Blog

Around the Grounds: Big Slide — Part One

When you visited the Kansas State Fair this year, you may have noticed a number of improvements across the grounds, including the Big Slide. The Big Slide has always been an icon of the Kansas State Fair, and this year, it got dressed up for the occasion. After...

Foundation Highlights from the 2026 Kansas State Fair

Another Kansas State Fair is now in the books, and it was one to remember! The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation and Kansas State Fair boards kicked off the fair with the annual joint board dinner that ended in some very important Big Slide test runs.  You likely...

September @ the 1861 Club: The Good Times Keep Going

What. A. Month!  The 2026 Kansas State Fair brought ten days of fun to the 1861 Club, and night after  night, this place was THE place to be! We truly had a little something for everyone — cool AC,  games on the TVs, live music on the patio, delicious...
1861 Club Update – A Memorable Holiday Season!

1861 Club Update – A Memorable Holiday Season!

Wow! What an amazing month of December at the 1861 Club. The 1861 Club was honored to host many corporate events from Christmas parties to the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Banquet, and the Chamber of Commerce breakfast, with KC Wolf as the featured speaker....

Hats and Horses – A Kentucky Derby Party

Hats and Horses – A Kentucky Derby Party

Hats and Horses, the newest luxury fundraising event presented by the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation, is centered around the most exciting two minutes in sports: The Kentucky Derby! Hats & Horses promises to give you a Derby like experience without actually being...

1861 Club Update – The Best Venue for Any Event

1861 Club Update – The Best Venue for Any Event

In November, the 1861 Club had the pleasure of hosting several wonderful events that kept us busy.  Dawn Johnson, USD 308 Superintendent and Army Reservist, held a private ceremony recognizing her promotion to Brigadier General. Congratulations, Dawn, and thank...

Ring in 2025 with Lost Wax at New Years @ 1861 Club

Ring in 2025 with Lost Wax at New Years @ 1861 Club

Did you hear?  The band playing at New Years @ 1861Club, LOST WAX was the “official house band” for the 2023 NFL Draft held at Union Station in Kansas City. They are incredible and will keep you dancing all night long! Mark your calendars to be at the 1861 Club...

New Years @ 1861 Club – THE Party of the Year!

New Years @ 1861 Club – THE Party of the Year!

Many of you have asked – and the staff of the 1861 Club with the support of Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board have created what is set to be the top destination in central Kansas to ring in the New Year 2025. New Years @ 1861 Club will be an evening to enjoy and...

Everything Weddings and Events Show at 1861 Club

Everything Weddings and Events Show at 1861 Club

Plan to join us at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds for the Everything Weddings and Events show on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1 PM – 5 PM.   $5.00 admission fee.   An amazing group of wedding professionals featuring Brooklyn & Co...

Skip to content