The 37th Annual Paola Roots Festival
Two Days. One Stage. Endless Soul.
There’s music that passes the time, and then there’s music that rattles your bones. Welcome back to the 37th Annual Paola Roots Festival, a landmark 2-day, family-friendly celebration held in the heart of beautiful downtown Paola Park Square. For 37 years, we’ve been proud to bring our community together for an unforgettable weekend of culture, rhythm, and flavor.
While past festivals have drawn talent from across the nation, this year we are proudly returning to our roots. The 2026 lineup shines a massive spotlight on the incredible, world-class musicians thriving right here in our local area—just like we did nearly four decades ago.
But the music is only half the story. Beyond the stage, the square will be packed with festival energy:
The East Central State BBQ Championship Cook-off: Follow your nose to the ultimate battle of smoke and char, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
Arts, Crafts & Food Vendors: Shop unique, handmade goods from local artisans and refuel with a massive variety of incredible festival eats.
Family Fun: For our younger festival-goers, we’ve got a dedicated lineup of great games and exciting rides to keep the energy high all weekend.
The Lineup
Friday, August 28th | Gates open at 3:00 PM
Friday night is all about gritty soul and raw energy. We kick things off at noon and ride the wave straight into a massive double-header.
9:30 PM – Bywater Call: Seven pieces of powerhouse, horn-drenched southern soul and rock.
8:10 PM – Nick Schnebelen: Blues-rock royalty delivering razor-sharp guitar work.
Featuring sets by: PopSkull Rebels, Outlaw Jim & the Whiskey Benders, and Strum As You Are.
Saturday, August 29th | Gates open at 9:00 AM
A marathon of pure Americana. From lunchtime family sets to late-night headliners, Saturday spans the full spectrum of roots music.
9:00 PM – Taylor Hunnicutt: A fierce, soulful force blurring the lines between country, blues, and southern rock.
7:30 PM – Albert Cummings: A masterclass in explosive, boundary-pushing blues guitar.
Featuring sets by: Johnny Mullenax, Stranded in the City, Dustin Arbuckle & the Damnations, Blue Moon All-Stars, Mr. Stinky Feet, and Friends of Friends.
The Details
Where: Paola Park Square, Paola, Kansas
When: Friday, August 28th & Saturday, August 29th, 2026
Admission:
Friday Only: $15
Saturday Only: $20
Full Weekend Pass: $35
Kids 12 & under are absolutely free.
Rain or Shine. Incredible music doesn't stop for a little weather, and neither do we. Grab your lawn chairs, bring your appetite, and get your passes now.
Get Your Tickets at RootsFestival.org