Fall is perhaps the best time of year in Kansas City with cooler temperatures, family-friendly festivals and, of course, football.
But even among the timeless traditions of autumn, there are always new experiences to look forward to in Kansas City.
Here’s what’s happening this fall in Kansas City.
Labor Day Weekend
Soak in the last few days of summer as the Kansas City-area hosts a variety of noteworthy events this Labor Day weekend.
Kansas City Irish Fest – Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Say “sláinte” as the Kansas City Irish Fest makes its return to Crown Center. Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of Ireland with multiple stages of exciting music and dance, menus of traditional Irish and Scottish dining, a vast range of cultural activities and programs that cater to the entire family.
Santa-Cali-Gon Days – Aug. 30-Sept. 2
In Independence, the Santa-Cali-Gon Days festival returns for a weekend of historically inspired entertainment. Live music, demonstrations of life in 1849 and family friendly attractions offer a full weekend of festivities and fun.
Kansas City Royals – Monday, Sept. 2
With the race for the playoffs officially on, baseball fans can cheer on the boys in blue as the Kansas City Royals start a three-game series vs division rivals, the Cleveland Guardians on Labor Day.
Glass Animals – Saturday, Aug. 31
Rock band Glass Animals will bring its 2024 international tour to Bonner Springs’ Azura Amphitheater for an amped-up outdoor show.
Primetime Sports
Chiefs NFL Kickoff – Thursday, Sept. 5
For many, fall in Kansas City means one thing: football. Ready to defend their championship, thousands of football fanatics will pack GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium as the Kansas City Chiefs kick off the NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens.
NWSL Championship – Saturday, Nov. 23
CPKC Stadium, the world’s first stadium purposely built for a women’s professional sports team, will host the 2024 NWSL Championship this fall. The league’s top two teams will compete for the title at Kansas City’s history-making venue.
Arkansas vs Illinois – Thursday, Nov. 28
Broadcasted nationwide, this Power 5 primetime matchup will see the Razorbacks take on the Fighting Illini men’s basketball team at T-Mobile Center on Thanksgiving Day.
Top Events
Kansas City Renaissance Festival – Aug. 31-Oct. 14
Step back in time as the Kansas City Renaissance Festival returns for another thrilling year. This medieval-themed village is home to jousting knights, thrilling acrobats and beautiful maidens.
Plaza Art Fair – Sept. 20-22
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, food and drinks from a variety of KC restaurants and much more.
American Royal World Series of Barbecue – Oct. 30-Nov. 3
The famous American Royal World Series of Barbecue continues to ignite tastebuds at Kansas Speedway. It’s the largest barbecue contest in the world, but the best part: It’s also one big party with over 400,000 visitors, live music, cold drinks and plenty of BBQ samples to try.
Hallmark Christmas Experience – Weekends Nov. 29-Dec. 23
The highly anticipated Hallmark Christmas Experience comes to Kansas City this holiday season. Guests can enjoy Crown Center classics like nightly tree lightings, photo ops, shopping and ice skating. Adding to the holiday magic, Hallmark movie stars will be in attendance every weekend for meet-and-greets as well as other festive events like craft sessions, delicious dining and a seasonal pop-up bar.
Haunted Horrors
Each October, thousands flock to Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms for a visit to its infamous selection of haunted houses. In fact, Kansas City’s The Beast is widely considered among the best in the nation. This open format haunt keeps visitors wandering amid threats of werewolves, phantoms and voodoo.
The nearby Edge of Hell has been scaring visitors for nearly 50 years. Brave souls forge their path from heaven to hell with all the frights that follow, including the infamous Rath Man. Over at Macabre Cinema, guests are immersed into the spooky scenes of classic and contemporary horror films.
Looking for more terrifying trips for thrill-seekers across the KC area? Worlds of Fun becomes Worlds of Fright when the sun goes down thanks to Halloween Haunt, one of KC’s most fearful fall traditions. This family-friendly theme park transforms into one of the scariest destinations in town—all for one admission.
Just across the state line is Exiled, one of KC’s scariest—and most secluded—haunted attractions. Known as the area’s only haunted forest tour, visitors are tasked with navigating their way to safety after being left alone in the middle of the woods while avoiding a whole host of creeps, freaks and more.
Restaurant Openings
Kon Tiki Room – Opening this fall
This new Crossroads bar is putting a fresh take on a Polynesian classic. Those looking for those island vibes can still find tropical décor and mellow island music, but don’t miss the modern cocktails and energetic atmosphere of Kon Tiki Room.
Harp Barbecue – Opening this Sept.
One of Kansas City’s top barbecue restaurants, Harp Barbecue will make the move from its original location in Raytown, Missouri, to bustling Overland Park, Kansas. Still offering the same mouthwatering menu, the new location will be slightly larger and offer a patio for outdoor dining.
Songbird Cocktail Lounge – Opening this Sept.
James Beard Award-nominated chef Michael Corvino is transforming part of his popular Corvino Supper Club and Tasting Room into an upscale cocktail lounge. Guests will find craft cocktails, including non-alcoholic options, with a small plate menu.
Hank’s Garage and Grill – Opening 2024
The creators of two Crossroads hotspots are headed to the suburbs, where they’re giving an old auto shop new life with Hank’s Garage and Grill in downtown Shawnee, Kansas. Diners can enjoy elevated bar fare, draft beer, cocktails and vintage auto vibes.
Restaurant Row – Opening this fall
Four new restaurants are coming to the exciting Restaurant Row development near the busy Lenexa City Center. Local favorites Zhoug Mediterranean, Enjoy Pure Food + Drink, and Cactus Grill TexMex & Tequila are set to open new locations this fall with popular Southern restaurant Tupelo Honey arriving in early 2025.