Key to KC Events

THRIVE: YOUR KEY TO KANSAS CITY

 Mark your calendars for amazing local events! Below you'll find a graphic for each month followed by details and links to find out more.

For a complete list of home maintenance tips for the year click HERE.

• August 3: Innovation Festival  |  Music and innovation collide at Crown Center. Details

• August 9: Heart of America Hot Dog Festival  |  The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum welcomes hot dog aficionados to sample ballpark frans, including the signature KC Monarch Dog, plus live music and admission to the museum. Details

• August 15 - 17: Ethnic Enrichment Festival  |  KC’s diverse cultures unite at this weekend extravaganza that includes food, dancing and music representing dozens of countries. Details

• August 22 - 24: Parkville Days  |  The quaint riverfront community of Parkville, celebrates its history and future with this annual family-friendly festival. Details

• August 29 - September 1: Santa-Cali-Gon Days  |  This Independence festival commemorates the origin of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails with artisan, crafts, food and commercial vendor booths. Details

• August 29 - 31: Kansas City Irish Fest  |  Celebrate KC’s Celtic heritage with 3 days of live music, special performances, locally-provided libations, activities for young ones, tastings and more. Details

• August 30 - October 12: Kansas City Renaissance Festival  |  Step back in time at the KC Renaissance Festival, a medieval-themed village home to jousting knights, thrill-seeking acrobats and beautiful maidens. Details

September, 2025

• September 1 - 7: Dancefestopia  |  A week‑long electronic dance music festival with camping, DJ sets by Subtronics, Excision, Slander, plus on‑site outdoor recreation at Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in Lacygne, KS.    Details

• September 1 - 28: Jurassic Garden  |  Explorers of all ages step into a land of dinosaurs and prehistoric plants at Powell Gardens. Details

• September 1 - October 12: Kansas City Renaissance Festival  | Step back in time at this beloved fall tradition in Bonner Springs, where you’ll find jousting knights, turkey legs, artisan markets, costumed performers, themed weekends, and festive fun for all ages. Details

• September 4 - 6: Old Settlers Days  |  A beloved community celebration in Olathe featuring a parade, carnival rides, food trucks, craft vendors, and live music in a charming historic downtown setting. Details

• September 5 - 7: KC’s Reggae Music & Jerk Festival  |  A celebration of reggae music and Caribbean jerk cuisine with live performances and food vendors.  Details

• September 5 - 7: Art Westport  |  Kansas City’s only outdoor art show exclusively for local artists, held in the heart of the historic Westport district with booths featuring painting, sculpture, jewelry, and more.  Details

• September 5 - 7: Kansas City Greek Festival  |  Hosted by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, this cultural celebration features authentic Greek food, pastries, music, dancing, and church tours.  Details

• September 13: Hedgehog Dash 5K/10K/13.1 mile  |  Whether you’re a regular runner or just in it for the hedgehog-themed shenanigans, this event is the one you won’t want to miss.  Details

• September 13 - November 2:Worlds of Fun Haunt  | Brace yourself for a screaming good time at the Midwest’s largest Halloween celebration. *Select Days  Details

• September 19 - 21:Plaza Art Fair  | This world-renowned Art festival features 240 artists, 3 live music stages and 20 featured restaurant booths.  Details

• September 20 - 21: Kansas City Home Show  |  Expo for home improvement, featuring exhibitors and inspiration, held at Bartle Hall.  Details

• September 27: Oktoberfest  |   Local Oktoberfest held across bars and venues, featuring German food, drink, and entertainment. Details

• September 27 - 28: Louisburg Ciderfest  |   Head to Louisburg Cider Mill’s annual Ciderfest to watch fresh cider being pressed, enjoy cider donuts and sweet treats, and take in live music and family-friendly activities. Details

• October 1 - November 2:Worlds of Fun Haunt  | Brace yourself for a screaming good time at the Midwest’s largest Halloween celebration. *Select Days Details

• October 3 - 4: KC Oktoberfest  |  The city’s largest Oktoberfest featuring Bavarian-style bier, food and music presented by Kansas City Bier Company. Details

• October 3 - 5: PBR Teams: Outlaw Days  |  This is your chance to witness talented bull riders going head-to-head with powerful bucking bulls to see which team can come out on top. Details

• October 4 - 5: Louisburg Ciderfest  |   Head to Louisburg Cider Mill’s annual Ciderfest to watch fresh cider being pressed, enjoy cider donuts and sweet treats, and take in live music and family-friendly activities. Details

• October 4 - 5: Weston Applefest  |  The region’s premier fall celebration, featuring an apple-themed parade, artisan vendors, live music, apple treats (yes—apple dumplings!), kids’ games, and seasonal festivities all weekend long. Details

• October 5: Chicano Arts Festival  |  A day celebrating Chicano/a/e culture with local artists, vendors, live performances, food and more. Details

• October 10 - 26: American Royal Fall Livestock Show  |  Since 1899, the American Royals has been the nation’s highest caliber livestock show. Details

• October 11: Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too  |  Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious bites and variety of beer and wine local breweries and vineyards. Details

• October 18: Garmin Kansas City Marathon  |  Don’t miss your chance to participate in KC’s largest and most exciting annual race. Details

• November 5 - 9: American Royal World Series of Barbecue  |  This legendary Kansas City event brings together top pitmasters from around the world for a weekend of fierce barbecue competition, live music, and mouthwatering eats. Details

• November 8: Union Station’s Titanic Exhibit Opens  |  Embark on an immersive journey through the true story of the Titanic, featuring over 200 artifacts, life-sized recreations, 3D visuals, and the chance to explore the ship’s legacy. Details

• November 20 - January 3: Evergy Festival of Lights  |  Wander through a botanical winter wonderland filled with thousands of sparkling lights, immersive displays, and seasonal magic just outside of the city. Details

• November 20 - 23: Holiday Boutique  |  Get into the holiday spirit with a winter wonderland of merry shopping and gift-giving. Details

• November 21 - 23: Planet Anime Kansas City  |  A two-day anime convention in Kansas City celebrating anime, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese pop culture with panels, vendors, and special guests. Details

• November 26 - December 31: Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake  |  Drive through a festive wonderland featuring over half a million lights and animated displays, perfect for creating holiday memories with family and friends. Details

• November 30 - December 27: A Christmas Carol at Kansas City Repertory Theatre  |  Experience the heartwarming holiday tale of redemption as ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future guide a miserly man on a transformative journey. Details

Check back quarterly for new events! These are also delivered to you monthly in our newsletter. Contact your favorite Thrive agent today to get added to the best list in town.