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Events|Festivals

8 Fall Festivals In Kansas That Will Make Your Autumn Awesome

Kansas hosts a variety of interactive and beautiful fall festivals featuring activities like crafts, music, and unique local traditions.

Published Sep 11, 2017

Written by 

Clarisa

Of all the awesome festivals in Kansas, the most beautiful and interactive ones are in fall. From pounds of pumpkins to awesome crafts, these festivals really bring something special to the visitors that participate. The following 8 festivals are in date order, with highlights and locations included when applicable. Are you planning on attending any of these this year?

1. Perry Fall Festival - Front Street, Perry, Kansas - September 9, 2017

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Dylan Edwards/Flickr

You'll find awesome activities such as free train and pony rides, inflatables, crafts, food, live music and a car show. Sounds exciting!

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2. Overland Park Fall Festival - 8045 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas - September 23, 2017

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David Reber/Flickr

This fall festival is packed with a market, arts and crafts, a parade, and plenty of activities for the kids. They also have quite a few puppet shows and other things you don't often see at festivals here.

3. Cornstock - Garnett Lake, Garnett, Kansas - September 23, 2017

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Kansas Tourism/Flickr

It's an awesome country music festival that also features a disc golf tournament, a 5k, and a cornhole tournament. Camp at the location, or drive in, it's your choice! However, you've got to bring your own lawn chairs.

4. Louisburg Ciderfest - 14730 KS-68, Louisburg, Kansas - September 23, 24, September 30 & October 1, 2017

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Chris Murphy/Flickr

Beginning with a pancake breakfast, this festival is packed with ponies, a slide, crafts, and even apple cider donuts! (What would we do without those?) You can have a cup of fresh hot or cold cider, which is a real treat if you haven't had it before. No wonder they have a whole festival about it!

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5. Shawnee Scarecrow Festival - 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas - October 7, 2017

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Mike Frizzel/Flickr

Celebrate the arrival of autumn at this awesome event. Participate in pumpkin painting, a baking contest, or the best part, scarecrow making! (Not too scary, though. We're only trying to scare birds!)

6. Svensk Hyllningsfest - Lindsborg, Kansas - October 13 & 14, 2017

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Kansas Tourism/Flickr

Every other October, the residents of Lindsborg celebrate their Swedish heritage in the form of a city-wide festival. You can sample a true Smörgåsbord, or just hang out and enjoy the folk music and dance.

7. Maple Leaf Festival - Baldwin, Kansas - October 21 & 22, 2017

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Lane Pearman/Flickr

The maple leaf festival has honored the turning of the leaves for more than 50 years. They have all sorts of events such as quilt shows, kid competitions and a parade.

8. Harvest Festival and Chili Cook-Off - 3 West Wea Street, Paola, Kansas - 2017 TBA

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richard evea/Flickr

Welcome the autumn season in Paola with a chili cook-off and vendors as well as fun for the kids. (The dates for this year's festival haven't been announced yet, however.)

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In addition to these sweet fall festivals, why not enjoy an awesome day trip full of gorgeous autumn scenery?

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Events|Festivals

The 7 Best Fall Festivals In Kansas For 2024 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit

Kansas offers a variety of exciting fall festivals featuring food, music, crafts, and family-friendly activities.

Updated Jul 31, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

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

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Matthew Carver/Google

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

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Kansas State Fair/Facebook

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.

3. Oktoberfest Hays (Hays): Oct. 4-5, 2024

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Oktoberfest Hays/Facebook

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.

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4. Overland Park Fall Festival (Overland Park): Sept. 27-28, 2024

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Overland Park Parks and Recreation/Facebook

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.

5. Rose Hill Fall Festival (Rose Hill): Oct. 11-13, 2024

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Rose Hill Fall Festival/Facebook

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.

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6. Maize Fall Festival (Maize): Sept. 28, 2024

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Maize Fall Festival/Facebook

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.

7. Little River Fall Festival (Little River): Oct. 26, 2024

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Little River, KS

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.

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https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/best-cabin-in-flint-hills-ks/

Don't these fall festivals in Kansas look like so much fun? Which ones are you most excited to attend in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Events|Festivals

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival Will Be Back For Fun & Festivities

Kansas City Renaissance Festival returns in 2024 with food, crafts, entertainment, and jousting, attracting thousands of visitors.

Updated May 28, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

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.

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Kevin Harber/flickr

Be one of the approximately 200,000 people to attend this exciting event each year.

As you walk around the Ren Fest in Kansas City, you'll come across unique performers who will entertain adults and children alike.

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The Kansas City Renaissance Festival/Facebook

These various performances change throughout the week and vary from street acts to musical groups.

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The Kansas City Renaissance Festival/Facebook

You won’t want to miss a single one.

Of course, you can’t visit The Kansas City Renaissance Festival without trying some fair food.

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The Kansas City Renaissance Festival/Facebook

The turkey leg is a must-try!

There is something for everyone at this festival in Kansas.

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JoLynne Martinez/flickr

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.

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JoLynne Martinez/flickr

Get into the spirit of the Ren Fest in Kansas by dressing up ...or even getting married on the festival grounds.

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The Kansas City Renaissance Festival/Facebook

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.

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The Kansas City Renaissance Festival/Facebook

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.

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https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kansas/destination-in-two-places-ks/

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