Americana & Ales Festival – FREE Music & Paid Craft Beer in Historic Downtown Shawnee, KS | June 20, 2026

Created February 2026

A brand-new one-day Americana & Ales Festival is coming to Shawnee this summer at Shawnee City Hall and The Aztec Theater.

The festival combines bluegrass, Americana music, and craft beverages for a full day of family-friendly fun. Visitors can enjoy local shopping, FREE music, and unique craft drinks while exploring Historic Downtown Shawnee.

Image: DeAnn Shelby’s Photo’s

FREE Music Festival Lineup – Americana & Ales Festival Shawnee 🎶

The music portion of Americana & Ales is FREE to attend and features live performances throughout the day and into the evening.

Headliners include:

• 🎻 Bronwyn Keith-Hynes – Grammy-winning bluegrass fiddler
• 🎸 Making Movies – Grammy-nominated KC rock band

Additional Performers

• Special Consensus
• The HillBenders
• Dusty Rust
• Of A Feather
• The Lost Keys
• Konza Swamp Band
• Calvin Arsenia
• Dimension Bill Edwards

Craft Beverage Festival – Americana & Ales Festival Shawnee 🍺

The festival kicks off in the morning with a Craft Beverage Festival, featuring a curated selection of premium drinks and local craft beers. Beverages will be available for purchase, and pricing and details will be shared in the coming months.

A full schedule will be released in the coming months, including the beers available and times for performing musicians.

The festival concept was brought to life by Friction Beer Company, partnering with local organizers to create a unique craft beverage experience.

A Festival with Big Goals – Americana & Ales Festival Shawnee 🌎

Americana & Ales aims to attract:

• International visitors in the Kansas City metro for World Cup matches
• Out-of-town travelers looking for an authentic Midwest festival experience
• Dedicated Americana & bluegrass fans
• Local families and community members seeking a FREE, fun summer event

The festival draws inspiration from the popular Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas — a major destination for Americana and bluegrass enthusiasts.

More to Explore – Americana & Ales Festival Shawnee 🎻

Beyond music and drinks, attendees can enjoy:

• Local merchant booths and boutiques
• Nearby restaurants and bars
• The Palin Music Instrument Garden, where guests can try bluegrass instruments with expert guidance

Festival activities at Shawnee City Hall will pause at 7 p.m. when Ecuador faces Curaçao at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, but performances inside The Aztec Theater will continue.

Visiting for the World Cup? Explore Historic Downtown Shawnee – Americana & Ales Festival Shawnee 🌎

If you’re in the Kansas City metro for World Cup matches, Historic Downtown Shawnee is a must-visit. While it’s about a 25–30 minute drive from Arrowhead Stadium, the area offers a charming, walkable district along Johnson Drive with:

• Local restaurants and craft breweries
• Unique small shops and boutiques
• Historic architecture and Midwest charm
• Free live music and family-friendly events

Americana & Ales puts you right in the heart of downtown Shawnee, making it easy to enjoy live music, local food, and seasonal festivities while experiencing an authentic Kansas atmosphere.

Why It’s Great for FREE & Cheap Readers – Americana & Ales Festival Shawnee 💰

• ✔ FREE live music all day – enjoy top bluegrass and Americana bands without a ticket
• ✔ Family-friendly atmosphere – fun for all ages
• ✔ Local shopping & dining nearby – plus happy hours in the downtown district for extra savings
• ✔ Unique summer experience in the Kansas City metro – all without breaking the bank

Mark your calendar for June 20 — downtown Shawnee is bringing big bluegrass energy and local flavor to Johnson Drive this summer!

Check more local events at Kansas City FREE & Cheap Events.