who helped create a unique service, dining and entertainment experience for our patrons and for the support of the Foundation Board members and volunteers who jumped in when and wherever needed to make the 1861 Club a success.
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and all those associated with the 1861 Club are grateful for the phenomenal support from the thousands of State Fair patrons who walked the doors, order food and beverages and enjoyed the entertainment. Plans are already being made to create a wonderful 1861 Club experience for the 2025 Kansas State Fair.