Fairs & Festivals Around the Kansas City Metro: 23 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 16
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!
Wyandotte County Fair
13700 Polfer Rd
Kansas City, KS
July 21st-25th
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 14th-19th
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 18-26th
The Miami County Fair is back this summer. Enjoy the Fair Royalty parade, mutton bustin’, rodeo, and more.
Platte County Fair
15730 Fairgrounds Rd
Platte City, MO
TBD
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.
Gardner, KS 66030
July 24th-August 1st
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
TBA
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 13th-23rd
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 21st-23rd
This is one event that never disappoints. Check back soon for more details!
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
633 N 130th Street
Bonner Springs, KS 66012
September 5th- October 18th
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.
Kansas State Fair
2000 N Poplar St
Hutchinson, KS
September 11th-20th
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
TBA
The Grain Valley Fair is gearing up for 2026! There will be great vendors, music, food and more.
Jesse James Festival
Jesse James Park
3001 N. Hwy 33
Kearney, MO
September 12th, 18th-20th 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 County Fair
Downtown Higginsville Higginsville, MO
TBA
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
TBA
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 25th-27th
There are vendors, live music, and fun activities for the whole family! Celebrate 49 years with your family and friends.
Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts Crafts & Music
8010 E. Park Road
Lees’ Summit, MO 64081
October 3rd-4th
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 28th-August 1st
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
Stay tuned for more details!
Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival
1000 W. Main Street
Blue Springs, MO 64015
September 18th-20th
St. Luke’s East Hospital is hosting the Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival, where this year’s theme is “Around the World”. 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!
Old Shawnee Days
11501 W. 57th Street
Shawnee, KS
June 4th-7th
Kick off the summer and festival season at Old Shawnee Days. This annual event is full of family fun, music, food and more.
Smithville Lake Festival
June 19th-20th
Enjoy live music, yummy food, local vendors and more during this huge event.
SantaCaliGon Days Festival
112 W Lexington Ave
Independence, MO
September 4th-7th
The annual SantaCaliGon Days are a huge hit for families. There is live music, great food, and entertainment.
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
