Marina
September in the Kansas City metro brings vibrant fall energy, with a dazzling array of festivals, fairs, family events, arts & crafts shows, and seasonal thrills.
Whether you’re craving pumpkin patches, block parties, or cultural celebrations, this autumn calendar is packed with something for everyone across both Missouri and Kansas sides.
Event Highlights Across the Metro
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Step back in time at this medieval-themed fair in Bonner Springs, running Saturdays and Sundays from Labor Day weekend through mid-October.
Boasting 200,000 attendees annually, the Festival spans 16 acres, features ~165 artisan booths, 13 performance stages, costumed characters, jousting, blacksmiths, and historic demonstrations.
Kansas State Fair
One of the region’s largest fall attractions, the Kansas State Fair unfolds in Hutchinson, KS, starting the Friday after Labor Day and running for 10 days.
It draws around 350,000 visitors, spanning 280 acres, and hosts carnivals, grandstand concerts, livestock exhibits, competitions, and thousands of commercial vendors.
Kansas City Irish Fest
Celebrate Celtic culture over Labor Day weekend at Crown Center Square. With more than 90,000 attendees, this festival features dozens of performers across 8 stages and is known for its volunteer-driven spirit and dynamic live performances.
Johnson County Old Settlers Festival
From Sept. 4–6, downtown Olathe hosts this classic community event packed with carnival rides, a lively parade, and local vendors. Perfect for families looking for timeless fall fun.
Art Westport
Celebrate local creativity from Sept. 5–7 in Westport with over 150 artists and craftspeople displaying handmade goods, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and more amid a vibrant street-fair vibe.
Plaza Art Fair & Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival
- Plaza Art Fair (Sept. 19–21): A nationally recognized art show on the Country Club Plaza, featuring 240+ artists, live music, and family entertainment.
- Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival (Sept. 19–21): A free, family-friendly event in downtown Blue Springs with rides, local vendors, and multicultural fun under the theme “Around the World.”
Beanstalk Children’s Garden Festival
On Sept. 20, this free Fall Family Festival at Kansas City’s children’s garden offers art, scavenger hunts, veggie tasting, and lawn games, ideal for families and young kids.
Liberty & Overland Park Fall Festivals
- Liberty Fall Festival (Sept. 26–28): This 48th annual downtown event features 200+ vendors, live music, a carnival, and a Saturday parade at 11 a.m.
- Overland Park Fall Festival (Sept. 26–27): A two-day shopping and entertainment extravaganza with local artisan booths, live performances, and a free shuttle service from a nearby high school.
Spring Hill Fall Festival
Held Sept. 27–28 in downtown Spring Hill, this quaint event includes a Saturday parade, live music, local crafts, a pancake breakfast, and a community chili cook-off, offering a small-town fall experience.
Additional Notables
- Fiesta Hispana (Sept. 12–14): A vibrant Hispanic cultural festival with music, dance, and cuisine.
- Jesse James Festival (Mid-Sept. weekends): In Kearney, featuring parades, carnivals, and heritage celebration.
- Camp Leavenworth Festival (Sept. 20–21): Free street festival with national music acts and fireworks.
- Other Events: Spinach Festival, Reggae Music & Jerk Festival, Chalk & Walk street art, and more delight metro neighborhoods.
September Event Snapshot
| Event | Dates | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| K.C. Renaissance Festival | Labor Day–Oct mid | Bonner Springs, KS | Medieval fair, jousting, artisans, 200K visitors |
| Kansas State Fair | Post-Labor Day (10d) | Hutchinson, KS | Livestock, concerts, carnivals, 350K attendees |
| KC Irish Fest | Labor Day Weekend | Crown Center Square, MO | Celtic music, dance, 8 stages, 90K visitors |
| Old Settlers Festival | Sept. 4–6 | Olathe, KS | Parade, rides, vendors |
| Art Westport | Sept. 5–7 | Westport, MO | 150+ artists, handmade crafts |
| Plaza Art Fair | Sept. 19–21 | Country Club Plaza, MO | 240+ artists, live music |
| Blue Springs Fall Festival | Sept. 19–21 | Blue Springs, MO | Family rides, vendors, multicultural theme |
| Beanstalk Garden Festival | Sept. 20 | Kansas City, MO | Kids’ activities, art, games |
| Liberty Fall Festival | Sept. 26–28 | Liberty, MO | 200+ vendors, parade, live music |
| Overland Park Fall Festival | Sept. 26–27 | Overland Park, KS | Food, artisans, performers, shuttle to event |
| Spring Hill Fall Festival | Sept. 27–28 | Spring Hill, KS | Parade, breakfast, crafts, chili cook-off |
| Additional Cultural Events | Mid–late Sept. | Various | Fiesta Hispana, Jesse James, Camp Leavenworth etc. |
September brings a spectrum of fall festivities to the Kansas City metro—from medieval jousts to artisan showcases, children’s garden parties to county fairs. Whether you’re drawn to arts and crafts, live entertainment, culture, or family fun, there’s a festival for every interest.
Dive into autumn’s best happenings by planning early—you don’t want to miss a moment of this season’s vibrant celebrations.