Kansas City Fall Festivals and Events for Families 2025
Fall often is one of the best times of the year in the Kansas City area, with cooler weather, plenty of football and anticipation of the holiday season. A number of family friendly events are coming soon, according Visit KC.
Select days from September 5 to December 28
GloWild: Time Traveler is set to dazzle at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, once again featuring a new theme. This year, guests can journey through time to 19th century Paris, the American centennial, a science fiction-themed trip to the future and more.
September 5 and 7
Local artists gather in KC’s oldest neighborhood for Art Westport, a weekend fair that showcases original art, jewelry, fine crafts and more.
Select nights from September 13 to November 1
Ghosts, ghouls and other creatures of the night roam freely through Worlds of Fun during Halloween Haunt, which showcases the scarier side of the amusement park.
September 14
Thousands of football fanatics will pack GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs’ first home game of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch.
September 19 to 21
This nationally recognized, nine-block art event at the Country Club Plaza typically draws crowds of more than 250,000 who gather for art, live music and food and drinks from a variety of KC restaurants.
September 26 and 27
Find live music, a local artisan fair, kids activities and festival food in downtown Overland Park. The popular farmers market will also be going on at the nearby Matt Ross Community Center for fresh produce and locally grown foods.
September 26 and 28
Shop from more than 200 local artists and vendors, enjoy live entertainment and don’t miss the carnival and car show at this family friendly festival in Liberty.
September 26 to 28
Head to Kansas Speedway for fast-paced NASCAR action. Plus, with two weekends each year, fans get a double dose of high-octane fun.
September 27 to October 26
At KC Wine Co. and Pumpkin Patch in Olathe, the whole family can slide, climb and play their way through 40 acres of Fall Festival fun with attractions such as Corn Cob Beach, Barnyard Ball, the Ninja Course, Human Pinball and more.
September 27 and 28
Visit Louisburg Cider Mill for the annual Ciderfest, where guests are invited to watch how apples are pressed into cider, sample cider donuts and other treats, plus live music and activities for young ones.
October 3 and 4
Go to Crown Center to experience a two-day celebration of traditional European food, engaging games, activities and Bavarian-style entertainment.
October 3 to 31
Head to the pumpkin patch at Faulkner’s Ranch in Kansas City. Families can enjoy giant slides, games, pony rides, a petting farm and other activities. Don’t miss out on the pumpkin spice donuts, apple cider slushies and other delicious fall treats.
October 4 and 5
Explore historic Weston as arts and crafts booths line Main Street, touting a tempting range of apple delicacies, from dumplings and pies to cookies, all made by members of local churches.
Missouri Town Living History Museum Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music
October 4
Enjoy wagon rides, reenactments, crafts and more in this annual festival that takes place at Missouri Town Living History Museum, where guests can travel back in time to experience life in the 1850s.
October 5
Local singers, artists, dancers, poets and others take center stage at this quickly growing regional celebration of Latino culture and creativity.
October 10 and 11
This free foodie festival heats up Friday night with live music and a fireworks show. Then on Saturday, grab your spoon to feast on chili, hot wings and salsa samples as more than 200 teams compete.
Fall American Royal Livestock Show
October 10 to 26
With roots dating back to 1899 and boasting a reputation as one of the toughest competitions, this iconic event draws thousands of owners, breeders, future business/agriculture leaders and animal enthusiasts from across the country.
October 17 to 18 and 24 to 25
Explore Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead after dark. Dress up in your costume for this Halloween party at the farm, complete with hayrides, mad science experiments, mazes, marshmallow roasts and more family fun.
October 18
Featuring several distances, the marathon is the area’s largest and most exciting annual race event, taking runners on a tour through the coolest neighborhoods and past some of KC’s most iconic landmarks, including the National WWI Museum & Memorial, the Country Club Plaza, the Nelson to Atkins Museum of Art and more.
U.S. Women’s National Team at CPKC Stadium
October 29
The powerhouse U.S. Women’s National Team is coming to the soccer capital of America. The USWNT will make history this fall in its first match at the KC Current’s CPKC Stadium when they take on an opponent to be announced.
Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
November 2
A lively festival celebrating Mexican art and culture, including an altar installation, features art activities, live music entertainment and Mexican food. A fall tradition for many families.
American Royal World Series of Barbecue
November 5 to 9
The world’s largest barbecue competition includes live performances, a festival full of entertainment and plenty other activities, making it one of fall’s signature events.
November 21 to 23
This anime-focused event features a full lineup of voice actors, exhibitors, special events and a wide ranging schedule of panels, plus amazing cosplay, a cosplay contest and more.
November 20 to January 3
More than 20 miles of holiday lights comprise installations that highlight the natural forms of Powell Gardens’ tree collection, show off the exceptional architecture and landscape design of the gardens, and with Instagram and holiday card to worthy photo stops along the way.
November 20 to 23
The Overland Park Convention Center becomes a winter wonderland of merry shopping and gift to giving. Browse hundreds of vendors and cross off everyone on your list.
–Anita Widaman | Events Editor
