Coleman Hawkins Legacy Jazz - June 6-8, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hawkfest a FREE event? YES, thanks to generous sponsors and donors!

Are tickets required for admittance? Main Stage events are free; there is a nominal $5 charge for the after-hours parties at Topeka Performing Arts Center and $5 admission to the Mulvane Mountain-Plains Art Fair at Washburn University.

Are children welcome? The Festival is open to everyone.

What is Hawkfest? Hawkfest 2008 celebrates its 13th Anniversary as an annual outdoor jazz festival held on the first weekend in June. It raises money for a designated charity and a music education scholarship fund for talented but economically disadvantaged Topeka youth.

Who organizes Hawkfest? Coleman Hawkins Legacy Jazz Festival, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization made up of community-minded jazz fans and musicians who give generously of their time and resources.

When and where is Hawkfest? The 2008 Festival takes place at the west end of the south lawn at Kansas Expocentre. Enter from 21st Street onto Exoduster Drive.

Is there food at Hawkfest? Barbecue and other delicious food will be provided by Brick Oven Courtyard Grille. They will also operate a Food Court. Join us on June 5th at the restaurant to kick off the Festival! There will be other vendors at the Festival as well.

What kind of seating is available at Hawkfest? There is unlimited open seating in the main stage area under the tent and in the open grassy area. Although some folding chairs will be available, it is advisable to bring your own chair and/or blanket and an umbrella.

Are alcoholic beverages sold at Hawkfest? Beer and wine will be sold by Brick Oven Courtyard Grille. You must be 21 years old.

Are bathroom facilities available? There will be portable toilets and hand washing stations available for your convenience.

Can I bring my pet to Hawkfest? NO.

Can I bring a tent? NO. There is no camping on site.

Can I bring my RV or camp at Hawkfest? Kansas Expocentre has RV facilities available for $15 a day. The service is from midnight to midnight and includes the space and electrical hookups on the West side of the building. Security guards will collect the fee during their rounds. For inquiries about reserving space, call 785-232-1458.

Where do I park? FREE Parking is in Expocentre lots 5 and 6 (see map). Handicap Parking will be adjacent to the Festival entrance. Those needing assistance to the Main Stage area can be transported via golf cart, upon request. A well-marked free shuttle will operate between the Festival and the Mulvane Mountain-Plains Art Fair on the Washburn campus (5 minute trip) during Art Fair hours on June 7 and June 8. You are welcome to “park and ride” from there.

What other activities are available?

The popular Mulvane Mountain-Plains Art Fair on the Washburn campus Saturday and Sunday will feature a Hawkfest-sponsored jazz performance at the Art Fair Stage on Saturday, June 7th, from 2-4 pm (see the Festival Schedule page). Admission to the Art Fair is $5.
Fun and fabulous late night After-hours Jazz Parties are held on Friday and Saturday nights, following headliner performances. Join us downstairs in Hill’s Festival Hall at Topeka Performing Arts Center. The parties start at 11:30 pm and run until about 2:00 am. There is a nominal $5 admission fee. Come and dance your hearts out!

I am from out of town. Where can I stay while attending Hawkfest 2008? There are numerous hotel and motel accommodations in Topeka. Please check this site for information: http://travel.away.com/Kansas/travel-hotels-331311-Topeka.html or contact the Chamber of Commerce. Capitol Plaza Hotel, located adjacent to Expocentre, is offering a special rate to Festival-goers this year. Call (785) 431-7200 for more details.

What else should I know? A carnival will be taking place along the Topeka Blvd. entrance to Expocentre on the same weekend. The Hawkfest Main Stage will be located well away from the carnival and we are anticipating no problems. It offers another opportunity to entertain the kids.

What happens if it rains? The Main Stage and large audience tent will provide cover in case of unexpected light rain. In the event of inclement weather, the Festival will move to Hill’s Festival Hall at Topeka Performing Arts Center (admission will remain free). Any change of venue or important information will be announced from the Main Stage and via major media in Topeka. You can also call the Hawkfest Hotline at (785) 575-2166.