Theme Ideas

Hays is the German Capital of Kansas and is known for its friendly Volga German Heritage. We also have a colorful history as a wild and dangerous frontier town. We enjoy sharing our past and traditions that make our community unique and we certainly take pleasure in promoting the local entertainment and attractions for visitors to experience the true flavor of Hays. These are some ideas to help you plan a theme event that will promote the unique experiences available in Hays. Contact us for more information so you can plan a unique theme event for your convention or conference. 1-800-569-4505

Volga German Heritage

Germanfest – Polka Celebration – Oktoberfest - Festessen

• German Buffet at the VFW – Wonderbar!
• Tour of Volga German Haus
• Songs and Music of the Volga Germans
• Polka Bands – Local Polka Dance Group
• Tour of Historic Volga German Churches
• Presentations by Volga German Historians
• Gastmahl (German Banquet) at various locations

Frontier History – Wild West Entertainment

• Tour of Old Fort Hays Historic Site
• Tour of Ellis County Historical Museum
• Walking tour of Historical Downtown Hays
• Driving tour of Historical sites in Hays
• Horse drawn hitch wagon rides
• Folk Singers – String Band
• Gunslingers – Buffalo Bill Cody
• Buffalo Soldiers – Bank robbers
• Ragtime Band – Fiddle players
• Cowboy Poet – Organ Grinder

Arts and Entertainment

• Hays Arts Center Gallery
• Stone Gallery
• 711 Studio
• Moss-Thorns Gallery
• Commerce Bank Gallery
• Pottery Works
• Hays City Big Band – The Nostalgics
• Hays City Harmony – FHSU Encore Series
• Pop Singers – Gloriana String Quartet
• Jazz Ensemble – Barber Shop Harmony
• Hays Symphony Orchestra – Concert Choir
• Hays High Mixed Choir
• Hadley Foundation Art Collection

The Natural History and Natural Beauty of Western Kansas

• Sternberg Museum of Natural History
• Buffalo Herd - Frontier Park
• Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (O.W.L.S.)
• Wild animals of the Frontier Plains
• Fossil Hunting in Western Kansas.

Hays, The All American City

• Tour of the military attractions in Hays
• Merci Boxcar Museum & Veterans Memorial Park American
• Flying Tigers 2nd Squadron
• Color guard – flag ceremony
• History of the military Air Base at Walker
• Legion Hall -VFW Banquet Facility
• National Guard Armory – Army Reserve
• Boy Scouts presentations