We love fall, but we’ll admit it: The weather to start it off was a real bummer. If all that gray beat you down, we feel you. But luckily, your city is hard at work to bring your mood above the clouds. Kansas City: a metropolitan happy lamp!
Here’s what KC has in store for you this weekend.
Oktoberfests
Various dates
With an Oktoberfest beer in hand, dreary surroundings become a fleece hug. If you’re a fan of beer, brats, or general German merriment, you have two great options this weekend. And they’re free!
Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest lasts all weekend in downtown Lee’s Summit. There’ll be a stein hoisting contest, a wagon parade, carnival rides, and, of course, a Biergarten. Friday and Saturday will have wall-to-wall live entertainment.
For a big city vibe, head to KC Live! in Power & Light for Oktoberfest Live! It’s from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Bratwursts, beer, and a lot more fun is in store. You can purchase food and drink packages that land you steins, brats, and more. And if you want, race your dachshund in the wiener dog race.
Fall festivals
Various dates
Fall festivals are a great way to embrace the season—and let it embrace you. This weekend’s full of ‘em.
Here are the ones we found:
- Sept. 27-29: Overland Park Fall Festival
- Sept. 27-29: Liberty Fall Festival
- Sept. 28: Parkville Fall Fest
- Sept. 28-29: Fall Festival at KC Pumpkin Patch (Weekend 1)
- Sept. 28-29: Louisburg Ciderfest (Weekend 1)
Each has its own vibe. The Parkville Fall Fest, for example, is a Strawberry Swing event that spotlights local artisans. Liberty’s festival is a massive celebration with parades and a carnival. Louisburg Ciderfest worships at the altar of the apple.
Westport Cornhole Tournament
Sept. 28
Feeling competitive? Just want to feel like it’s still summer? Head to Westport to compete in this all-levels cornhole tournament. The top three teams will get trophies, cash prizes from $250 to $1,000, and bragging rights. There’ll be food, drinks, and those sweet Westport vibes. Register here, and check in at 9 a.m. on the day.
Night at the Tower
Sept. 28
Want to go to a gala?
Night at the Tower, the National WWI Museum & Memorial’s annual fundraising gala, is held at the base of Liberty Memorial Tower and in the depths of the museum. There’s food, music, auctions, and dancing. At $200, tickets aren’t cheap, but they go directly to helping this Kansas City gem grow.
If you can’t swing it, you can donate to the museum in several other ways.