The 7 Best Fall Festivals in Kansas for 2025 Will Put You in the Autumnal Spirit

Maybe it’s just me, but as soon as I start to feel a chill in the air and the first football kickoff date rolls around, I start thinking about attending a fall festival in Kansas. After all, fall in Kansas is a wonderful season, with everything from the weather to the food to the sports making it oh-so-much fun. It’s also the time when some of the most festive events in the Sunflower State are scheduled! Here are a few of the best fall festivals in Kansas that you’ll want to mark your calendars for this year.

1. Kansas City Renaissance Festival (Bonner Springs)

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival may not be a fall festival in the traditional sense of the word, but it's one that so many of us look forward to each year! This Bonner Springs event is one of the best fall events near Kansas City. It's held on weekends from Aug. 30 through Oct. 12; the last day is Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. This festival has been going strong for nearly 50 years, with over 200,000 attendees yearly. This is one of the largest Renaissance Faires in the entire country. Learn more and purchase tickets from the Kansas City Renaissance Festival website.

2. Kansas State Fair (Hutchinson)

Really, does anything scream "fall" more than a fair? The Kansas State Fair is the best fall event in Hutchinson, Kansas. It's been going on for over a century and is one of the largest events in the Sunflower State. There's so much to do here, with big-name concerts, rides, carnival food, games, contests, and agricultural competitions, not to mention all of the incredible fair foods you can find here. Spanning 10 days, this year's fair has already passed, but it will be held next year at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Sept. 11-20, 2026. Check out the Kansas State Fair website for more.

3. Oktoberfest Hays (Hays)

Oktoberfest Hays is the largest fall event in Hays, a hidden gem town in Kansas. This year's long-awaited festival, which celebrates the German heritage of Ellis County, is scheduled for Sept. 26-27, 2025. It coincides with homecoming week at Fort Hays State University, making it a double celebration. There's music and festive German foods, contests, a homecoming parade, a cornhole tournament, plus crafts and, of course, beer. Learn more on the Oktoberfest Hays website.

4. Overland Park Fall Festival (Overland Park)

The Overland Park Fall Festival is another of the best fall events near Kansas City. This downtown festival features an artisan craft fair with over 75 vendors, food trucks, and special deals at local restaurants. It's always a fun time, and there's plenty to entertain the little ones, like concerts and live entertainment. View the full schedule of events on the City of Overland Park website. This year's fall festival is scheduled for Sept. 26-27, 2025.

5. Rose Hill Fall Festival (Rose Hill)

The Rose Hill Fall Festival is the largest fall event in Rose Hill, a small city in Butler County. It has a fun, fair-like atmosphere, and the entire town gets into the autumn extravaganza. With a craft show, fun run, fishing derby, car show, parade, and more, this great festival has something for everyone, so mark your calendars for Oct. 10-12, 2025! Check out the full schedule on the Rose Hill Fall Festival website.

6. Maize Fall Festival (Maize)

Maize is a city in Sedgwick County with about 6,000 people, and it hosts one of the best fall festivals near Wichita. The 2025 festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Claire Donnelly Aphitheater, and it's sure to be a great time! Vendors will be on hand with crafts, and there's a parade, a vendor fair, inflatables, face painting, a petting zoo, music, food, and an outdoor movie. Get ready for some fun at this family-friendly event in Kansas, and keep an eye on the Maize Fall Festival website for updates.

7. Little River Fall Festival (Little River)

Little River is a small town of under 600 people, but it holds a big festival each year, the Little River Fall Festival. This fun-filled event has a car show, live music, craft vendors, an ATV rally, and more. It's a wonderful family event to celebrate the season, so mark Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, on your calendar for this year's fun event. Learn more from the Little River Fall Festival Facebook page.

If you're traveling out of town for any of these fall events, check out some of the best Kansas vacation rental properties, which are located all over the state. Don't these fall festivals in Kansas look like so much fun? Which ones are you most excited to attend in 2025?

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own fall trip through Kansas using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.