Some of the best events occur in the fall in Kansas City! From art fairs to festivals to Halloween-themed events, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Fall Events in Kansas City for Families
SEPTEMBER
SantaCaliGon Days Festival
Celebrate westward expansion at this FREE Independence festival, Sept. 1-4. More than 400 booths, free entertainment, fantastic bands, a Midway carnival and bingo. Free parking is available at the Community of Christ Auditorium parking lot located at 1001 W. Walnut. Shuttles run every 15 minutes and cost $1 per rider. Learn more.
GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo
The GloWild lantern festival is back this fall with an exciting “Around the World” theme. It will showcase stunning handcrafted steel and silk lanterns representing global landmarks, as well as animals and botanicals from all seven continents. The festival opens September 29 and runs through December 30. Learn more.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Looking for a new way to spend a fall weekend in Kansas City? Bring your family to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival for a magical time! Be sure to plan your visit around the theme weekends and kid specific activities. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (plus Labor Day Monday), and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on September 2 and October 15. Check out our guide for family focused visit tips. Get tickets.
Terra Luna at the Overland Park Arboretum
Local performance group, Quixotic, will open a portal between everyday reality and elemental fantasy at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The annual multimedia installation will guide guests on a wild journey through the grounds, culminating in an immersive performance uniting live music, dance, aerial acrobatics, and more. Animated by the Arboretum’s transitioning seasons, the boundary-breaking event will illuminate the environment in surprising ways: agrestal costuming that incorporates the bounty of the gardens, embedded performers who meld and merge with the twilight landscape, light design that leads the audience deeper into the dream. Tickets are on sale now for the event which runs the evenings of September 14-16 and September 21-23.
The Great Pumpkin Fest at Worlds of Fun
Hanging with Heroes
Plaza Art Fair
Held Friday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 24, the Plaza Art Fair encompasses nine city blocks and features 240 artists. The Plaza Art Fair is a top-ranked, national art event with three live music stages and over 20 featured restaurant booths. It continues to be a weekend of people simply celebrating art and each other, as well as Kansas City’s unofficial welcome to the fall season. Check out kids activities in the Broadway block between 47th Street and Nichols Road. All ages are welcome!
Overland Park Fall Festival
The OP Fall Festival in Downtown Overland Park is back with a great line up of live music, children’s performers and entertainment, food trucks, the Overland Park Farmers’ Market and an all-day artisan fair. The festival kicks off Sept. 29 and features a full line-up of activities all day on Sept. 30.
American Royal
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is the largest barbecue contest in the WORLD and the American Royal’s largest fundraiser! Join other barbecue lovers at the Kansas Speedway on September 27 – October 1 for a BBQ experience like no other – live music, delicious BBQ, activities for the BIGS and the LITTLES (Saturday is better for the littles), and a vendor fair that’s a MUST SEE for all BBQ enthusiasts.
Library in the Park
October
Olathe Arts Festival
The Olathe Arts Festival (October 6-7) at the Johnson County Square in Downtown Olathe will provide individuals and families an enriching experience that inspires and celebrates the arts and creativity. The Festival will showcase exceptional art from across the region, food & drink, live entertainment, and activities for the entire family!
Missouri Town Fall Festival
Explore the sights and sounds of the harvest season on October 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Historic interpreters, artisans, musicians, and crafters will bring to life the hard work and celebration that took place as the crops came in. Hitch a ride on a wagon, see sorghum being made, play a 19th century game, and make memories to last a lifetime!
Brew at the Zoo, and Wine Too
Brew at the Zoo is back on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.! Enjoy live music, great food, and tastings from more than 38 local breweries and wineries all in a WILD outdoor setting. our 2023 Brew at the Zoo ticket also includes access to GloWild: Around the World, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s immersive lantern festival featuring a 1-mile walk through handmade steel and silk sculpture works depicting animals, botanicals, and more.
Cornucopia at the Power & Light District
Night of the Living Farm at Deanna Rose Farmstead
Enchanted Forest
For one night only, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is transformed into The Enchanted Forest on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4-8 p.m. 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. Costumes optional.
Mildale Farm Fall Festival
Though we aim to ensure the accuracy of all our postings, we always advise you check online before heading out for the most up-to-date information.