Kicker Heartland Stampede Music Festival

For the inaugural Kicker Heartland Stampede Music Festival, an estimated 20,000 or more people per day will converge on the capital city to experience top country music talent and interactive exhibits like axe throwing and mechanical bull riding.

Set for June 25-27, 2020, the festival offers an opportunity to discover new acts and hear favorite headliners including Luke Combs, Toby Keith and Cody Johnson. The new Heartland Motorsports Park location also provides convenient access to surrounding camping facilities.

“Some people who go to music festivals bring friends and family and camp all week, making it an annual opportunity to not only reconnect with one another but also to participate in an immersive experience,”
said Adrienne Hayes, general manager for the Kicker Heartland Stampede Music Festival.

VARIETY

With more than 30 acts featuring local, regional and national performers on multiple stages and close to 100 food booths and commercial vendors, Hayes says there will be something for everyone.

“Country music is so varied right now,” she said. “We have acts with a contemporary pop feel and some with Southern rock roots and others with a red dirt sound.”

EXPERTISE

Hayes, who managed the Country Stampede under the tutelage of the festival’s creator and president Wayne Rouse for 20 years, studied music education before discovering that her passion was in logistics, planning and creating experiences. She works with a booking agent in Nashville, Tennessee, to select talent, drawing on input from festival surveys, social media and extensive research to determine how best to balance fan preferences with performer availability and still make budget.

Other acts slated for the event include Ashley McBryde, Clay Walker, Riley Green, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lonestar, Gabby Barrett, Meghan Patrick, Jacob Bryant, Drew Parker and Travis Marvin.

SATISFACTION

““I’m always looking at them instead of facing the stage because I love seeing everything we’ve worked for come together.” ”

Hayes says she is excited about launching her latest lineup at a new event at Heartland Motorsports Park.

“The facility itself is a great fit with lots of infrastructure in place and the location is easier to access for fans from bigger markets,” she said. “Plus, lodging and shopping and other amenities in Topeka give them options to explore before or a er the festival too.”

During the three-day event, Hayes and her small year-round staff will coordinate 500 volunteers and paid workers necessary to ensure the festival runs smoothly.

“My favorite part is at the end of each night when the grounds are full and people are enjoying the headliner concert,” she said. “This amazing feeling settles over me when I see them all experiencing the same moment. I’m always looking at them instead of facing the stage because I love seeing everything we’ve worked for come together.”"

Read More from Stay & Play

B&B Theatres

GreatPLAY

Evel Knievel

Topeka Pilots