Tickets are now available for the 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills, which is slated for Saturday June 14, 2025. A eclectic mixture of classical music and cowboy culture, this day-long event celebrates the history, ecology and culture of the last stand of native tallgrass prairie. This years concert will be held at the Evans Family Ranch in Chase County, Kansas. Although the venue changes yearly, great care is always taken to insure this popular event is accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Wheelchair Access at 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills
The Evans Family Ranch is large, and the concert site is located a good distance from the ticket gate. That said, accessible parking will be available to anyone who has a placard, and there will be limited golf cart transportation to the front gate for folks who cannot manage the walk. A special entrance lane will be designated for disabled patrons, where wristbands that allow access to accessible seating and transportation will be available.
Most attendees walk over the rock and dirt covered prairie to the concert site; however accommodations will be in place for folks who can’t manage the walk. A lift-equipped shuttle bus will transport wheelchair-users and slow walkers to the concert site. From there, a separate shuttle will be available to transfer folks with special assistance wristbands between the waiting area, the Patron Tent and the ADA concert area. Accessible porta-potties will also be located throughout the venue.
The Grand Finale
Now in its 20th year, the Symphony in the Flint Hills will celebrate its Grand Finale in 2025. Says Mary Ice, Board Chair of Symphony in the Flint Hills, “This 20th anniversary represents a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and the many possibilities ahead for sharing our mission.”
Gates will open at 1 PM. During the afternoon, lectures and activities will be presented in the tents near the concert site. There will be level access to all tents, where you’ll also find a silent art auction, adult libations, and a scrumptious BBQ dinner with all the trimmings. The sunset concert is the highlight of the day, but plan to arrive in the early afternoon so you can enjoy the other activities.
You’ll never forget the experience of listening to the music of the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra set against the backdrop of the tallgrass prairie. As the sun sets, cowboys appear on horseback on the horizon, and then slowly make their way down to the stage area. And when the show nears an end they ride off into the distance. It’s probably the only symphony performance where you’ll feel comfortable in blue jeans and cowboy boots.
And in keeping with tradition, the performance concludes with a rousing sing along of Home on the Range. Afterwards, guests are welcome to linger on and enjoy the night sky, or maybe listen in on the story circle, or indulge in a little dancing. Whatever you choice, you’ll have a full day of fun on the beautiful Kansas prairie.
Advance tickets are required for the 2025 Symphony in the Flint Hills, and they can be purchased at symphonyintheflinthills.org. Plan ahead though as tickets go like hotcakes, and this popular event always sells out.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
The Pine Leaf Boys perform at the New Orleans Jazz Fest
The 2025 New Orleans Jazz Fest is scheduled to run from April 24 to May 4, 2025. Live music will be presented on April 24-27 and May 1-4 at the Fair Grounds Race Course, which is located about 10 minutes from the French Quarter. This massive venue features multiple stages that offer continuous music from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And the good news is, wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest has not been overlooked.
Music at the festival ranges from jazz, blues and zydeco to folk, rock and rap. There’s even a kid’s tent for the little ones. And as more musicians stream into New Orleans, you’ll find more street performers in the French Quarter. In short, everywhere you look there’s music.
There’s also a large variety of food vendors at Jazz Fest, who feature everything from crawfish and alligator to vegetarian plates and even the standard burgers and brews. And don’t miss the crafts area, where artisans from around the world demonstrate and sell their wares.
For more information about the complete entertainment lineup or to buy tickets for this years Jazz Fest, visit www.nojazzfest.com. And for information on specific access features at this annual event, check out the information below.
Getting There
At the top of the list for wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest is getting there. Accessible parking is available near the main gate on Gentilly Boulevard. There is a $50 per day fee for parking on Thursdays and Fridays, and a $65 fee on Saturdays for these limited accessible spaces. They are only available to folks with a valid accessible placard or plates, and the person who owns the plates or placard must be in the vehicle. These accessible spaces are available on a first-come basis, and credit cards are the only accepted method of payment.
If you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving, then buy a ticket on the Jazz Fest Express (www.graylineneworleans.com/jazz-fest-express/), which is operated by Gray Line Tours. The buses run continuously from the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street, the Wisner Boulevard parking lot at City Park (5700 Wisner Boulevard) and the Steamboat Natchez Wharf in the French Quarter. They drop passengers off at the main gate on Gentilly Boulevard, which is the accessible entrance. Not all of the buses are lift-equipped, so call (504) 569-1401 or (800) 233-2628 to make advance arrangements if you need accessible transportation.
Accessible public transportation to the Jazz Fest is also available on RTA buses (www.norta.com/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility)
and on the red streetcar line. Alternatively, you may be able to arrange for accessible transportation through RTA ADA Office (504-827-8345); however advance reservations are a must and the demand is usually quite high during Jazz Fest. This option is only available if you are unable to ride public transportation due to a disability. A valid paratransit card is also required.
Jazz Fest Access Center
Jazz Fest Access Center
The Jazz Fest Access Center is also an integral part of wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. It’s conveniently located in front of the grandstand. That’s where you can pick up an access map of the grounds, which includes the accessible routes, viewing areas and the locations of the accessible porta-potties (www.nojazzfest.com/downloads/2024-Access-Map.pdf). The combinations to the accessible porta-potties are also available there.
The festival grounds are comprised of a variety of surfaces, including grass fields, a dirt track and paved pathways in the infield. Reinforced surfaces are also installed across the dirt track to increase accessibility. The accessible routes are clearly marked, so be on the lookout for these signs. And don’t hesitate to ask the folks in the Access Center if you need any assistance.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America booth is located next to the Access Center. They can provide loaner wheelchairs to folks who can’t manage distances. There’s no charge for the wheelchairs, but donations are always appreciated.
Wheelchair-Accessible Seating
Wheelchair Seating at the New Orleans Jazz Fest
The final component of wheelchair access at the New Orleans Jazz Fest is accessible seating, which is available at all the Jazz Fest music venues. General seating for the main stages is located on the lawn area. Concert-goers either bring their own folding chairs, or spread blankets out on the ground.
Accessible seating and parking is also available in the VIP packages (https://www.nojazzfest.com/tickets/), which must be purchased in advance.
Accessible seating for the main stages is limited to wheelchair-users and one companion. To be admitted to the accessible seating section, you must have a wristband, which can be obtained at the Access Center.
Accessible seating for wheelchair-users and one companion is also available at all the tent stages and the grandstand stages. And if you need a break from the heat, keep in mind that the grandstand stages also have air conditioning.
It should also be noted that the accessible seating is designated for patrons who use a wheelchair or scooter, and not those with limited mobility, a temporary injury or who are pregnant. The accessible seating rules are enforced, so that people who need these accommodations will have access to them. If a person does not meet the eligibility requirements, they will be removed from the accessible seating area.
Bottom line — access rocks at Jazz Fest. And so does the Jazz Fest staff and volunteers. If you have any access related questions, just e-mail access@nojazzfest.com or call (504) 224-9767.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Early in the day at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Slated to run from October 5-13, 2024, the 52nd Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (balloonfiesta.com) will be filled with morning skies dotted with colorful balloons, special shaped balloon rodeos and evening balloon glows. Add in some fun exhibits, flavorful food and a variety of vendors and you have all the ingredients for a fun-filled event. And the good news is, access hasn’t been overlooked at the Fiesta; in fact organizers have gone above and beyond to make sure that wheelchair-users and slow walkers can enjoy this colorful event.
The Basics
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta takes place in Balloon Fiesta Park, which is located close to Interstate 25 in the northern part of the city. That said, allow plenty of extra travel time, as traffic congestion is the norm in this area during Fiesta time.
General admission tickets are available on the Balloon Fiesta website or on site. A general admission ticket is good for admission to one session — morning or evening — on any day of the Fiesta. Accessible parking is available for $20 per session, and it is available on a first-come first-serve basis. Accessible parking is available in the Pink, Green, Blue, Turquoise, Brown and Yellow lots. Free accessible shuttles are also available from these lots to the entrance.
If you have an accessible parking placard, you can request a free reflective one, so the attendants can easily see you and direct you to the accessible parking section. To obtain one, send a copy of your placard to:
AIBF
4401 Alameda NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
ATTN: ADA Placard Request
You can also request a reflective placard by e-mailing a copy of your placard to balloons@balloonfiesta.com, with “ADA Placard Request” in the subject line. Reflective placards are mailed out in late August.
Park and Ride
If you’d prefer to dodge the traffic, then take a Park and Ride bus from one of four remote lots. The busses are wheelchair-accessible but they cannot accommodate scooters. Tickets can be purchased at balloonfiesta.com/Park-Ride, and they also include general admission to the Fiesta. Park and Ride Shuttle tickets are not available at the parking lots, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. If you encounter problems purchasing your tickets online, call (505) 227-8737 for assistance.
There are four Park and Ride locations.
Hoffmantown Church
8888 Harper Road NE
Park in the northeast lot only.
Cottonwood Mall
10000 Coors Bypass NW
Park in the northeast parking lot near Seven Bar Loop and Coors Bypass NW
Coronado Center
6600 Menaul Blvd. NE
Park at the southwest corner near San Pedro Dr. and Uptown Blvd.
Intel
1600 Rio Rancho Dr. SE, Rio Rancho, NM
Park in the southeast lot only. This lot is only open on weekends
The Park and Ride buses run from Thursday to Sunday during the morning and evening events. Morning service begins from the remote lots at 4:00 a.m. and ends at 7:00 a.m. Service from Balloon Fiesta Park to the remote lots begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 11:00, with straggler buses following until 11:30.
Evening service from the remote lots runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with return service from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and straggler buses following until 10:00 p.m.
VIP Packages
Although there’s certainly adequate access to the Fiesta grounds; if you have problems with crowds, you might want to consider one of the VIP packages. For an extra fee, you’ll be able to sit or stand in a private viewing area, and enjoy a few other extra perks. If you have problems standing for long periods of time, or find it difficult to navigate through crowds, this might be just the ticket for you.
The Gondola Club offers access to a barrier-free hospitality tent with a private viewing area, outdoor seating, bathrooms and a VIP parking area. Additionally, patrons are treated to a breakfast or dinner buffet and an open bar, and they also receive a Gondola Club lapel pin and a special souvenir gift.
Alternatively, you can choose the the Chasers’ Club, which features guaranteed seating in a private patio on the north end of the park. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are included, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. And like the Gondola Club, it’s completely barrier-free.
Last, but not least, the Albuquerque Balloon Museum Foundation, offers a fully catered breakfast or dinner and a spectacular view of the Mass Ascension or Balloon Glow from the museum balcony. There is elevator access to the observation deck, and accessible indoor restrooms are available to patrons. For more information, visit balloonmuseum.com.
In the end, no matter what package you pick at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, you’ll be treated to a great show. But make plans early, as some of the more popular packages sell out quickly.
Balloons Galore
Each day brings a different schedule to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, but no matter when you visit, there are a few must-sees. On most days the Fiesta is divided into a morning session and an evening session, with a break in the action mid-day. The morning sessions usually start around 6:00 am, while the evening ones begin twelve hours later. It should also be noted that some mid-week days lack an evening session.
Mass ascension at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Make plans to see at least one mass ascension. They usually begin around 6:30 a.m., but get there early as traffic is very heavy, especially on the weekends. During this time hundreds of colorful balloons take to sky in two waves. It’s really a site to behold and a great photo opportunity. Although you can see the ascensions from many places around Albuquerque, there’s really nothing quite like seeing it from Balloon Fiesta Park.
The grassy area which serves as the launch field is level and easy to walk or roll over, and there is an asphalt pathway along the border. Alternatively, wheelchairs and scooters are available for rent from Vista Mobility. Advance reservations can be made at (vistamobility.net) or by calling (262) 677-2696. They will also be available on a limited basis near the information booth.
The special shapes rodeo is also a must-see. This morning event began in 1989 and it’s now the most popular event at the Fiesta. You’ll see everything from enchanted castles and dragons to bumble bees, cows and even a scuba diver.
Special Shapes at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
The evening sessions are largely devoted to balloon glows, where the pilots inflate the balloons, but do not launch them. Seeing the balloons glow en mass, is only topped by the spectacular afterglow fireworks show presented at the end of the evening.
After dark “Glow” at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
The Extras
There’s more to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta than the colorful balloons. For starters, there’s the food. Most of the food vendors are located along Main Street, which features level access and plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair. Food choices include everything from New Mexican cuisine to fair food, with a little bit of something for everyone. ATMs are also located along Main Street, and there are plenty of accessible porta-potties throughout the park.
Main Street is also home to the merchandise vendors, which offer t-shirts, pins, calendars and other souvenirs. And don’t miss the chainsaw carvers’ booth, which is located at the north end of Main Street. The Balloon Discovery Center, which is also located at the north end of Main Street, offers visitors a good primer on the sport of ballooning, with lots of hands-on activities. And don’t forget to stop by the Main Street Stage, which is located near the center of Main Street, to enjoy a wide variety of musical entertainment,
Balloon Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Finally save time for a visit to the Balloon Museum (balloonmuseum.com). Located next door to Balloon Fiesta Park, this fun and educational museum features accessible parking, loaner wheelchairs, level access to the building and elevator access to all levels. And it’s filled with exhibits about everything from weather balloons and airship models, to balloon equipment, balloon racing and even balloon pins. It’s the perfect way to top off your Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta experience.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
