Annual Events
Kansas City, Kansas is a city for all seasons. And that means no matter what time of year you’re here, there’s always a special event to enjoy, not to mention reasons to come back regularly! Here are a few seasonal highlights to note for your next trip.
Spring
For more than a decade, the Wyandotte County Ethnic Festival has celebrated the diversity of Wyandotte County, which includes Kansas City, Kansas as well as Bonner Springs and Edwardsville. More than 50 organizations, countries and ethnic groups are represented through booths and onstage entertainment. The festival also includes a presentation of the Legends of Diversity Award. When you go, be sure to get a souvenir program that includes a blank “passport” page so you can collect stamps at every booth you visit. Plus, stop by the food court to enjoy a delicious array of ethnic food. The festival is held in the Kansas City Kansas Community College Field House.
Start your engines, race fans! Spring marks the start of racing season at Kansas Speedway with a NASCAR Sprint Cup series race. Grab your tickets and plan to get there early to explore the Display Midway, which features driver appearances, race education, scanner rental, games and giveaways. For a truly one-of- a-kind experience, purchase the Sprint FanWalk pass on Friday or the Pre-Race Pass on Saturday for access to the infield to see teams prepare.
Summer
Summer just isn’t the same without a county fair, and the Wyandotte County fair is no exception! The fair began in 1863 (yes, we’re serious!) and continues to operate today. Enjoy a fun-filled fair agenda that includes a carnival, petting zoo, live music, livestock exhibitions, contests and much more.
For a family fun night out, take the kids for an evening of merriment and watch hometown Kansas City Monarchs baseball team in action. The Kansas City Monarchs offer affordable ticket prices, free parking, nightly promotions, skydivers and fireworks and fun between innings. Children of all ages will love the kid-sized concession stand with lower prices and a lower counter so youngsters can get their own ballpark treats during the game.
Find out why Kansas City is called the Soccer Capital of America when you catch our MLS team, Sporting Kansas City, in action at Children's Mercy Park. Whether you're a soccer fan or a sports fan in general, you'll love the energy fans bring to the match.
Fall
Huzzah! The end of summer means it’s time for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival! A favorite local tradition since 1977, the Renaissance Festival (RenFest for short) celebrates the best in medieval living. Watch jousting knights battle each other atop towering steeds or take in an enchanting live music performance. Street performers roam the festival grounds, ready to entertain at a moment’s notice. And don’t miss the marketplace, a bustling area filled with artisan-made goods, games, rides and, of course, food. Be warned: no RenFest experience is complete without gnawing on a roasted turkey leg, so come hungry! Themed weekends are held throughout the duration of the festival, so check the schedule to see what’s in store.
High-speed racing action continues in the fall at Kansas Speedway with the second NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekend. Because Kansas Speedway is located on the rolling terrain of western Wyandotte County, you might also enjoy some prime fall foliage views while you’re at the track.
Winter
The holidays are a magical time in Kansas City, Kansas The season kicks off with dual tree-lighting ceremonies: the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Kansas City, Kansas held at City Hall; and the Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony at Legends Outlets Kansas City. Both events include food, music, live entertainment, and appearances from Santa Claus.
Once the holiday season is underway, don’t miss the magical experience that is Old World Christmas at the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center. The 1887 high Victorian home, located in the heart of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood in downtown Kansas City, Kansas is transformed into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. Decorations are displayed throughout the museum, and a staff of volunteers works tirelessly for a month leading up to the event to decorate. What’s truly remarkable is that the decorations are done differently each year, so each time you return is a new experience. While you marvel at the incredible décor, don’t overlook the exhibitions throughout the museum, which celebrate the history of what was first a mansion owned by Margaret and John Scroggs, then St. John’s Orphanage. Upstairs, themed exhibits and rooms pay tribute to the rich cultural diversity of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood. No trip to the museum is complete without a stop in the tea room, which offers authentic desserts, tea and coffee.
