Frequently Asked
Questions
Getting Tickets
How do I get tickets to Symphony in the Flint Hills?
Tickets may be purchased through the Kansas City Symphony Box Office by calling 816.471.0400, or online at www.kcsymphony.org. To inquire about tickets via email, contact the box office at info@kcsymphony.org. Walk-in sales are also welcome at 1020 Central, Suite 300, Kansas City MO 64105. Box office hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For general ticket information please visit Tickets.
Patron Tickets are available. For more information please visit the Patron Package page under How Can I Help.
Can I volunteer for a free ticket?
Yes! Volunteers who work a sufficient number of hours may attend the concert for free, and work with wonderful, like-minded music and prairie enthusiasts. More information can be found on the Volunteer Opportunities page under How can I Help. To volunteer for the June 12, 2010 concert, email the Volunteer Coordinator, Karen Rains, at karensymphony@gmail.com or call her at 620.273.8955.
What if I lose my tickets?
Don’t lose them! If you do lose them, buy more through the Kansas City Symphony Box Office.
Planning Before the Concert
May I bring children?
This concert is a great opportunity for young people to experience classical music and explore the Tallgrass Prairie. However, each parent must decide if their child or children are capable of what would be expected of them–to remain quiet during the 90-minute concert so they do not disturb fellow concertgoers. Regarding very young children and babies, the rough terrain makes maneuvering a stroller difficult. Hours of wind, sun and other logistics may keep this event from being ideal for small children.
What should I wear?
Dress casually and comfortably since the concert is outside and it likely will be warm and sunny. Wear sun block and a hat. We recommend no open-toed shoes because the prairie terrain is rocky and uneven. Even though the trails will be mowed, the stubble can be sharp. Good comfortable, sturdy shoes are strongly recommended.
What should I bring with me?
You may want to bring your own seating–such as camping chairs, festival chairs or blankets; however, plan to carry them. The option we recommend is that you rent your chairs at the concert site for a reasonable $2, and you won’t have to carry a chair around.
Bug spray is a good idea and sun block and a hat are highly recommended. Umbrellas are useful as portable shade but must be “collapsed” when the concert starts.
Un-chilled water will be available onsite free of charge. Iced bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, beer and wine will be available. Be sure to drink plenty liquids to prevent the possibility of dehydration.
You are welcome to bring a picnic dinner or snacks with you, although we offer award-winning barbecue dinners and vegetarian options from vendors on site.
What items should I leave at home?
Alcoholic beverages: Good wine and ice-cold beer will be on sale after 2 p.m. at the concert site. We ask you NOT to bring any alcoholic beverages with you to the site. (It is against Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control rules and we can all get into trouble.) Before we understood the rules, we were only concerned about the possibility of broken glass, now we know better.
Glass: Please, no glass containers at the site.
Pets: Pets are NOT ALLOWED at the concert site. Service dogs are an exception, of course.
Audio recorders: No recording of the symphonic performance is permitted. For more information visit the Rules page.
What about smoking?
There will be a designated smoking area at the concert site. Ask at the information booth for the exact location. Please do not smoke elsewhere.
Will audio aids be available?
In this remote site electronic audio aides are not feasible. We apologize for any inconvenience. However, there will be an American Sign Language Interpreter.
Are there provisions for people with disabilities?
Yes, the concert site will be wheelchair accessible. If you have a wheelchair and/or need other special arrangements, please email info@symphonyintheflinthills.org or call 620.273.8955. However, if your only concern is about walking long distances, you do NOT need to make special arrangements. Various shuttles will be operating between the parking lot and the concert site with volunteers to assist you on and off the vehicles. Wait and Ride Tents will provide shade and seating.
Handicapped-accessible port a-potties will be available.
What else is going on at the concert site June 12?
All activities at the concert site are included in the ticket price. Activities begin at 1 p.m. There will be birding tours, wildflower walks, authentic covered wagon rides, cultural heritage presentations, prairie-related exhibits and a musical instrument “petting zoo”, star gazing, and dancing to "old time music." A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase at the site. Please visit the Prairie Education page for details.
Getting to the Concert
How do I get to the concert?
Bazaar is located on Highway 177 between Cottonwood Falls (7 miles south) and Matfield Green (7 miles north).
- Turn south off of Highway 50. There is a small sign...watch for it!
- Pass through Strong City and Cottonwood Falls to Bazaar Schoolhouse; turn west.
Where should I park?
Please ARRIVE EARLY, be patient and follow the parking attendants’ directions. Plan a minimum of one hour from the time you leave your car in the parking area to exchange your ticket for a wristband and walk the wild flower trail or wait for a ride out to the site. You don’t want to be late, ticket and transportation lines may be long. The last wagon to the concert site will depart at 5:30 p.m. from the Wait and Ride Tent near the Ticket Booth.
There is NO additional charge for parking.
Patrons and ADA vehicles will have a different parking entrance than general admission ticket holders. Please watch for directions.
ABOUT PARKING: Incoming parking should not be a problem if you come early enough (well before 4:00 pm). Leaving the parking lot will continue to be a challenge, because the concert site is 8 miles from Highway 177 and has long winding stretches of gravel road. There is only one way in and out of the concert site and approximately 2,700 vehicles will all have to exit the same route, back to Highway 177. So, you are encouraged to relax after the concert and enjoy continuing entertainment at the concert site while the parking lot clears. Because there are those who will try to leave early no matter what, and the road out will be clogged, the traffic could barely creep along for several hours. No sense waiting for hours in your car when you can enjoy old time acoustic music with fiddles, guitars bass harmonicas, and a good expanded wood dance floor, and look at the stars through telescopes. Food and beverages are served until 11:00 p.m.
What time does the concert begin?
The concert begins at 6:45 p.m., so plan on arriving at the concert site at least an hour early. Please see the Parking and Schedule pages under Event Information.
When should I arrive?
After parking your vehicle, you should plan to allow one hour to get from the parking area to the concert site. Thus, we recommend arriving no later than 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 12. This will allow enough time to park and walk or ride to the concert and allow time for getting settled. If you would like to purchase dinner before the event, you should arrive even earlier. Activities at the site begin at 1 p.m. Please see the Schedule page under Event Information.
What time does the concert site open?
The parking area opens at 12:00 noon; the Ticket Gate opens at 1 p.m. and the Prairie Education Activities start at 2 p.m. Please see Schedule page and Prairie Education page for more information.
How can I get a good seat?
All tickets, except Patron Tickets, are General Admission, so arrive early (the concert site opens at 1 p.m.), and claim your place on the prairie with a blanket or chairs. We ask that you please refrain from holding seats for large groups, as the concert is first-come, first-served seating.
Patrons have reserved seating. Go to How Can I Help for patron package information.
At the Concert: Location Concerns
Will I be able to hear the music?
Yes, over 80 microphones will be located on the stage and amplified through special sound system operated by a company that specializes in outdoor symphonic performances. You will be able to hear the music!
Will there be restrooms at the site?
Yes, port a-potties, several of which are handicapped-accessible, will be available at the concert site. Hand-washing stations will also be available. Bring flashlights - the port-a-potties may be dark inside at night.
Will my cell phone work?
There is limited cell-phone coverage out in the Flint Hills. Some companies may have service but don’t count on it. We ask that you turn off all cell phones during the concert as a courtesy to fellow concertgoers.
What if it rains?
The rain date is Sunday, June 13 at 6:45 p.m. at the same location. Remember, nature is our partner in this event. If inclement weather makes it impractical to hold the concert at the site, both Saturday and Sunday, there is no alternate location and the concert will be cancelled.
There will be NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES under ANY circumstance, HOWEVER, in the case of event cancellation, the ticket price may be used as a tax deductible contribution.
Please see the Rain Plan page under Tickets.
Aren’t there chiggers that time of year?
Yes, usually there are chiggers by mid-June. However, chiggers are easily discouraged with insect repellant. You should make sure you have the insect repellent of your choice. Chiggers are not as plentiful on the prairie upland ridges as they are on mowed lawns and in brome fields but be prepared.
What will the weather be like?
Mid-June weather in Kansas is usually sunny and warm with temperatures in the mid-80s. Wind usually blows from the south. Check for local weather updates. The weather can be hot and humid. This is Kansas remember. However chances are good that it’s going to be a beautiful day. For the past 104 years it has only rained 37% of the time on June 12. When it has rained, the average precipitation is 0.17 inches. Please see Rain Plan page under Tickets.
(Data supplied by State Climatologist Mary Knapp, KSU.)
At the Concert: Food & Drink
When may I eat?
You are welcome to eat before, during, or after the performance. You may bring your own food, however, we will have food for purchase at the concert site.
What kind of food and drink is available to purchase?
A variety of award-winning barbecue suppers will be available for purchase. Service will be quick and efficient. There will be iced tea, lemonade, and cold bottled water as well as good beer and wine. There will also be free un-chilled water available.
Is alcohol allowed at the concert?
Yes, but please do not bring it in with you. Good wine and ice-cold beer will be sold onsite beginning at 2 p.m. and continuing after the concert. We ask you NOT to bring any alcoholic beverages with you to the site. (It is against Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control rules and we can all get into trouble.) Before we understood the rules, we were only concerned about the possibility of broken glass, now we know better.
Will I need a flashlight?
Bring a flashlight, the port-a-potties may be dark inside at night. However, all of the walking trails and the parking area will be illuminated as twilight falls. We hope that you will linger at the concert site after sunset and not be in a rush to get back to the parking area. Because it will take time for all of the cars to leave, it is likely that those who rush to the parking lot may wait for some time in their cars.
What time is sunset on June 12, 2010?
Sunset will occur at approximately 8:55 p.m. at the concert site.
I want to walk, but do I have to carry my own chair and picnic basket?
Yes, you will need to carry your own items. Festival chairs that one can sling over one arm are convenient. Backpacks are recommended for carrying food and water. However, please remember food, water and beverages are all available for purchase at the concert site and chairs will be available to rent for a reasonable $2. No hard-sided coolers are allowed through the ticket gate. This will be enforced this year.
May I photograph and videotape the performance?
No. Photographing and videotaping is strictly prohibited during the performance because often random photography distracts from the experience of the audience. Photography and video are welcome at all other times during day.
Whom may I contact with questions or concerns?
Please contact the Executive Director, Emily Hunter, at 620.273.8955.
Are there other nearby activities before the concert?
Yes! Please visit our Prairie Education page.
The Music
Who is performing?
The full Kansas City Symphony conducted by Steven Jarvi.
What will the symphony play ?
The Kansas City Symphony will fill the Flint Hills with music that evokes the Spirit of the American Prairie.
How long is the concert ?
The symphony performance is anticipated to be 90 minutes of music plus a 20-minute intermission.