MPP Fall Festival 2026
Six days of education, fellowship, and community building — September 8–13, 2026 · Bloomington West Campground, Lawrence, KS
The Self Reliance Festival Hostile Takeover
We have an announcement… Some might even call it a hostile takeover.
On September 10, the Self Reliance Festival is taking over the stage at Midwest Preparedness Project's Fall Festival — and they're not playing nice about it.
We've got the mic. We've got the stage. We've got your boys.
— Nicole Sauce, Self Reliance Festival
Four speakers are lined up for the day, hosted by Nicole Sauce of Living Free in Tennessee. And as for Spags and Patrick? They've been safely secured somewhere so they can't interfere with any of it.
They're sure they're fine. Possibly.
- • Dawn Gorham — Balanced Homestead
- • Opalyn Brenger — Alcohol Stove Build
- • Bear Independent — Living Your Full Potential
- • Nicole Sauce — Preparedness Starts at Home
Fuel Your Festival Experience
Amazing food served Thursday through Saturday — don't worry about packing lunch.
Thursday – Saturday
Sept 10–12, 2026
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Daily service hours
Bloomington West Campgrounds
Lawrence, KS
Hazel's Hut
Burgers, funnel cakes, and so much more! Hazel's Hut brings the festival fuel — from double cheeseburgers and loaded mac & cheese to snow cones, slushes, and sweet treats. There's something for everyone.
Food
Sweet Treats
Drinks & Sides
Fugi'z Tacoz
Authentic street-style tacos, burritos, and quesadillas — chicken or steak, with vegan options available too! Don't miss the beans & rice. Real flavor, festival style.
Menu — Chicken or Steak
In partnership with Midwest Preparedness Project
What if one weekend could connect you with the exact people you've been looking for?
The builders. The doers. The ones who don't just talk about preparedness—they live it.
If you've been wanting to:
- Plug into a serious network of like-minded individuals
- Find the missing skillset your group needs
- Join an established MAG or start your own with guidance that actually works
Then let's be real… you need to be here.
The best part? Your campsite is already covered.
100% paid for by our sponsors. You just bring your people, your gear, and anything worth trading in Bartertown.
Reserve Your Spot
Free admission. Your campsite is covered by our sponsors.
This Isn't Just Camping. This is a Full-Blown Experience.
Friday Night Potluck
Real food, real people, real conversations.
Bartertown (Mooretown)
A no-cash, real-world trading experience inspired by post-SHTF conditions.
Free, High-Value Classes
Expert-led training across multiple disciplines — all included.
Outdoor Recreation
Hiking, fishing, kayaking just steps from camp.
Early Arrival (Tue–Thu)
Primitive camping opens early, first come first serve. Scout the land, meet people before the main crowd.
Community Connection
People from all directions — North, South, East, West… even Canada, eh. You'll leave with relationships that actually matter.
This is a family-first environment, and we intend to keep it that way.
🐾 Pets & People
We love animals, but the "aggressive pets" rule applies equally to unruly humans. Both occurred at our last festival. Be kind, be calm, or be gone. Well-behaved pets on leash are welcome.
👨👩👧👦 Kids Are Everywhere
This is a family-first event. Children will be present in abundance — some more feral than others. Choose your campsite wisely. If you need peace and quiet, plan accordingly.
🌙 Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM each night. If you're a light sleeper or rise early, consider locating away from late-night campfire areas. We respect everyone's rest.
🏛️ Privately Hosted
This is a privately hosted, publicly advertised event. Hosts reserve the right to maintain the atmosphere and ask anyone to leave if needed.
🔫 Firearms Policy
Concealed carry by permit only (must be issued prior to event). Contact Spags@midwestpreparednessproject.com for COE CCW permit info.
⚖️ Federal Land Rules
This event is held on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land. All state and federal laws apply at all times.
Event Schedule
Six days at Bloomington West — early-arrival camping, classes, speakers, and community events.
Tue · Sep 8
Gates Open- 12:00 PM — Gates Open to the Public
- Claim your campsite — first come, first served
- Enjoy the lake — fishing, kayaking, swimming
- Hiking the trails & exploring the land
Wed · Sep 9
Free Day- Open camping — enjoy nature before the main event
- Fishing, hiking, and lakeside relaxation
- Help with setup or just take in the outdoors
- Community fellowship & quiet campfire evening
Thu · Sep 10
SRF Take Over!- 9:45 AM — Opening Ceremony with Patrick Henry
- 10:00 AM — Dawn Gorham: Building a Balanced Homestead
- Kids10:15 AM — Kids Event: Build and Test Rope Bridges
- 11:15 AM — Opalyn Brenger: Make Your Own Alcohol Stove w/ Recyclables
- 12:15 PM — Lunch
- Kids1:00 PM — Kids Event: Soap Making From Scraps
- 1:30 PM — Bear Independent: Living Your Full Potential
- Kids3:00 PM — Kids Event: Gross Food Challenge
- 3:15 PM — Nicole Sauce: Preparedness Begins at Home
- 6:00 PM — Grumpy’s Seed Exchange
Fri · Sep 11
Day 2- 10:00 AM — Craig & Sidney: Raise for Resilience (Homeschooling as a Foundation for Preparedness)
- Kids10:00 AM — Kids Event: Fire Starting Challenge
- 11:45 AM — Lunch
- Kids1:00 PM — Kids Event: Blanket Challenge
- 1:00 PM — Brittany Baker: What’s Already In Your Hands
- 3:00 PM — Miriam, Samantha & Kristen: Prepare Like a Woman!
- 4:30 PM — Potluck Prep
- 5:00 PM — Potluck
- 6:00 PM — Give Away #1 (Adult and Kids)
- 7:00 PM — Preppers After Dark (WROL)
- 8:00 PM — Kid’s Movie Night
Sat · Sep 12
Day 3- 10:00 AM — Shawn Kelly: Frugal Feast (Headcheese, Boudin & Country Terrines)
- Kids10:00 AM — Kids Event: Archery Range with Jeremy
- 11:45 AM — Lunch
- Kids1:00 PM — Kids Event: Drink Lake Water!
- 1:00 PM — William Bond: Permaculture Design
- Kids1:30 PM — Kids Event: Kayaking at the Dock (9+), and Swimming (5–8 years)
- 3:00 PM — Robert “T” Toombs (Mountain Readiness): What Preparedness Should NEVER Look Like
- 4:45 PM — Dinner
- 6:00 PM — Give Away #2 (Adult and Kids)
- 6:30 PM — Barter Town!
Sun · Sep 13
Send-Off- Camp cleanup
- Community send-off & travel mercies
- Depart by Noon
Spring 2026 — Full Schedule
A look back at what we delivered for our Spring event.
Tuesday – May 5th
Early Arrival- Opening day for staff and early arrivals
- Setup, hiking, swimming, relaxing… enjoy the land
Wednesday – May 6th
Free Time- Camping + free time
- Simple. Easy. Just show up and connect
Thursday – May 7th
Day 1- 10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony
- 10:30 AM – Janet Gutierez: Introduction to Aromatherapy
- 10:30 AM – Youth: Knot Tying Basics
- Lunch – Scott Armstrong: Rebunked Podcast (Live)
- 1:00 PM – OFFGRID w/ Greg Gay: Power Needs Assessment
- 1:00 PM – Youth: Foraging & Scavenger Hunt
- 3:00 PM – Dayton (Ballistic Mischief): Field Trauma 101
- 3:00 PM – Youth: Macrame (Belts, Braiding, Weaving)
- 6:00 PM – Grumpy's Seed Exchange
Friday – May 8th
Day 2- 10:00 AM – Leigha Fairchild: Why Not Homebirth? (Doula Basics)
- 10:00 AM – Kids Event: BB Gun Range (Kansas Game & Wildlife)
- Lunch – Scott Armstrong: Rebunked Podcast
- 1:00 PM – Pastor Joe Fox (Viking Preparedness): TEOTWAWKI – Threats & Mitigation
- 1:00 PM – Youth Water Challenge (9+ w/ permission)
- 3:00 PM – MAIN EVENT: John "Ironman" Cantrell – Built for the Storm
- 5:00 PM – MPP Fellowship Potluck
- 6:00 PM – Sponsor Giveaway #1
- 7:00 PM – WROL Card Game + Campfire Session w/ Patrick Henry & Special Guest
- 7:00 PM – Youth Movie Night
Saturday – May 9th
Day 3- 10:00 AM – Dr. Sarah Diamond: Intentional Homesteading
- 10:00 AM – Kids: Land Navigation
- Lunch – Scott Armstrong: Rebunked Podcast
- 1:00 PM – Jake (First Person Prepping): Beyond the Baofeng
- 1:00 PM – Youth: Whittling
- 3:00 PM – Youth: Massive Marshmallow WAR
- MAIN EVENT: Real Talk with Randall (Grunt Proof)
- 6:00 PM – Giveaway #2
- 6:30 PM – BARTERTOWN: No cash. No nonsense. Just real trade.
Sunday – May 10th
Send-Off- Camp cleanup
- Brief prayer service
- Travel mercies
- Roll out together for breakfast at IHOP
Getting to the Festival
Bloomington West Campground · Clinton Lake · Lawrence, Kansas
Bloomington West Campground
Clinton State Park Area
Lawrence, Kansas 66047
Arrival Tips
• Early arrivals welcome Tuesday Sept 8 — first come, first served campsites
• Main festivities run Wednesday Sept 9 through Sunday Sept 13
• Located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land at Clinton Lake
• Primitive camping — bring your own gear, tent, and supplies
This isn't just an event.
It's a proving ground. A networking hub. A tribe-builder.
You can sit on the sidelines… or you can show up and become part of something that actually matters.
"The ones who stay to clean up after the party… those are your people."
Free admission. Campsite covered by sponsors.