KC Summer Festivals & Fairs: 2014

It's Summer in Kansas City and that means Festivals! Whether you fancy a good old fashioned county fair, or an ethnic festival with delicious delicacies, or something a bit more out of the ordinary... there is something for everyone! This is our guide to Festivals in the Kansas City area (a few of these are Day Trips in Missouri and Kansas) for Summer 2014!

TIP: Click the green event name to visit the Festival Website!

Note: This list was compiled by the staff of KC Parent Magazine and may not be reproduced in print or online without permission. Please email kristina@kcparent.com if you have an addition to this list.

June Festivals & Fairs in Kansas City

Prairie Village Art Show May 30- June 1, Prairie Village Shops. Annual Art Show featuring over 100 artists from across the country. Children's activities, food, music and more! 

Festa Italiana May 31 - June 2, Zona Rosa. One of Kansas City’s favorite festivals, Festa Italiana, the unique celebration of Italian traditions and Italian-American culture, will be hosted once again at Zona Rosa this year! This longtime local ethnic festival draws visitors from across metropolitan Kansas City and beyond. This popular family event has free admission and showcases Italian food booths, a beer garden, vendors, live Italian music, dancers, a kids play area and much more! 816.587.8180

Rose Show and Rose Day June 1, Loose Park. Each year at the height of the rose season, KCRS sponsors Rose Day in the garden and a Rose Show in the Loose Park Garden Center. Spring and Fall rose care demonstrations are held in the Garden Center as well as other educational programs. 816.784.5300

Weston Children's Day June 1, Weston, MO. Fun for all ages. This year's Kid's Day will be in the Weston City Park. There will be food, games, and drawings for prizes. Mark your calendar and kick off your summer fun. 816.640.2300.

Old Shawnee Days June 5 - 8, Old Shawnee. Kick off your summer with everyone’s favorite Shawnee event - Old Shawnee Days! There’s something for everyone - music, carnival rides, contests, games, the parade, crafts, shopping, festival food, and so much more. 

Jazzoo June 6 Kansas City Zoo. Jazzoo is the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fundraiser. It helps raise support for the children’s educational programs and feeds the Zoo’s more than 1,000 animals. This year’s theme, Mystique of the Beak, celebrates the upcoming arrival of the Zoo’s new state-of-the-art penguin habitat. 816.513.5700

Sugar Creek Slavic Festival June 6 & 7, Sugar Creek. This June, join Sugar Creek and its citizens as they pay tribute to their Slavic heritage in the only way they know how - with scores of heel-kicking dancers, ivory-toned riffs from squeezebox masters, and of course, pound upon pound of juicy Kielbasa. Fee for food and crafts. Free entertainment.

Liberty Arts Squared June 6 & 7, Historic Downtown Liberty. The visual arts area incorporates two and three-dimensional fine arts and crafts. Media will be juried and displayed in two separate categories: Fine Arts and Crafts. The Children's art area of the festival will feature interactive arts activities in the visual arts, literature, musical arts and music-making and performance. The activities are set up so that children can become engaged with producing art and viewing demonstrations throughout the children's area. Activities will be available for all age groups from very young through teen-aged. Liberty Arts Squared will have storytellers featured during the day on Saturday at various locations on the Historic Downtown Square. 

Children's Day & National Trails Day June 7, Missouri Town 1855. A special day of games and activities specifically designed to introduce children to a simpler time in history. Time honored activities such as tug-of-war, marbles, and gunny sack races will be featured. A special exhibit will introduce participants to the ever expanding trail system of Jackson County. Adults, $5.00; Youth 5-13 and Seniors, $3.00; Under 5, Free. 816.503.4860

Vaile Mansion Strawberry Festival June 7, Vaile Mansion. There will be approximately 100 craft & antique booths set up on the spacious lawn. Entertainment, food, children's corner, carriage rides, vintage cars, and wonderful Strawberry Treats. Free admission to grounds, Mansion tour $6.00.

Annual Greek Festival June 6 - 8, St. Dionysios. 50th Annual Greek Festival. Come and enjoy a little taste of Greece with delicious food, dancing, crafts and more. FREE Admission, charge for food and vendor goods.

Flag Day at Fort Osage June 7, Fort Osage. Learn about proper flag etiquette and explore a display of flags representing different periods of American history. The knowledgeable staff will answer questions and provide valuable historic information about our nation’s enduring symbol. Adults, $7.00; Youth $4.00; and Seniors, $3.00. 816.503.4860

Smoky Hill River Festival June 12-15, Salina Kansas. Festival-goers will discover the vibrant sounds of musical instruments and voices blended with colorful artwork and outdoor-art installations designed to intrigue and engage each visitor. Mix these elements with a touch of children's laughter and a 'dash' of tantalizing outdoor cooking and you can just about captured the essence of the unique 'recipe' that comprises the Smoky Hill River Festival. 

Parkville River Jam June 13 & 14 Free Admission! Parkville River Jam Jazz, Blues and Fine Arts Festival is a music packed 2 day festival for family and neighbors showcasing musicians, artists and fantastic food from around the Kansas City area and beyond.

Scottish Highland Games June 13 - 15, E.H. Young Park. The Kansas City Scottish Highland Games has world-class bagpiping, sanctioned highland dancing and Scottish heavy athletics competitions. Bring the family to a wee bit of Scotland in America's heartland! Come experience the color, sounds and traditions of Scotland, here in greater Kansas City, Missouri! Listen to the Great Highland Bagpipe playing over the fields, see world class athletes toss the ancient Scottish caber, and watch sanctioned Highland Dance competitions showcase the best dancers from across the country. Two stages of live Celtic Music continue throughout the Games, featuring favorite regional entertainers and national headliners. Find many Scottish Clans on Clan Village and discover your genealogy, or simply share the special company of clansfolk from around the region and the world. Tickets range from $5-25/adult (varies with number of days and times), FREE for children 12 and under.

Sprint Family Fun Days June 14, KC Power & Light District. June's Family Fun Days theme is Ultimate Field Day. Fun activities include: Hedrick's Pig Races are scheduled for 11:15 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 12:15 p.m. 12:45 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2:15 p.m. 2:40 p.m. (Event ends at 3 p.m.) Other activities include: Obstacle Course*, Face Painters,* Bounce House*, Arts and Crafts, Slam Dunk*, Batter Up Baseball Challenge*, Football Challenge*, Pop-A-Shot*, Radar Speed Throw*, Soccer Kick Challenge and More!  Dress your little ones up in your family's favorite team gear, then take photos with their favorite Kansas City team mascot!  Photo ops are free - Bring your camera! Mascot times will be posted soon! KC Wolf: Sluggerrr:   11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Remember - ALL SPRINT FAMILY FUN DAYS attendees receive $2 parking at the KC Live and Main Street (next to Cosentino's Market) garages - Just tell the attendant you are coming to Family Fun Days in the Power & Light District or get your ticket validated at any Power & Light District restaurant, shop and venue!

Crown Center Antique Festival June 14 -15, Crown Center. The festival's 14th year will feature pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. More than 100 booths. FREE Admission. 816.274.8444 

Farmstead Dairy Days June 14, Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Learn why milk really does do a body good . . .Ice cream, cow milking at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. $2/person admission. Under 1 Free 913.897.2360 

Festival on the Trails June 13-14, Downtown Gardner. The Festival on the Trails is in it's fourth year in downtown Gardner Kansas. Gardner has a rich history of events that attract area families.

Fiesta Filipina June 14 - 15, Filipino Cultural Center. An annual showcase of Filipino culture, food, dance, music, and games. The Fiesta commemorates Philippine Independence and will feature: a sampling of favorite Filipino cuisine, performances by the Sinag-Tala Dance Troupe and Sampaguita Choir, and arts and crafts from various vendors, among others. Admission is FREE. Children 12 and under are free. Open Saturday 12 AM-8 PM; and Sunday 12-6 PM.

National Marina Day June 14, Lake Jacomo .Bass Pro Shops and Jackson County Parks + Rec team up for the 4th Annual National Marina Day Celebration at Lake Jacomo Marina! This free event is jam-packed with fun activities for the entire family; including boat rides, fishing seminars, children’s games, raffle prizes, crafts, contests, and more. 816.503.4800 

Dragon Boat Festival June 14, Brush Creek . You are invited to come to the east side of the Country Club Plaza along Ward Parkway and Brush Creek, just west of J.C. Nichols Parkway, and within sight of the Sister Cities Bridge to enjoy cultural and social exchanges among all the people of Kansas City through a celebration of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. The day will include cultural games, performances, delicious food, and dragon boats, and fun activities for children of all ages. Dancers, drummers and musicians from all over town will entertain you on the stage. 

Heart of America Shakespeare Festival June 17 - July 6, Southmoreland Park. The Festival presents The Winter's Tale, June 17 - July 6, Tuesday - Sunday at 8:00 p.m. AND Monday, June 30.  NO SHOW July 4.

Belton Community Days June 18-21, Main Street Belton. The annual Parade on Saturday. Carnival, USSSA State Baseball Tournament, contests, fireworks, games, food and vendors.

Fiesta Kansas City June 20 - 22, Crown Center. Celebrate Hispanic culture at this 14th annual event, which features great music, food, dancing and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Admission charged. 816.274.8444

Busker Festival at City Market June 21, City Market. Come to City Market on June 21st from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to celebrate the art of busking at the annual Busker Festival! You might be asking yourself: what is a busker? A busker is a street performer who practices their craft in public places, for gratuities. The City Market has long been an incubator for unique entertainers. The Busker Festival will showcase musicians, unicycling, juggling, fire twirling, aerial arts, stilt walkers, musicians, dancers, comedy, circus acts, balloon twisting, magicians and more. The City Market's motto is "where the locals go," and in keeping with that tradition, all performers are local to the area. FREE Admission.

Irish Street Faire June 21, Browne's Market. Irish House Band, Pipers, and The Elders. Driscoll Irish Dancers, O'Riada-Manning Irish Dancers and Best Legs in a Kilt Contest. Great Irish Food. All your favorite Irish Beers on Tap Jameson Irish Whiskey Tasting Vendors, Photo Booth, Large Inflatables Kid's Zone and more.

Shatto Family Day at the Farm June 21, Shatto Dairy Farm (816.930.3862). This FREE event celebrates June as dairy month and thanks the entire Metropolitan region for their support of Shatto Milk Company, the area's true local family dairy farm. Enjoy entertainment, hay rides and free lunch.

Lansing Independence Day Celebration June 27, Lansing Kansas. Fireworks show at Kenneth W. Bernard Community Park in Lansing. The celebration begins at 6pm with inflatable rides for the children along with barbeque, cotton candy, drinks, and more.  The fireworks display begins at approximately 9:30pm.  Turn West on 4-H Road off Main Street/US 73/K-7 Highway. Drive approximately 2.5 miles to the KWB Park entrance. Free admission. For more information, call 913.727.5488.

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle June 27 & 28, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (87th & Lackman Road). The two-day event, which includes children's activities and live music, attracts cookers from all over the country who compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle, Kansas State Champion. Prizes and ribbons are awarded for the top 10 contestants in seven categories and top three overall winners.

Maker Faire: Kansas City June 28 & 29 at Union Station. Click for Ticket Information.  Maker Faire: Kansas City celebrates things people create themselves. This family-friendly event demonstrates what and how people are inventing, making and creating. It brings together Makers, Crafters, Inventors, Hackers, Scientists and Artists for a faire full of fun and inspiration. Come see what others are making and be inspired to tap into your own creativity!

Waterfest June 27 - 29, Excelsior Springs. This three day event features arts, crafts, live entertainment, and water games for the kids, lawn tractor pull, classic car-hot rod and truck show, parade, fireworks and much more.

July Festivals & Fairs in Kansas City

Flags For Freedom June 28-July 5, Merriam Marketplace. Over 3,000 American Flags on Display. Concerts, Ceremonies, and Festivities throughout the event honoring the American Armed Services.Also enjoy Music at the Marketplace: Free FRIDAY NIGHT Concert Series EVERY Friday night through mid-August at 6:30pm at the Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Dr.). All events are family orientated and free of charge. 913.384.5440 

Parkville 4th of July Festival July 2 - 5, English Landing Park. Bring the whole family for a taste of good old-fashioned Americana.  The traditional salute to Independence Day includes a parade, carnival rides, fireworks and more! 816.505.2227 

Booms and Blooms July 3, Powell Gardens. It's peak time to enjoy the collection of more than 400 varieties of daylilies in the Perennial Garden. Tasting Stations are open from 1 to 7:30 p.m. so you can sample the day's harvest. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. the Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra takes the stage for a pops concert that includes patriotic favorites. Enjoy a sizzling fireworks display that really shines against the dark country sky! Festival admission includes free parking, admission to exhibits and free trolley rides.

KC Riverfest July 4, Berkley Riverfront Park. 2014 information to be determined.

Sprint Family Fun Days July 12, KC Power & Light District.  The monthly Sprint Family Fun Series is back on the 2nd Saturday of each month! The entire event is FREE and open to the public! It begins at 11 AM in the KC Live Block of the Power & Light District and ends at 3 PM - Rain or Shine! It's Luau time in the city! Little ones can hit the bongos with the Drum Safari, slide down water slides and play in fun bounce houses! Face painting, sand art, hula classes and more! Help us bring the fun of the beach to the streets of downtown KC! 

Cass County Fair July 15 - 20, Cass County Fair. The Cass County Fair continues to grow and attract bigger crowds for such events as: The Motocross, a Wednesday night Arena Concert, the Demolition Derby, nightly entertainment in the Miller Pavilion, The Southern Fun Carnival, the high powered Tractor Pull and of course 2 nights of MRCA sanctioned rodeo.

KC Fringe Festival July 17 - 27, Crown Center. A city-wide celebration of local, regional and national artists. Admission charged. 816.516.4750

Amelia Earhart Festival July 17 - 19, Atchison Kansas. The spirit of legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart is alive and well in Atchison! Each summer the community pulls out all the stops in honor of its favorite daughter, complete with a downtown music, food and crafts fair, star-filled outdoor concert, children’s activities, carnival, awards and honors, Earhart research and literature, music on the beautiful Riverfront, aerobatic performances and the grandest of all finalés — the “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show. Tip: Read our Atchison Day Trip Tips for more ideas! 

Platte County Fair 2014 TBD, Platte County Fairgrounds. Old-Fashioned County Fair - Games, Rides, Carnival, Food, Music and More! The fair has been an annual event in the community since the first fair in 1863. It is recorded as being the oldest continuously operating fair west of the Mississippi River. The fair draws participants and spectators from a 100-mile radius, and in some cases even further. 816.431.FAIR 

Miami County Fair July 19 - 26, Paola. Youth rodeo, carnival, races, parade, demolition derby, bike derby, dog show, horse show, pancake breakfast, concerts and more. 

Wyandotte County Fair July 22 - 26, Wyandotte County Fairgrounds. Old-Fashioned County Fair - Games, Rides, Carnival, Demolition Derby, Food, 4-H Events, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Music and More! 913.788.7898 

Douglas County Fair July 25 - August 3, Lawrence. KS. Petting zoo, pony rides, demolition derby, tractor show, live concerts, turtle races, carnival, tractor pull and more.

Johnson County Fair July 28 - Aug. 2, Gardner, KS. Dog show, youth rodeo, carnival, concerts, goat milking, police & fire demonstrations, bull blast, barrel racing, parade and demolition derby. 

Leavenworth County Fair July 29 - Aug. 2, dates TBA. Leavenworth County Fairgrounds, Tonganoxie, KS. Enjoy games, contests, derbies, food, rides, exhibits, music, and more. From the Kiddies’ Tractor Pull to the Demolition Derby, at the Leavenworth County Fair, there is something for everyone. Support the local 4-H participants in all of their activities. The 4-H fair projects range from livestock and horses to crafts and clothing. 

August Festivals & Fairs in Kansas City

Festival of Butterflies Aug. 1- 3, 8-10, Powell Gardens. Each August Powell Gardens transforms the 2,500-square-foot conservatory into a temporary butterfly house, filled to the brim with gorgeous blooms and hundreds of tropical butterflies. And that's just the beginning! Festival days are packed with hands-on fun. Highlights include a native butterfly breezeway by Master Gardeners, Monarch Watch and the Idalia Society, kids' crafts, storytelling, a costume parade, a butterfly catch-and-release area and much more. Festival admission includes free parking, admission to exhibits and free trolley rides.

Missouri State Fair August 7 - 17, Sedalia, MO.  The 400-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows and competitive exhibits, and first-class professional entertainment. Admission charged. Read our Tips for the Missouri State Fair before you go!

Great Midwest Balloon Fest August 8 - 10, at Kansas Speedway. The Midwest Balloon Fest features many wonderful experiences! Featuring some of the most talented performers representing all styles and genres. Come check out each and every session to enjoy this line-up of exciting regional entertainers. Tickets $15 for adults (15 and older). $7.50 for children (4-14).FAMILY PAK (2 adults and 2 kids) one day admission: $40 (save $5); additional kids $5 WEEKEND 3 DAY PASS: $23 for Adults. $13 for Children 4-14. Children 3 and under FREE!. Buy early and save. Prices are more at the gate. General parking is FREE while premium parking will be available at an additional cost of $10 per car.

Sprint Family Fun Days August 9, KC Power & Light District.  The monthly Sprint Family Fun Series is back on the 2nd Saturday of each month! 

Ethnic Enrichment Festival of Kansas City August 15-17, Swope Park. Admission charged. Parking is Free ( Handicap Parking available). Over 60 countries participate each year with booths showcasing food and crafts from each country, and live performances on stage with dance, music, martial arts, and skills demonstrations. You may purchase food from each country creating your own smorgasbord of flavor, sampling many dishes from many cultures.

Lawrence Busker Festival Aug. 22-24, Lawrence, KS. Now in it's 5th year, the Lawrence Busker Festival is the area's largest gathering of street performers in the area. Come enjoy three days of family fun with some of the most talented freaks, geeks, artists and musicians around. And while the festival may be large, planning your visit is easy. Check out the performance schedule to make sure you don't miss your favorite acts. And for an even more up close and personal experience, come check out Busker Ball on August 24th.

Parkville Days Aug. 22-24, Parkville, MO. One of downtown Parkville’s biggest festivals, the annual Parkville Days offers great family entertainment and fun in historic downtown Parkville. This year’s event offers something for everyone! Browse and enjoy dozens of art, craft, and food and specialty booths. The Evans Midland Empire Carnival is all weekend starting Friday at 6:00 pm. There will be great jazz and blues on the main stage Friday night and Saturday starting at 1:00 pm. The downtown shops and restaurants will host their end-of-summer sales and specials Friday and Saturday.

KC Irish Fest Aug. 29 - 31, Crown Center. Bringing the soul of Ireland to the heart of America. With more than 30 world-class acts on EIGHT stages, this is the fastest growing Irish festival in the country.

Santa-Cali-Gon Days Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, Independence, MO. This premier annual festival on historic Independence Square features more than 400 crafters/vendors and more than 100 food booths, free local and nationally known country western music on a community stage, gospel stage and headliner stage, a midway carnival and old fashioned contests like watermelon seed spitting, ice cream eating and rootbeer chugging. FREE except carnival and vendor purchases 816.252.4745

Do you know of another great festival to add to our list? Please comment with information below!