Highlights Of The Amelia Earhart Days In Atchison, Kansas
The Amelia Earhart Festival is an annual event that is held in Atchison, Kansas. Attendees come from all around the globe, to honor their hometown hero, Amelia. When I was invited to attend the festivities this year, I jumped at the opportunity. As a young girl, I loved reading about the life of Amelia Earhart.
This post was updated from 2019 in June 2026.
She was the first female passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane in 1928. And then in 1932, she took the controls of a Lockheed Vega 5B to complete a nonstop solo transatlantic flight. To this day, fans flock yearly to Atchison to relive Amelia’s achievements.
My weekend kicked off as a special guest at a dinner where Amelia’s family and friends gathered. I had the opportunity to meet Julie Clark. Julie is a retired Northwest Airlines Captain and she has logged more than 31,000 accident-free hours in the air. Julie is an inspiration to all women pilots.
Dining With Amelia Earhart’s Niece, Amy
Much to my surprise, Amelia Earhart’s niece, Amy sat next to me for dinner. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would eat a meal sitting next to Amelia’s niece in Atchison, Kansas.
Unique Places To Stay On Kansas US Highway 36
Lake Fest Kicks Off Amelia Earhart Days In Atchison, KS
America’s finest country music stars headline this event on Friday evening. New, in 2026, the Friday night concert series is moving to the Atchison Riverfront Stage, right on the water. Headliners are Lorrie Morgan and BlackHawk.
Annual Amelia Earhart Fun Run
Atchison YMCA
321 Commercial St.
Atchison, KS 66002
If music is not your thing, there is an event for you at Amelia Earhart Days in Atchison. A family-friendly race is held in conjunction with the Amelia Earhart Festival, which begins and ends at the Atchison YMCA.
Visit The Atchison Airport During Amelia Earhart Days
Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum
16701 286th Rd
Atchison, KS 66002
913-372-0021
ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org
You must visit the airport during festival weekend, as Muriel is the highlight. This beautiful museum is where Muriel– the world’s last remaining 1935 Lckheed Electra L-10_E airplane is on display. With numerous interactive exhibits, you can trace Amelia’s journey from Atchison through her career in aviation.
Family-Friendly Carnival At Amelia Earhart Days
The carnival is located at Main and 4th Streets in Atchison and has a little bit of something for everyone. The usual funnel cake was also very impressive.
I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly the Wagner’s Carnival employees were. This was the first time, in my 52 years, that a carnival employee personally thanked me for visiting. That speaks volumes!
Awards Luncheon At Amelia Earhart Days
The Pioneering Achievement Award Luncheon is also open to guests. it’s important to note, that tickets need to be purchased ahead of time.
This is also where visitors can get insight into the family of Amelia and all she continues to inspire today. I was honored to attend.
High Flying Entertainment: The Aerobatic Air Show & Fireworks
This was the first time that I had attended an air show with aerobatics. Julie Clark, an air show veteran, flew over the Missouri River with quite a show. To this day, I watch this video and recall what an incredible experience this event is. Extreme aerobatic pilot Mike Vaknin will perform gravity-defying maneuvers over the Missouri River in his high-performance Extra 300 aircraft on July 18, 2026.
The fireworks show rounded out the Amelia Earhart Festival and all I can say is, “Wow!” Atchison, Kansas knows how to throw a party and keep the spirit of Amelia alive.
My fondest memory from this event will be how this event brings people together from all around the globe. Amelia Earhart lives in the heart of many, particularly those in Ireland.
It was on May 21, 1932, that Amelia landed in Ireland on a small hill near Derry. Here we are 87 years later, celebrating Ireland, America, and Amelia. Life does not get much sweeter than that!
I hope you will plan a visit to Atchison for this fantastic celebration. Stay tuned here, to learn about the happenings for the Amelia Earhart Festival 2026. You will not regret it, as you will be inspired by someone that you meet while in Atchison.
*Thank you to the folks of Visit Atchison for hosting me, as I loved this event.
