Communities along U.S. 56 are preparing to welcome shoppers from across Kansas as the second annual Highway 56 Sales Scramble returns April 23-26, 2026. Stretching from Kinsley to Council Grove, the four-day event brings together towns large and small including Ellinwood, Great Bend, Pawnee Rock, and many others – for one of central Kansas’ most anticipated spring shopping weekends.
Residents, churches, and local businesses throughout the corridor are organizing a wide variety of sales and activities, offering everything from antiques and tools to clothing, crafts, and homemade treats. Each community adds its own character to the scramble, creating a diverse and ever-changing experience for visitors traveling the route.
Ellinwood, Great Bend, and Pawnee Rock are expected to be popular stops again this year, thanks to their strong participation and welcoming atmospheres. With walkable neighborhoods, clustered sales, and active community involvement, these towns quickly became favorites during last year’s inaugural event, and excitement is building across the region for year two.
Local shops along U.S. 56 are planning special promotions, while community groups are organizing additional events to keep their towns lively throughout the four-day scramble. Visitors can expect friendly faces, plenty of bargains, and the small-town hospitality that defines communities along the U.S. 56 corridor.
For more information or to register a sale, visit www.hwy56sales.com.
Organizers encourage shoppers to bring cash, comfortable shoes, and time to explore. With dozens of sales spread across multiple communities and miles of highway, the 2026 Highway 56 Sales Scramble promises something for everyone – from seasoned bargain hunters to first-time visitors discovering the charm of Kansas’ U.S. 56 towns.