Hutchinson is once again trading in its everyday identity for a cape and glasses as it transforms into “Smallville,” the fictional hometown of Superman, during the 12th annual Smallville Festival, set for June 19-21.
The three-day celebration, coordinated by Hutch Rec in partnership with the Kansas State Fairgrounds, Strataca, Cosmosphere, Hutchinson Zoo, NaCl Comic Cons LLC, and Downtown Hutchinson, will bring superhero-sized fun to every corner of the city.
“Smallville Festival is all about embracing what makes small-town life heroic,” said organizers. “Tradition, grit, pride in your community — and a little fun.”
Thursday, June 19: Festival Launch
Festivities kick off Thursday evening with Third Thursday activities downtown from 6–8 p.m., including a Kids Costume Contest at DCI Park and a performance by the Hutchinson Municipal Band accompanied by aerialist performers at George Pyle Park. At dusk, attendees can enjoy Batman Begins under the stars to start the DC Movie Marathon.
Friday, June 20: Honoring Heroes
Friday begins with a Hometown Heroes Luncheon at noon in front of the Reno County Museum, celebrating local everyday heroes. In the afternoon, the NaCl + Hutch Comic Con and Kansas Pride opens at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, with 200+ vendors, artists, and cosplayers. The Hutchinson Zoo will host its “Zooperheroes” family night from 6–9 p.m., and the Cosmosphere will screen The Dark Knight for free inside its Justice Planetarium at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 21: Super Finale
Saturday’s events begin early — and underground — with the Smallville Underground 5K at Strataca, where runners will descend 650 feet below the surface for a one-of-a-kind race past Superman memorabilia. The Cosmosphere’s Amazing Space Race scavenger hunt runs throughout the day, while the Comic Con continues at the fairgrounds.
Saturday night features two signature events: a photo op for the “Most Clark Kents in One Place” at 6:15 p.m., followed by Nerf-a-Palooza, a 5-on-5 open-range battle hosted by Nattox and NaCl. The festival concludes with an outdoor showing of The Dark Knight Rises at dusk on the fairgrounds’ Midway.
More information, including schedules and registration links, is available at hutchrec.com/smallvillefestival. Festival updates can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.