News

News

This news section is being updated frequently with news from the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau. You can find recent press releases on the far left column of this page. Another great resource with even more timely news is the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau's Facebook page. Check it out to see what is happening in Dodge City and why you should "get the heck INTO Dodge."

Recent Stories

Dodge City Named One of the Best Places to Visit in Kansas

By Dodge City CVB on September 11, 2023

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VacationIdea, a growing online travel magazine, has named Dodge City as one of the 25 Best Places to Visit in Kansas. VacationIdea scoured Kansas to find locations across the state that had something of interest for everyone, no matter their taste or itinerary. The magazine selected Dodge City for its unique blend of immersive experiences into the history and culture of the American West and world-class entertainment, art community, and modern amenities.

"We are delighted to have been selected as one of the best places to visit in Kansas," said Megan Welsh, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Our community and attractions strive to deliver a unique experience for travelers looking to explore the history and culture of the Old West. We invite everyone seeking adventure to saddle up and visit our slice of American history."

VacationIdea is an online travel magazine that provides inspiration and expert advice for family vacations, romantic getaways, and weekend trips. VacationIdea covers more than 45,000 destinations worldwide, and its articles have been referenced in USA Today, Buzz Feed, the Chicago Tribune, and many others.

Read the complete 25 Best Places to Visit in Kansas article at ttps://vacationidea.com/ideas/best-places-to-visit-in-kansas.html. To plan your next vacation to Dodge City, see our website at www.visitdodgecity.org.

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New Mr. Mustache Named at Second Annual Whisker Roundup

By Dodge City CVB on July 24, 2023

A large crowd packed the Varieties Theater at Boot Hill Museum on Saturday, July 22, when the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted the second annual Whisker Roundup Mustache Contest. Four contestants took to the stage to flaunt their pruned, shaped, and waxed mustaches in their bid to claim the crown of Dodge City’s new Mr. Mustache.

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Dodge City Named Most Charming Town in Kansas

By Dodge City CVB on July 11, 2023

TravelMag, a thriving travel publication, has declared Dodge City as the Most Charming Town in Kansas in their list of the Most Charming Towns and Small Cities in the Midwest. This recognition celebrates Dodge City's distinct mix of history, culture, and unique experiences that attract visitors from all over.

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Unforgettable Summer Entertainment at the Depot Theater

By Dodge City CVB on June 30, 2023

While The Depot Theater, Inc.’s regular season may have come to a close, it’s not the end of the fun times to be had at the Depot this summer. July brings a tribute to the king of rock and roll and the return of a fan favorite that honors one of television's most treasured westerns.

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Follow the "Gunsmoke Trail" Through Kansas!

By Dodge City CVB on May 10, 2023

Howdy, partners, and welcome to the Gunsmoke Trail! This road trip visits four cities in Kansas that had a role in Gunsmoke, the Emmy award-winning primetime Western that entertained audiences for 20 years.

The show still runs on select networks, with iconic characters telling the story of frontier life in the Old West. Several present-day cities in Kansas play a part in the show’s storylines, including Wichita, Abilene, Hays City (now Hays), and of course, Dodge City.

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Dodge City Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Murals

By Dodge City CVB on May 5, 2023

On Monday, May 8 beginning at 3:30 p.m. the City of Dodge City will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the three new murals installed in the Historic Downtown District. The event will begin at 609 N. 2nd Ave. on the north side of the West Coast Plaza (facing the former First National Bank Building) with remarks and a ribbon cutting performed by the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Dodge City Named Best Summer Vacation Destination in Kansas

By Dodge City CVB on April 27, 2023

Dodge City’s unique blend of historic charm and world-class community festival helped Trips to Discover name us the Best Summer Vacation Destination in Kansas. In her article “The Best Summer Vacation Destination in Every State,” Trips to Discover travel writer K.C. Dermody cited the opportunity to watch gunfights at high noon, grab a drink in a real saloon, and attend a top-notch 10-day community festival as reasons that Dodge City tops her list in the state of Kansas.

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Wild West Country Launches 2023 Museum Passport

By Dodge City CVB on March 14, 2023

Yeehaw! Get ready for some serious fun in Southwest Kansas because the Wild West Country (WWC) Tourism Coalition just launched the 2023 Museum Passport, and it's bigger and better than ever. With a whopping 36 museums, art centers, and information centers spread across 22 counties, you'll have plenty of reasons to explore and discover the hidden gems of Southwest Kansas.

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Dodge City CVB Announces Rooster Roundup Winner

By Dodge City CVB on February 24, 2023

The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosts two annual pheasant hunting contests. The Bounty Bird, exclusive to Ford County, and the Rooster Roundup in conjunction with seven surrounding counties concluded on January 31, 2023. This year’s pheasant season in Dodge City drew hunters from all over the country with the furthest traveled from South Carolina.   The lucky winner of the Dodge City/Ford County Rooster Roundup, Garrett Tann of Shawnee KS, won the grand prize of $500 in Dodge City Chamber Bucks.

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Colorful Murals to Brighten Downtown Dodge City

By Dodge City CVB on February 13, 2023

Dodge City was selected to receive a Community Challenge Grant from AARP Livable Communities and AARP Kansas to create murals in our historic downtown. The Dodge City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is proud to announce that the project is nearing completion.

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Dodge City Again Honored as Top True Western Town

By Dodge City CVB on January 26, 2023

Dodge City stands as an icon of the American west. It has been called home by some of the most legendary lawmen and outlaws. That pedigree resulted in one the most beloved western television programs in history, Gunsmoke, being set in Dodge City. That remarkable history has been kept alive, giving visitors a glimpse of what life was really like in the West. That is one of the reasons Dodge City is honored as #5 among True West Magazine’s 2023 Top Western Towns.

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Dodge City CVB Celebrates National Plan for Vacation Day

By Dodge City CVB on January 23, 2023

On January 31, 2023, the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will be holding a drawing to celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD), where one lucky winner will receive a night's stay for two in Dodge City. The winner will also receive tickets for area attractions and a Dodge City welcome basket.

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Planning Your Vacation to Dodge City

By Dodge City CVB on January 9, 2023

If you're planning a vacation to Dodge City, Kansas, you're in for an experience you won't soon forget! This historic town, once known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," offers a unique blend of Old West charm and modern amenities.

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2022 Light Up Dodge City Winners Announced

By Dodge City CVB on December 21, 2022

The sixth annual Light Up Dodge City Holiday Lights Contest ended on Tuesday night, with judges selecting Jared Stevens, 1902 La Mesa. as the first-place winner. The contest, hosted by the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Dodge City Daily Globe, is a popular holiday tradition that rewards homeowners for their creativity and originality in holiday decorations.

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9 Things to Do During Christmas in Dodge City

By Dodge City CVB on December 1, 2022

9. Explore the Arts

Dodge City’s community art walk, Final Friday, moves to the first Friday in December (Dec. 2) and becomes Frosty Friday. Patrons can expect the same inspiring art, refreshments, and sales, with most having a holiday twist.

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Christmas in Dodge City Kicks Off with the Parade of Lights

By Dodge City CVB on November 30, 2022

The air was buzzing with excitement when hundreds of people gathered in downtown Dodge City for the annual Parade of Lights and Chili Cook Off on Monday, Nov. 28. This year’s festivities included chili sampling and cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate from the Salvation Army, Main Street Dodge City’s Santa House, the Q97 Snowball Drop, prize giveaways, performances from the DCHS Madrigals, the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, and concluded with the Parade of Lights.

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Registration for Annual Light Up Contests Begin

By Dodge City CVB on November 16, 2022

Citizens of Dodge City and Ford County have a shot at winning generous prizes when they enter one of the annual Light Up Contests. Contestants have until noon on Monday, Dec. 12, to register for the Light Up Dodge City contest and until noon on Monday, Dec. 26, to register for the Light Up Ford County contest.

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Lighting Wright Park for the Holidays

By Dodge City CVB on November 7, 2022

Every year businesses, organizations, and individuals turn Dodge City’s Wright Park into a feast for the eyes when they decorate trees throughout the park. Registration for the annual Light Up Wright Park event has already begun, and participants have until November 20 to claim their tree. The tree deemed best decorated will earn the winner $100 in Chamber Bucks.

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Industry Recognizes Excellence in Kansas Tourism Marketing

By Dodge City CVB on October 25, 2022

The Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) announced last week the winners of this year’s Marketing Awards during the 2022 Kansas Tourism Conference in Wichita. Dodge City was among the winners announced during the Kansas Tourism Dinner and Marketing Awards Banquet.

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