TICKETS GO ON SALE AT NOON, MARCH 4, 2026
Wed • Apr 22, 2026 • 6 p.m.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre
Franklin, Indiana Map Link
$50 tickets include an unsigned copy of Rick's book.
$40 tickets do not include a book.
$100 VIP Q&A Session
at the Main & Madison Cafe
after his presentation.
$5 from each ticket sale goes to support WFYI Public Media
A Special Evening with Rick Steves
A Fundraiser to Support the Johnson County Public Library
This is your opportunity to see beloved author and host Rick Steves at The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Attendees who purchase $50 general admission or $100 VIP tickets receive a paperback copy of his memoir, On the Hippie Trail. A Special Evening with Rick Steves is a can’t-miss event!
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Classic concessions and bar drinks are available for purchase from The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Greek's Pizzeria will have personal pizzas available for purchase.
Presentation at 6:00 p.m.
Sit back and experience engaging travel tales from Rick Steves. The event is approximately two hours.
Rick Steves "mosh pit" book signing at 8:00 p.m.
A classic Rick Steves event experience: the book signing mosh pit! See a photo of his mosh pit here. Bring your book to the front of the auditorium to snag a signature as Rick whirls around in the center of the crowd for the fastest and most fun signing line you've ever seen. Rick will not be able to personalize books or provide individual photos due to the format of the book signing.
VIP Q&A Session
Want an opportunity to ask Rick Steves questions in a small group setting? Purchase a VIP ticket and attend the after-talk Q&A session at Main & Madison Market Cafe, just across the street. VIP tickets include reserved seating in The Artcraft Theatre. Doors to Main & Madison open at 8:15. VIP Q&A Tickets include an unsigned paperback copy of On the Hippie Trail, refreshments and one drink ticket.
This fundraiser supports programming, resources and initiatives at the Johnson County Public Library.
Event Sponsorship Opportunity
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Make an impact through event sponsorship! Find opportunities here. Contact JCPLF Executive Director Lauren Zuber via email to get involved.
ABOUT THE BOOK: On The Hippie Trail
On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer is a 2025 book by Rick Steves, based on his 1978 journal from his transformative journey along the legendary Hippie Trail. It details his adventures and cultural encounters through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal, and reflecting on how the experience shaped his career.
ABOUT RICK STEVES
Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, empowers Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves' Europe, headquartered in Edmonds, Washington, near Seattle. There he produces a best-selling guidebook series, a popular public television show, a weekly public radio show, a syndicated travel column, and free travel information available through his travel center and ricksteves.com. Rick Steves' Europe also runs a successful small-group tour program taking 30,000 travelers to Europe annually.
Questions or Special Needs?
If you have questions about the event or venue, or special needs please contact the Foundation for accommodation. Please email us at jcplf@jcplf.org.