Hutchinson Smallville Festival Set to Return in 2026 Following Successful 12th Annual Event
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The annual Smallville Festival is expected to return to Hutchinson in 2026, continuing a tradition that has transformed the central Kansas city into the fictional hometown of Superman for more than a decade.
While official 2026 dates have not yet been announced by Hutchinson Recreation, the festival traditionally takes place in mid-June, with festivities launching on the third Thursday of the month.
The 2025 festival, held June 19-21, marked the 12th consecutive year that Hutchinson officially changed its name to Smallville, Kansas, celebrating the hometown of Clark Kent, better known as Superman.
Festival Tradition
The Smallville Festival kicks off on the third Thursday in June when Hutchinson officially changes its name to Smallville, home of Clark Kent. The celebration focuses on small-town values including traditions, hard work, grit, determination, and pride in where we live.
Hutch Rec coordinates the festival in collaboration with the Kansas State Fairgrounds, Strataca, Cosmosphere, Hutchinson Zoo, NaCl Comic Cons LLC, and Downtown Hutchinson.
The three-day event has grown significantly since its inception, offering activities across multiple venues throughout the city. Events typically include downtown activities, comic conventions, underground races, family-friendly programming, and movie screenings.
Signature Events
Past festivals have featured several signature events that have become community favorites. The Smallville Kids Costume Contest takes place during Third Thursday activities, with free walk-up registration.
The Smallville Underground 5K at Strataca allows runners to race 650 feet below the surface while running past the real Superman suit. The unique underground race has become one of the festival's most popular attractions.
The NaCl + Hutch Comic Con, featuring hundreds of vendors, artists, and cosplayers, takes place at the Kansas State Fairgrounds during the festival weekend. The Hutchinson Zoo hosts "Zooperheroes" family nights, while the Cosmosphere screens DC movies in its Justice Planetarium.
Community Impact
The festival becomes a way for the community to celebrate what makes small-town living super, focusing on small-town values like traditions, hard work, grit, determination, and pride in where we live.
The event draws visitors from across the region, providing an economic boost to local businesses during the summer season. Downtown Hutchinson participates with extended hours, special promotions, and themed activities.
Recent festivals have included attempts to set records, such as having the most Clark Kents in one place, bringing together Superman fans in costume for group photographs.
Looking Ahead
The festival has evolved over its 12-year history to include more venues and activities each year. The 2023 festival marked the 10th anniversary of the event, while the 2025 event continued to expand programming across multiple days.
Festival organizers typically announce dates and programming details several months in advance. Community members and visitors can stay updated on 2026 plans through the Hutchinson Recreation website at hutchrec.com/smallvillefestival and social media channels.
The festival serves as both a tourism draw and a celebration of community spirit, allowing Hutchinson to embrace its connection to one of America's most iconic superheroes while showcasing local attractions and businesses.
Information about 2026 festival dates, programming, and registration will be released by Hutchinson Recreation as planning progresses.