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Somewhere Festival Is Turning Wichita Into a Cultural Destination—Here’s Why That Matters

By Kath Galasso on February 24, 2025

Wichita isn’t the first city that comes to mind when you think of major music festivals. But Somewhere Festival & Conference, returning June 13-14, 2025, is actively working to change that perception. What started last year as Elsewhere Festival has now evolved into a not-for-profit, multi-genre music and arts event with a mission that extends beyond entertainment, blending live performances, social advocacy, and music industry education into something that feels more like a movement than a festival.

Headlining this year’s edition are Deadmau5, Suki Waterhouse, BigXthaPlug, and Flying Lotus, leading a diverse lineup that also includes Kim Gordon, Aloe Blacc with 2ŁØT, Cassian, Tinlicker (Live), Jerro, Die Spitz, Tommy Newport, Elise Trouw, La Luz, and Chris Luno. But unlike traditional festivals that rely on star power alone, Somewhere Festival is positioning itself as a hub for artist collaboration, creative experimentation, and community building.

What makes Somewhere Festival stand out isn’t just the music, but how it reimagines what a festival experience can be. The event is designed to feel more like a cultural ecosystem, where attendees don’t just watch performances—they engage with the art, the artists, and the ideas shaping the industry.

A major part of that engagement happens at The Somewhere Conference, which features a fireside chat with Aloe Blacc, industry workshops, and panel discussions designed to help independent artists navigate the business of music while using their platforms for social change. Unlike other festival conferences that feel exclusive or industry-heavy, this one is aimed at both artists and fans, making music careers feel more accessible.

Then there’s the immersive art programming, curated by Harvester Arts, which transforms the festival grounds into an interactive gallery. Expect live murals, graffiti walls, and hands-on creative workshops, blending music and visual storytelling into a shared experience.

Another thing that sets Somewhere Festival apart is its deep integration with social change
initiatives. Organizers have partnered with The Phoenix, 1 Million Strong, and Empower North End, among others, to give attendees direct access to activations centered around addiction recovery, juvenile justice reform, education, and economic mobility. These aren’t just informational booths, but immersive experiences designed to spark action and involvement long after the festival ends.

For festival co-founder Chase Koch, this isn’t just about putting on a great event—

it’s about positioning Wichita as a destination for culture and creativity. “With this festival, we’re proving that Wichita is not just a stop on the way—it’s Somewhere,” Koch explains. “It’s a place where artists and audiences can connect, collaborate, and build something meaningful together.”

This year, the festival is also stepping up its food and beverage experience, making it as immersive as the music. With 20 diverse vendors each day, attendees can expect everything from local food trucks and dessert stations to vegan-friendly options. But the festival isn’t stopping at just offering good eats—it’s making food interactive, too.

The Blind Taste Challenge will put festivalgoers’ palates to the test, as they sample mystery dishes and drinks while blindfolded, trying to guess the ingredients for a chance to win exclusive festival prizes. Meanwhile, the Foodie Photo Op Challenge invites attendees to snap their most creative food photos at dedicated stations, with prizes awarded for the best shots. These kinds of unexpected, interactive moments are exactly what make Somewhere Festival feel fresh and different.

At a time when the music festival industry is increasingly dominated by big-budget productions in major metropolitan areas, Somewhere Festival is proving that an independent, socially conscious, artist-driven festival can thrive in a place like Wichita. And while many festivals claim to be about more than just music, this one is actually doing the work—creating real career-building opportunities for artists, engaging the local community, and challenging the idea of what a festival can be. Somewhere Festival & Conference takes place June 13-14, 2025, in Downtown Wichita, KS.