SantaCaliGon
Free Festival
Labor Day Weekend
September 4th-7th, 2026
Historic Independence Square
Running from September 4–7, 2026, with a carnival preview on Thursday, September 3, the festival offers free general admission to vendor streets and the community stages and will be charging for the main stage according to the SantaCaliGon FAQs. As highlighted on the Visit KC SantaCaliGon Event Listing, over 200,000 visitors gather to explore 300 artisan booths, carnival rides, and living history exhibits.
SantaCaliGon Days 2026 is an annual four-day regional heritage festival in Independence, Missouri, celebrating the historical starting point of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails.
Key Festival Attractions and Entertainment
Live Music and Main Street 1849
Festivalgoers enjoy non-stop performances across the Main Stage and Community Stage. Additionally, families can step back in time at Main Street 1849, featuring pioneer craft demonstrations and old-fashioned games.
Carnival Midway and Vendor Shopping
The Wade Shows Carnival Midway provides thrill rides for all ages. Meanwhile, hundreds of crafters and food vendors line the square as shown on the SantaCaliGon Official Site.
- Free general admission across festival grounds at 210 W. Truman Rd
- Over 300 artisan, craft, and commercial vendor booths
- Live music on both the Main Stage and Community Stage
- Classic fair foods and Wade Shows carnival rides
- Access to the Main Stage requires a wristband.