The 2025 Somewhere Festival & Conference has wrapped its second year, drawing more than 15,000 attendees from 31 states and 6 countries, and delivering on its promise of a transformative, community-driven experience that celebrates Wichita’s rich creative spirit.
Over two days of music, art, conversation, and collaboration, Somewhere brought together 105+ local visual and dance artists, nearly 190 musical artists, 51 conference speakers, 22 social change partners, and 24 community partners - all produced by Wichita’s creative community. From immersive art installations and skate ramp jams to genre-defying performances and thought-provoking panels, the event created space for people from all walks of life to gather, share, and co-create.
“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.”
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:
• Attendees: 15,000+ from 31 states and 6 countries
• Artistic talent: 188 musical artists, 105+ visual & dance artists, 51 conference speakers
• Food & culture: 22 food vendors, 20+ Ramp Jam participants, dozens of interactive art and social change activations
• Community legacy: Harvester Arts-curated shipping container installations remain onsite as a lasting public art landmark
• Safety: Zero major safety incidents - a testament to community care and collaboration
Somewhere Festival served as a platform for homegrown talent, helping retain Wichita’s creative workforce by offering new platforms, freedom of expression, and access to broader audiences. The festival broke down silos—forging respect and collaboration across music, visual art, dance, skate, production, social impact, food, and more. Attendees described the event as a welcoming, safe space that crossed neighborhood lines, demographics, and scenes, and offered real opportunities for connection and social change.
Programming reflected this spirit of inclusivity and creativity: from national headliners like Deadmau5, Suki Waterhouse, Flying Lotus, and Aloe Blacc with 2ŁØT, to intimate sets from regional and local favorites. The conference sparked vital conversations with panels on mental health, artist advocacy, DIY touring, and marketing without social media, and workshops on PR, personal branding, tour routing, and live looping. The Change Starts Somewhere Block Party invited hundreds to engage in hands-on community-building around addiction recovery, economic mobility, education, and creative expression.
“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.
