Free State Festival
Mark your calendar!
June 24 - June 29, 2025
This signature community event celebrates the free spirit of Kansas through independent films, live music, comedy, and art experiences in venues throughout the city of Lawrence.
The Lineup
Film selections include:
– The Librarians in partnership with KU Libraries & Lawrence Public Library
– Janis Ian: Breaking Silence + Live Music Tribute
– Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted + Performance by Swamp Dogg
– Reclaiming Home: Remembering the Topeka Bottoms
– A Kevin Willmott Double Feature: Ninth Street & The Battle for Bunker Hill
– Free Leonard Peltier
– Split Lip Rayfield: Never Make it Home
In collaboration with the Kaw River Roots Split Lip Rayfield
30th Anniversary Celebration
Performance & Event Highlights include:
– Stand up comedy by Todd Barry
– Music Performance by Swamp Dogg
– Short film and culinary pairings
– Pass-holder happy hours
– Hot Dogs for Breakfast: Art, Dogs & Conversation with Jeff Eaton
– Janis Ian tribute performance helmed by Kirsten Paludan
In collaboration with the Lawrence Music Alliance