Schedule of Events:

Monday, August 28, 2023

6:30PM: Little Balkans Cooking School

Get ready for a delicious hands-on cooking experience! Learn knife skills and how to make classic Southeast Kansas ethnic dishes with local volunteers. With a full menu from appetizers to dessert, you'll get to taste everything you make and take home the recipes. This experience is limited to just 50 participants!

THIS IS A FREE EVENT FOR PASSPORT HOLDERS!

Location: Lincoln Park | 710 W 9th St

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

6:30PM: Felt Embroidery Class

Learn how to create beautiful designs and keepsakes with a hands-on felt embroidery class. All materials will be supplied, participants can take their creations home.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT FOR PASSPORT HOLDERS!

Location: Presbyterian Church 6th & Pine

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

6:00PM: Paint the Town Red Block Party

The Paint the Town Red Community Block Party and PSU Pep Rally will be held on Wednesday, August 30th from 6:00-8:00pm in Downtown Pittsburg from 4th – 6th streets.

Location: Downtown Pittsburg

6:30PM: Pasta Locals School

Patrons at our Pasta School will prepare homemade pasta together; such as fantastic gnocchi, seasonal fillings, sauces and more. You will spend a relaxing evening immersed in the cultural of local Italian cuisine; this experience is limited to 50 participants.

Location: Lincoln Park | 710 W 9th St PASSPORT EVENT!

Thursday, August 31, 2023

6:30PM: 1st Annual Night At The Friendly Tavern
 
Reminisce and learn about the history of southeast Kansas from local celebrities. Participants will receive a souvenir and vintage soda and beer will be available.

7:00PM: PSU vs. Washburn Football Game and Gorilla Village Celebration1

Known as GorillaFest, this pre-game celebration offers fans and visitors alike a family-friendly atmosphere that is filled with live music, delicious food, children’s games and a spirit of community that you won’t find anywhere else.

Approximately 80 minutes before kickoff, members of the Pitt State football team will walk directly in front of the entrance to Gorilla Village as they prepare to enter the stadium. Thousands of fans line up on either side of entrance during this “Gorilla Walk” to shake players’ hands and cheer them on to victory. It’s a special moment for players and fans alike, and one of the university’s most beloved traditions.

Location: Carnie Smith Stadium 1705 S Joplin St

Friday, September 1, 2023

8:00AM: Chamber Coffee

Join us for morning coffee with the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce at Pritchett Pavilion.

Location: Pritchett Pavilion 106 2nd Street

9:00AM - 5:00PM: Little Balkans Quilt Guild Quilt Show

Experience the artistry and craftsmanship of stunning quilts at our Annual Quilt Show presented by the Little Balkans Quilt Guild.  As a long-standing highlight of the festival, don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the intricate world of quilting.

Location: Memorial Auditorium Lower Level | 5th & Pine PASSPORT EVENT!

9:00AM - 3:00PM: Living History Border Wars: School Days

Students will experience hands-on history as they rotate through stations focusing on different aspects of daily life during the border wars.

Location: Crawford County Historical Museum | North of 20th & Bypass

1:00PM: Senior Bingo

Individuals are invited to join in several rounds of bingo at Meadowbrook Mall. Please make sure to bring your own bingo stamp markers!

With a passport, the event fee for participants 65 years or older is $1.00

With a passport, the event fee for participants younger than 65 is $3.00

Individuals residing in a nursing home or with assisted living play for free.

Location: Meadowbrook Mall 202 Centennial Drive PASSPORT EVENT!

6:30PM - 8:30PM: Oldies & Rock & Roll Dance w/Area 51

Listen to local favorite Area 51 playing classic rock and roll hits inside Meadowbrook Mall during this FREE community concert!

Location: Meadowbrook Mall South Broadway & Centennial2

7:00PM - 8:00PM: Civil War Living History: Candlelight Camp Tour

Experience history come alive by walking through the camps and battlefield, where volunteers bring to life citizens and soldiers.  Then, gather around the campfire to hear soldiers share their stories and enjoy the sound of music being played.

Location: Crawford County Historical Museum | North of 20th & Bypass PASSPORT EVENT!

Saturday, September 2, 2023

8:00AM - 10:00AM: Little Balkans Photography Contest

Our photography contests feature images created by photographers from around our local, sharing visions that inspire, inform, and awe. This free contest not only has multiple categories but had ranging age categories to include all age groups!

Location: Memorial Auditorium 503 North Pine

8:00AM - 11:00AM: Pancake Breakfast

Satisfy your morning appetite with freshly made pancakes!

This event will take place in the St. John Lutheran Activity Center. Please enter from the West Parking Lot; donations appreciated.

Location: St. Johns Lutheran Church Activity Center 304 West 3rd St

8:00AM - 12:00PM: Farmer's Market

Satisfy your appetite for fresh-picked fruits and vegetables by visiting the City of Pittsburg's Farmer's market.

You'll find vendors selling farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, while several vendors also sell flowers, small gifts and hot prepared foods to go.

Location: 11th Street (Off Broadway)

8:00AM - 1:00PM: Little Balkans Days 3 Person Scramble Golf Tournament

Two Day 3 Person Golf Scramble on September 2nd & 3rd.  Four Oaks Golf Course - Lincoln Park Cash Prizes!

Contact Four Oaks Golf Course at 620-231-8070. Forms Available online.

Location: Four Oaks Golf Course 910 Memorial Drive

8:00AM - 9:00AM: Dog Show

Categories for this year include: Best Costume ,Cutest Puppy (up to 6 months old), Looks Most Like the Owner, Best trick/Best Behaved, and Audience choice winner.

No Registration Fee!

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Prizes Awarded For Each Category

Location: Lincoln Park - Apex Stage

8:30AM - 5:00PM: Arts & Craft Food Fair

Enjoy exploring over 50+ vendors on site offering home made goods to delicious treats for you and your family to enjoy.

Location: Lincoln Park 201 West 4th St

9:00AM - 5:00PM: 1st Annual Little Balkans Car Show

Come join us for an amazing evening at the 2023 Little Balkans Car Show! We are changing the date and location back to Lincoln Park and on Saturday! This is shaping up to the be the biggest event we’ve ever had, so even if you don’t drive, you’re more than welcome to join the hundreds of people checking out all of the cars!

Location: Lincoln Center Aquatic Center Parking Lot

9AM & 11AM: Train Rides

As an agricultural region, Kansas was once home to many fabled Midwestern railroads.  Passengers will get to relive this experience on a 1 Hour Scenic Train Ride.

Location: Monroe & Elm Streets

9:00AM - 4:00PM: Little Balkans Quilt Guild Quilt Show

Experience the artistry and craftsmanship of stunning quilts at our Annual Quilt Show.  As a long-standing highlight of the festival, don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the intricate world of quilting.

Location: Memorial Auditorium Lower Level | 5th & Pine PASSPORT EVENT!

9:00AM - 5:00PM: Free Petting Zoo!

Visitors can interact with animals including goats, exotic animals, and more.

Location: Lincoln Park

9:00AM - 3:00PM: Civil War Living History: Border Wars

Visitors can explore the armies' camps and aspects of the period, including battle reenactments at 10AM & 2:30PM with skirmishes during the day.  Period activities will be demonstrated throughout the day!

Location: Crawford County Historical Museum | North of 20th & Bypass PASSPORT EVENT!

9:00AM - 5:30PM: Folklife Festival

FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL | 9AM - 5PM
APEX STAGE – Lincoln Park – West End

9:00AM – Orin Weiss (Bagpipes)
9:30AM – Bryon Boldrini (Acoustic Expressions)
10:00AM – Leeper and Simpson (Delta Blues)
11:00AM – John Zibert Polka Band
12:00PM – Ernest Jones Zydeco
2:00PM – White Buffalo (Poetry/Folk)
3:00PM – Pitt State German Polka Band
3:30PM – J-3 Band (Rock & Roll)

Lcoation: Lincoln Park | West End Astra Stage

9:00AM - 6:00PM: ArtForms Gallery 7th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt

In honor of its 7th anniversary, ArtForms Gallery is declaring itself the 7th wonder of Pittsburg! Join them in a scavenger hunt for six more “wonderful” community artworks in the surrounding area for chances to win special anniversary artworks created by ArtForms artists.

A display of the anniversary artworks, scavenger hunt maps, and giveaway guidelines will be available at the Gallery. Artists will be doing demonstrations there throughout the day on Saturday, September 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The drawing to win one of the 7th anniversary artworks will be held at 6:00 p.m. that evening.

Location: ArtForms Gallery 620 North Broadway

10AM Until Sold Out Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Social

Stop by the First United Methodist Church to enjoy homemade ice cream and pie!

Location: First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall 5th & Pine

10:30AM: Y Academy of Dance

Celebrate the talent of area youth with the Y Academy of Dance performances.

Location: JJ Richards Band Dome

1:00PM: Bocci Tournament

The Tournament will be at Lincoln Park by Shelter House #1

Registration begins at 12:30PM Courtside.

Location: Lincoln Park By Shelter House #1

3:00PM: Bells of the Balkans and Treble Clef Piano Ensemble in Concert

This concert is brought to our community by the Pittsburg Treble Clef Club.  This concert is open to the public to attend; a free-will offering will be accepted. 

Location: Bicknell Family Center for Fine Arts Scott Auditorium

7:00PM: Stone Country Concert

If you like country music rock, then you'll love Stone Country!  This country rock band is local right here in Southeast Kansas.

For ticket information, please visit:  Memorial | City of Pittsburg (pittks.org)

Location: Memorial Auditorium PASSPORT EVENT!

8:00PM: Cox Communications 2nd Annual Community Concert Featuring Ben Haggard & The Strangers

Ben Haggard is the son of iconic Country Music Legend, Merle Haggard. Since Merles death, Ben hasn't missed a beat, passing on the legacy of his dad's music with the Strangers.

Purchase your passport now:  Shop | littlebalkansfestival.com

For ticket information, please visit:  Memorial | City of Pittsburg (pittks.org)

Location: Memorial Auditorium PASSPORT EVENT!

Sunday, September 3, 2023

8:00AM - 1:00PM: Little Balkans Days 3 Person Scramble Golf Tournament

Two Day 3 Person Golf Scramble on September 2nd & 3rd.  Four Oaks Golf Course - Lincoln Park Cash Prizes!

Contact Four Oaks Golf Course at 620-231-8070. Forms Available online.

Location: Four Oaks Golf Course 910 Memorial Drive

1:00PM - 4:00PM: Polka Dance

Enjoy a free community polka dance concert featuring music from the renowned Johnie Zibert Band!

Location: Meadowbrook Mall 202 Centennial Drive

1:30PM - 3:30PM: Chicken Dinner

Looking for the best-fried chicken and sides in town? Then make sure to stop by our Annual Chicken Dinner event to taste some lip-smacking food from SIX of our area's restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Plus, there will be LIVE Polka music; dancing is not only allowed but encouraged!

Location: Meadowbrook Mall 202 Centennial Drive PASSPORT EVENT!

5:00PM - 7:00PM: Fishing Derby

Kids 15 years of age and under can enjoy a FREE fishing derby at Lakeside Park; there are lots of prizes available!

We highly recommend arriving early for sign-up.  Registration will be at the Northwest Corner of Lakeside park.  

Location: Lakeside Park 201 West 4th St

7:00PM: Members Only Concert

Members Only is a premier 80's tribute act. Their mission is to play full-length, high-energy, rock shows of the most recognizable hits of the 1980's.  Their high-energy, trademark performance merges an incredible light show with music that spans the decade.

Location: Lincoln Park 813 Memorial Drive JJ Richards Band Dome

Date: August 28-September 3, 2023

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