Live Entertainment
Live Music Venue in Central Kansas
A 15' x 30' stage, a 140-seat room with century-old brick, and two full-service bars pouring spirits distilled in the same building. Marquette is a town of about 600 people and on a Friday night it sounds like a much bigger one.
Come for a show, or rent the room and put your own act on the stage.
Coming to a Show
Live music runs on weekends from spring through fall. There are no advance tickets — order a cocktail made with our own vodka, bourbon, or whiskey and find a seat. Any cover charge is noted on the show listing.
Friday Nights
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Full bands in the venue room — country, rock, Americana, and touring acts passing through Kansas.
Saturday Afternoons
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Acoustic sets, duos, and small combos in the tasting room. Easy, unhurried, and a good excuse for a day trip.
Every Show
Two Full Bars
Cocktails built from the spirits we distill here, plus non-alcoholic options. Outside food is welcome at private bookings.
The Room and the Stage
The venue room next door was a hardware store built in 1901. In 2023 we rebuilt it into a proper music room: a 15' x 30' stage with speakers, seating for 140, wireless internet, and a painted barber-shop mural across the back wall that has become the backdrop of a lot of band photos.
It is big enough for a five-piece with a drum kit and small enough that the back row still feels close to the stage. For quieter acts, the 60-seat tasting room next door works on its own.
- 15' x 30' stage
- Seats up to 140
- Speakers and wireless internet
- Two full-service bars
- On-site parking
- Lodging within walking distance
We're at 105 N. Washington in downtown Marquette — about 30 minutes from Salina, and an easy drive from McPherson and Hutchinson.
Put Your Own Act on the Stage
The same room we use for weekend shows is available to rent. If your event needs a band, a DJ, a microphone, or a screen, it is already wired for it.
Private Events With a Band
Receptions, milestone birthday and anniversary parties, reunions, and retirement send-offs where the music matters as much as the room.
Concerts & Fundraisers
Promoters, community groups, and charities use the venue room for ticketed shows and benefit nights. Tell us your date and expected draw.
Performing Artists
Routing through central Kansas? We book country, Americana, bluegrass, blues, classic rock, and acoustic acts. Send links and available dates.
Book the Stage
Renting the room for an event, or an artist looking for a date? Choose “Concert/Live Music” below and tell us what you have in mind. We reply within 48 hours — or call (469) 496-1458.
Live Music FAQ
When is there live music at the distillery?
We run live music on weekends through the spring, summer, and fall — Friday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Saturday afternoons from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, with occasional Thursday shows. The full schedule of who is playing and when is on our events page.
Do I need a ticket, and is there a cover charge?
We don't sell advance tickets — seating is first come, first served. Some acts do carry a cover charge at the door, and when they do it's stated on that show's listing on the events page. Check the listing for the show you're coming to.
Can we bring children to a show?
Children are welcome at Smoky Valley Distillery, and the Saturday afternoon sets in particular suit families. Tastings and alcohol service are for guests 21 and older.
Can I rent the stage for my own event?
Yes. The venue room, stage, and sound are available to rent for private events — wedding receptions, milestone birthdays, reunions, retirement parties, fundraisers, and company parties. Bring your own band or DJ, or ask us for recommendations.
How big is the stage and what is the sound setup?
The stage measures 15' x 30' with speakers and wireless internet, in a room that seats up to 140. It comfortably holds a full band, and it works just as well for a solo acoustic act, a DJ, or a speaker with a slide deck.
I'm a musician — how do I get booked?
We are always listening for acts that suit the room: country, Americana, bluegrass, blues, classic rock, and acoustic duos all work well here. Send us your act, your links, and the dates you are routing through central Kansas using the form on this page, or call (469) 496-1458.
Where exactly are you?
105 N. Washington in downtown Marquette, Kansas — about 30 minutes from Salina and an easy drive from Lindsborg, McPherson, and Hutchinson. There is parking on site.
Stay After the Show
Preston House sleeps 11 and is a short walk from the stage. Pair a Friday night show with a distillery tour the next morning.