The 2025 Somewhere Festival & Conference has officially wrapped its landmark second edition, drawing more than 15,000 attendees from 31 states and 6 countries, and reinforcing its status as a bold, community-rooted celebration of Wichita’s creative spirit. Over two powerful days, the event seamlessly blended music, art, culture, and social impact, proving what’s possible when grassroots vision meets collaborative execution.
Produced entirely by Wichita’s creative community, Somewhere delivered an immersive and inclusive environment that showcased over 188 musical acts, 105+ visual and dance artists, 51 conference speakers, and 22 social change partners, with support from 24 local community organizations. From immersive art and skate ramp jams to deeply engaging panels and performances, Somewhere fostered a unique atmosphere of co-creation and cultural pride.
“This year proved what’s possible when vision meets collaboration,” said Jessie Hartke, CEO of Midtopia. “Wichita showed the world that we can build something meaningful from the ground up—no gatekeepers, just community, creativity, and heart.”
2025 Festival Highlights:
- Attendees: 15,000+ from across the U.S. and six international countries
- Music & Art: 188 musicians, 105+ visual/dance artists, 51 speakers, and more than 20 Ramp Jam skaters
- Culture & Food: 22 food vendors and dozens of interactive social impact activations
- Legacy: Curated Harvester Arts shipping container installations now serve as permanent public art
- Safety: Zero major incidents—a testament to collective care and intentional design
The festival positioned Wichita as a cultural trailblazer, empowering local talent while connecting creatives across disciplines. It tore down silos between genres, generations, and geographies, creating an environment where music, visual art, skating, social justice, and culinary expression came together in perfect harmony.
From genre-defying sets by national artists like Deadmau5, Suki Waterhouse, Flying Lotus, and Aloe Blacc with 2ŁØT, to intimate showcases from regional voices, the programming struck a rare balance between mainstream appeal and local authenticity.
On the conference side, panels sparked important dialogue on mental health, DIY touring, personal branding, and alternative marketing, while hands-on workshops focused on PR, tour routing, and live performance techniques. The Change Starts Somewhere Block Party invited hundreds to directly engage with nonprofits and initiatives centered on recovery, education, and equity.
“This experience reminded all of us what’s possible when a group of passionate people align around a shared vision and values,” said Chase Koch, founder of Movement Musick. “Wichita showed the world that music, creativity, community, and collaboration can truly transform a city.”
As Somewhere continues to evolve, it stands as more than just a festival—it’s a movement for equity, artistic freedom, and lasting cultural impact. With its second year now in the books, Wichita has sent a clear message to the world: transformation starts Somewhere.