Fall in Kansas is so much fun! From the delicious foods that are only available in autumn to the chill crisp in the air, there's so much to love... and so many events to look forward to! This year brings a bevy of wonderful fall festivals in Kansas, and whether you're in our larger cities or our smaller towns, there's a fair or festival of some sort going on near you. If you live near Overland Park, you're in for a special treat, as this Kansas City suburb hosts one of the best fall events of the year. This year's Overland Park Fall Festival is scheduled for September 29-30, 2023, and it's going to be a family-friendly affair that's perfect for ushering in autumn.
The Overland Park Fall Festival takes over the city's downtown area. This is a bustling city that's one of the largest in the state, but fun festivals like this provide such a strong sense of community that makes it feel like a small town.
The artisan fair is expected to attract over 75 local vendors. It's a great place to pick up items for yourself or get an early start on Christmas shopping.
One of the best parts about attending a fall festival is all the great food to check out. There will be lots of food trucks present, and you can expect some of the nearby restaurants to have special deals going on, too.
For more information about this great fall event near Kansas City, check out the Overland Park Fall Festival website. As a reminder, the event is scheduled for September 29-30, 2023.
If you're looking to travel to the area for the festival, consider a stay at WaterWalk-Kansas City. It's a great hotel with stellar reviews.
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 near me. 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.
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1. Kansas City Renaissance Festival (Bonner Springs): Weekends from Aug. 31-Oc. 13, 2024
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival may not be a fall festival in the traditional sense of the word, but it's so much fun! This Bonner Springs event is one of the best fall events near Kansas City. It's held on weekends throughout September and most of October, and it's been going strong for nearly 50 years. This is one of the largest RenFairs in the entire country. You can learn more or purchase tickets from the Kansas City Renaissance Festival website.
2. Kansas State Fair (Hutchinson): Sept. 6-15, 2024
Really, does anything scream "fall" more than a fair? The Kansas State Fair is the best fall event in Hutchinson, KS. It's been going on for more than 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. Check out the Kansas State Fair website to see this year's full calendar of events.
The Hays Oktoberfest is the largest fall event in Hays, KS. This festival celebrates the German heritage of Ellis County, and also coincides with homecoming week at Fort Hays State University, making it a double celebration. There's music and festive German foods, plus crafts and, of course, beer. Learn more on the Oktoberfest Hays website.
4. Overland Park Fall Festival (Overland Park): Sept. 27-28, 2024
The Overland Park Fall Festival is another of the best fall events near Kansas City. This downtown festival features an artisan craft fair with more than 75 vendors. There are also food trucks and special deals on 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.
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5. Rose Hill Fall Festival (Rose Hill): Oct. 11-13, 2024
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, there's something for everyone at this great festival. Check out the full schedule on the Rose Hill Fall Festival website.
Maize is a city in Sedgwick County of about 6,000 people, and it hosts one of the best fall festivals near Wichita. The full schedule of events for the 2023 festival hasn't been released yet, but it's sure to be a great time. This year's theme is "Maize Super Days." Vendors will be on hand with crafts, and there's also a car show and talent show, so get ready for some fun! Keep an eye on the Maize Fall Festival website for updates.
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7. Little River Fall Festival (Little River): Oct. 26, 2024
Little River is a small town of under 600 people, but it puts on a big festival each year with 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. Learn more from the Little River Fall Festival Facebook page.
If you're going to be traveling out of town for any of these fall events, check VRBO for accommodations. You can find Kansas vacation rental properties all over the state there.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival is returning bigger and better than ever in 2024. Thousands of individuals are expected to attend the event in Bonner Springs and enjoy a weekend filled with delectable food, crafts, entertainment, and of course, jousting. Are you joining in on the fun? Let's take a peek at this exciting Renaissance Festival in Kansas which will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 31–Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Mondays, Sept. 2 and Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — rain or shine!
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The Kansas City Renaissance Festival first began in 1977. Forty-seven years later, it is one of the largest Renaissance Festivals in the United States.
The entire family will not want to miss the Grand March Parade.
The jousting is a highlight of this Kansas festival. It is certainly one event that will make your heart race and will cause you to shout with excitement.
The festival grounds are a popular venue for special events, such as weddings, reunions, bridal showers, and more.
Each event offers something new for you to experience at this festival. There are different themes for you to enjoy and you may see a new performer each day.
No matter what you see and do at The Kansas City Renaissance Festival, you will have an unforgettable weekend.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival offers more information on its website. Make sure to follow the event on the Facebook page of this RenFest. Have you ever been to this celebration of history? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments below!
If you need a costume to wear, check on Etsy. And while you're there, try out some of these exciting adventures in Kansas City.
