VIEW MORE EVENTS: SPRING | SUMMER | WINTER
SEPTEMBER
Kansas City Irish Fest – September, Labor Day Weekend. Dedicated to promoting the culture, music, character, and history of Ireland and of the Irish people who call Kansas City home. Kansas City Irish Fest offers attendees the chance to see some of the top Irish entertainment in the world. But there’s so much more to do here beyond listening to music! After all, we’re here to bring the heart of Ireland to the Heart of America, and that means everything from Irish culture to shops, beverages, food, and activities using Irish themes and traditions. More info
Santa-Cali-Gon Days – September, Labor Day weekend. This Independence, MO festival commemorates the origin of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails during westward expansion. Browse more than 500 artisan, craft, food, and commercial vendor booths, as well as a carnival, a 5K and more. More info
Overland Park Fall Festival – September. A fun-filled extravaganza packed with hands-on activities, live entertainment, friendly vendors, and delicious festival food. More info
Spinach Festival – September. The family-oriented Lenexa Spinach Festival is packed with food, music, entertainment, hands-on activities, and craft vendors. Experience the World’s Largest Spinach Salad, learn about our history, or submit your favorite dish to our recipe contest. There’s plenty to do for everyone in the family! More info
Greek Fest – September. The Annunciation Greek Festival has been an annual KC area event for over 60 years, and continues to grow in popularity. Enjoy authentic Greek food, lively dancers, shopping, and activities for the kids! Proceeds support local charities. More info
Uncorked: KC Wine Festival – September. Uncorked hosts a high-end wine fest in a dozen cities across the country, but KC’s is always an event heightened by the venue: historic Union Station’s gorgeous hall. Throw on your fanciest cocktail attire and enjoy over 100 wines and champagnes from across the globe as well as live entertainment, gourmet food vendors, a DJ, dancing and more. For an extra $20 you can extend your experience a full hour longer than general admission and skip the lines. If you’re going to make the most of your time, the upgrade is highly recommended. More info
Dancefestopia – September. Nestled in rolling hills just south of Kansas City, surrounded by thousands of acres of forest and pristine lake water, Dancefestopia has become one of the largest camping, music, and arts festivals in the nation. This festival features 200+ artists, world-class production, five stages, art installations, and more. More info
Prairie Village Jazz Festival – September. The Prairie Village Jazz Festival offers our community the opportunity to enjoy world-class jazz entertainment in beautiful Harmon Park, within walking distance for hundreds of Prairie Village residents and their families. Since 2011, the Prairie Village Jazz Festival has showcased top jazz acts, all with hometown Kansas City connections, in a fun, safe, family-friendly, and convenient setting in the heart of Prairie Village. The festival also includes multiple food and beverage options at food trucks. Be sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets with you. More info
Art Westport – September. Local artists gather in KC’s oldest neighborhood for Art Westport, a weekend fair that showcases original art, jewelry, fine crafts and more. More info
Jesse James Festival – September. As the birthplace of the notorious outlaw, Kearney, MO, goes all out every September with a multi-day event featuring a parade, carnival, fishing tournament and more. More info
Plaza Art Fair – September. This nationally recognized, nine-block art event at the Country Club Plaza typically draws crowds of more than 250,000 who gather for art, live music and food and drinks from a variety of KC restaurants. More info
Camp Leavenworth – September. Celebrating the people of Leavenworth, KS, this free street festival features two days of national music acts, fireworks, food trucks, shopping, and family activities in the historic downtown. More info
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Art Garden KC – September, October. Art Garden KC is a non-profit, grassroots outdoor festival centered in the gorgeous and historical City Market Park! Support local businesses and artists in one of KC’s hottest tourist destinations! Every Sunday (weather permitting) from 11AM to 4PM, shop handcrafted local works from KC makers—unique, handmade jewelry, décor, ceramics, clothing, art and more. Over 90 local vendors, open mic, yard games & more. Family friendly atmosphere with art activities for all ages. Kiddos and dogs are welcome! More info
American Royal World Series of Barbecue – September, October. The world’s largest barbecue competition includes live performances, a festival full of entertainment and plenty other activities, making it one of fall’s signature events in Kansas City. More info
Louisburg Ciderfest – September, October. Head to Louisburg Cider Mill for the annual Ciderfest, where guests are invited to watch how apples are pressed into cider, sample cider donuts and other treats, plus live music, and activities for young ones. The Ciderfest is always held on the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October. More info
Kansas City Renaissance Festival – September, October. Fall weekends have been about stepping back in time since 1977 at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival! Experience a medieval-themed village home to jousting knights, thrill-seeking acrobats, and beautiful maidens. Watch shows, artisans working their crafts, and feast on hand-held culinary delights. Themed weekends add extra fun… More info
Weston Whiskey Festival – October. Join fellow enthusiasts at the annual Weston Whiskey Festival. Explore whiskies from all around the world with hundreds of whiskey nerds just like you. They’ll also have whiskey and cigar pairings available from Weston Tobacco. More info
OCTOBER
Missouri Town 1855 Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music – October. Enjoy wagon rides, reenactments, crafts and more in this annual festival that takes place at Missouri Town 1855, where guests can travel back in time to experience life in the 1850s. More info
Weston Applefest – October. Explore historic Weston, MO, as arts and crafts booths line Main Street, touting a tempting range of apple delicacies, from dumplings and pies to cookies, all made by members of local churches. More info
Lenexa Chili Challenge – October. Calling all chili connoisseurs! The Lenexa Chili Challenge is one of the area’s finest culinary events. Each year, 200 teams compete in either the Home Style Chili or Chili Appreciation Society International divisions. Held over the course of two days, the event provides chili masters with a fantastic venue to showcase their talents while offering guests an endless supply of delicious eats. In addition to the chili, attendees can enjoy live musical performances and a spectacular fireworks show. More info
American Royal Livestock Show – October. With roots dating back to 1899 and boasting a reputation as one of the toughest competitions, this iconic event draws thousands of owners, breeders, future business/agriculture leaders and animal enthusiasts from across the country. More info
KC Octoberfest – October. Head to Crown Center to experience a two-day celebration of KC Bier Co. craft brews, traditional European food, engaging games, activities, and Bavarian-style entertainment. More info
Garmin Kansas City Marathon – October. Featuring several distances, the Marathon is the area’s largest and most exciting annual race event, taking runners on a tour through the coolest neighborhoods and past some of KC’s most iconic landmarks, including the National WWI Museum & Memorial, the Country Club Plaza, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and more. More info
WaterFire KC – October. Every October, Brush Creek serves as a stage for this visual arts installation that is enhanced by music and dance to create a shared experience for the thousands that attend. Kansas City is one of three locations to hold annual fire lightings, others include Providence, RI, and Sharon, PA, with special events held in multiple international locations. More info
Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too – October. Enjoy an adults-only evening of live music, delicious food truck bites and a variety of beer and wine from 35+ local breweries and vineyards. Tickets also include access to GloWild, an immersive lantern festival featuring a 1-mile walk through handmade steel and silk sculpture works. More info
HALLOWEEN THEMED
Halloween Haunt – September, October. Ghosts, ghouls, and other creatures of the night roam freely through Worlds of Fun during Halloween Haunt, which showcases the scarier side of the amusement park. More info
Boo at the Zoo – October. Break out your best costume and spend the day trick or treating at the Kansas City Zoo. Kids will also love the Halloween-themed activities that offer plenty of treats—no tricks here! More info
Night of the Living Farm – October. Explore the Deanna Rose Farmstead after dark…if you dare! Dress up in your favorite costume for a night of spooktacular fun. Activities include hayrides, fortune tellers, a scarecrow maze, a fireside marshmallow roast, and more at this south Overland Park favorite spot for family fun. More info
Trick or Treat Street – October. The Brookside Shop’s annual Halloween tradition brings little witches, ghosts, goblins, pirates, princesses, and superheroes to the Brookside Shops on Halloween day to kick off a fun evening of trick-or-treating. Brookside’s annual Trick-or-Treat Street event draws thousands of kids from across the Kansas City metro and provides a great way to start your Halloween evening. So, stop by for a spell and enjoy a spooktacular, worry-free event as children collect treats from the many Bootiful Brookside merchants and our community partners. More info
Día de Los Muertos Festival – October/November (date varies). Celebrate the culture of Mexico at the annual Día de Los Muertos Festival! Experience Mexican food, dance, music, artist demonstrations, and poetry readings throughout the day. A fall tradition for many families. More info
VIEW MORE EVENTS: SPRING | SUMMER | WINTER
