Autumn in Kansas City is the perfect season to explore the many festivals and special events our region has to offer. The weather begins to turn cooler and the leaves begin to change to the fall hues of red and orange that signals the harvest season has begun. Here’s a listing of fun fall festivals and events in our region.
Lenexa
The Lenexa Spinach Festival celebrates Lenexa’s claim as "Spinach Capital of the World" during the 1930s thanks to the excellent spinach crops grown in the area. The festival will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th Street Parkway & Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66215. The event is free to attend with a free satellite parking shuttle to-and-from the event. Access the park on 87th Street and Greenway Lane. This family-oriented event is packed with food, music, entertainment, hands-on activities, and craft vendors. This event boasts the World’s Largest Spinach Salad - there’s plenty to do for everyone in the family!
Additionally this fall, Lenexa will host the Lenexa Chili Challenge on Friday, October 7 from 6:00-10:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road. The event is free to attend with free samples (while supplies last). This free foodie festival heats up Friday night with live music by Stolen Winnebagos and a fireworks show. On Saturday, grab your spoon at the gate to feast on your fill of chili, hot wings and salsa samples. Face painters, balloon artists and live music will be present both days. Little chefs can take part in the Kids Kornbread Contest Saturday morning. Bonner Springs
Huzzah and cheers! The Kansas City Renaissance Festival returned for its 45th season in Bonner Springs! Each weekend the Festival features a fun theme to enjoy the merriment of the day and capture the essence of the Renaissance era. Enjoy delicious foods {turkey legs are a fan favorite} and be entertained by knights, knaves, ladies and lasses. The Festival run Saturdays and Sundays from September 3 to October 16, plus Discovery Day on October 10. Find out ticket information at https://www.kcrenfest.com/.
Kansas City, Kansas
The 2022 American Royal World Series of Barbecue will once again bring back the festival to the world's largest barbecue competition with live music and BBQ demos, delicious BBQ and local food and drink, and a full line up of kid’s activities from September 28 to October 2. Find out more at https://www.americanroyal.com/bbq/.
Merriam
Enjoy crisp autumn air while listening to the sounds of classic rock played by local tribute bands on Saturday, October 1 in downtown Merriam. MERRIAM DRIVE LIVE offers food trucks, adult beverages, fantastic live music and the 4th annual cornhole tournament. The music starts at 2:00 p.m. with a rockin’ line-up including: Steve Miller Experience, Landslide (A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac), John Cougar Project, Killer Queen, and Elton Dan and the Rocket Band. Learn more at Merriam Drive Live
Leavenworth
The 3rd annual Camp Leavenworth is a free two-day festival that invites everyone to discover the wonders of Leavenworth. The festival will be held September 23 and 24 in downtown Leavenworth. Camp Leavenworth will feature Friday night fireworks, family activities, a Makers Fair, live entertainment with Travis Marvin and Logan Mize, 5K Run on Saturday morning, and unique experiences around our historic downtown all weekend long. For more information go to www.campleavenworth.com
Olathe
Explore the beautiful KC Pumpkin Patch, 13875 S Gardner Road, located next to KC Wine Co. Grab local wine, wine slushies, hard cider, and more in the beautiful barn before heading out to enjoy the patch. The family can enjoy giant slides, zip lines, duck races, play areas, and pose for super fun photos! Be sure to post your fun photos on the pumpkin slide, in the barn, or anywhere at the patch using #VisitOlathe for a chance to be featured on www.visitolathe.org! Visit www.kcpumpkinpatch.com for additional details.
Shawnee
Make plans to visit Downtown Shawnee on Saturday October 1 for the Annual Scarecrow Festival and McLain’s Market Block Party! The Scarecrow Festival is a children's focused fall crafting event hosted in downtown Shawnee in the parking lot at City Hall. Children will be able to decorate pumpkins and complete other fall-related crafts. Parents can also enjoy the Farmer's Market and seasonal displays. Explore downtown Shawnee businesses to see decorated and themed Scarecrows for the annual competition. Stop by McLain’s Market Shawnee for their 2nd Annual Block Party with local popup shops, corn hole, balloon artists, cookie decorating and McLain’s Special Block Party drink and breakfast. Follow Downtown Shawnee KS on Facebook and Instagram for more details.