By Joshua Barnhart | Salina311
The Smoky Hill River Festival has never been afraid to evolve. In 2025, the changes aren’t just cosmetic—they’re designed to elevate the entire experience.
Salina311 connected with Anna Pauscher Morawitz, the dynamic Operations & Development Manager at Salina Arts & Humanities, who is helping steer this year’s Festival into fresh territory. From easier payments and bigger performances to shaded misting zones and shuttle loops, the Festival’s glow-up is all about energy, inclusion, and honoring legacy.
“We’re excited to be installing more misting options this year,” Anna wrote, crediting support from Superior Manufacturing and the Earl Bane Foundation. “And we’ll also be accepting credit cards and digital payments at the gates for those purchasing admission on-site.”
Cooler crowds and faster entry? That’s just the start.
“We’re introducing some exciting programming features this year,” she added. Among them: live glass blowing, giant puppets, and a Sunday scavenger hunt — all designed to surprise and delight across generations.
A Lineup That Leans In — to Now and Nostalgia
The 2025 artist and entertainment lineup stays true to what makes the Festival iconic — but there’s a clear emphasis on global rhythm and regional relevance.
“This year, we have more of a Latin and Mexican influence on the stages,” Anna said, calling out acts like The Animeros, Calibre Pesado, and the Josue Estrada Band. Headlining the nights are The Freedom Affair on Friday and My Son the Hurricane on Saturday, with Carswell & Hope closing out Sunday.
In the art realm, the creative energy won’t be boxed into tents. “Expect to see more artists creating art throughout the park, not just in the Demo Shelter,” she shared.
Accessibility Takes the Spotlight
For 2025, safety and accessibility aren’t afterthoughts — they’re baked into the blueprint.
“We work year-round with city and county departments to enhance accessibility and safety,” Anna said. A new lightning alert system will be in place in collaboration with Salina Parks & Recreation, and agencies like Saline County Emergency Management and the City’s Fire and Police departments remain fully engaged.
On the accessibility side, partners such as Independent Connection, OCCK, and Presbyterian Manor have helped evolve the guest experience. “The shuttles will now be running on Thursday to support the Festival Jam crowd,” Anna noted, along with a new “Wave n’ Ride” service that loops through the park for easier navigation.
Honoring the Builders Behind the Scenes
Tradition isn’t lost in the shuffle of innovation. In fact, this year’s Festival honors some of the most dedicated behind-the-scenes contributors.
Anna spotlighted four major legacies being recognized in 2025:
- Romeyn Lauber, longtime Artyopolis Committee member (2008–2024)
- Beth and Tom Arpke, info booth chairs for over 25 years
- Lila and Robert (deceased) Berkley, Festival donors since its inception
- Bennington State Bank, a sponsor since 1989
“These individuals and organizations have left fingerprints all over this Festival,” Anna said. “Their contributions helped shape what it is today.”
For First-Timers? Go In With a Plan—and an Appetite
When asked what advice she’d give to first-time attendees, Anna kept it simple: “Buy your wristband in advance” to save both time and money. But then she offered something deeper:
“I encourage everyone—new and seasoned—to try something new, strike up a conversation with an artist, or just sit and take in the activity. The Festival offers so many angles to experience it.”
One of her favorite hacks? “Get a few friends together for a meal and all buy from different food vendors. Then come back and share what you found—it’s a fun way to try a little bit of everything.”
Final Take?
Between the misters, the music, and the mission to make everyone feel welcome, the 2025 Smoky Hill River Festival is shaping up to be more than just an event — it’s a reflection of Salina itself: warm, creative, and ready to surprise you.
🎟️ Learn more & get wristbands at riverfestival.com
📍 June 12–15, 2025 | Oakdale Park, Salina, KS
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