2026 FESTIVAL ATTRACTIONS

Blast off into the 9th Annual Sand Creek Summer Daze Festival! This year, we’re taking the festival to new heights—and we mean that literally! Get ready to launch into a celebration that’s bigger, bolder, and more cosmic than ever before. Just like the creek it’s named after, this festival keeps flowing with fresh surprises, stellar events, and fan favorites that are sure to leave you starstruck.

For 2026, we’re bringing a space-age twist to the festival—prepare for a galactic experience like no other! This year’s festival is packed with days of interstellar fun—activities, entertainment, concerts, performances, food, and drinks that will have you feeling like you’re in a galaxy far, far away. From thrilling space-themed games to mind-blowing performances, we’ve got it all covered, and it’s sure to be a journey you won’t forget!

As always, the Summer Daze Festival will light up the Newton area and beyond, starting with the ever-popular Medallion Hunt (now with a cosmic twist!), and blasting off into summer baseball games and culminating with a ROCKET MAN that will make the night sky sparkle like the Milky Way!

From galactic games to stellar food and everything in between, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a space explorer or just looking for a good time. The universe of fun is endless! Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey through space and time at the 2026 Sand Creek Summer Daze Festival—where the only limit is how far you’re ready to launch.

Greg Hanson ~ Festival Chairman

ACTIVITES & ENTERTAINMENT

SUNDAY | JUNE 14-19 | NEWTON PUBLIC PARKS/AREAS

THE MYTHICAL MEDALLION HUNT

They say a Mythical Medallion lies hidden somewhere beneath this celestial canvas — glowing softly in the hush of night, waiting for seekers bold enough to follow the whispers of the wind. Are you ready to join the hunt and make your summer legendary?

THURSDAY | JUNE 18 | 7PM | KLEIN-SCOTT FIELD

NEWTON REBELS BASEBALL

From the first crack of the bat to the final out, Rebels baseball is more than a game — it’s tradition, teamwork, and town pride stitched into every jersey. For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out at the old ball game—so come on down, cheer on the Rebels, and let’s make some memories!

SATURDAY | JUNE 20 | 9AM-NOON
ATHLETIC PARK

HOT SUMMER THRILLZ AREA

The Hot Summer Thrillz Area is bursting with action, laughter, and high-energy fun for every age and adventure level! From heart-pounding challenges to creative, hands-on experiences, this is the place where summer memories are made.

SATURDAY | JUNE 20 | 9aM | ATHLETIC PARK

FOOS-A-PALOOZA

Round up your favorite “foo-seys,” put your game face on, and sign up today! Every team is guaranteed two high-energy games packed with fun, laughter, and a bit of friendly competition.

SATURDAY | JUNE 20 | 9:30AM-1:00PM | ATHLETIC PARK / CITY POOL

THE SAND CREEK CARDBOARD REGATTA

The Sand Creek Cardboard Regatta Is Back — Bigger and Better Than Ever! Grab your cardboard, rally your crew, and prepare to set sail. This is your chance to transform simple sheets of the cardboard into a seaworthy masterpiece.

SATURDAY | JUNE 20 | 5:30PM | KELSCH FIELD

THE GREAT BRAIN FREEZE

The Coolest Showdown of the Summer!It’s the GREAT BRAIN FREEEEEEZZZEEE! Prepare yourself for the ultimate frosty face-off where spoons fly, eyes water, and champions are crowned in a flurry of frozen delight!

SATURDAY | JUNE 20 | 4:00PM | KELSCH FIELD

SATURDAY | JUNE 20 | 6:30PM | KELSCH FIELD

SCRUBZ VS SCHOLARZ KICKBALL GAME

Get ready for seven innings of fun, fierce kicks, and questionable athleticism, as NMC Health takes on USD 373 in the most epic celebrity kickball clash of the year! Watch your favorite teachers and administrators try to outplay the doctors, nurses and administrators of the Hippocratic Oath.

BATTLE OF THE BADGES

The Harvey County Fire and Police Battle for Supremacy returns — and this year, it’s bringing more muscle, more laughs, and more unexpected twists than ever before! When sirens turn into cheers and friendly rivalry takes center stage, you know it’s time for the ultimate showdown.

CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES

FRIDAY | JUNE 19 | 6:30PM | MILITARY PARK | FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES - GAVIN THUNBERG STAGE

THE RAILTOWN RHYTHM CONCERT

Get ready for the ultimate summer kick-off! For the first time ever, Summer Daze is bringing a FREE concert right to the heart of downtown Newton.

Feel the music pulse through the streets as locals, families, and friends gather to celebrate the start of the season in style.

SATURDAY | JUNE 20 | 8PM | KELSCH FIELD | SECURITY FIRST STAGE

HOT SUMMER'Z NIGHT CONCERT

Elton Dan and The Rocket Band – Paying Homage to Sir Elton John.

Summer Daze isn’t just about sunshine and fun — it’s about journeys, wonder, and moments that sparkle. Elton Dan and The Rocket Band capture that magic perfectly, transporting you “Through the Stars” with every soaring piano riff, glittering costume, and unforgettable hit.