Fairs & Festivals Around the Kansas City Metro: 21 Best Family Favorites

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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

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

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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

 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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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 

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

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

The Grain Valley Fair is gearing up for 2024! There will be great vendors, music, food and more.

Jesse James Festival

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

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

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

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

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.

Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival

1000 W. Main Street
Blue Springs, MO 64015

September 20-22nd

St. Luke’s East Hospital is hosting the Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival, where this year’s theme is “Once Upon a Time”. Admission is FREE for all, so bring your friends and family to enjoy a day filled with exciting festivities! Come and witness the vibrant parade, explore a variety of unique handmade crafts and vendor booths, experience the thrill of carnival rides, enjoy live music and performances on two lively stages, savor delicious festival food, admire classic cars at the car show, and participate in all the fun activities we have planned for you!

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:

Bike Trails Guide

Hiking with Kids

Best Places to Fish Near KC

Complete Guide to Float Trips Near KC

Guide to Cabins Near KC

Be sure to also check out our Outdoor Guides, and Summer Camps Guide too!

From our family to yours, iFamilyKC