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 2018. 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.
October Festivals in Kansas City
The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends Sep 15, 2018 - Oct 28, 2018 at Worlds of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Visit Worlds of Fun for the ultimate fall festival - The Great Pumpkin Fest! This family-friendly event is all treats and no tricks and features special Halloween-themed activities for kids plus PEANUTS-themed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy.
Fall Festival Book Sale Oct 5, 2018 - Oct 6, 2018 at Teen Commons, 16160 W. 135th St., Olathe, KS. It’s fall - time to curl up with a good book or watch a movie! All sales final.
Oktoberfest Craft Show Oct 5, 2018 - Oct 6, 2018 at John Knox Village Pavilion, 520 NW Murray Rd., Lee's Summit, MO. Come enjoy an indoor craft show with over 100 booths of the finest handmade crafts in the area. First 125 shoppers on BOTH days get a free shopping bag.
Family Fit & Fun Fair Oct. 5, 2018 from 3-7pm at Blue Springs Fieldhouse. Come tour the Fieldhouse, visit with local healthy vendors, enjoy light refreshments and stick around for demos of our most popular group fitness classes. The event is free and open the community
Burnt District Festival Oct 5 & 6, 2018 in On the Square Harrisonville, MO. Two days of family friendly fun on the historic Harrisonville Square! Parade, carnival and more!!
Gladfest Oct 5, 2018 - Oct 7, 2018 N. Holmes St. & Public Safety Dr., Gladstone, MO. A Carnival will be open all three days for kids of all ages. Marketplace Tents will be located just west of Community Center and will offer valuable contacts with local businesses and civic organizations.
KC Oktoberfest Oct 5-6, 2018 at Crown Center. A two-day celebration of Bavarian heritage modeled after the traditional Munich Oktoberfest in Germany. This festival will feature world-class music and entertainment, delicious menus crafted after the genuine tastes of Bavaria, and family-friendly games and activities inspired by those played in Europe.
Old West OctoberFest Oct 5, 2018 - Oct 6, 2018 at Historic Lexington, MO. Crafts, antiques, food vendors, and fun.
Independence Fire & Ice BBQ Competition Oct 5, 2018 - Oct 6, 2018 at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, 19100 E Valley View Pkwy, Independence, MO. Established in 2015, this KCBS state championship quickly became one of the premier competitions in the Midwest drawing teams from across the United States each fall since its inception.
Louisburg Fall Festival Oct 6, 2018 at Downtown Louisburg, KS. Fall Festival kicks off the season by closing downtown streets & filling it with vendors, food trucks, music & entertainment, and more! In conjunction with Louisburg Cider Run...please join us for a wonderful night!
14th Annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour Oct 6, 2018 - Oct 7, 2018 at Lamborn Farm, 25761 151st St, Leavenworth, KS. $10 per carload, good for 2 days. The farm tour provides fun and interactive farm experiences, supports local farms and introduces individuals of all ages to the many faces of agriculture in the Kaw Valley. Have breakfast on a farm, discover unique artisans, nurseries and greenhouses, pumpkin patches and wines produced at local vineyards. Pet a friendly alpaca, meet a horse that paints or chat with a chicken. Visit 33 Farms between Auburn Kansas and Kansas City.
Scarecrow Festival Oct 6, 2018 at 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. This family-friendly event includes scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, Farmers’ Market, baking contest, and seasonal displays. Supplies and decorations will be provided at no cost while they last. Downtown Shawnee will be transformed as businesses and merchants participate in a scarecrow contest. Come and check out all of the creative displays along Johnson Drive and in front of City Hall. 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 $50 prize. Samples of the delectable desserts will be available for purchase at the conclusion of the contest.
KC Japan Festival Oct 6, 2018 at JCCC, 12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS. Experience Japan for a day without leaving the Kansas City metro area! The Japan Festival offers an exciting mix of Japanese popular culture including both contemporary and traditional music performances; martial arts demonstrations; tea ceremonies, Anime and Manga, Kimono exhibits, Samurai workshops, Sumo Suits, Bonsai and Ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arranging) a variety of exhibits, food from local Japanese restaurants, and much more. New to the Festival this year will be performances by Ryoichi Kinoshita, a 7th degree Aikido master from Osaka. Aikido teaches one to flow with natural energy and manage conflict in a way that brings about the restoration of harmony. Kinoshita – sensei is also a master in the art of calligraphy. Also new to the Festival is Yukari Nakano. She is also a top calligraphy master in Japan and a member of the prestigious Japan Art Academy. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to observe the approach of both these masters to the ancient art form. Japanese “J-Pop” singer Aya Uchida will return from Kyoto, Japan to perform with local songwriter and guitarist Jo Yamanaka. Music performances will include the powerful drum sounds of Denver Taiko, and Three Trails Taiko; and, the subtle styling of performers playing Japanese instruments Koto, Shamisen and Shakuhachi. Edible sculpture will be created on-site by Miyuki Sugimori, renowned Japanese Candy Artist, retired from Epcot Center. Festival-goers can visit a Japanese cultural village, learn about creating Japanese garden designs, and shop at a Japanese bazaar where they will find kimonos, other beautiful textiles, and small, handmade works of art.
Raymore Fall Craft Fair Oct 6, 2018 at T.B. Hanna Station, 214 S. Washington, Raymore, MO. The Raymore Lions Club annual Craft Fair.
Dyslexia Dash--Fall Fest Oct 6, 2018 at Horizon Academy, 4901 Reinhardt Drive, Roeland Park, KS. Join Horizon Academy and IDA (International Dyslexia Association--local chapter) for the Annual Fall Fest. We are partnering with IDA this year and will begin the day with a 5K Dyslexia Dash, followed by games, petting zoo, face painting and a pumpkin patch!
Oktoberfest in Westwood Oct 6, 2018 at Joe D. Dennis Park, 50th Street & Rainbow Boulevard, Westwood, KS. Celebrate the start of fall! Westwood’s annual Oktoberfest celebration welcomes all residents to attend.
30th Annual Weston Applefest Celebration Oct 6, 2018 - Oct 7, 2018 at Weston, MO. Visitors to Applefest are encouraged to come early on Saturday morning to enjoy Weston’s hometown parade along Main Street at 10:00 am. The Saturday parade will feature antique tractors, classic cars, fire trucks, and bands. There will be over 80 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. Our mini-hay baler has demonstrated and sold his hay bales for 26 years. Watch apple butter being made over an open fire and purchase a jar of apple butter to take home. Kids will love to work the apple press to see how apple cider is made. Weston’s famous apple dumplings, apple pies, and cookies will be available through our local churches. You can catch a quick and tasty bite at our Applefest Food Court or, you might choose to sit down, relax and enjoy the delicious cuisine at one of the several fine restaurants in Weston. Fun children’s activities both days are planned in the park with Pony Rides, Face Painting, Straw Bale Maze, Pumpkin Painting, and Agriculture Education Interactive Games and Activities.
Merriam Drive Live Oct 6, 2018 at Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS. FREE with the exception of food purchases. 9133225550. Downtown Merriam will transform into a street and lawn party full of music on two stages, food trucks, adult beverages, select crafters, Farmers’ Market vendors and more. Live music throughout the day.
CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music FALL FEST CANCELLED THIS WEEKEND! Friends, we are disappointed to announce that the Missouri Town Fall Festival is canceled this weekend. The excessive rains received last night have made turf parking impossible and damaged roads into the village. We hope to see you next year!
CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER KC Games for Good Oct 6, 2018 at Front Lawn of the National WW1 Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO. KC Games for Good is a city-wide event intended to showcase and celebrate - service to our community... and organizations that deliver it. This family-friendly event includes: Exhibit Area showcasing family services. Team Competitions for all. Kids Scavenger Hunt. First Responder displays, music, giant bounce house & more. KC Games for Good is a city-wide event intended to showcase and celebrate -- service to our community. All proceeds from KC Games for Good helps support those in need who are served by local nonprofit organizations.
Apple Fest Topeka Oct 6, 2018 at Old Prairie Town, 124 NW Fillmore, Topeka, KS. The family event features pioneer living demonstrations including black smiths and a wood smith, the Peddler’s Village arts and craft show in the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden, heritage foods, railroad hand car rides, a petting zoo, organ grinders, a quilt show and more. Tours will be given of the historic buildings at Old Prairie Town.
Meyer Fest Oct 6, 2018 at St. Peter's Parish, KC, MO. Enjoy games, fun inflatables, rides, bungee pods, karaoke, entertainment, arts & crafts, and much more. Children ages 2 and younger: FREE, Children ages 3-18: $15 (access to all rides and games); adults free with a paid kid's admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATER - Waterfire Oct 6, 2018 at Brush Creek along the Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO. CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER as of 10/5.
Fall Festival Book Sale - Six-Bucks-a-Sack Sale Oct 7, 2018 at Teen Commons, 16160 W. 135th St., Olathe, KS. On Sunday only, purchase a plastic sack at the door for $6 and All sales final. Cash or check accepted.
FEAST OF FOUNTAINS: A FOOD TRUCK FEST Oct 11, 2018 at The Great Lawn, 18th & Vine, Kansas City, MO. Join KC Parks and local food trucks for a Food Truck Festival to benefit the city’s beautiful fountains. Guests can feast on delicious food offerings from KC’s favorite food trucks, enjoy live music, and other activities for the whole family. A portion of proceeds goes toward the City of Fountains Foundation to support our city’s flowing treasures.
Fall Festival at Shawnee Indian Mission Oct 12, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at Shawnee Indian Mission Museum, 3403 W 53rd St, Fairway, KS. Enjoy music, local vendors, Living History, crafts, children’s games, food trucks and performances. The festival kicks off with a free Friday night concert on the West building porch from 6-9pm, and goes into full swing on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. There is a suggestion donation of $2 per adult to enjoy the festival, and all proceeds go to support the Mission.
Weston Irishfest Celebration Oct 12, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at Weston, MO. The Weston Irish Festival began in 2000 as a one-day event which drew an attendance of 1500 people. As the first act took the stage, on what had been a beautiful morning, the clouds rolled in and by the end of the day had dumped three inches of rain on the festival. In the true spirit of the Irish however, the audience stuck it out, the musicians did all they could by playing impromptu sets wherever there was a reasonably dry spot in between the rain showers, and everyone managed to still have a great time.
Into the Night Fall Festival Oct 12, 2018 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Ironwoods Park 147th & Mission Road, Leawood, KS. Activities will include a petting zoo, train rides, nature exhibits at the Prairie Oak Nature Center, crafts and games in the Historic Oxford Schoolyard, fortuneteller, face painter, balloon artist, and storytellers. Make S’mores at the campfire ring near the cabins. Visit with Leawood Police and Firemen. Entertainers will include the Moon Pie Band, Leawood Stage Company’s cast of “Mame”, Mad Science, Vida Dance Company, and children’s headliner Dino O’Dell. The admission fee is just $10.00 per carload at the entry with each person receiving a wristband, which will allow open access to all activities, crafts, games, and entertainment. Food will be available for sale.
Pony Express PumpkinFest Oct 12, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at St. Joseph, MO. This free family arts festival celebrates the fall harvest with live entertainment, a children’s costume parade, festival rides, games, storytelling, crafts and food. Enjoy the lighting of the “Great Pumpkin Mountain” on opening night.
Summit Art Festival 2018 Oct 12, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at Downtown Lee's Summit, Third Street and SW Main Street, Lee's Summit, MO. The Summit Art Festival is a free, outdoor, 3-day, high-quality, juried fine art event in the historic downtown district of Lee's Summit, Missouri. Featuring over 90 local, regional and national artists, visitors will enjoy a unique blend of art and music in addition to the Student Art Pavilion showcasing over 200 works of art created by local middle and high schools students, and the KidsArtZone offering hands-on children's art activities. Entertaining non-amplified music will be provided by several local musicians throughout the entire weekend at various performance locations. Plenty of free parking and unique food and beverage choices offer a fun opportunity for the entire family!
Trucktoberfest Oct 12, 2018 from 6-9pm at T.B. Hanna Station in Raymore, MO. Enjoy food trucks and live music.
Ciderfest RESCHEDULED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER - NEW DATES Oct 13, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS. Ciderfest activities begin with the Louisburg Lions Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Other activities include: Live music beginning at 11 a.m., cider and donut-making, pony rides, and inflatable slide ongoing throughout the day until 6 p.m. Ciderfest also features craft booths, gift & collectible vendors, and multiple BBQ and food vendors. There is no admission or parking fees to attend. Also at Ciderfest, visit our huge pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, experience our 10-acre corn maze, visit with farm animals, play on the hill slide, enjoy the picnic areas and take advantage of the great photo opportunities we've set up. The Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch area has $10 admission, children 3 and under are free.
Sugar Mounds Arts & Crafts Festival Oct 13, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at Linn County Fairgrounds, Highway 7 just North of the Little Sugar Creek, Mound City, KS. Explore over 400 booths displaying all types of hand-crafted items with exhibitors coming from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Colorado and as far as California to join Kansas exhibitors of crafts and art work.
Fall Swing Pop-Up Oct 13, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at Swope Park, Kansas City, MO. The Weekend will feature visual art, music, dance, theatre, film, poetry and culinary arts and celebrate unity and social change through art. And, finally, through The Expanded Field, Open Spaces will highlight even more events, exhibitions, and activities throughout the city hosted by Kansas City’s thriving arts organizations and its thriving arts community.”
Arrow Rock Heritage Festival Oct 13, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at Arrow Rock, MO. Arrow Rock was one of the first towns to host a heritage craft festival, and its festival continues to draw thousands each year. This year’s festival is extra special as we celebrate our 50th year! Enjoy lost-art crafts demonstrated and sold by costumed artisans, live music and entertainment, great food, and the historic ambiance you won’t find anywhere else! Admission is $2 per day and includes parking.
Old Fashioned Street Faire Oct 13, 2018 at Downtown Smithville, 100 So. Bridge, Smithville, MO. Enjoy a perfect Fall day filled with fun, food, entertainments and delightful arts, crafts and more just in time for the holidays.
Topeka Science & Tech Fest Oct 13, 2018 at 700-block of S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS. Hands-on activities and demonstrations aimed at toddlers to eighth-graders will line the street, plus food trucks and other fun.
KCPT's Be My Neighbor Day Oct 13, 2018 at Toyota Plaza at Children's Mercy Park, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS. Join KCPT, PNC Grow Up Great® and Sporting Kansas City for “Be My Neighbor Day,” a family celebration featuring tigertastic events! The day will include appearances by Daniel Tiger of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, entertainment and hands-on learning activities focused on being a caring neighborhood! Do your first act of kindness by bringing in a pair of gently used or new shoes to donate to the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Shoe Drive, benefiting Soles4Souls.
Lansing Fall Festival Oct 13, 2018 at St. Francis de Sales Church, 900 Ida St., Lansing, KS. Come enjoy another great autumn setting in Lansing. Musicians will be performing through the day at the Lamborn Farms Amphitheatre, near the petting zoo and the Library's Pumpkin Craftin' Station. Rising country music talent Rachel Louise Taylor will perform, along with kids' musician Ry Kincaid.
Mother Earth News Fair Oct 13, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at Kansas Expocentre, One Expocentre Dr., Topeka, KS. This is a unique opportunity to interact with some of the most sought after experts in the world of sustainability. Come ready with your questions and look forward to learning something new - directly from the source!
14th ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL Oct 13, 2018 at Shoal Creek Living History Museum, 7000 Northeast Barry Road, Kansas City, MO. Enjoy an old-fashioned County Fair. Entertainment for all ages: Puppet Show, Historical Games, 19th Century Re-enactors bring the village to life with skits and demonstrations, Music, Face Painting, Kettle Corn, Pony Rides, Pumpkins for sale, and much more! $1 horse-drawn wagon rides from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Holiday Mart Oct 18-21 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.
Enchanted Forest: Independence Weekends Oct 19, 2018 - Oct 27, 2018 at George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, MO. $3 / person at the gate. A non-scary, family oriented, Halloween event at George Owens Nature Park. Storybook, fairy tale, and popular movie characters come to life.
Glow: A Jack O’ Lantern Festival Oct 19, 2018 - Oct 20, 2018 at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO. Enjoy this highly anticipated fall festival featuring hundreds of carved pumpkins and a variety of family-friendly activities! Walk a nearly mile-long pathway lit by light displays, jack-o-lanterns and fantastic pumpkin sculptures. Enjoy stops along the way including children’s activities, hayrides, a fire-pit, hospitality stations with wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages, food vendors and a demo and display tent featuring master pumpkin carver Rudy Garcia and his fantastic creations.
Lenexa Chili Challenge Oct 19, 2018 - Oct 20, 2018 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 the public on Saturday. Activities include musical entertainment both days, fireworks on Friday night, and the Kids Kornbread Contest on Saturday.
October Marketplace Oct 20, 2018 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church LSMO, 1800 SW State Route 150, Lee's Summit, MO. Spend the afternoon at the Marketplace, where you have the chance to enter a raffle for a handmade quilt and other items from the vendors, visit local crafters and businesspeople, and enjoy a homemade lunch made just for you by the Holy Spirit Ladies Auxiliary! End your day with some baked goods made by the Ladies Auxiliary including pies, breads and cookies.
Blue Valley Family Fall Festival Oct 20, 2018 from 1-4pm at RC Fields 2-4, 6545 151st St, Overland Park, KS. First 500 kids registered receive a free treat bucket and a pumpkin worthy of decorating. Carnival Games | Clowns | Face Painting | Horse-Drawn Hayrides | Huge Kites | Inflatables | Petting Zoo | Free Belfonte Ice Cream. Bring non-perishable food items or cleaning products to benefit the Blue Valley Multiservice Center. Fee: $5/$6NR (Ages 9 and under with adult)
Maple Leaf Festival Oct 20, 2018 - Oct 21, 2018 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 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Throughout the day, families can enjoy the Kids Zone with crafts and rides for children 10 and under, ride the historic Midland Railroad from Baldwin to Nowhere, KS and enjoy dramatic arts and music. Food for every taste abounds.
Fall Festival – Pumpkins & Mums Oct 20, 2018 at Broadway Street, Excelsior Springs. 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Crafters, vendors, artists, beer & wine garden, live music, children’s activities and more.
Bounce-toberfest Oct 20, 2018 at City Market. Jump into fall fun with inflatables for all ages. Enjoy live music, entertainment, food, beer garden and more. Admission and parking are FREE *Inflatables $3 per rider & up. Unlimited all-day passes $12. *Exclusive tiny tot area for safety and fun.
Independence Cultural and Heritage Festival Oct 20, 2018 from 2-6pm at Independence Uptown Market on the Historic Independence Square. The festival will kick off with a parade of flags and music from local composer and musician Dana Mengel and friends. The free festival is a celebration of history and culture for all ages. Come enjoy music, dance, and storytelling. Many local food vendors will add to the festivities. Learn about local ethnic and cultural groups in the festival marketplace. Listen and learn of our rich histories and traditions. Taste the foods from around the globe and enjoy the music from local talent. All of this wrapped in the beautiful setting of the new Uptown Market.
Dogtober Fest Oct 21, 2018 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.
Miami County Fall Farm Tour 2018 Oct 20 & 21, 2018 in Miami County, KS. This free event is a great time for families and or a date day. There are 14 farms participating this year including Timber View Farm Alpacas, Cozy Acres, Rocking Goat Farms, Terebithia Dairy Goats, Red Barn Quilts, Prothe's Pecans, Star Thrower Farm, Silver Lining Herfeords, Sunflower Orchards, Whispering Elm Farm, and 4 local wineries. Make it a complete day. Interaction with the animals and farm stores or goods for sale at most sights! Food is also available at many of the sights!
Enchanted Forest: Lenexa Oct 25, 2018 at Sar-Ko-Par Park, 87th & Lackman, Lenexa, KS. Free admission. 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.
Carved Festival Oct 25, 2018 at Crestwood Shops, 4415 Warwick Blvd., 55th and Brookside Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Celebrate fall with pumpkin-themed food, live music and artful pumpkins carved by Kansas City Art Institute students at Carved, a festive fall event at the Crestwood Shops. A portion of all the proceeds from shop and restaurant sales throughout the weekend will benefit KCAI student scholarships. Visitors to Carved can get retail therapy at eleven locally-owned shops and enjoy special menu items at Café Europa and Aixios. The Crestwood Shops, located on 55th Street between Brookside Boulevard and Oak Street, were established in 1922 and is Kansas City’s first neighborhood shopping area.
Trunk or Treat & Trucks Oct 27, 2018 at Liberty Hospital, 2525 Glenn Hendren Dr., Liberty, MO. Come in costume for candy, prizes and big trucks! See fire, tow, trash trucks and much more! This event is FREE and open to our community!
Holiday Treasures Craft Festival Oct 27, 2018 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!
Taco Topia Oct 27, 2018 from noon -8pm at Sporting KC on the Toyota Plaza, Kansas City, KS. Experience the biggest Taco Festival in Kansas City! This 1-day food and music festival will feature a variety Mexican eats, while they battle it out for title of "Best Taco". Featuring live music & entertainment this taco inspired event will include local music acts, giant yard games, interactive activities, unique drinks, dancing, and a little more!
Mildale Farm Fall Fest Oct. 27, 2018 at Mildale Farm, Edgerton, KS. Bring the family and spend the day exploring the Mildale Farm property and enjoy a number of fall activities during this free public event. Visitors can explore and picnic on the 158-acre site including the 22-acre rental property as well as about 136 acres of adjacent agricultural property. Park near A tractor-drawn hayride will take visitors to a fire circle in the south-central portion of the Mildale site, where they can roast marshmallows and enjoy storytelling. Catch-and-release fishing in any or all seven ponds within the 158-acre area will also be offered, so bring your own bait and tackle. While district fishing permits have been waived for this event, Kansas residents ages 16 to 74 and nonresidents 16 and older need to have a Kansas state fishing license.
Lawson Fall Fest Oct 27, 2018 at Lawson City Park, 399 N Pennsylvania Ave, Lawson, MO. 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. The Lawson City Park will be filled with activities, including bounce houses, live music, shopping, games, food, pumpkin painting, PTO’s Trunk-or-Treat, costume contest, hay rides, Movies in the Park, and more!
Historical Hauntings Oct 27, 2018 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. The Optimist Club of Shawnee-Mission will be selling snacks at the “Ghoul Café” and there will be trick-or-treating, tractor drawn hayrides, Farmstead tours, an eyeball candy counting contest, opportunities for Halloween photos and costume contests with five separate categories and awesome prizes!
Trunk-or-Treat Oct 28, 2018 at Central United Methodist Church, 5144 Oak St., Kansas City, MO. Join Central for our annual Trunk-or-Treat! Enjoy boo-tifully decorated trunks, frightfully fun games, and otherworldly snacks. Great for the entire family! Miniature pumpkins will be available for the first 80 kids.
Midwest GameFest Nov 1, 2018 - Nov 4, 2018 at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 18011 Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO. The Role-Players Guild of Kansas City (Shauncon), Heart of America Historical Miniatures Gaming Society (Borderwars), and Gamer's Haven Game Library have banded together to bring you role-playing games, historical miniatures, board games, card games, organized play, cosplay, workshops, game designers, dealers, benefit events, a used game sale and more!
33rd Annual British Faire & Tea Nov 3, 2018 at Shawnee Civic Center, 13817 Johnson Dr, Shawnee Mission, KS. Admission $5 Adults / $1 Child Afternoon Tea $18 includes admission. 8164529381. Join the Daughters of the British Empire for their Annual British Faire and Tea. This is your place to get British foods, teas and gifts with plenty of vendors, children's activities and local organizations. Entertainment throughout the day includes music, dancing, magic, a visit from Renaissance Royalty and our new speaker's corner. Tea is served English style at the following times: 11:00 / 12:15 / 1:30 / 2:45.
Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival Nov 4, 2018 at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO. This lively festival celebrating Mexican art and culture, including an altar installation which tributes loved ones who have passed away, has become a fall tradition for many families. We’ll have art activities, live music and entertainment, and Mexican food.
For even MORE great Kansas City events, visit our Kansas City Calendar.
Note: This is your Guide to Fall Festivals in Kansas City 2018. 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.
September festivals on next page...
Late August - September Festivals in Kansas City
De Soto Days Festival Aug 30, 2018 - Sep 1, 2018 at Miller Memorial Park, 32400 W. 83rd St., De Soto, KS. "Country Nights and Western Lights" is a family friendly festival. Parade, Car Show, Carnival, Live Music and more!
Santa-Cali-Gon Festival Aug 31, 2018 - Sep 3, 2018 at Historic Independence Square, Independence, MO. The 46th Annual SantaCaliGon Days Festival in Independence, Missouri, commemorates the origin of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails during the country’s great westward expansion by early pioneers. Today, it celebrates family and fun! Over 300,000 attendees spend Labor Day weekend at the region’s oldest and largest festival.
ConnectFest Aug. 31 at Calvary University, Kansas City, MO. ConnectFEST is a new and exciting event. A day of connecting local communities together from KC, Grandview, Raymore and Belton. We expect over 500+ attendees on our campus for this FREE community event! ConnectFEST will include local music talent, several inflatables for all ages, food trucks, carnival games, face painting and a whole lot more. The day will end in a FIREWORKS display! ConnectFEST will be exciting, safe and encouraging for your whole family and a great opportunity for us to get to know each other.
Kansas City Irish Fest Aug 31, 2018 - Sep 2, 2018 at Crown Center, KC, MO. Commemorate Kansas City’s proud Celtic heritage with three days of music, dancing and exhibits. The festival will feature more than two dozen locally and nationally known bands, playing traditional music and Celtic rock in Crown Center Square and MTH Theater.
Chisholm Trail Days Aug 31, 2018 - Sep 1, 2018 at Old Abilene Town, 100 SE 5th Street, Abilene, KS. Live music, longhorns, food trucks, drinks and kids activities.
Science City KidFest Sept. 1, Science City at Union Station. Experience an awesome day of interactive, early-childhood science education with a special theme this year of "Messy Learning." Dedicated to hands-on learning for your youngest STEM explorers, the day is packed with activities, demonstrations, and more - all designed to engage and inspire your little ones. It'll be a slimy, splattery, silly (science) fun day. All you need to bring is a BIG imagination and a smile! Kids aged 3-12 receive discounted admission for the day of just $7, with kidFEST activities and all regular Science City attractions included. $1 preservation fee applies on all tickets.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival Weekends Sep 1, 2018 - Oct 14, 2018 at KC Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 633 N 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS. King Henry VIII and his royal court invite one and all to his 16th Century European village featuring something for the whole family. Pay heed to the exploits of jousting knights on thundering steeds, roam the village shops for unique crafts, delight in entertainment on one of our 25 stages, and feast on delicious food and drinks from the far reached of the globe!
Coffee & Donut Festival Sep 1, 2018 at Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS. The sweetest festival where all the fried, sugary dough perfections meet the smoothly roasted brews. Tons of fun, coffee/donut vendors, and lots of entertainment guaranteed for a day to remember. Activities like; Jelly Donut Wrestling, Donuts of Glory, Donut Queen Talent Contest, Donut Eating Contest, Donut Games & more!
Port Fonda's Hatch Chile Fest Sep 1, 2018 - Sep 2, 2018 at Port Fonda, 4141 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Outdoor bar featuring full-service outdoor seating for guests, ice cold canned beers, muliple margaritas, fire roasted fresh hatch chiles and hatch chile food and drink specials. Super dog and kid friendly during the day as long as your dog’s and kids are super friendly. Live music throughout the day/night!
Tonganoxie Sunflower Stroll Sep 1, 2018 - Sep 3, 2018 at Downtown Tonganoxie, KS. Over the weekend, participate in a Sunflower Run, Sunflower Yoga, and Sunflower Stroll. Enjoy craft vendors, live music, food vendors, old time games, a street dance, and activities all weekend long.
Concordia Fall Festival Sep 4, 2018 - Sep 8, 2018 at Concordia, MO. Highlights of the week include the queen contest, three parades and a variety of exhibits, bake sales and contests for children and adults. Midland Empire Shows provides entertaining rides such as a carousel, Ferris wheel and giant slide. Concordia’s heritage is put on display at the fair, when visitors can eat German-style food in the outdoor Heidelberg Gardens. Visitors also dance to live bands and browse the tables at a country store selling hand-crafted items.
Johnson County Old Settlers Festival Sep 6, 2018 - Sep 8, 2018 at Downtown Olathe, Kansas Ave. & Santa Fe, Olathe, KS.Nationally recognized musical entertainment, a huge carnival, classic auto show, arts and crafts vendors, over 20 excellent food booths operated by local non-profit organizations, and much, much more. The largest parade in Kansas begins 10am Saturday!
Greek Festival Sep 7, 2018 - Sep 9, 2018 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 120th and Wornall, Kansas City, MO. Live entertainment, music and delicious food.
Topeka Huff 'n Puff Balloon Festival Sep 7, 2018 - Sep 9, 2018 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Funeral Chapel & Reception Center, Entrances from SW Fairlawn and SW Huntoon, Topeka, KS. Vendors, activities, hot air balloons and fun.
Art Westport Sep 7, 2018 - Sep 9, 2018 at Westport, MO. Three-day event - showcasing original local art, one-of-a-kind jewelry, fine crafts and more.
Lost Arts Fair Sep 7, 2018 - Sep 9, 2018 at Harris Kearney House Museum, 4000 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO. Festival of Lost Arts featuring arts, crafts, and skills from the 1800s. Watch basket weavers, spinners, blacksmith, dollmakers, woodworkers, quilters, weavers and more create their specialties. FREE carriage rides too!
Edgerton Pioneer Days Festival Sep 7, 2018 - Sep 9, 2018 at 503 Aller Ave., Edgerton, MO. Free Admission. The festival features arts, crafts and food vendors, one of the largest parades in Platte County, live entertainment, artisans and demonstrations, shootouts by re-enactors, pony rides, a variety of contests, and good old-fashioned fun for the entire family. Other events have included a co-ed softball tournament, chain saw carving demonstrations, fund raisers sponsored by local organizations, cake walks, a fish fry and fun.
Kansas State Fair Sep 7, 2018 - Sep 16, 2018 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; for education, through its Kansas’ Largest Classroom field trip program; and for entertainment with strolling and stage entertainment in addition to the national acts performing at the Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand.
Belton Fall Festival Sep 7, 2018 - Sep 8, 2018 at Main Street, Belton, MO. Live entertainment, foods, beautiful art, handcrafted items, and many other interesting items to see and purchase. The Belton Grandview, and Kansas City Railroad will also be giving rides at a reduced price.
Lenexa Spinach Festival Sep 8, 2018 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa, KS. This festival offers live music, an outdoor food court, numerous kids activities and competitions, antique and craft shopping and, of course, a spinach recipe contest. Events for kids include a baby crawling contest, inflatables, arts and crafts stations, a rock skipping contest, face paint and a visit from Popeye and Olive Oyl.
Apple Fest Sep 8, 2018 at First Baptist Church, 58 Hwy & South Washington St, Raymore, MO. The Apple Festival is an annual fundraising/public relations/family fun event that benefits the children of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. Come out and enjoy crafts, quilts, children’s area and apple-related foods of all kinds are just a few of the many reasons why the Apple Festival is a day full of fun, food and fellowship for the entire family.
Big Shoal Country Fair Sep 8, 2018 at Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum, 4109 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road, Gladstone, MO. The fair will feature food, music, a petting zoo, games, square dancing, the KC Zoo Zoomobile, crafters and vendors.
Kansas Book Festival Sep 8, 2018 at State Capitol Building, Topeka, KS. The presenting authors will be inside the Capitol building, and vendors/entertainment/children’s activities/book signings will be set up outside the Capitol, on the North side by the new Visitor’s Center.
Hummingbird Festival Sep 8, 2018 at George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, MO. More than 50 feeders will attract swarms of migrating hummingbirds. Hummingbird experts on hand, crafts, a migration game, and a discovery map. Native plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies will also be for sale.
Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival Sep 8, 2018 - Sep 9, 2018 at Crown Center, Kansas City, MO. Professional, amateur and students artists will come together for the 11th annual festival to create lively and powerful chalk "paintings" on sponsored brick canvas throughout KC.
A Wishful Day Sep 8, 2018 at BluHawk Shopping Center, 8077 West 159th Street, Overland Park, KS. FREE event. Enjoy a Wishful Day Benefiting The Children's Miracle Network. Enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, bounce house, silent auction, food, music and dancing.
Deaf Cultural Festival Sep 8, 2018 at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO. Explore ASL through live entertainment, hands-on art activities, storytelling, poetry and more! All are welcome. ASL interpretation, voice interpretation, and CART (live captioning) provided.
Carnival for Casa Sep 8, 2018 at Paradise Park, 1021 NE Colbern Rd, Lee's Summit, MO. Paradise Park partners with CASA to support them in their mission to advocate on behalf of the best interest of abused and neglected children. All Tickets Include: Lunch, unlimited access to Adventure Attractions (Foam Factory, Bumper Cars, Go-Karts, Miniature Golf, Laser Tag Maze, Rock Wall, Discovery Play). *Some of the special activities include children’s entertainers The Jack Snaps, face painters, hair designers, balloon artists, bounce houses, Home Depot Workshops, a photo booth, popular mascots, LEGO station, popcorn, cotton candy, goody bags, and much more!
Haskell Indian Art Market Sep 8, 2018 - Sep 9, 2018 at 23rd & Massachussetts St, Lawrence, KS. Free Admission, free parking, No Pets allowed. Jewelry, paintings, sculptures, pottery, food and entertainment.
Prairie Village JazzFest Sep 8, 2018 at Harmon Park, 77th & Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. Magical music, fabulous artistry, delectable food and drink, and fun! Critics have raved about our past festivals, and Prairie Village put itself on the map as the newest “destination jazz festival” in Kansas City.
Paws in the Park Sep 8, 2018 at English Landing Park, Parkville, MO. There will be lots of great raffles, food and fun at this pet themed fair. This event is a fundraiser for Parkville Animal Shelter.
Grinter Fest Sep 8, 2018 at Grinter Place, 1400 So. 78th St, Kansas City, KS. Family fun day with lots of educational & fun events for kids. Vendors all over the grounds, food trucks and tours of the Historic Grinter Place House.
Gardens at Sunset Sep 8, 2018 at Kansas City Community Gardens, 6917 Kensington Ave, Kansas City, MO. Set in the wonder-filled Leanna Flandermeyer Beanstalk Children’s Garden, Gardens at Sunset is a unique and beautiful evening celebrating locally-sourced food made by Kansas City chefs, beer from local breweries, and creative and enticing silent auction items.
Winefest: Independence Uncorked Sep 8, 2018 at Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 West Pacific Avenue, Independence, MO. Featuring 25 Missouri wineries sampling several of their wines, a guest spirits distiller and 2400 attendees. The day will also feature art, music, beer, food booths and wine classes. Proceeds this year support an new outdoor learning amphitheater at Drumm Farm for Kids.
Lawrence Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Sep 9, 2018 at South Park, Lawrence, KS. This outdoor arts and crafts show is for non-commercial vendors only. Activities for children available too! Live music will sound throughout the park with multiple performances.
FEAST OF FOUNTAINS: A FOOD TRUCK FEST Sep 13, 2018 at The Concourse Fountain in Kessler Park, Benton Boulevard & St. John Ave., Kansas City, MO. Join KC Parks and local food trucks for a Food Truck Festival to benefit the city’s beautiful fountains. Enjoy live music from local popular bands, and other activities for the whole family. A portion of proceeds goes toward the City of Fountains Foundation to support our city’s flowing treasures.
American Truck Show Circuit- Kansas City Sep 14, 2018 - Sep 16, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium, 1 ARROWHEAD DRIVE, Kansas City, MO. A modern truck show and event circuit dedicated to the growth and development of owner operators, show trucks, and the heavy-duty truck aftermarket. With the goal of exposing more individuals to the unique lifestyle of the American owner operator and dedication to their equipment — the American Truck Show Circuit exists to create a fair, unbiased and exciting platform to display their hard work.
Brush Creek Art Walk Sep 14, 2018 - Sep 16, 2018 at Banks of Brush Creek from The Plaza to Elmwood, Kansas City, MO. Everyone is invited to attend, this “plein air” painting competition.
2018 De Soto Sunflower Art and Music Fest Sep 14, 2018 - Sep 16, 2018 at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm, 9200 Kill Creek Rd, DeSoto, KS. Family friendly fine arts and craft show.
Blue Springs Fall Festival Sep 14, 2018 - Sep 16, 2018 at Downtown Blue Springs, Blue Springs, MO. Over 250 unique food and product vendors, a carnival, parade, live entertainment, a car show, and much more!
The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends Sep 15, 2018 - Oct 28, 2018 at Worlds of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Visit Worlds of Fun for the ultimate fall festival - The Great Pumpkin Fest! This family-friendly event is all treats and no tricks and features special Halloween-themed activities for kids plus PEANUTS-themed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy.
Fall Family Festival Sep 15, 2018 at Kansas City Community Gardens, 6917 Kensington Ave, Kansas City, MO. Admission is free for this day of fun at KCCG’s lovely Beanstalk Children’s Garden. The day will include garden games, face painting, horse rides, and much more! Children can paint gourds, plant herbs to take home, and make peanut butter. Visitors can purchase lunch and drinks. Sales of garden crafts will raise money for the Beanstalk Children’s Garden, where each summer and fall children’s tour groups and families are encouraged to see, touch, smell and taste the plants in the garden as they learn about growing a garden, eating healthy foods and identifying plants and insects.
Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival Sep 15, 2018 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. Shop over 130 vendors, showcasing their hand made, homemade and re-purposed items. Food vendors, kids activities, live music, and fun. Admission is just $1 per person, collected at the gates.
Tacos y Tequila Sep 15, 2018 at Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, KS. Explore five of the seven culinary regions of Mexico without leaving Topeka and live Mariachi bands.
Fiesta on the Square Sep 15, 2018 at Linden Square, 602 NE 70th St., Gladstone, MO. The evening will feature dancing and music by KC Latin and Jazz Allstars.
Emergency Preparedness Fair Sep 15, 2018 at Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO. President Truman signed the Federal Civil Defense Act 78 years ago. Come see how emergency response has evolved since then with ham radio operators, emergency response teams, mobile command centers, and more.
Higginsville Country Fair Sep 15, 2018 at Higginsville, MO. Fun, food, parade, craft booths, entertainment and more.
Great Topeka Duck Race Sep 15, 2018 at Lake Shawnee, Topeka, KS. No less than 10,000 “adopted” rubber ducks will be dropped into Lake Shawnee in the cove South of the swim beach, for a race to the finish line. Lucky winners will receive great prizes!
Freedom Festival Sep 15, 2018 - Sep 16, 2018 at John Brown State Park, 10th St, Osawatomie, KS. The Freedom Festival is a living history event that features a reenactment of the Battle of Osawatomie and other Civil War Era Reenactments, a vintage baseball game, live music, arts and crafts a food vendor and other family fun activities.
26th Annual Waldo Fall Festival Sep 15, 2018 at Waldo, 75th and Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO. This free event is a family-friendly, neighborhood festival that includes kids rides, games, and face painting, plus food trucks, local music, and a host of vendors to meet and mingle with throughout the day.
Library in the Park Sep 15, 2018 at Big Eleven Lake Park, Kansas City, MO. Free (including the tacos). This year, Library in the Park is all about community. Come celebrate our diverse community, pick up a free book, and talk with organizations that are working to improve the lives and spaces in our community. There is also a special guest this year. Local author, Derrick Barnes, will be signing free copies of his critically acclaimed picture book CROWN: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. Illustrated by Gordon C. James, the children’s book is a poem Barnes wrote after being inspired by a teen’s trip to the barber. Other activities will include a photo booth, face painting, community sticker mural, giant bubbles, book recommendations, live music, and more. Attendees will also get to visit the Mobile Library to sign up for a card and check out items. Library in the Park will also include a return of the taco competition with local KCK taquerias. Attendees will get a chance to sample tacos from all four locations and vote on which taco is the best.
Hallmarket: A Hallmark Art Festival Sep 15, 2018 at Crown Center Square, 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO. Open to the public, this FREE, family-friendly event features live music, interactive activities, food and beverage options in Crown Center Square.
JCPRD Park Palooza Sep 16, 2018 at The Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS. Come for live music, interactive children’s performers, activities for all ages, food trucks, as well as family-priced concessions.
American Indian Cultural Celebration Sep 16, 2018 at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO. Enjoy live performances by American Indian dancers and musicians, watch artist demonstrations, and explore the museum’s rich collection of Native American artwork.
Raymore Festival in the Park Sep 20, 2018 - Sep 22, 2018 at Memorial Park, Raymore, MO. Car show, volleyball, parade, bbq contest, live music, contests, dog show, and crafts.
Edwardsville AutumnFest Sep 21, 2018 - Sep 22, 2018 at Edwardsville Community Center, 696 S. 3rd, Edwardsville, KS. A day-long free carnival event! Attractions this year include the traditional bounce houses, but older kids and teens will also be able to try out the Rock Wall challenge as well as the Euro-Bungee Super Jump!
Food Truck Friday at Union Cemetery Sep 21, 2018 at Union Cemetery, 227 E. 28th Terrace, Kansas City, MO. The food trucks return to beautiful Union Cemetery! Come enjoy a tasty and affordable lunch in downtown’s most peaceful park space.
Plaza Art Fair Sep 21, 2018 - Sep 23, 2018 at Country Club Plaza, 47th & Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO.Enjoyed by artists for its knowledgeable crowds, attentive staff and beautiful location on the historic Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, the Plaza Art Fair attracts 300,000 art patrons each year. Ranked in the top ten fine arts festivals in the Art Fair SourceBook, it has grown over seven decades to be a premier festival of fine art and fine craft.
Shawnee Great Grillers’ Blues and BBQ Contest Sep 21, 2018 - Sep 22, 2018 at Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W 57th St, Shawnee, KS. In addition to great-tasting BBQ, there will be activities for your kids and the whole community to enjoy.
10th Annual Kansas City Juggling Festival and Great Circus Show Sep 21, 2018 - Sep 23, 2018 at Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. Enjoy a weekend full of family-friendly fun including juggling, acrobatics, hula hoop, clowning, yo-yo and much more! As always, the highlight of the Festival is the Great Kansas City Circus Show. In celebration of our tenth anniversary, this year’s show will feature performers who helped found and develop Kansas City’s juggling and circus culture as well as nationally acclaimed talent in juggling, hoop, and aerial arts.
KC Zoo Run for Giraffes Sep 22 at Kansas City Zoo. 15th Anniversary of the Kansas City Zoo Run! Particiapte in a 4 mile timed event or a 1 mile Family Fun Run. Participants receive: Custom designed featured species t-shirt, Custom finisher's medal, Free race-day entry into the zoo, and a great finish-line spread.
Families Blessed Moon Festival Sep 22, 2018 at Indian Creek Recreation Center Shelter, 10308 Marty, Overland Park, KS. Decorate lanterns, make crafts, solve lantern riddles, play lawn games, learn about lion dancing & more!
Jazz & Food Trucks Festival: Topeka Sep 22, 2018 at Downtown Topeka, 9th and Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS. Choose tasty eats from food trucks before claiming a spot in front of some of your favorite, or soon-to-be-favorite, bands.
HCA FarmK | Family Fun Farm Run Sep 22, 2018 at Finley Family Farm, 38660 West 167th Street, Edgerton, KS. This cross-country style 5K race takes place on a farm just west of Gardner, Kansas. The race will take you across a scenic landscape through crop fields and over rugged terrain. In addition to running or walking the scenic course: cuddle a chicken, climb Hay Bale Mountain, treat your ears to some good ole’ fashioned fiddle music and your mouth to tasty treats and refreshing drinks!
Grand Festival of Chez les Canses Sep 22, 2018 at Fort Osage, 107 Osage St, Sibley, MO. Explore how early French settlers lived at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers in the late 1700s. Re-enactors will interpret everyday life skills common on the frontier. Artisans will display custom made wares, both decorative and utilitarian, which were essential to these early settlers.
The UNplaza Art Fair Sep 22 from 10am-6pm, and Sunday, Sep 23 from 10am-5pm at Southmoreland Park, at Oak Street and Cleaver Boulevard,, Kansas City, MO. It's perfect for buying early holiday presents from local artists at reasonable prices. The art fair offers treasures from paintings to pottery to purses, from stained glass to seasonal cards. The fair benefits the 100 artists and PeaceWorks.
Wild West Days Sep 22, 2018 - Sep 23, 2018 at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, 1200 E. Kansas City Road, Olathe, KS. Enjoy performances from the Wicked Liars Chris Camp the Whip Guy, and Professor Farquar. Visit cowboy camps, Buffalo Soldiers and Buffalo Bill! Other activities include: the Chuckwagon Cook-Off on Saturday only, and Rose Marie’s Fiesta Mexicana Dancers, Sunday only. Admission is $5/person ages five and up, some activities require an extra fee.
Fall Fest at the Liberty Corn Maze Sep 23, 2018 at Liberty Corn Maze, 17607 NE 52nd St., Liberty, MO. Tiny adventurers’ will love our NEW Jumping Pad and Harvest Hop area with a variety of bouncing spots to explore. Surrounded by tires, children also enjoy endless hours of open-ended play while climbing and barreling through our Tire Mountain and Maze. Pint-sized farmers’ can even create their own venture by trekking through our NEW Sunflower maze that is just the perfect height for little sprouts. Enjoy an ice cold beer at our Grain Drain Saloon, stop by and sample one of our mouthwatering desserts, or get competitive by playing one of our fall favorite Corn Toss and Giant Jenga games. Don’t miss out on this fun, fall, farm experience at the Liberty Corn Maze!
Smoke on the Trails BBQ Competition Sep 28, 2018 - Sep 29, 2018 at Celebration Park, 32501 W. 159th St., Gardner, KS. BBQ teams will check in Friday during the day and begin to set up their camps. Friday evening the general public is welcome to come out and hang with their friends and families for the evening from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Live bands will be on site to keep the party moving. Formal BBQ judging will begin on Saturday and a total purse of $10,000 will be on the line for teams participating in the categories of chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. Top 10 in each category will be awarded.
Jamesport Heritage Days Sep 28, 2018 - Sep 29, 2018 at Jamesport, MO. Featuring old time crafters and dancers, delicious food and family fun.
Warbirds in Flight Sep 28, 2018 - Sep 29, 2018 at New Century Air Center, 1 New Century Pkwy, Gardner, KS. There will be air shows each day, static displays, food, entertainment and the opportunity to purchase rides in a war bird.
Liberty Fall Fest Sep 28, 2018 - Sep 30, 2018 at Liberty, MO. As the kids whirl about on the rides to flashing lights and lively music, parents can sample light-as-air cotton candy or cooling snow cones. The festival proves to be a shopper’s delight with everything from handmade crafts to home grown fruits & vegetables.
Home Brewing Happy Hour Sep 28, 2018 at Kansas City Community Gardens, 6917 Kensington Ave, Kansas City, MO. This event will be held in the Beanstalk Children’s Garden at the Kansas City Community Gardens Headquarters in Swope Park. A ticket will get you unlimited beer while you enjoy activities in the garden! Sample some garden-inspired home brews at the Home Brew Happy Hour. Also enjoy live music and a raffle. Tickets are $5.
Lee's Summit Oktoberfest 2018 Sep 28, 2018 - Sep 29, 2018 at Downtown Lee's Summit, 220 SE Main Street, Lees Summit, MO. Enjoy German meals, two stages of entertainment, German dancers, carnival, Biergarten, free children’s activities, contests, arts & crafts booths and more! This family-friendly festival has been a community favorite for more than 25 years.
Oktoberfest Shawnee Sep 28, 2018 at Shawnee Civic Center, 13817 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS. FREE admission for the whole family. This fun and festive event will feature authentic German food and beverages for purchase, along with live music from bands and dance groups. Children will be able to enjoy a variety of games and activities.
GRAND SLAM BEER/WINE FESTIVAL Sep 28, 2018 at Celebration Park, 32501 W. 159th St., Gardner, KS. Local breweries, wineries and (NEW THIS YEAR) distilleries will be on hand in the outfields at Celebration Park to share their creations of libations with you.
Fall Harvest Days at Paradise Park Weekends Sep 29, 2018 - Oct 28, 2018 at Paradise Park, 1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee's Summit, MO. $7 Hayride that includes S'mores and Hot Chocolate. Enjoy a relaxing hayride throughout the black of the park with your family and friends. Hear funny stories, play a few games or sing silly songs along the ride. It’s a great way to enjoy a beautiful fall day at Paradise Park. There is even a fun treat at the end of your hayride! Finish your adventure by sipping on hot chocolate while toasting marshmallows. Fall Harvest days are an amazing round-up of family fun for everyone. Make it a full family day of adventure and fun with a Max Pak for everyone to enjoy unlimited play all day long. Bonus Activity: On Saturday afternoons, you can even pet a few of our farm animals in the petting zoo or enjoy a pony ride around our backyard trail. (Petting Zoo and pony rides are available from noon to 5PM on Saturdays.)
Great Topeka Bike Fest Sep 29 & 30, 2018 in Downtown Topeka. Celebrate all things bicycle, from fun races for kids ages 5-10, live demos from professional BMX stunt riders, a rideable pump track, safety training for kids, and more! It’s a big weekend in Topeka, because all day on Saturday, September 29 is the Kansas Chocolate Festival. That same night, we’ll host the Glow Ride, and then Sunday morning is the start of the Great Topeka Bike Fest.
Fall Fest: Greenwood Sep 29, 2018 at Greenwood, MO. Fall Fest usually happens on the last Saturday of September and offers inflatables, games and music for all ages; as well as petting zoos, Halloween Costume contests and vendor shopping. Finish the night out with Greenwood's much anticipated Haunted Hayride spread over 40 acres.
Ciderfest Sep 29, 2018 - Sep 30, 2018 at Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Hwy., Louisburg, KS. Ciderfest activities begin with the Louisburg Lions Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Other activities include: Live music beginning at 11 a.m., cider and donut-making, pony rides, and inflatable slide ongoing throughout the day until 6 p.m. Ciderfest also features craft booths, gift & collectible vendors, and multiple BBQ and food vendors. There is no admission or parking fees to attend Ciderfest. Also at Ciderfest, visit our huge pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, experience our 10 acre corn maze, visit with farm animals, play on the hill slide, enjoy the picnic areas and take advantage of the great photo opportunities we've set up. The Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch area has $10 admission, children 3 and under are free.
Overland Park Fall Festival Sep 29, 2018 at Santa Fe Commons Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS. The Overland Park Fall Festival features a hometown parade through Downtown Overland Park, the county’s best arts and crafts fair, the state’s best farmers’ market, three stages of concerts, fantastic food and much more!
Brewtopia Sep 29, 2018 at 63rd St and Raytown Rd, Raytown, MO. Come check out Kansas City’s newest homebrew and craft beer festival, where you can taste a wide variety of beers from over 40 home brewers. This year we will be teaming up with Crane Brewing and Festival of the Lost Township, to give you the best festival of the year.
Kansas Chocolate Festival Sep 29, 2018 at Downtown Topeka, KS. Start the day with the Chocolate 5K/10K: Combat Air Museum’s Winged-Foot run. See the MARS Nascar and try your hand at a driving simulator. Samples in the indoor tasting area, 713 S. Kansas Ave., will be $1 each. Chocolatiers from five states will be represented. 20 food trucks & 20 vendors. A children’s play area - $10 wristbands good for all day play on bounce houses.
Oktoberfest Belton Sep 29, 2018 at Memorial Park, 998 Commercial St, Belton, MO. Food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, craft vendors and more will be there, and the Happy Wanderers will be there to entertain you.
Retro Rock Hip Hop Culture Jam Sep 29, 2018 - Sep 30, 2018 at Broadway Bistro, 1000 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO. An entirely fresh and unique family-friendly arts experience that builds community through the core values of true Hip Hop: peace, love, unity, and having fun.
Family Tree Nursery Fall Festival Sep 29, 2018 - Sep 30, 2018 at Family Tree Nursery, 7036 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS. A beautiful, modern garden center in the heart of Shawnee! Since opening it’s doors as Family Tree Nursery in 1981, the Nieman location has grown a loyal customer base with great plants and top-notch customer service. The Shawnee Fall Festival is the big open house event of the year with live music, food and tons of family activities. Come by and check out what promises to be one of the most modern garden centers in Kansas City!
For even MORE great Kansas City events, visit our Kansas City Calendar.
Note: This is your Guide to Fall Festivals in Kansas City 2018. 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.