Free State Festival slate includes new film from acclaimed director
The Lawrence Arts Center announced its headliners Thursday and selected films for the Free State Festival 2026, slated for June 22 to 28. Read more in the Lawrence Journal-World!
Category: Featured
The Lawrence Times: Lawrence invited to revolution at the movies for Free State Festival 2026
Lawrence Arts Center’s Free State Festival this summer will carry the theme of “The Revolution is at the Movies,” featuring films on freedom of thought and transformative social movements across … [more]
FSF26 Lineup Announcement
Free State Festival 2026 Brings Headliners Boots Riley and Robyn Hitchcock and a Slate of Revolutionary Films to Lawrence This June The Lawrence Arts Center is proud to announce the … [more]
Kansas City Librarian Speaks on the Power of Books, Empathy, and the Importance of Access
By Sofia Lamento, Free State Festival Contributor In celebration of The Librarians premier, retired librarian and lifelong educator, Kay Hopkins, sat down with Festival staff to discuss the impact of … [more]
A Mother’s Memory, a Daughter’s Tribute: The Story Behind The Hope Chest Has a Secret Drawer
By Sofia Lamento, Free State Festival Contributor Filmmaker Laura Frenzer and producer Siobhan O’Neill joined Free State Festival’s Eddie Haith to reflect on their award-winning short film, The Hope Chest … [more]
Returning the Muse: Kirsten Paludan Honors Janis Ian at Free State Fest
By Sofia Lamento, Free State Festival Contributor Kirsten Paludan wears many hats. She is a vocalist, actress, educator and champion of community creativity. This year at the Free State Festival, … [more]
The Pitch: Comedian Todd Barry talks animation, adventures, and crowd-work ahead of Friday’s Free State Festival
By Nick Spacek Comedian Todd Barry’s dry wit has garnered him quite a following over the past three decades, along with his appearances on seemingly every comedy series of note … [more]
The Pitch: Legendary performer Swamp Dogg talks ‘Blackgrass’ music ahead of Thursday’s Free State Festival
By Nick Spacek While you might not be familiar with legendary musician Swamp Dogg, you know his work. If nothing else, the song he co-wrote with Gary “U.S.” Bonds, “She’s … [more]
The Lawrence Times: Panel of Lawrence librarians discuss challenges to intellectual freedom at Free State Festival screening
Photo by Molly Adams Story by Wulfe Wulfemeyer Although Lawrence has not weathered the book-banning movements that have swept conservative states and other sectors of Kansas, local librarians want to … [more]
“I’m My Own Lane”: A Conversation with Kadesh Flow
By Sofia Lamento, Free State Festival Contributor Rapper, trombonist, and anime enthusiast Ryan Davis, better known by his stage name Kadesh Flow, has built a career out of merging jazz, … [more]