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]
Category: Featured
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]
Director Markus Potter Brings Personal Truth to the Screen at Free State Festival
By Sofia Lamento, Free State Festival Contributor What happens when a story is so personal, so raw, it demands to be told? For director Markus Potter, the answer was Stalking … [more]
Kansas Public Radio 105 Live: Free State Festival and Kaw River Roots Festival
The summer music festivals continue! This week 105 Live highlights the Kaw River Roots and Free State Festivals, both in Lawrence, KS Jun 24th – 29th. Featuring music from Split … [more]