Not all festivals, or Fall Festivals, are created equal. These three stand above as excellent choices for the whole family when you’re wondering what to do on a Kansas City weekend in the next couple months. I know you want to take in what the city has to offer, but in a curated fashion thank-you-very-much. We all love a good recommendation.
For families who love a little history mixed into their fall fun, the Missouri Town Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music offers something different from the typical carnival-style festival. Families can enjoy wagon rides, historical reenactments, traditional crafts, live music, and local artisans while exploring Missouri Town Living History Museum. The backdrop is woods and fields and early settlement vibes. It is a smaller, more distinctive event and an especially good choice if you want your Fall outing to include a little hands-on learning along the way. PERFECT for families, and my personal top pick, the 2026 festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th. Enjoy some kettle corn, watch the blacksmith, and stroll country lanes with the family. This year’s the 50th annual! No time like the present.
More INFO on Missouri Town Festival
The Overland Park Fall Festival is a great option to stay closer to the city and enjoy a little more art, shopping and local community flavor. Held in downtown Overland Park (a great visit on any day!), the festival includes artisan vendors, live entertainment, food and activities for children, giving families plenty to explore without centering the entire experience around carnival rides. It is an easy fall outing for browsing local makers, grabbing something good to eat and enjoying a day outside together. Be sure to stop in Penzey’s Spices if you haven’t, and you might even start your Christmas shopping early at 10,000 Villages, a delightful fairtrade shop filled with unique offerings.
More INFO on Overland Park Fall Festival
Apple season and historic downtown Weston make an unstoppable combination at Weston Applefest. No, I’m not exaggerating. Weston has long been one of my favorite little towns near KC, charming as all get out. This annual festival fills the downtown streets with arts and crafts, food, vendors and family activities, all centered around one of fall’s best themes: apples. Be sure to stop into the shops! There’s a lovely Italian store, one shop full to the brim of all things yarn and trimmings, and of course Holladay on Main to pick up your local Irish cream for the holidays. I could go on and on, because The Farmer’s House (incredible community mission!) and Green Dirt Farm Creamery (get your sheep’s cheese here!) are worthy visits. Make a full day of it and get yourself out to pick some apples at the Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard where you’ll enjoy sweeping views (yes, I said it because I’ve seen them!) of the countryside.
You can always finding interesting festivals around the city, but these three picks are my TOP choices for enjoying the Fall in family friendly environments. Go have some fun! Family connections are where it’s at for me. When you’re ready to have them photographed, I’m here for it!
