Inside Scoop - Explore Crawford County, Kansas

46 ways to celebrate Christmas in Crawford County, Kansas

Live music. A musical version of a Christmas classic. Finding that perfect gift. Christmas trees and decorations. The holiday season is very busy in our corner of Kansas.

Croation Customs & Cuisine presentation at Miners Hall Museum – Dec 3

Join us this Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, KS for a very special program. PSU Interns Katie Well and Rosemary Stapleton will start with a short presentation about their project at the museum which focuses on the men and women that built the towns we live in!

KSHSAA Class 5A Football State Championship

Since 2014 the Kansas 5A Football State Champion has been crowned at historic Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg. Gameday happens to be Small Business Saturday. Eat like a local and enjoy small town deals.

44 killed in Frontenac mining disaster on November 9, 1888

November 9 marks a somber anniversary in Southeast Kansas. In 1888, 44 men, ages 13-to-45, were killed in Frontenac in the state’s largest mine disaster. 10 nationalities were represented in the deaths: America, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, and Scotland.

“Croatian Heritage” presentation at Miners Hall Museum on November 12

Topics will include Croatian immigrants, employment, Croatian music & instruments. Songs on the Taburitza will also be performed.

Second annual Holiday Art Market scheduled for November 25

The 2023 Holiday Art Market in Downtown Pittsburg coincides with Small Business Saturday to help you shop small.

Pitt State Music Department to present November concerts

Several musical opportunities open to the campus and the community are planned for November by the Pittsburg State University Music Department.

Pitt State Art Department plans November exhibits, receptions

Jo-Ann Morgan’s “Cotton Collages: Remembering the Innocent” and “Family Secrets: The Storytelling Art of Steve Head” are among several exhibits open to the public on the Pittsburg State campus.

Pittsburg bookstore to host Q&A with Indigenous writer of “Blood Sisters” thriller

An Indigenous bestselling author will do a Q&A at a Pittsburg, Kansas bookstore on November 4. Her new novel, “Blood Sisters”, is set in nearby Picher, Oklahoma – “legally” stolen Native land and the site of man-made environmental devastation.

Celebrate Diwali, festival of lights, with PSU international students: Friday, October 27

The Indian Student Association at Pittsburg State University will host Diwali, the festival of lights, on Friday, Oct. 27, at the…

PSU graduate on tap to become colonel will speak at Veterans Day ceremony: November 10

Lt. Col. Jeremiah Hull, a 2001 graduate of Pittsburg State University and the recipient of a Bronze Star, will be the…

Pittsburg State Homecoming Week: October 23-28

The Pittsburg State University Homecoming Committee is gearing up for Homecoming 2023. This year’s theme: “Gorilla of the Century.” Activities will get…

October 19 presentation to explore impact of Gordon Parks

The impact and inspiration of three books by Gordon Parks, a native of Fort Scott, Kansas, who became one of the most esteemed image makers of all time, will be discussed in a special presentation by Humanities Kansas.

Pitt State Theatre to present supernatural comedy – Blithe Spirit – October 19-22

What could possibly go wrong when Charles Condomine’s two wives — one living and the other most certainly a ghost — are attempting to stay in the same house with him?

One of Chicago’s most dynamic ensembles to perform in Pittsburg on October 13

Quintet Attacca, one of Chicago’s most dynamic chamber music ensembles, programs have included works that reflect the Classical and Romantic eras, as well as jazz and Latin influenced works and pieces by many of today’s leading composers.

Oktoberfest celebrations

Grab your lederhosen, and prepare to polka and party!

National Author’s Day

Originally posted: October 1, 2017 On National Author’s Day, November 1, we’re featuring our favorite places to check out new…

Experience Crawford County, one day at a time

Ask someone what would make a good day trip, and thoughts may stray to a ticketed attraction that draws thousands of visitors. A zoo, perhaps. Or a botanical garden. You won’t find those in Crawford County.

Families invited to participate in Family Day on September 23 at Pittsburg State

Pittsburg State University will hold Family Day, a tradition since 1993, on Sept. 23, with a day of activities for Gorillas of all ages culminating in a football game at Carnie Smith Stadium and the recognition of the Honorary Family.

Week-long WritersFest from September 17-22

The second annual WritersFest, a week of literary and writer related events that are free and open to the public, is from September 17-22.

Fall ArtWalk in Downtown Pittsburg: September 29

60+ artists, 10 performers and more will be at the Fall ArtWalk in Downtown Pittsburg, Kansas on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, from 5p-9p.

PSU international students plan 2nd Annual Global Fest International Night Market: September 29

The Global Fest International Night Market is a fun and interactive way to explore the many regions of the world in a lively open-air market atmosphere.

Music festival and overland rally return to Big Brutus: September 29-30

This is not your normal concert experience. This unique location and experience are matched by unique performers who have their own blend of various genres: bluegrass, blues, classic country, classic rock, funk, jazz, pop, rap, reggae, even disco and EDM.

“Sinkhole – A Legacy of Suicide” program and book signing: September 17 & 19

“Sinkhole – A Legacy of Suicide” provides an intriguing look at the author’s family history in southeast Kansas, with an outsider’s look at the unfolding story of immigration, coal mining, labor disputes, and commerce.

Gorilla Capital of the World

What started as a pep club in 1920, then became the nation’s only college with a gorilla as its mascot, has now grown into a phenomenon.

Pittsburg Arts Council Hosts September Second Saturday Event on 9/9

“The Craft of Art” (Visual Artists) an Artist Talk, will take place on September 9th, 2023, at TOAST, located in Downtown Pittsburg.

Pumpkin Patches

Three pumpkin patches each offer something different for visitors to Crawford County in Southeast Kansas: a mini-amusement park for kids, an old fashioned pumpkin patch, plus an active farm with numerous photo opportunities.

Salvaging the Past – a Miners Hall Museum special program

The focus of the presentation is Larry’s dedication to the preservation and renovation of the historic 1876 Frisco Depot and the old Pittcraft building.

Choir dinner returns to Pitt State

The popular choir dinner returns to Pittsburg State University on Sept. 22 with a program titled “Country Roads” — an evening that in…

Musical artists from around the world plan concerts at Pitt State

Musical artists from around the world are heading to Pittsburg this year as part of the long-running annual Solo & Chamber Music Series, bringing unique listening opportunities to Pitt State students, staff, and faculty, as well as to the general public.

Art exhibits open in PSU galleries

Two art exhibits have opened in galleries in Porter Hall, home to the Art Department at Pittsburg State University, and public receptions are planned with both artists.

Little Balkans Days Carnival, PASSPORT Events & Train

Numerous activities will be available, including an Arts, Crafts & Food Show, the Folk Life Music Festival, and numerous PASSPORT events.

Little Balkans Days Festival

The largest annual festival in Southeast Kansas blends heritage with family fun. There is something for everyone in this weeklong celebration leading up to Labor Day.

Pickle In Pitt

Did you know the First Family of Pickleball is from Pittsburg, and several of them are ranked GLOBALLY in this popular sport? Monday, August 28 they will be in Pittsburg!

Plan a Bucket List Trip to Pittsburg

We asked a travel writer to take a look around town, let us know how her day went, and what some of her favorite places were…

Pittsburg Arts Council Presents Second Saturdays: A Monthly Celebration of Art and Community

The Pittsburg Arts Council (PAC) is thrilled to announce the launch of Second Saturdays, a monthly community event aimed at fostering creativity, supporting local artists, and bringing together the entire Pittsburg community to celebrate the arts.

Special program at Miners Hall Museum: Researching Your Home and the People Who Lived There

Photo from Conna Larson Hiltner, MHM Member – 1914. From L to R is Pete Kukovich Jr, father Pete Kukovich, Joe, mother Mary (Preslin) ,…

Family fun at the Crawford County Fair

The Crawford County Fair has something for everyone during fair week: agriculture, games, live music, shopping, and great food.

The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts presents, Full Throttle in Print!

The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts presents, Full Throttle in Print! This exhibit features photographs that capture the thrill of drag racing and a one night only car display!

Home to six of the oldest chicken houses in Kansas

Since the 1930’s travelers have asked why fried chicken is so popular in the area. It’s a story about a delicious, inexpensive family meal, and survival.

Preserving the Past: Coal Camps and Coal Company Houses – July 1 – September 23 exhibit

Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, KS is proud to announce the 2023 Third Quarterly Exhibit, “Preserving the Past – Coal Camps and Coal Company Houses”, opening July 1 and continuing through September 23, 2023.

An Annual Boom Town

Celebrate our Independence in Small Town U.S.A. Situated in extreme northwest Crawford County, sits Hepler, Kansas. This sleepy, little hamlet…

Independence Celebrations

Annual celebration dates vary by community. Enjoy fireworks over the lake, or a rodeo with a dance and fireworks.

Frontenac Mining Days: July 6-9

Using the background of the community’s mining and somewhat checkered bootlegging history, the Frontenac Mining Days creates a family fun weekend for both locals and guests, even if they’ve never been to Frontenac before.

Painting a Picture: Pittsburg’s Art Scene

When a The New York Times writer stopped by Memorial Auditorium & Convention Center in Pittsburg on the advice of a local, who suggested he see Pittsburg Community Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” while he was in town, he was unprepared for what he stumbled upon: A sold-out show. And it was a great one.

Pittsburg Kite Festival takes off July 1

Ten thousand kites are making their way to Pittsburg all the way from India for Pittsburg’s first ever Kite Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 1. This high-flying adventure will take place from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at Pittsburg High School.

620 Day Celebration & Pittsburg block party set for June 20

The idea of 620 Day comes from Pittsburg’s area code. The purpose of this annual event is to cultivate pride and celebrate the Pittsburg community.

National Nature Photography Day – June 15

As a child growing up in Crawford County, the day that the National Geographic magazine arrived at our home each month was the day that I curled up on the couch and traveled the world.

State park’s Butterfly Garden sees butterfly migration

Mid-June is the best time to visit the Butterfly Garden on the southeast side of the lake at Crawford State Park, north of Girard, Kansas.

Pittsburg celebrates annual 620 Day

The City of Pittsburg’s Downtown Advisory Board (DAB) is inviting the community to celebrate 620 Day with an All-Day City-wide Celebration and a Downtown Block Party.

Special Olympics Kansas to bring first state level competition to Pittsburg

Flag Football and Powerlifting State Tournament to be held at Pittsburg High School and Hutchinson Field, July 21-22

Best-selling author to speak in Crawford County

Roxie Yonkey, a best-selling author, will discuss her newest book Secret Kansas: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, in Franklin June 23 and in Pittsburg June 24.

Little Balkans Quilt Show

The Little Balkans Festival will have its annual quilt show on Friday, September 1, 2023, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, September 2, 2023, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show is held in Memorial Auditorium, Lower level, 503 N Pine, Pittsburg.

Pittsburg Festival of the Arts planned for June

The annual tradition of a weeklong series of free concerts continues this summer with the Pittsburg Festival of the Arts, planned for June 11-18 in venues at Pittsburg State University and throughout the community.

Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg, KS opens Caesars Sportsbook

Live betting sportsbook includes new, expanded bar, menu, seating and décor

Traveling photo exhibit and activities to call attention to dementia

A traveling photo exhibit, public reception, and photo walk fundraiser being planned for June by a graduate of Pittsburg State University will highlight perspectives and insights of individuals and families impacted by dementia.

May 21 program at Miners Hall Museum: The Founding of McCune

Join us this Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. at Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, KS for this special program.…

Headliners announced for Kansas Crossing Casino outdoor concert series

The wide-ranging line-up of music legends includes Three Dog Night, Russell Dickerson, Tech N9ne, and Hairball.

May 2023 commencement at Pittsburg State: What to expect

Commencement ceremonies are planned for May. 12 and May 13 in the Robert W. Plaster Center and the Garfield Weede Building at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. A total of 754 undergraduate students…

Pittsburg Ballet presents “Peter and the Wolf” and other classics

This version of “Peter and the Wolf” is a beautifully narrated single act ballet and makes the story great for all ages.

Big Brutus

The world’s largest surviving electric shovel sits just across the county line.

Going Cross Country

U.S. Highway 69 mostly follows what was once known as Texas Road, and was used to drive cattle herds to…

Gus the Gorilla explores Southeast Kansas coloring book

Join the Pittsburg State mascot, Gus the Gorilla, as he explores Pittsburg and surrounding communities. Learn about attractions, parks, and…

Cow Creek Cowboy Days and Wild West Show to be held April 28-29

Visit Crawford County Historical Museum in Pittsburg, Kansas for the fastest growing Wild West Show in Southeast Kansas, April 28th and 29th.

Pittsburg Spring ArtWalk scheduled for Friday, April 21

Over 100 participants will be in attendance, including over 50 artists, 4 main stage bands, 10 musical acts, 17 organizations, and 22 vendors!

Registration open for PSU youth summer camps

Youth will have opportunities this summer to learn about construction, robotics, and nature while having hands-on fun in academic day camps offered by Pittsburg State University. Those who are athletically inclined have opportunities to work with Pitt State coaches and staff on building skills and fundamentals. Enrollment is limited.

Miners Hall Museum presents: “The Emergence of the Railroad in Rural Kansas”

April 23 at 2p at Miners Hall Museum: Learn the impact of the railway on McCune and Cherokee, Kansas.

Pitt State Theatre to present Orwell’s “Animal Farm”

George Orwell’s cautionary tale, “Animal Farm,” adapted by Ian Wooldridge and directed by Linden Little, will be brought to life by Pitt State Theatre April 20-23 at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 1711 S. Homer, Pittsburg.

McCune featured as Miners Hall Museum quarterly exhibit

While this community was not a Coal Camp, it was a hub for area coal camps. This exhibit runs from April 1-June 24, with special programs on April 23, May 21 and June 11.

Fishing For a Good Time

On an early spring day that seemed made for fishing, Tom Pebley, of Kansas City, cast his lure into one of the more than 1,000 strip pits that dot Crawford County.

Music on the Lake schedule at Crawford State Park

The Friends of Crawford State Park are hosting regional musicians at Lakeview Café, which overlooks Lake Crawford Fishing Lake, better known to locals as Farlington Lake.

Pop-up exhibit: An immigrant miners prized possessions

A new exhibit showcases items an immigrant traveling from Europe would have brought to the New World.

K-State Spring Community Visit to Crawford County

K-State will visit Crawford County on Tuesday, March 28. The visit includes a day of activities to engage with, listen to and learn from Kansans in Pittsburg, Girard and the Crawford County region.

48th Annual Four State Farm Show: May 19-21 on PSU campus

Around 800 vendors are expected at this year’s Four State Farm Show

A Night in New Orleans – A Creole Style Shrimp Boil and Party

Join us Saturday evening, April 1, 2023 at Miners Hall Museum, Franklin, Kansas and spend a night in New Orleans.…

Writing festival to bring poets laureate, singer-songwriter to Pittsburg State

High school students, the public, and university students will have the opportunity to learn from the masters at WritersFest, a literary festival planned by Pittsburg State University’s Creative Writing Program in March, with workshops and…

Campus will come alive with music events in March

The community and the campus can choose from among seven concerts planned for March by the Pittsburg State University Music…

PHS Theatre bringing SpongeBob to life as musical

Pittsburg High School Theatre will bring to life all the beloved characters from Bikini Bottom — Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward, and the rest! — when it produces The SpongeBob Musical at 7 p.m. March 9-10 and at 2 p.m. March 11 at Pittsburg High School.