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Columbian Theatre, Wamego, KS
Theatre & EventsHistory BuffLocal Gem

Columbian Theatre

521 Lincoln Ave · Wamego, KS

Why you should go…

Wamego banker J.C. Rogers built this music hall in 1893 after visiting the World's Columbian Exposition, then bought art and decor from the fair once it closed. Inside you can see six of the large rotunda paintings made for the exposition, among some twenty original fair paintings. Restored and reopened in 1994, it now stages musicals, children's theatre and concerts in its playhouse, with an art gallery on site.

  • #historic theatre
  • #musicals
  • #world's fair art
  • #small town kansas

Good to know

General theatre & events guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Curtain time is firm

    Latecomers are commonly held at the back until a scene break, so build in a buffer.

  • Study the seating chart

    Price and sightline vary a lot within the same house. A few rows back can be the better seat.

  • Rush and lottery seats exist

    Many venues release same-day tickets at a discount if you are flexible about where you sit.

  • Arrive with time to spare

    Parking, bag check, and finding your row all take longer than you think on a full house.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Columbian Theatre, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    OZ Museum

    Under $25

    Follow the yellow brick road through galleries holding over 2,000 Oz artifacts, from early Baum books to film props.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Wildwood Adventure Park

    $50+

    Ride seven zip lines through the trees of the Flint Hills, then finish the course with a 40-foot free fall.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Aggieville Brewing Company

    Under $25

    A restaurant brewery near Aggieville serving 18 house beers, cocktails, BBQ and pub fare, with an outdoor beer garden.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Wabaunsee County

    Free

    Rural Flint Hills county in Kansas known for scenic byways, the small town of Alma and tallgrass prairie views.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    McCain Performance Series

    $25–$50

    Kansas State's touring season at McCain Auditorium, bringing Broadway musicals, comedy, jazz and country shows to campus.

    15 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Local Gem

    Manhattan Arts Center

    Under $25

    A nonprofit community arts center on Poyntz Avenue staging mainstage and youth theatre alongside art exhibitions.

    15 mi awayMore like this