Fairs & Festivals Around the Kansas City Metro: 21 Best Family Favorites
Grab the kiddos and head to the nearest corn dog stand… it’s fair time around the metro! We found the best county fairs and festivals near you. Which are your favorites?
We all know that county fairs serve up some yummy food and exciting rides, but county fairs are also a great way to support local shops and vendors, create memories and enjoy some quality time with the family.
So, now that summer is approaching, mark your calendars for one (or more) of these state fairs or county fairs near you. Be sure to also check out our Guide to Things to Do in KC and our Events Calendar that’s updated daily!
The Best County Fairs & Festivals Near Us:
Merriam Turkey Creek Festival
Antioch Park
6501 Antioch Road, Mission, KS 66202
May 18, 2024
Looking for a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family? Look no further than the Turkey Creek Festival – an annual tradition that’s not to be missed! This really is one of the absolute favorite fairs and festivals each year! From free kids’ activities to live music and arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone at this exciting event. And if you’re feeling active, why not sign up for the 5k walk/run? With food trucks on hand to satisfy your cravings, you won’t want to miss a single moment of this jam-packed festival! So come on down and join in the festivities!
Downtown Days Festival, Lee’s Summit
SE Main and SE 3rd
Lee’s Summit, MO
June 7th-9th
This 3-day family festival is located in downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy kid-friendly carnival, live entertainment, and of course all the yummy local food.
Boulevardia
Grand Blvd at Crown Center
June 14th & 15th
This local street fair is open for the entire family to enjoy. There will be tons of food, live music, and a spectacular bottomless brunch. This fair is more than a celebration of local beers and breweries, it’s an experience for the whole family. The best part is, kids 12 and under are FREE.
Frontier Days in Edgerton, KS
TBA
Step right up, folks! Every year, the lively community of Edgerton, Kansas throws a rip-roaring celebration that’ll knock your boots off! It’s none other than their beloved Frontier Days, a tradition that’s been uniting this town since way back in ’71.
From the exhilarating carnival rides to the expertly-crafted handicrafts, this festival has something for everyone. Sports fans can enjoy the action, while music lovers can tap their toes to the sweet sounds of local musicians. And don’t forget the grand parade, where floats bedecked in vibrant colors wind their way through town, accompanied by the lively beat of marching bands.
So come on down and join the fun! The spirit of the frontier is alive and well in Edgerton, and you won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable celebration of community and heritage.
Wyandotte County Fair
13700 Polfer Rd
Kansas City, KS
July 16th- July 20th
The Wyandotte County Fair is full of food, fun, and festival fun. Enjoy the vintage car shows, marketplace, carnival rides, and other fun fair attractions. This yearly county fair is a personal favorite. The whole family loves visiting each year.
Cass County Fair
308 W. Commercial
Pleasant Hill, MO
July 16th – 21st
This week-long fair is a fun place for kids and adults of all ages! There will be camping all week, a rodeo, auction, games, motocross, and ATV races, food, rides & tons of fun!
Miami County Fair
401 E. Wallace Park Dr
Paola, KS
July 20th-July 28th
The Miami County Fair is back this summer. Enjoy the Fair Royalty parade, mutton bustin’, rodeo, and more. This year they will host a project and livestock auctions Friday, July 26th.
Platte County Fair
15730 Fairgrounds Rd
Platte City, MO
July 24th-27th
This festival has been going on since 1863! It’s a giant state fair with entertainment, food, vendors, rides & everything in between. This year, catch the rodeo, derby, and truck pull. There will also be a petting zoo!
Johnson County, Kansas Fair
136 E Washington St.
Gardener, KS 66030
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The Johnson County Fair in Kansas is one you don’t want to miss. Enjoy all the fun that a county fair has to offer including delicious fair food and entertainment.
Douglas County Fair
2110 Harper St
Lawrence, KS
July 29th- August 3rd
The Douglas County Fair will feature a variety of performers at the county fair this year. There will also be 4 H exhibits, fair food, and fun for all.
Missouri State Fair
2503 W 16th Street
Sedalia, MO.
August 8th – 18th
The Missouri State Fair is one of the biggest state fairs. From livestock shows, carnival rides, tractor pulls live entertainment, fun stuff just for kids, and all the cotton candy you can take.
Parkville Days
Downtown Parkville
100 Main Street
Parkville, MO
August 23rd – 25th
This free family festival features live music, a parade, local retailers and food vendors plus a carnival. Enjoy the last days of summer at this special festival.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
633 N 130th Street
Bonner Springs, KS 66012
August 31st – October 14th
KC Ren Fest is back again this year! Come enjoy a turkey leg, jousting, rides & everything we love about the festival! The Ren Fest is open Saturday and Sunday as well as Labor Day and Discovery Day (October 9th).
Kansas State Fair
2000 N Poplar St
Hutchinson, KS
September 6th-15th
The Kansas State Fair will be open and ready to kick off the new season in September. Enjoy live concerts, 4 H exhibits and shows, fair food, and a carnival that will please everyone.
Grain Valley Fair
713 South Main St
Grain Valley, MO
September 6th-7th
The Grain Valley Fair is gearing up for 2024! There will be great vendors, music, food and more.
Jesse James Festival
Jesse James Park
3001 N. Hwy 33
Kearney, MO
September 13th-14th, 20th-22nd
This annual event is located at Jesse James Park in Kearney MO. There will be great food, entertainment, a parade and so much more. Check out the full schedule here.
Higginsville Country Fair
Downtown Higginsville Higginsville, MO
September 14th-21st
This county fair includes art exhibits, a kid’s playground, pageants, parades, contests, local vendors, a rodeo, and more.
Plaza Art Fair
The Country Club Plaza
Kansas City, MO
September 20th-22nd
If you’re an art lover, one of KC’s most popular festivals is for you. There are hundreds of artists that set up tents throughout the streets of the Plaza. You don’t want to miss this!
Liberty Fall Festival
Liberty Square
Liberty, MO
September 27th-29th
There are vendors, live music, and fun activities for the whole family! Celebrate 46 years with your family and friends.
Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts Crafts & Music
8010 E. Park Road
Lees’ Summit, MO 64081
October 5th-6th
This is a tradition in KC to experience the history of our area. “Skilled interpreters, crafters, and artisans will bring this antebellum living history site to life with period music, dance, games, crafts, a fun‑filled hay wagon ride, and delicious foods,” according to their website.
Leavenworth County Fair
405 W. 4th St.
Tonganoxie, KS
July 30th-August 3rd
Come to the fair and enjoy the fair parade, rodeo, 4H shows, kids’ pedal tractor pull, mutton busting, mini-bull riding, draft horse pull, carnival rides, games, and concessions on the midway. Plus much more!
Johnson Couty (MO) Fair
386 NW 145th Rd
Warrensburg, MO
July 9th-12th
The Johnson County Fair in Missouri will have exhibits, 4-H and livestock shows and a Miss & Mr. Pageant. Stay tuned for even more information.
Now that you know where the best county fairs and festivals are happening near you this year, grab the family and head out to one! Remember to check fair websites for information regarding weather changes, parking, free or paid admissions, music schedules, and other questions regarding the fair.
We hope to see you out and about at one of these county fairs and festivals! Do you know of something we should add to our Guide to County Fairs & Festivals in KC? EMAIL us the scoop!
Be sure to check out these resources for more outdoor fun in and around KC too:
Complete Guide to Float Trips Near KC
Be sure to also check out our Outdoor Guides, and Summer Camps Guide too!
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
