Kansas City's Fall Festival Guide

Autumn means Fall Festivals in Kansas City! From apples to pumpkins, crafts to carnivals, ethnic festivals, and much much more... celebrate everything autumn at a local fair.

Note: This is your Guide to Fall Festivals in Kansas City 2021. This list was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. If you know of changes or additions to this guide, please email kristina@kcparent.com.

Tip: The situation with Covid-19 may alter some of these events. Always verify hours and information on their websites / social media pages for the most up-to-date status. We are updating this guide as we receive new information.

September Festivals

Desoto Days Sept. 2-4 at DeSoto Days Festival 32400 W. 83rd St, De Soto, KS. We are excited to announce that the “2021 De Soto Days Festival” is a go! Join us Labor Day Weekend, Downtown, September 2nd - 4th as De Soto Rocks...and we plan to have “Nothing But A Good Time”! We want to thank the city and the community for all of their past and present support! It’s time to celebrate our community once again!

KC Irish Fest Sept. 3-5 at Crown Center Square, 2500 Grand, Kansas City, MO. 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.

Santa-Cali-Gon Sept. 3-6 at Historic Independence Square, Independence, MO. SantaCaliGon Days® Festival is a non-stop celebration of Independence, Missouri - the starting point of the westward expansion! Live music, carnival rides, vendors, and family fun are all part of the tradition.

The Derby Party 2021: A Grand Reopening Celebration IN-PERSON Sept. 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at Kansas City Museum 3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO. The Derby Party 2021: A Grand Reopening Celebration is a themed fundraiser hosted by the Kansas City Museum Foundation to benefit the Kansas City Museum. This year’s Derby Party coincides with the museum’s reopening. Enjoy being one of the first to experience the newly restored and renovated Corinthian Hall. Your ticket to Derby provides a *sneak peek* before we open to the public this fall. Festivities on the historic grounds will include live music by Grand Marquis, southern food bites by Brown & Loe, and beverages with Kansas City labels such as J. Rieger & Co., Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Bourgmont Vineyard & Winery, Boulevard Brewing Company, and Torn Label Brewing Company. Desserts by Poppy’s Ice Cream & Coffee House, an on-the-spot photo booth by Picwood, and yard games. The health and wellness of our patrons, visitors, staff, and volunteers is always a top priority. As guidance and recommendations continue to change, our plans will be evaluated and updated.

Topeka Huff 'n Puff Balloon Festival Sept. 10-12 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Funeral Chapel & Reception Center, Entrances from SW Fairlawn and SW Huntoon, Topeka, KS. Vendors, activities, hot air balloons, and fun.

Family Fall Festival Belton Sept. 10 & 11 at Belton Memorial Park 998 Commercial St, Belton, MO. Family Fall Festival on September 10th and September 11th. Hosted by Main Street and Belton Parks and Recreation. Belton, Grandview, Kansas City Railroad will act as a free shuttle between events on Saturday, September 11th from 2:00-6:00 p.m.

CANCELED Greek Festival Sept. 10-12 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 120th and Wornall, Kansas City, MO.  We deeply regret that we are canceling the Greek Festival this year scheduled for Sept 10-12, 2021. The pandemic continues to have a negative impact on our ability to have a safe and enjoyable Festival. Thank you for your years of support, we will return as soon as practical.

Art Westport Sept. 10-12, at Westport, MO. The three-day event showcases original local art, one-of-a-kind jewelry, fine crafts, and more.

Smoke on the Trails BBQ Competition Sept. 10 - 11 at Celebration Park 32501 W. 159th St., Gardner Township, KS. This Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event will take place on September 10 & 11, 2021 at Celebration Park in Gardner, Kansas, and is hosted by the City of Gardner Parks and Recreation Department. $10, 000 in prize money will be awarded!

Kansas State Fair Sept. 10-19 at Kansas State Fairgrounds, 2000 N Poplar St, Hutchinson, KS. Over 1,000 commercial vendor locations; for competition, with close to 30,000 entries in various competitive exhibit departments.

The Enchanted Faire Sept. 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS. Gnomes, Fairies, Goblins, and Sprites will be frolicking in the gardens! Join them in your most enchanted costume for all the fun. Enjoy treats, entertainment, photo ops, and merriment for the whole family at the Enchanted Faire! Admission: $6.00 - children age 24 months to 11 years - purchase online. Free - children 23 months and younger and accompanying adults. Regular admission to the gardens will be collected at entry. Of course, admission to the gardens is always free for members of Friends of the Arboretum. 

Lenexa Spinach Festival Sept. 11 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa, KS. The family-oriented Lenexa Spinach Festival is packed with food, music, entertainment, hands-on activities, and arts and antique 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!

Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival Sept. 11 & 12 at Crown Center, Kansas City, MO. You are invited to experience the creation of these street paintings, interact with the artists, enjoy street performers, Children's Creative Corridor, and Workshops.

Festival of the Trails Day Sept. 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cave Spring Park 8701 East Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO. FREE (events are free; food, beverage, retail items available for purchase). Join us on September 11, 2021, for Raytown's Festival of the Trails celebration! Twelve organizations will host events all day. The Raytown Chamber, Raytown Parks & Recreation, Cave Spring, Raytown Historical Society & Museum, and the Rice-Tremonti Home, along with other organizations, will celebrate the state of Missouri's bicentennial and commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail.

Turkey Creek Car and Motorcycle Show Sept. 11 from 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM, Downton Merriam, KS. TCCS Merriam Drive Birds EyeSince 2001, this annual event, held rain or shine, draws thousands of spectators as well as over 250 classic cars, hot rods, street rods, antique cars, trucks, and custom motorcycles.  Held high above Turkey Creek in beautiful downtown Merriam at the Merriam Marketplace, activities of the day include music, door prizes, and concessions.  Car show entries have a chance to win the Grand Prize drawing of a $4,000 gift certificate.  Participants under 25 are eligible for the "Young Gun Award" - a $500 gift certificate.  There are over 60 awards including "Motoring Memories".  Submit your car story in 500 words or less by August 31. The winner will be featured in the Car Show Calendar and the story will be used in various promotional opportunities throughout the year.  

Shawnee Fall Fest Sept. 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Shawnee Town 1929 11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS. The Rotary Club of Shawnee is putting on a cornhole tournament with a fun fall twist! All things fall in one place - food and craft vendors, live music, performance, a lot of kid activities, and fun for the whole family!

CANCELED Prairie Village JazzFest Sept. 11 at Harmon Park, 77th & Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. To our Kansas City Jazz community - it is with heavy hearts that we again announce the cancellation of this year's Prairie Village Jazz Festival, scheduled to be held on Sept. 11, 2021.

Winefest: Independence Uncorked Sept. 11 at Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 West Pacific Avenue, Independence, MO. Independence Uncorked will be one of the largest Missouri wine festivals in the state featuring 25 Missouri wineries sampling several of their wines, a guest spirits distiller, and over 2500 attendees.

Raymore Festival in the Park Sept. 16-18 at Memorial Park, Raymore, MO. Car show, volleyball, parade, bbq contest, live music, contests, dog show, and crafts.

American Royal BBQ Sept. 16-19 at Kansas Speedway. Join us as we celebrate the best in barbecue with team members, family, and friends at the world’s largest barbecue competition. Health and safety are our top priorities.  At this time, we anticipate a contest similar to previous years, with modifications to ensure safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide contest updates, and safety requirements, and/or suggestions via our social media accounts, website, and targeted emails throughout the planning process.

City Park(ed) Sept. 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Leawood City Park 10601 Lee Boulevard, Leawood, KS. Fuel up at a food truck and get an up and close look at Leawood City Vehicles. The event will start with no vehicle lights or sirens for those wishing for a calmer sensory experience. Then we'll rev up for the evening showing off lights, sirens, and other equipment from the Parks, Recreation and Arts Department, Public Works Department, Police Department, and Fire Departments. Music will be provided by DJ Tony. This event is free and fun for the whole family!

Ward-Meade Garden Glow Sept. 17 - Oct. 3 from 7-10 pm nightly at Old Prairie Town 124 NW Fillmore, City of Topeka, KS. Experience the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden and Old Prairie Town's historic buildings at night with hand-crafted electric light displays.

Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival Sept. 17-19 at Downtown Blue Springs, Blue Springs, MO. Admission to the festival is FREE and all are welcome! Come out and enjoy the parade, handmade crafters and vendors, live music & performances on two stages, festival food, car show, and more!

2021 Brookside Art Annual Sept 17-18 at Brookside District (63rd and Brookside Blvd) KC, MO. Typically Kansas City’s first outdoor art show of the year, the Brookside Art Annual has been rescheduled to allow further response to COVID-19. The Brookside Business Association and Brookside CID are excited to host the 35th Brookside Art Annual which has become a Kansas City tradition and means so much to our community, our businesses, and the artists who come from across the nation. The show is one of Kansas City’s largest art gatherings each year, attracts artists, buyers, and art enthusiasts from across the region, and is ranked amongst the best in the nation each year. The show draws upwards of 70,000 people from all over the metropolitan area to the Brookside shopping district for the three-day event. The show is also recognized by participating artists for its focus on art (we’re an art show, not a festival), large attraction, the volume of sales, and hospitality (we work hard to make your experience great while you’re our guests. Each year over 180 of the top artists from around the country are selected to participate and this year is no exception. Our jurying process ensures top-quality artists while being fair and keeping the show fresh. Artists are selected through a blind jury process, meaning no favorites here. To ensure new perspectives from year to year, we select three new jurors from a pool of museum curators, gallery owners, professional artists, and art educators. Our process yields an outstanding show with artists from across the country and at all stages of their careers. The only difference for 2021 is that we’ve invited all artists selected for the canceled 2020 show to return in 2021.

Colonial Gardens Fall Festival Sept. 17  &18 at Colonial Gardens, Blue Springs, MO. Kick-off the fall season at Colonial Garden’s fall festival: Farm Experience. Enjoy all the fall activities including a pumpkin patch, hayrides, apple picking, livestock tours, yard games, crafts, hot chocolate, fire pits, s’mores, and more! The festival will take place across the street from our retail store at our festival grounds, every Friday & Saturday starting September 17th through the end of October. The cost to attend is $5 for anyone over the age of 5 – family pricing for groups of 4. Additional costs include U-Pick apples (half a peck: $5.50 & peck: $13) and Pumpkins depending on size. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Additional activities include Snookball, Twister, Yard Games, Hay Rides, Jump pillow, Photo ops, Hamster wheels, Craft station, Playground, Live music in Courtyard, Sack races, Kid’s hay maze, Pumpkin carving & costume contest.  Please follow us on social for updates on cancellations dependent on weather.

Library Lets Loose Sept. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Johnson County Library- Virtual. Join Honorary Hosts Rick and Denise Mills for our festive signature fundraising event, Library Lets Loose! Library Lovers everywhere will enjoy this fun, FREE, family-friendly virtual gathering to support lifelong learning resources.

Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival Sept. 18 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. Shop over 130 vendors, showcasing their handmade, homemade, and re-purposed items. There will be several food vendors on-site to meet the needs of your taste buds!

Big Shoal Country Fair Sept. 18 at Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum, 4109 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road, Gladstone, MO. Enjoy music, crafts, food, Kids Zone, Petting Zoo, and the Pumpkin Patch Family Friendly and FREE!

Fiesta on the Square Sept. 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Linden Square 602 NE 70th St., City of Gladstone, MO. Our annual Fiesta on the Square is a celebration of Latin-American culture in Gladstone. This event will feature, a taco bar where all proceeds go back to benefit the Northland Christmas Store, music and dancing instruction by the KC Latin Jazz Orchestra, a mariachi band, Hispanic-inspired desserts from The Laughing Place Bakery, drinks from Diamond Girls Bartenders and vendors from the UMKC Latinx Student Union.

CANCELED Hallmarket Sept. 18 at Crown Center Square.  HALLMARKET POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING 2022. Earlier this year, Hallmark planned to host the annual Hallmarket Art Festival in Crown Center Square on Saturday, September 18. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we will postpone this event until Spring 2022.

Old Fashioned Street Faire Sept. 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Downtown Smithville So. Bridge, Smithville, MO. A wonderful Fall event filling the downtown of Smithville, Mo with vendors of every kind. From artists, artisans, crafters, and small businesses of all kinds, this will be an intriguing visit to a truly memorable event. Wonderful gifts for the upcoming holidays from our special artists, artisans, and crafters; a street full of "fun" inflatables for the kids; yummy festival foods; and all-day entertainments from local dance studios, karate companies, and bands. All in all, a pleasurable day for anyone 3 to 103.

Terra Luna Sept. 24-26 and Oct. 1-3, 2021 from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS. Terra Luna has become a not-to-be-missed annual event at the Arboretum. Plan now to enjoy the experience as Quixotic opens a portal between everyday reality and elemental fantasy! The limited-engagement multimedia installation guides guests on a wild journey through the grounds, culminating in an immersive performance uniting live music, dance, aerial acrobatics, and more. 

Plaza Art Fair Sept. 24-26 at Country Club Plaza, 47th & Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO.  Featuring 240 artists, the Plaza Art Fair is a top-ranked, national art event with three live music stages and over 20 featured restaurant booths.

KC Zoo Run for Koalas Sept. 18 at Kansas City Zoo. The Kansas City Zoo Run highlights a different featured species each year. 2021 is the Run for Koalas on Saturday, September, 18. All participants receive, in addition to the portion of the entry fee that supports the Friends of the Zoo, the following: Custom designed featured species GO-EX Koala t-shirt, Custom Koala finisher's medal, Free race-day entry into the zoo that is valid any day through the end of 2021.

The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends Sept. 18 - Oct. 31 at Worlds of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Hooray for the fall! Hop on your tractor, pirate ship, or witch’s broom and hurry on over for a super-sized celebration of all things fall at Worlds of Fun’s Great Pumpkin Fest. We’ve got a full harvest of AMAZING, fall-tastic fun for everyone with games, activities, and just a speck of spooky for pint-sized ghosts and goblins. Great Pumpkin Fest offers one-of-a-kind Halloween activities for kids throughout the park! At Planet Snoopy, you’ll find play zones, costume contests, and dance parties with Snoopy and the whole PEANUTS™ gang. During the kids’ Halloween event, loads of family-friendly games and activities await at every turn. Around every hay bale, you can catch toe-tapping, live entertainment, and grab a comfy seat to just kick back and take it all in. And the food! All over the park, you’ll find delicious fall flavors in sweet treats and savory goodies.

Art in the Park Sept. 18 & 19 at South Park 1141 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS. Art in the Park is a Lawrence Art Guild event. Since 1964 this event has featured high-quality work by many area artists and craftspeople and a projected 20,000 visitors. $1,500 in cash awards will be given, live music (keeping in mind noise levels to not detract from the artwork), and food vendors on Massachusetts St.

Lee's Summit Oktoberfest Sept. 24-26 at Downtown Lee's Summit, 220 SE Main Street, Lees Summit, MO. Enjoy Kids Street, arts and crafts, German meals, beer and brat tents, the Biergarten, carnival, the Sportzelt, live entertainment, contests, a Rootbiergarten, homebrew tasting, German dancers, and much more. There’s no cost to attend the festival.

Liberty Fall Fest Sept. 24-26 at Liberty, MO. The festival features 175 quality Arts and Crafts booths including original designs in a variety of art such as textiles, wearable art, hand-crafted ceramics, decorative and functional wood, jewelry, leather, photography, paintings, drawings, prints, and metalwork. Fairgoers also love the carnival and delicious foods.

Ciderfest Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-3 at Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS. For two exciting weekends every autumn, Louisburg Cider Mill brings you some good old-fashioned apple cider fun. Our Ciderfest is always held on the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October. There are no admission or parking fees to attend Ciderfest. Activities begin with the Louisburg Lions Pancake Breakfast, 8 am – 11 am. Other activities such as pony rides, inflatable slides, cider and donut-making, and craft booths are ongoing throughout the day until 6 pm.

Library in the Park Sept. 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Huron Park 6th and Anne, KS. Library in the Park is back! Come celebrate our community with live music, fun activities, and more at an all-new location! Join us at Huron Park, behind the Main Library, for this fun, family event. The 2021 Library in the Park's featured author is local teacher Kristy Nerstheimer, who wrote The Greatest Thing: A Story About Buck O'Neil. We will be giving away free copies of the book and Kristy Nerstheimer will be available to sign them. This year, we will be hosting a giant book and movie sale! We will have hundreds of items available for you to browse. Books will be $5 a bag, and all individual items and be purchased for $1 each. The sale will be cash only. The other activities this year include lawn games, inflatables, bubbles, face-painting, library programming, the mobile library, and more! Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will not be able to offer the taco contest this year.

Children's Mercy Dream Big At-Home Celebration Sept. 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon At-Home Festival. Children’s Mercy Dream Big Day is a family-friendly celebration to rally our community around Children’s Mercy and raise funds to provide answers, hope, and care to patients and their families! With your support, any dream—big or small—can become a reality. In light of the high COVID-19 transmission rates in our community and the importance of making pediatric health our #1 priority, we have made the tough decision to cancel the in-person component of Dream Big Day on Sept. 25. Please stay tuned to learn more about how we plan to celebrate patients and families around this important cause. 

CANCELED Grinter Apple Fest Sept. 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Grinter Place State Historic Site 1420 S. 78th St., Kansas City, KS. This event was CANCELED due to COVID-19 precautions.

Grand Festival of Chez les Canses Sept. 25 at Fort Osage, 107 Osage St, Sibley, MO. Celebrate the history of early French explorers and adventurers as interpreters demonstrate the arts, crafts, and customs of early European explorers who traveled to the region in the 1700s.

Excelsior Springs 2021 Oktoberfest Sept. 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Historic Downtown Excelsior Springs 201 E. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO. “Come see what’s brewing” at the Excelsior Springs 2021 Oktoberfest!  Join in the celebration and you can expect to experience a day full of bed racing, barrel rolls, live entertainment, street vendors, and a variety of craft beers!  Get your team together and be a part of the bed racing tradition!  Cash prizes and custom-made trophies go home with the top three fast and furious teams!  We promise that Oktoberfest 2021 will be absolutely “fabelhaft”!

Overland Park Fall Festival Sept. 25 at Downtown Overland Park 7315 W 79th St, Overland Park, KS. Join us for a celebration of the season in Downtown Overland Park! Concerts Throughout the Day: Music will be playing throughout Downtown Overland Park all day. Wander from shops to the market to the craft fair and hear a variety of live performances, including Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra. Children's Entertainment: From dancing puppets to science that stretches the mind, there are plenty of performances and shows just for the kids, including Stone Lion Puppet Theater. Artisan Fair: Come ready to shop. Whether you’re looking for a host gift for a fall party, to get a jump on holiday shopping, or looking for yourself, there’s something for everyone. Farmers' Market: Grab your basket and stock up for the season on produce and fresh goods. Food + Snacks: Come hungry! From Farmers’ Market vendors to food trucks and Downtown Overland Park businesses, there are no shortage of meals, snacks, drinks, and treats. Local Performers: Gather in the streets of Downtown Overland Park to experience some of the most interesting performances the area has to offer.

October Festivals in Kansas City

The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends Sept. 18 - Oct. 31 at Worlds of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Hooray for the fall! Hop on your tractor, pirate ship, or witch’s broom and hurry on over for a super-sized celebration of all things fall at Worlds of Fun’s Great Pumpkin Fest. We’ve got a full harvest of AMAZING, fall-tastic fun for everyone with games, activities, and just a speck of spooky for pint-sized ghosts and goblins. Great Pumpkin Fest offers one-of-a-kind Halloween activities for kids throughout the park! At Planet Snoopy, you’ll find play zones, costume contests, and dance parties with Snoopy and the whole PEANUTS™ gang. During the kids’ Halloween event, loads of family-friendly games and activities await at every turn. Around every hay bale, you can catch toe-tapping, live entertainment, and grab a comfy seat to just kick back and take it all in. And the food! All over the park, you’ll find delicious fall flavors in sweet treats and savory goodies.

Into The Night Fall Festival Oct 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Ironwoods Park 14701 Mission Road, Leawood, KS. Enjoy quintessential fall experiences at our popular "Into The Night" fall festival. Festivities for the whole family including a petting zoo, live performers, train rides, crafts, photo ops, food vendors, and more! Hurry, register today this event fills quickly!

Oktoberfest Art & Craft Show Oct. 1 - 2 at The Pavilion at John Knox Village NW Murray Rd., Lee's Summit, MO. This is an ArtSafe event. Visit our website to learn more about the safety precautions that will be taken. Over 100 booths and a wide variety of products to enjoy. With Halloween and Thanksgiving around the corner, you will find products and services to help you prepare for your fall festivities. Admission is free so invite your friends and family. Food and beverages are also available for your enjoyment.

Ciderfest Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 2-3 at Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS. Ciderfest activities begin with the Louisburg Lions Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Other activities include live music beginning at 11 a.m., cider and donut making, pony rides, and inflatable slides ongoing throughout the day until 6 p.m. Ciderfest also features craft booths, gifts & collectible vendors, and multiple foods and BBQ vendors. There is no admission or parking fee to attend Ciderfest.

Holiday Mart Sept 30-Oct. 3 at Bartle Hall, Kansas City, MO. Holiday Mart, Kansas City’s only nonprofit shopping event, is the must-attend event of the fall. Proceeds from Holiday Mart support community projects sponsored by the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, including programs focused on women and children.

Gladfest Oct. 1-3, Linden Square, Gladstone, MO. Gladfest is a wonderful fall festival with something for everyone! Don't miss the Parade on Saturday morning and the ongoing entertainment on the Linden Square Stage! The Carnival will be open all three days for kids of all ages. Kids’ Corner presented by Oakhill Day School and the Interactive Funfield (located in the northeast corner of Gladfest in Central Park) have many family-friendly activities to check out. Marketplace Tents, offering valuable contacts with local businesses and civic organizations, will be located on the west side of the Gladstone Community Center on Holmes. Larger commercial vendors and the best in food and beverages will be found along 70th Street and N. Holmes.  Arts and Crafts vendors will be located west of City Hall and south of the carnival.

KC Oktoberfest Oct. 1-2 at Crown Center. Presented and organized by Kansas City Bier Company — Kansas City’s largest locally-owned brewery — KC Oktoberfest is a two-day festival celebrating authentic German-style beer, food, and entertainment at Crown Center in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Modeled after the Munich Oktoberfest in Germany, KC Oktoberfest is Kansas City’s largest traditional Oktoberfest. IMPORTANT COVID PROTOCOL: Proof of vaccine or negative test required for entrance.

The Log Cabin Festival Oct. 1-2 in On the Square Harrisonville, MO. The festival will include a parade, carnival, entertainment, vendor fair, and much more!

Ciderfest Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 2-3 at Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS. Ciderfest activities begin with the Louisburg Lions Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Other activities include live music beginning at 11 a.m., cider and donut making, pony rides, and inflatable slides ongoing throughout the day until 6 p.m. Ciderfest also features craft booths, gifts & collectible vendors, and multiple foods and BBQ vendors. There is no admission or parking fee to attend Ciderfest.

Kaw Valley Farm Tour Oct. 2-3 at Various Farms, Leavenworth, KS. Spend a day on the farm or farms! We invite you to visit 30 locations open to you across the Kaw River Valley. Family farms, Wineries, and Vineyards, A-Z Alpacas to Zucchini! And everything in between. This is a self-guided tour. You plan the itinerary. An opportunity to see how your food and fiber are produced firsthand. Sample products, compare varieties, ask questions, and participate in special activities or just sit and enjoy the peace in the country. This year we have an Ag Heritage Tour incorporated for the same ticket price, check out our yesteryear locations too! This project is in partnership with Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council and the Douglas County Heritage Office. Tickets are $10 per carload and are good for both days. Bring the whole family!

Scarecrow Festival Oct. 2, at 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS.  This free family-friendly event has something for everyone, including scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, a Farmers Market, and seasonal displays. Supplies and decorations will be provided at no cost. Downtown Shawnee will be transformed as businesses and merchants participate in a scarecrow contest. For you chefs out there showcase your skills by participating in the baking contest, which includes categories for pumpkin pie, fruit pie, and pumpkin bread. Winners in each category will receive a prize. Samples of the delectable desserts will be available for purchase after the contest.

Weston Applefest Oct. 2-3 at Weston, MO. There will be over 50 art and craft booths along the downtown Main Street to peruse and you’re also invited to browse the many unique Weston shops during your visit.

Slavtoberfest Oct. 2-3, Sugar Creek, MO. Slavtoberfest is a two-day celebration of Slavic heritage. Day 1 features Kolograd, plus great music, dance, food, drink, and more. Slavic Fest with a Fall twist.

Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music Oct. 2-3, Missouri Town 1855, Lee's Summit, MO. Discover why this popular annual fall event has been a family tradition for thousands over 40 years. Skilled interpreters, crafters, and artisans will bring this antebellum living history site to life with period music, dance, games, crafts, a fun-filled hay wagon ride, and delicious foods. 

Fairfax Festival Oct. 7, Kaw Point Park In addition to the usual live music, beer & wine garden, local food, raffles, lawn game tournament and historical boat rides, this year we will have a very special guest joining the Festival!  The North American B25-D Mitchell Bomber plane (built in Fairfax during WWII) will do a flyover at 4 p.m. at the Fairfax Festival. There will be opportunities to meet the B25-D pilots and….Rosie Riveters. Tickets will be $15, and will be open to the public August 13. They can be purchased at www.fiakck.org.

Festa Italiana 2021 Oct. 8-10 at Zona Rosa 8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, MO. Festa Italiana provides an ideal environment to experience great authentic live entertainment, delicious Italian food, outstanding desserts, beverages, vendors, and historical informational booths. Festa Italiana is UNICO KC’s largest fundraising event of the year where all proceeds are directed to our scholarship fund. Live entertainment is offered non-stop for the weekend including national acts and some of the best local and regional talent. The weekend also includes Motori in Piazza (Italian Motorsports Show), an outdoor Catholic Mass on Sunday, and a kid's zone with bounce houses. Come enjoy some of the best Italian food from local restaurants and shop with some of our local vendors. Scholarships are awarded to recipients on the Sunday afternoon of every festival.

Lenexa Chili Challenge Oct. 8 - 9 at​  Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS. About 200 teams compete in our chili, salsa, and hot wings contests in hopes of taking home the Grand Champion prize. Teams host private parties on Friday night and give out samples to everyone on Saturday. Activities include musical entertainment and JDRF Fundraising both days, fireworks on Friday night, and the Kids Kornbread Contest on Saturday. **To help limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community, this event may be impacted.**

Oktoberfest at Prairiefire Oct. 9, Prairiefire, Overland Park, KS. PROST! Join us on Saturday, October 9th from 11 am - 3 pm RAIN OR SHINE for the 7th Annual Oktoberfest at Prairiefire - a day filled with fall fun for everyone! This is a FREE event.

Celebrate the season with outdoor Bier Gartens, Pumpkin Decorating, a Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Street Games and More!

Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too Oct 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Kansas City Zoo 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO. Brew at the Zoo is back! Enjoy live music, great food, and tastings from more than 25 local breweries and wineries all in a WILD outdoor setting. All the same fun you love with a smaller crowd, so buy your tickets early! Price: $40 for FOTZ Members, $50 for non-members. Each admission ticket includes one drink ticket. Bands: The Grisly Hand, Faintheart, DJ Synematix

Fall Festival at Shawnee Indian Mission Oct. 9-10 at Shawnee Indian Mission Museum, 3403 W 53rd St, Fairway, KS. The Fall Festival, the largest event of the year, is a time to watch, eat, play, ride, learn, listen and celebrate the wonder of fall on the prairie.  There’s something for all ages and interests. There’s a crafts fair featuring dozens of local artists, artisans, and crafters.  There are expos and living history demonstrations. There are wagon rides, pony rides, games, and challenges like a tightrope walk and an archery range. When hunger strikes, taste specialty fare from some of the area’s favorite food trucks and street vendors.  Then take a seat to watch the Native America Shawnee Showcase Dance Competition with dancers in full regalia performing authentic tribal steps. Meanwhile, indoors, you can visit fiber art exhibitions including a Quilt Show, Rug Hooking Display, and a display of the KC Embroidery guild. The situation with Covid-19 might require that our plans change, but until we know for certain, planning for the event is going forward.

Arrow Rock Heritage Festival Oct. 9-10 at Arrow Rock, MO. A day to remember. Enjoy heritage crafts, food, Arrow Rock Stock and Trade reenactors, period music, storytellers, and the beautiful, historic village of Arrow Rock.

KC Grilled Cheese & Mac Festival Oct. 16 from Noon - 4 pm at Berkeley Riverfront Park, Kansas City, MO. The KC Grilled Cheese & Mac Festival is the only event in Kansas City where you get to sample a huge variety of gourmet, chef-inspired twists on your childhood favorites: Grilled Cheese AND Mac & Cheese! Amazing local chefs and restaurants are cooking up their most creative and delicious grilled cheese and mac & cheese while competing for the title of best bite in town. Along with all the tasty eats, you'll also get to enjoy beer sampling from a variety of breweries! Be there to try it all for yourself and cast your vote!

International Lineman's Rodeo Oct. 16 from 10am-3pm at National Agricultural Hall of Fame. The Lineman's Rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world to compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks and skills. Come out and watch this fascinating competition. Lots to do for kids too - petting zoo, train rides, face painting, bucket truck rides. Admission to the Ag Center is free.

Cornucopia: KC's Ultimate Fall Festival Oct. 15-17 at KC Power & Light District. Overflowing with opportunities to be entertained, make memories, and have fun. Cross everything off your fall bucket list at Cornucopia - including a Ferris Wheel!

Miami County Fall Farm Tour Oct. 16 - 17 in Miami County, KS. This free event is a great time for families.  Visit wineries, ranches, and all sorts of other operations for fun and games, and food! Visit www.adayonthefarminkansas.com for more information about locations open for this event and a map.

Maple Leaf Festival Oct. 16-17 at Baldwin City, KS. The two-day festival occurs on the third full weekend of October. Saturday begins with a parade at 11:00 am. Complete with a children’s competition, marching bands, floats, and antique cars, the parade starts the festival off with a bang. Sunday concludes the festivities with additional events and crafts for sale and a quilt show. Craft booths (both indoor and outdoor) are open.

Dogtober Fest Oct. 17 at Kemper Outdoor Education Center, 8201 S. Jasper Bell Road, Blue Springs, MO. Fun for your dogs. Fun for their pets (that would be you). Fun for all! Everyone is guaranteed to have a doggone good time at Dogtober Fest.​ Contests and games include Bobbing for Biscuits, Sack Races, Roll-Over Races, Biscuit Eating, Musical Frisbees, Biscuit Toss, Costume Contest, Dog/Owner Look-A-Likes, Biggest Dog and Smallest Dog.

Enchanted Forest: Independence October 21*, 22, 23, 29 & 30. The gate opens at 7:00 PM. Everyone parked by 9:00 PM is admitted. Admission is $3 per person at the gate. Group pre-sales are available on a limited, first-come-first-served basis by calling Independence Parks & Recreation at 816-325-7370 (Jodi). Don't miss this non-scary Halloween event sponsored by the Powerhouse Theatre Foundation and Independence Parks and Recreation. In the beautiful woods of George Owens Nature Park, children of all ages will be transported into the “Enchanted Forest.” where storybook, fairy tale, and other popular characters come to life on your journey, which concludes with an old fashioned hayride, and ever more spectacular sights and sounds. For more information call (816) 325-7115 or (816) 325-7370. at George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, MO. The Enchanted Forest is a non-scary alternative to haunted houses and a fun experience for younger children (accompanied by an adult). Groups are led by guides down the paved trail through the Enchanted Forest to see stories enacted at several stops along the way. A hayride at the end of the trail brings groups back to the entrance. *Did you know we host a Special Friends Night? We are excited to announce that we will be hosting it again this year on Oct 21st! Sensory-friendly and wheelchair ramps on site. This is an RSVP-only event and you must have a ticket to enter. For more information email us at EFspecialsnight@gmail.com

Red, White & Blue BBQ and Hall of Fame inductions Oct 22 & 23 at National Agricultural Hall of Fame 630 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS. The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame were chartered by Congress in 1960 to serve as the national museum of agriculture and a memorial to farming leaders. Our mission is to educate society on the historical and present value of American agriculture and to honor leadership in agribusiness and academia by providing education, information, experience, and recognition. We are celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2021 - “Honoring Farmer-Veterans: Those Who Feed and Defend Our Nation,” paying homage to President Eisenhower for establishing the Agricultural Hall of Fame. Military veteran protein producers from around the nation will show off their barbecuing skills. A traveling exhibit from the Eisenhower Museum and Library will be on display in our museum. New members will be inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame, including U.S. Senator Pat Roberts and Fabian Garcia, known as the father of the New Mexican food industry.

Boo & Brew at Town Center Plaza Oct. 23: A free, fall festival with activities for all ages! Boo-gie at this live concert event with performances by Drew Six and U2 tribute band, Rattle & Hum and you won’t want to miss the spectacular aerial performances. Lawn chairs welcome. Bring your costumed kiddos to trick-or-treat with retailers. Watch their eyes light up as they  meet princesses and superheroes, and explore inside their favorite service and construction vehicles. VIP entry to the beer garden, with first-class viewing to the stage is available for purchase at TownCenterPlaza.com.

• Live concert: Drew Six and U2 tribute band, Rattle & Hum.

• Aerial performances by Kansas City Aerial Arts.

• Door-to-door retailer trick-or-treating.

• Touch-A-Truck with your kiddos’ favorite service and construction vehicles including Leawood Police vehicles and the command center, Leawood fire engines, ambulance, and more BIG trucks!

• Beer garden, KC Photo Bus, GIF booth, Sporting KC rec area, and activities for all ages.

• Touring Taps and Three Pigs BBQ food truck will be serving up cold brews and yummy eats.

Holiday Treasures Craft Festival Oct. 23 at Shawnee Civic Center, 13817 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. Beat the crowds this holiday season and pick up some unique, hand-crafted holiday gifts while you are at it! Admission is free, you have nothing to lose and the perfect holiday gift to gain!

Enchanted Forest: Lenexa Oct. 28 at​ Sar-Ko-Par Park, 87th & Lackman, Lenexa, KS. For one night only, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is transformed into The Enchanted Forest, where there is something to delight even the smallest of Halloween revelers. You can enjoy performances by puppets, musicians, and singers along the trail around Rose’s Pond and fun photos in the photo booth. Stroll the seasonal displays, visit friendly characters, and enjoy performances at your leisure. The Enchanted Forest is primarily an entertainment event — not a trick-or-treating event. However, there will be a limited supply of candy in the sponsor area, thanks to their generosity.  **To help limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community, this event may be impacted.**

Lanefield School Open House Oct. 30, Lanesfield School Historic Site 18745 S. Dillie Rd., Edgerton, KS. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail, with period music, games, crafts, and lessons in a one-room schoolhouse. The Lanesfield School, built along the Santa Fe Trail in 1869 and restored in 1904, is the perfect place to take a trip through time. Have old-fashioned fun with hands-on activities, the Missouri Town Band, outdoor games, and lessons in the schoolhouse with costumed teachers. FREE and open from 11 am - 4 pm.

Mildale Farm Fall Fest Oct. 30 at Mildale Farm, Edgerton, KS. Bring the family and spend the day exploring the Milldale Farm property and enjoy several fall activities during this free public event. The site includes the 22-acre Mildale Farm that is usually only accessible by reservation and is one of the region’s premier venues for weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats, and other special occasions.

Tac-O-Treat Oct. 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sporting KC 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS. Tac-O-Treat, a Kansas City taco and margarita festival, is presented by Modelo. Join us Saturday, October 30, from 11 AM - 6 PM at Children's Mercy Park! Enjoy booths from local makers, a costume contest, fun, cold beverages, and a taste of the town via taco vendors from all around KC!  VIP tickets include two tacos, two margaritas, a t-shirt and special VIP areas and entrance.This event will sell out - grab your tickets today! Tickets: 12 & Under - Free, GA - $10, VIP - $45.

Note: This is your Guide to Fall Festivals in Kansas City 2021. This list was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. If you know of changes or additions to this guide, please email kristina@kcparent.com.

For even MORE great Kansas City events, visit our Kansas City Calendar.