Millfest

Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum

May 2

“There was a time when more than 400 small flour mills operated across Kansas,” said Lenora Lynam, Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Collections Manager. “Today, this is the last one still standing and running."

The 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills is the only historic flour mill of its kind in the Midwest that can still operate, and Millfest is the one time every year that guided tours of the four floors of machinery in operation are available.

Visitors can experience all four stories of the 128-year-old structure as its intricate system of wood, steel, and leather machinery powers up once again. Guided tours run throughout the day, offering a rare, immersive look at a working piece of history.

Tours run 9:00am-4:45pm and cost $10 per person. All other museum attractions are available by donation. For safety reasons, mill tours are limited to those 13 and older while the machinery is running. After the mill shuts down at 4:45pm, families with children 12 and under are invited to take a free guided tour

In addition, Millfest brings live music, great food, activities for kids, an antique tractor show, and more.

What to expect this year:

• a pancake and waffle breakfast will be offered using an 80-year-old recipe (9:00-10:00am, full waffles for $6, half waffles for $3, and mini pancakes available for $1 each)
• the debut of a rare restored OMC tractor for the antique show
• a large group of arts and crafts vendors
• live music (beginning at noon)
• old-timey games and Swedish dancing by Folkdanslag

The Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum is located at 120 E Mill Street. Read more about Millfest and find a program for the day's events on the Visit Lindsborg blog.

Citywide Garage Sale

May 2

The Lindsborg Citywide Garage Sale is on Saturday, May 2. Maps will be available at 6:30am at the American Legion Post 140, located at 524 E. State Street. While you're there, grab a breakfast burrito (provided by the American Legion Riders) to fuel your day! Most garage sales begin at 7:00am. Proceeds from the citywide sales will go toward a local organization.

If you just can't wait until Saturday morning, the Red Barn Studio Museum's 8th Annual Garden Crew Yard Sale begins at noon on Friday, May 1. Saturday, May 2, the Red Barn's sales resume at 8:00am. The proceeds from this yard sale will go to purchase plants, flowers and gardening tools and supplies for the Red Barn’s lawns and courtyards. The Red Barn is located at 212 S. Main Street.

Exhibitions

Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery

May 3-July19

Black Cow and Calf by Anthony Benton Gude

Four new exhibitions open at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery on Sunday, May 3, and continue through July 19. Featuring an invitational figurative exhibition and shows of paintings by Anthony Benton Gude, Sarah Winkler, and Barry Fitzgerald, the reception for the exhibitions will be on Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:00pm, with exhibition talks beginning at 2:30pm.

Go Figure will showcase art by 30 regional artists curated by Hays artist Michael Jilg. For the show he writes, “There is a wide range of visual stories using the figure, created with a variety of media. I did not select the artworks, but chose artists that I admire for their ability to engage an audience with their particular narratives.”

Anthony Benton Gude of Frankfort, will be showing paintings from his past to the present day. They will include farm scenes, mountain landscapes, abstracts, and more. As the grandson of Regionalist Thomas Hart Benton, art was encouraged in his house.

Sarah Winkler’s work explores geological aspects of landscape formation. Combining studio art, earth science, and creative writing during her educational studies, Winkler began her career as a collage artist and graphic designer.

Lawrence artist Barry Fitzgerald's exhibition includes a series of paintings using plants, buildings, and human forms as a palette for an exploration in contrasts. They build on relationships with geometric and organic, line and shape, and abstract and representational elements. The final combinations are intended to ask questions more than give answers.

Additional information on each artist and their work can be read by clicking on the Visit Lindsborg blog link.

The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is located at 401 N. First Street. Hours are 10:00am-5:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:00-5:00pm on Sunday. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Docent tours for groups are available by two-week advance appointment. For more information about Birger Sandzén, the Gallery, and these exhibitions visit the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery website or phone (785) 227-2220.

Coronado Heights Kite Fly

May 16

Let your soul soar!

An idea conceptualized by area artist, Maleta Forsberg and her memories of kite flying with her father at Coronado Heights, the Smoky Valley Historical Association invites you to enjoy a day of kite flying, either flying them yourself, or watching the fun.

You can purchase a kit and make your own kite to fly on the spot. There will be a limited supply of kite kits available. 

Wings of the Wind Kites & Toys will be displaying a variety of kites and demonstrating how they fly. 

Additional kites can be purchased in town at Trollslända Toy Store, 135 N. Main Street. Or bring your own kite and join in the fun!

Appreciation is given to the Smoky Valley Historical Association for sponsoring this wonderful, big-sky day. Come enjoy this outdoor, inter-generational activity!

Best of the Midwest 2026

Midwest Living's Best Small Towns: Lindsborg

Lindsborg: One of Midwest Living's Best Small Towns of 2026!

As reported by Midwest Living, Lindsborg holds "the promise of a slower pace, room to breathe, historic architecture, walkable streets, friendly people, and authentic experiences." Lindsborg is included in this carefully curated list of 12 small towns based upon editors' reporting trips and diverse visitor experiences. 

The article mentions Lindsborg's Wild Dala Herd, public art, and Swedish inspired menus and crafts, as well as Lindsborg's Midsummers Festival and Christmasquaintness.

But, as many who come to visit Lindsborg know, this list is just the tip of the iceberg as to all that Lindsborg holds. Other reasons to visit Lindsborg include the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum which showcases the history of the Smoky Valley and the only operating mill in the Midwest; the Välkommen Trailthat gives a wide walking or biking path throughout town in 4.5 mile and connects to the Meadowlark Trail for more walking or biking miles; and the vibrant business district on red brick streets! 

But then, don't forget Coronado Heights! And the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery! And the Red Barn Studio Museum! The list continues...

Plan a trip and discover all you can. Then schedule that return trip that will require a weekend (or more) to absorb all that Lindsborg offers in this walkable, breathable, stretchable, creative community. 

Kiersten Latham, Artist-in-Residence

Red Barn Studio Museum

May 3-15

Artwork 1 by Kiersten Latham

Kiersten Latham, a multidisciplinary artist working clay, fiber, and found objects will again be the Red Barn Artist-in-Residence from May 3-15.

Growing up with an artist father, Latham describes herself as a lifelong art appreciator, and as of 2024, a full-time artist.

During her residency, Latham plans to push herself beyond her normal artistic practice, and will be open to inspiration from the studio space and artwork in the Red Barn, rather than planning specific pieces to create. Latham describes her art as serendipitous in nature as she relies on creative flow. Among the artwork she hopes to make, Latham will be painting backgrounds and creating assemblages, collages, stitching and clayworks. In addition, Latham will be searching for treasures at local thrift stores to include in her art. The environment of the Red Barn, the artwork and practice of Lester Raymer, and the creative spirit of Lindsborg will inspire her artmaking.

Visitors to the Red Barn should expect to see what Latham terms “organized chaos,” with lots of color, objects, different media, and all the artwork made with joy, vibrancy, and a sense of humor. For more information on Latham and her artwork, visit her website or her Instagram account.

The Red Barn Studio Museum is located at 212 S. Main Street and is open Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm. For more information, contact the Red Barn Studio Museum at 785-227-2217. 

Smoky Valley Chamber Music Festival

May 18-23

Lindsborg will welcome a brand-new cultural event this spring with the launch of the Smoky Valley Chamber Music Festival, May 18-23.

Founded by Lindsborg native Caroline Beckman as a part of her doctoral work at the UMKC Conservatory, the week-long festival will feature world-class musicians, concerts, student mentorship, and community outreach. The festival concludes May 23 with a finale concert in Presser Hall, including the world premeiere of a new work inspired by Lindsborg's unique traditions. 

May 18-23 will hold an exciting week of chamber music performances, educational activities, and a celebration of multicultural exchange in and throughout the Lindsborg community and the Smoky Valley region.

Festival Schedule

The festival will feature daily concerts in and throughout the Lindsborg community, culminating with the Festival Finale concert on Saturday, May 23 at 3:00pm in Presser Hall, featuring Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” and the world premiere of a brand-new composition by AJ Harbison, inspired by musical flavors unique to Lindsborg—from Handel’s “Messiah” to Swedish fiddle tunes!

In addition to musical performances, artist musicians will host outreach activities in the community and educational workshops with students at local schools.

Festival Theme

The festival programs are woven together by the 2026 theme: American Soundscape, featuring music that reflects the unique blend of multicultural traditions across the American musical landscape. 

The festival will highlight this unique melting pot of voices featuring works of both American-born composers and composers with special connections to our national identity and local community, such Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Antonín Dvořák, Johann Sebastian Bach, Lars Erik Larsson, and Johann Halvorsen. 

All festival events are free and open to the public.

Find more festival information including a detailed schedule of individual concerts, click here for the Visit Lindsborg blog.

Sponsored by Lindsborg Arts Council.

Spring Artist Studio Open House

Red Barn Studio Museum & Smoky Valley Chamber Music Festival

May 23

In conjunction with the week-long activities hosted during the Smoky Valley Chamber Music Festival, the Red Barn Studio Museum and local artists of Lindsborg are reviving an old tradition, the Spring Artist Studio Open House on May 23, 10:00am-2:00pm.

This is an opportunity for both music and the visual arts to be experienced together, as was often the case in Lester Raymer’s studio. Lester often wrote letters to friends and family about attending concerts at Bethany College’s Presser Hall and hosting the director or the principal cellist. He listened to and watched symphonies and orchestras on NPR and PBS. It was a regular part of his life and part of the environment he created for himself at the Red Barn.

Through hosting the Artist Studio Open House in conjunction with the Chamber Music Festival, we are once again inviting musicians into the studio and honoring Lester’s own love of music.

Alongside the festival, the Red Barn is also sharing something new: “Lester’s Studio Sounds,” a playlist built from the music Lester mentioned in his letters. The playlist includes Brahms, Mahler, and Beethoven. You are invited to follow the playlist by clicking on the following links: Apple Music link or Spotify link.

The Red Barn Studio Museum is located at 212 S. Main Street and is open Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm. For more information, contact the Red Barn Studio Museum at 785-227-2217. 

Joey Lemon & Georgia Sutton, Artists-in-Residence

Red Barn Studio Museum

May 23-June 8

The Red Barn Studio Museum is excited to welcome musicians, writers, and visual artists Joey Lemon and Georgia Sutton as artists-in-residence from May 23-June 8.

Lemon and Sutton are multidisciplinary artists who share a love of music and visual arts. They can be found working separately or in collaboration on drawings, paintings, and music.

Both artists are excited to work in the Red Barn studio and be inspired by the space and Lester Raymer’s artworks. During their stay at the Red Barn, Lemon and Sutton will be the featured artists for the Artist Studio Open House on Saturday, May 23, 10:00am-2:00pm.

Visitors to the Red Barn can expect to see a variety of tools and materials – notebooks, typewriters, cassette recorders, linoleum blocks, pencils, paper, paint, and wood. These materials will be used for the projects that the artists will work on together and separately. Lemon plans to work on poetry, drawing, and painting, and Sutton will focus on creating linocut prints, drawings, and paintings. They also plan to work on a collaborative musical project.

These creative artists have more to share about their history and work on the Visit Lindsborg blog. Click here to discover more!

The Red Barn Studio Museum is located at 212 S. Main Street and is open Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm. For more information, contact the Red Barn Studio Museum at 785-227-2217. 

The Maker Shop

119 N Main Street

May 29 & 30

Part art supply boutique and part creation station, opening weekend for The Maker's Shop is May 29 & 30, 10:00am-6:00pm.

The newest addition to Main Street will provide art supplies, support for existing artistic ventures, and opportunities for connections. You will be able to find high quality custom kits as well as workshops, classes, themed projects, sensory-friendly creative times, and birthday party package options.

Discover all this creative space has to offer at 119 N Main Street in downtown Lindsborg!

Trail Rides

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

Bring your horse and enjoy a ride on the prairie at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. A short drive after an overnight stay in Lindsborg, Maxwell Wildlife Refuge has four remaining trail rides for the remainder of 2026.

Remaining dates:

• Sunday, June 7
• Sunday, August 23
• Sunday. October 11
• Saturday, November 14

The ride begins at 10:00am and concludes at 3:30pm with gates to the refuge opening at 9:00am. Water crossings and lunch provided. Cost is $35 for a full day or $25 for a half day (your choice of morning or afternoon).

Make reservations by phoning Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, 620-654-7230, or by emailing at maxwellwildliferefuge@gmail.com. More information about the refuge is found on their website: maxwellwildliferefuge.com.

Kansas 250

How can you celebrate?

The big celebration is getting closer! How can you celebrate?

Check out this calendar and get all kinds of ideas on how to easily celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

America 250 invites you to join "the journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond...everyone can take part in this national commemoration — through local events, shared experiences, and opportunities to reflect on the country’s past and future."

Kansas 250 also has a list of opportunities across the state. Be sure to check the Kansas 250 website to find events and celebrations near you.

Midsummer’s Festival, a traditional Swedish festival celebrated worldwide, welcomes the arrival of the summer solstice. Enjoy the magic of summer by stepping into a quaint Swedish village, and embrace the community's Swedish heritage.

Join the Smoky Valley Historical Association for their program titled Importance of Women in the Development of Bethany College.

The program is held in the Fellowship Hall of the Messiah Lutheran Church.

Did you know there's an authentic drive-in theater close to Lindsborg? Check out Kanopolis Drive In.

Every Thursday, they show a throwback favorite. A perfect date night following a day in Lindsborg!

Find the movie line up on their Facebook page.

The Lindsborg Poker Run hosted by The American Legion Riders Post 140 in Lindsborg will include a scenic ride through Central Kansas to celebrate our veterans and our country.

Debbie Wagner will have an exhibition of her fiber art at Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center.

Visit the website for more information.

Summer temps are coming and the Lindsborg City Pool is getting ready for you!

Family and Single passes as well as daily cost and pool hours are found in the link below.