The Best Fall Festivals in Kansas City

Fall is upon us, and after the record-breaking temperatures we’ve been experiencing, that’s well worth celebrating. What better way to celebrate than by attending some of the best fall festivals in Kansas City?

I can practically smell the funnel cakes now.

Kansas City On the Cheap has rounded up the best Fall Festivals in the area, and admission to most of these Fall Festivals is free!

We’re still adding to this list as we hear about more fall festivals, so be sure to check back.

Be sure to verify all information below via the links to the direct festivals as times, events, etc may vary and change.

Merriam Drive Live free day of music - Merriam Drive Live is returning to the Merriam Marketplace with six hours of live classic rock and free admission. The event is family-friendly, with yard games, face painting and custom balloon art. Event Details Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 Time: 2 to 8 p.m. Location: Downtown Merriam at the Marketplace pavilion, 5740 Merriam Dr., Merriam,… Read more »
FREE Admission to Shawnee Scarecrow Festival - Downtown Shawnee transforms into a festive fall frenzy Saturday, October 3, during the Annual Scarecrow Festival. Photo Credit: Deposit Photos Admission is FREE for this family-friendly event at Shawnee City Hall from 9 to 11 a.m. Welcome the season with scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, and the Farmers Market. Craft supplies and decorations are provided FREE… Read more »
FREE Admission to Pony Express Pumpkin Fest - Celebrate Fall at The Pony Express Museum for its annual Pumpkin Fest October 2-4, 2026. Admission is FREE. Activities include a pumpkin mountain lighting ceremony (Friday at 8 p.m.), a children's costume parade (Saturday at 11 a.m.), a petting zoo, games, crafts, food vendors, and more. Festival hours: Friday: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday: noon… Read more »
FREE Admission to Gladfest Fall Festival - The sights and sounds of fall come to life during Gladfest 2026 October 2-4, 2026, at Linden Square in Downtown Gladstone. Admission to this all-ages event is FREE, but some activities do cost money. The carnival will be open all three days. Wristbands are $30 on Friday and Saturday and $28 on Sunday. Note that… Read more »
Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival - Experience living history at the annual Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival! Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival On October 3 and 4, Missouri Town 1855 will have historic interpreters, artisans, and musicians, bringing the harvest celebration of a bygone era back to life. There will also be wagon rides, games, crafts, and family-friendly activities that will surely… Read more »
Leawood Into the Night Fall Festival - Celebrate autumn at Into the Night Fall Festival at Ironwoods Park in Leawood on Friday, October 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission to this family-friendly event is $12 per resident and $15 per non-resident until midnight October 15. You can buy advance tickets here. Everyone 2 and older needs a ticket. Tickets will be… Read more »
FREE Admission to Shawnee Indian Mission’s Fall Festival - Shawnee Indian Mission is holding its Annual Fall Festival Friday, October 10, 2026, at the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site. Admission is FREE. This event includes live music and other entertainment (history reenactors, dancers); demonstrations; kids' activities; arts and craft vendors; Indian food; and more. Here is what you can expect at this festival:… Read more »
Oktoberfest events around Kansas City - It may not be October yet, but Oktoberfest season is under way in and around Kansas City. Here are the 2026 Oktoberfest events in the greater Kansas City area. Whether you spell it Oktoberfest or Octoberfest, you know you will find fun. Festivities traditionally include food, drinks, dancing and more fun. Some events are family-friendly,… Read more »
Colonial Gardens Fall Farm & Festival Fun - Celebrate all things fall at Colonial Gardens this season. This Blue Springs-based garden center and nursery hosts many workshops, music events and festivals throughout the year. During the fall, they gear up for all ages farm fun. Colonial Gardens Farm Experience Every weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) from September 12 through October 25, 2026, Colonial Farms… Read more »
Deanna Rose Farmstead Hosts Pumpkin Hollow in October - Fall fun comes to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead all month long during Pumpkin Hollow. This fun and festive event for families runs daily from September 22 through October 18, 2026. Pumpkin Hollow is a special seasonal addition to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn hayride, a giant hay slide, a hay pyramid… Read more »
Louisburg Cider Mill fall events and Ciderfest - Louisburg Cider Mill is a fantastic fall destination for all ages in Kansas City. During the fall, the Louisburg Cider Mill Family Farm features a variety of memory-making family activities. This year, the farm is open for fall traditions from September 11 through November 1, 2026. Louisburg Cider Mill Country Store There is never a… Read more »
Midwest Pioneer Day at the Shoal Creek Living History Museum - On Saturday, October 26, 2026, the Shoal Creek Living History Museum is celebrating Midwest Pioneer Day of 1886. Admission is $10. Kids ages 3 to 9 are $3, and kids 2 and under are FREE. This event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., includes periods games for all ages, 19th century re-enactors, skits… Read more »
Enjoy All Things Apple at Weston Applefest - Weston bills itself as the best small town in Missouri, and the Annual Weston Applefest Celebration is one of its most popular events. A short drive from the Kansas City metro area, Applefest takes place Oct. 3-4, 2026. Admission is free. The apple parade starts down Main Street at 10 a.m. on Saturday, followed by… Read more »
Free concerts, Oktoberfest and Street Dance in Mission - The City of Mission, Kansas, is planning two free concerts in the parks this fall, plus a Mission Street Dance to celebrate Mission's 75th anniversary and an Oktoberfest celebrations. All are free to attend. The Suburbans, courtesy of the City of Mission. Here are the dates: Friday, September 18, 6 to 10 p.m. Concert in… Read more »
Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch deals and theme weekends - Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch offers plenty of Kansas City fall fun and pumpkin picking from its 60-acre patch. You can find this entertaining working farm in Liberty, Mo., about 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City. Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch Hours 2026 Season For this season, Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch is open Thursday through Monday from September 19 to… Read more »
Fun Farm Fall Fest flash sale - Save big by pulling out your wallet early! Through September 17, 2026, The Fun Farm is holding a flash sale offering more than 25% off its Fall Festival. The annual pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch for cider, hay rides, and pumpkin picking is a Midwestern tradition. And unlike many things on our seasonal schedules, the… Read more »
2026 Pumpkin Festival at Faulkner’s Ranch - Faulkner's Ranch is a 25-acre ranch that combines food, entertainment and events for family-friendly fun in Kansas City. It's a great place for local fall fun. Faulkner's Ranch is open for pumpkin season daily except Mondays from October 3 - October 31st. Faulkner's Ranch & Pumpkin Farm Admission Admission prices for 2026 are as follows.… Read more »
FREE Oktoberfest at Prairiefire - On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Prairiefire is holding a family-friendly Oktoberfest. Admission is FREE. This event includes live music, food vendors, face painting, bounce houses, pumpkin decorating, a magician and more. The Prairiefire Oktoberfest runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prairiefire is located at 5661 West 135th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. Read more »
Pumpkins Aglow for Martha Lafite Fairy Tale Forest - Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary (MLTNS) presents the Fairy Tale Forest and Walk of 100 Jack-o-lanterns, a non-scary Halloween event enjoyable for all ages, but especially little ghosts and goblins. This event is sold out. Wear a costume and walk through a quarter mile with 100+ jack-o-lanterns lighting the way. Visitors get to take home… Read more »
FREE Family Fun at Lenexa Spinach Festival - The family-friendly Lenexa Spinach Festival is packed with food, entertainment, crafts and activities. And it's FREE to join the fun! This annual fall festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Admission is FREE. There will be food options, vendors, music, and more! Why Spinach?… Read more »
Fun for All at Dogtober Fest - Dog lovers in Kansas City are invited to join the fun at Dogtober Fest, an outdoor dog-friendly festival featuring tons of activities for dogs and their people. Jackson County Parks and Recreation is hosting Dogtober Fest on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kemper Outdoor Recreation Education Center in Fleming… Read more »
FREE Admission to Mildale Fall Farm Fest - Spend the day exploring and enjoying a number of fall activities at the Mildale Fall Farm Fest hosted by the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District on October 31, 2026. Admission is FREE. Mildale Farm Fall Fest activities take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can enjoy the following family-friendly fun: 🎃 Pick… Read more »
FREE Admission to Holiday Treasures Craft Festival - Pick up some unique, hand-crafted holiday gifts at the Holiday Treasures Craft Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2016 at the Shawnee Civic Centre. Admission is FREE. Local vendors will be selling their unique, hand-crafted items from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 60 local vendors will display their wares, including jewelry, woodworking, fabric art… Read more »
Zona Rosa Fall Fest - The scent of pumpkin spice is in the air and Zona Rosa is hosting fun, family-friendly fall and Halloween events to celebrate the season. Zona Rosa Fall Fest The Zona Rosa Fall Fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Central Park in the Zona Rosa shopping center. … Read more »
FREE Admission & Samples at the Lenexa Chili Challenge - Get fired up for the Lenexa Chili Challenge in Old Town Lenexa October 9-10, 2026. Unlike some tasting festivals, the Lenexa Chili Challenge leaves both your stomach and wallet full. Admission is FREE and samples are plentiful on Saturday, while supplies last. Over the last few years, we've only seen a few contestants run out… Read more »
PNC Family Fun Day KC Power and Light District - PNC Family Fun Day happens downtown in the Power & Light District October 3, 2026. This fall festival has FREE admission and lots of fun for all ages. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities will include a petting zoo, magic show, games, PBC Kids' characters, vendors, crafts and more. These activities will be… Read more »
FREE: Fall Chick Event at Town Center Plaza - The Fall Chick Event, a local pop-up handmade and vintage goods event group, is popping up in Leawood at Town Center Plaza October 3-4, 2026. Admission is FREE to this outdoors event. Fall Chick Event hours are rain or shine: Saturday, October 3: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 4: 11 a.m. to 4… Read more »
Kansas City Renaissance Festival discounts - It's almost time for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Don't miss fun for all ages at this annual fall festival. In 2026, the Renaissance Festival is open Saturdays and Sundays from September 5 through October 18, plus two Mondays: September 7 (Labor Day) and October 12. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except for… Read more »
FREE Admission to Waldo Fall Festival - Celebrating more than three decades of festival fun in Waldo, the Waldo Area Business Association hosts the 34th annual Waldo Fall Festival Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This family-friendly event is a FREE neighborhood festival located in the parking lot at Gregory and Wornall. Attendees can enjoy local musicians and… Read more »
FREE Admission to Bingham-Waggoner Antique and Craft Fair - Get your antiquing and crafting fix at the annual Bingham-Waggoner Antique and Craft Fair held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Admission is FREE. This long-running sale features more than 100 antique dealers and crafters on the grounds of the estate. Original crafts, antiques and outstanding collectibles will… Read more »
Free Fireworks Display and Festival in Lee’s Summit - Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation invites the community to the city's annual Legacy Blast, a free Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Legacy Park. A full evening of DJ entertainment will precede the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. The show will be synchronized to music and simulcast on 94.9 KCMO. The gates… Read more »
Beer Tastings Abound at KC Brew Festival at Union Station - Updated February 2026 KC Brew Fest returns to Union Station on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. Act now to get tickets to this tasting of craft and international brews. It's a very popular event that typically sells out. The overall price is not cheap in comparison to many deals you can find on Kansas City on… Read more »
Sunflower House Hosts Free Pumpkin Palooza - Get festive in a seasonal way at Sunflower House Pumpkin Palooza. The whole family can come in costume to this FREE Halloween event hosted October 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - or until the pumpkins run out! Visitors to Pumpkin Palooza can enjoy activities, music and there are hand-painted pumpkins for sale. Sunflower… Read more »
Missouri State Fair Advanced Ticket Savings, Daily Specials - Fair season in Kansas City continues and the Missouri State Fair should be on the top of your list for local summer fun. The Missouri State Fair is one of the oldest fairs in Missouri beginning in 1901. Grab the family and head down to Sedalia to enjoy the fun from August 11-21, 2022. Enjoy… Read more »
Sample Cheesy Goodness at the KC Grilled Cheese & Mac Festival - Gourmet versions of your favorite childhood eats are served up at the KC Grilled Cheese & Mac Festival. Amazing local chefs and restaurants are cooking up their most creative and delicious grilled cheese and mac & cheese you get to sample. You also get to enjoy beer sampling from some local breweries. There are various… Read more »
Kansas State Fair Early Savings & Details - Celebrate all things about the sunflower state during the Kansas State Fair September 9-18, 2022 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Each day of the fair has a variety of events and activities centered around part of the state’s industry, people, innovations and entertainment. You can also enjoy traditional fair favorites of live music and entertainment, contests, exhibits,… Read more »
FREE and Cheap Kansas City Spring Festivals in 2020 - It’s spring festival season in Kansas City. We know most people are ready to stop hibernating and have some fun at St. Patrick's Day parades, music festivals, beer festivals, Memorial Day weekend events, family fun outings and more. We've put together a list of Free and Cheap Kansas City Spring Festivals to help those who… Read more »
NEW DATE: FREE Admission to Illuminated Waters Festival - Stone Lion Puppets and Kansas City Parks & Recreation will host Illuminated Waters Festival on Saturday, Aug. 15. Admission is FREE. This festival will take place at Theis Park between Oak and West 47th Streets in Kansas City, Missouri. Activities include an interactive festival of art, environmental education projects, music and food. Daytime festivities are… Read more »