Newton City Digest
July 2, 2026
Fireworks Return to Athletic Park for Rockets & Rails
NEWTON, Kan. — Newton's Independence Day celebration returns Friday, July 3, with Rockets & Rails at Athletic Park from 5 to 10:30 p.m. The evening features 16 food and drink vendors, family activities and games, two concerts and a fireworks show. Seating is available in the band shell, stadium and on the field, and attendees may bring blankets, stadium seats and folding chairs.
Duck Hunt Marks America's 250th During Downtown Summer Sales
NEWTON, Kan. — Downtown merchants will hide 250 patriotic ducks at participating locations July 2-3 during the Duck Into Downtown summer sales event, celebrating America's 250th birthday. Shoppers who find a duck can turn it in and complete an entry slip for a chance to win a downtown gift basket, with a winner drawn Monday, July 6.
Mexican American Fastpitch Tournament Returns for 78th Year
NEWTON, Kan. — The 78th annual Mexican American Fastpitch Softball Tournament will be held July 3-5 at Athletic and Centennial parks. Festivities open July 3 with the Azteca Dance Troupe at 5:30 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. and the traditional Old Timers Game. Tournament play continues July 4-5 at Athletic and Washington parks.
Ohio Band Honeytown to Play Downtown Concert July 10
NEWTON, Kan. — Honeytown, an Ohio-based band blending folk Americana, rock 'n' roll and progressive bluegrass, will perform July 10 at the Mural at Mostaza in downtown Newton. Seating will be available in the parking lot behind Mostaza.
Meridian Event Center Marks 15 Years With Anniversary Gala
NEWTON, Kan. — The Meridian Event Center will celebrate its 15th anniversary with dinner, dancing, a champagne toast and live music from The George Sanders Blues Band, a Wichita-area act known for its blend of delta blues, R&B, jazz, funk and classic rock. The event will also debut the Grand Meridian Buffet, the venue's first premium buffet offering, which will join its catering menu. Tickets are on sale online.
Newton Community Theatre Presents 'Footloose' July 17-19
NEWTON, Kan. — Newton Community Theatre will stage "Footloose," the Broadway musical based on the 1984 film, July 17-19 at the Newton High School Auditorium. Tickets are $15 general admission, and proceeds support the theater's performance opportunities for local actors, vocalists and musicians.
Harvey County Free Fair Set for July 30-Aug. 9
NEWTON, Kan. — The Harvey County Fair returns to the fairgrounds July 30 through Aug. 9 with 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, food trucks, derbies and concerts. The 4-H Fair runs July 30-Aug. 3, followed by the Free Fair Aug. 6-9.
Choose Newton Calendar Lists Community Events
NEWTON, Kan. — The Choose Newton Community Calendar at choose-newton.com lists upcoming local events and allows users to sort by event type. Adding events to the calendar is free.
Source: Choose Newton Newsletter, City of Newton, July 1, 2026.
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