05/15/2026
"Back to the Valley” Festival Set to Bring Music, Memories, and FIGHTING CARDINAL & SPARTAN Pride to Dexter on Homecoming Weekend 2026! 🔥
👀Dexter — The spirit of small-town Kansas and Friday Night Lights will come alive this fall as the “Back to the Valley” Festival debuts in Dexter, Kansas on October 2nd and 3rd for a weekend packed with live music, hometown reunions, and community celebration.
🎤Headlining this year’s festival are country music powerhouse Chris
Cagle, as he brings his 2026 “Play it Loud” tour to the new Pavillion
in Dexter on Friday Night and on Saturday Night the legendary frontman
of Cross Canadian Ragweed Cody Canada will take the stage for a night
of Red Dirt classics in the Pavilion. 🎸
🐄The festival will also feature a special
appearance and keynote banquet speech from “Cowboy, Communicator, and Leader" ✈️ Justin McKee, the voice of the NFR and the Cowboy Channel.🌾
Organizers say the festival is designed to celebrate the traditions,pride, and community spirit that define Dexter and the surrounding region. 💪
“This event is about bringing people home and connecting them to the
school and community,” organizers said.
“Whether you graduated last
year or fifty years ago, ‘Back to the Valley’ is a chance to reconnect
with friends, celebrate our roots, and enjoy an unforgettable weekend
together.”
One of the signature events of the weekend will be the “Back to the
Bleachers” All-School Reunion, a tailgate celebration centered around
the excitement and tradition of Friday Night Football in Dexter,Kansas AMERICA! 🇺🇸
Alumni, former athletes, classmates, families, and fans are invited to gather under the lights to relive memories and
celebrate generations of school pride at the 2026 Homecoming Game.🏈
Festival attendees can expect: 🔥
-Live concerts and entertainment
-Fireworks Extravaganza 🧨
-Festival FOOD! 🌮
-Community activities and hometown celebrations ❤️
-The “Back to the Bleachers” All-School Reunion 🎪
-Friday Night Football Homecoming Festivities 👑
-Food vendors, merchandise, and family-friendly attractions
The “Back to the Valley” Festival aims to draw alumni, former residents, regional visitors, music fans, and local families together for a weekend celebrating local and state heritage, music, and community connections.
Additional event details, ticket information, sponsorship information, schedules, and many more announcements will be released in the coming weeks!
“Don’t ever forget who you are and don’t ever forget where you come from!” “It’s a Great Day 2B a Fighting Cardinal!”
Thank You and We Look Forward to Seeing You!
The Dexter Hometown Association
Media Release #1 05/15/26
