Kansas City knows how to throw a festival. From music and food to art and culture, the city is packed with can’t-miss events all year long. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new traditions or a visitor wanting to experience KC at its best, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year.
Here are the top festivals in Kansas City that you absolutely don’t want to miss.
Boulevardia – June 20-21, 2025
Kansas City’s signature beer, music, and food festival returns to the Stockyards District for another unforgettable weekend. Boulevardia is more than just a celebration of Boulevard Brewing Co. It’s a full-blown experience with live performances from national and local artists, a makers’ market, and some of the best food trucks in the region.
The festival’s signature feature is its craft beer lineup, featuring Boulevard’s best alongside breweries from across the country. Whether you’re sipping a Tank 7 in the summer sun or exploring the eco-friendly initiatives in the festival’s “Greentopia” section, Boulevardia delivers an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
Kansas City PrideFest – June 7-8, 2025
KC PrideFest is a celebration of love, identity, and inclusivity. Held at Theis Park, this event brings thousands of people together for a weekend filled with live music, drag performances, vendors, and a vibrant parade through Midtown. It’s a high-energy, welcoming space that highlights the city’s diverse and growing LGBTQ+ community.
The festival isn’t just about entertainment, it also supports local advocacy groups and provides resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. Whether you’re joining the parade or just soaking in the atmosphere, PrideFest is one of the most colorful and joyous events of the year.
KC Fringe Festival – July 17-27, 2025
For lovers of the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully creative, KC Fringe Festival is a must. This 10-day arts festival takes over multiple venues across the city, showcasing independent theater, music, dance, film, and visual arts.
Expect the unexpected. Fringe is known for experimental performances and avant-garde storytelling. Whether it’s an immersive theater piece or a jaw-dropping circus act, this festival pushes artistic boundaries and gives local creatives a stage to shine.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival – Weekends, August 30 – October 13, 2025
Step back in time and experience a world of knights, jousting, and medieval revelry at the KC Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs. This long-running tradition spans multiple weekends in the fall, drawing visitors with its elaborate costumes, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and, of course, massive turkey legs.
Each weekend has a different theme, from pirate adventures to Oktoberfest celebrations. Whether you’re cheering for a jousting champion or sipping mead while watching fire dancers, this festival is pure escapism and a family favorite.
Plaza Art Fair – September 19-21, 2025
For more than 90 years, the Plaza Art Fair has been the crown jewel of Kansas City’s arts scene. This three-day festival transforms the Country Club Plaza into an open-air gallery, featuring work from over 240 artists from around the country.
It’s not just about the art. The festival also boasts live music on multiple stages, local food vendors, and interactive experiences for all ages. With a mix of contemporary and classic styles, the Plaza Art Fair is a perfect blend of culture and community, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.
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American Royal World Series of Barbecue – September 25-28, 2025
Kansas City and barbecue go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that the world’s largest barbecue competition takes place right here. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is a legendary event where pitmasters from across the country compete for the ultimate bragging rights.
This festival isn’t just for competitors. It’s a smoky, flavor-packed weekend for anyone who loves barbecue. Expect tastings, cooking demos, live music, and family-friendly activities. If you want to experience Kansas City’s barbecue culture at its peak, this is the place to be.
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Westport Oktoberfest – September 26-27, 2025
Prost! Kansas City’s best Oktoberfest celebration takes over the streets of Westport with steins of beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian fun. Westport Oktoberfest brings the German tradition to life with authentic music, folk dancing, and, of course, plenty of craft beer from local and national breweries.
Whether you’re in it for the stein-holding contests, the lederhosen fashion, or just a great excuse to drink beer outdoors, this festival delivers. Get ready for a weekend of festive vibes and fall weather.
Holiday Reflections at Union Station – November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026
When the holiday season arrives, Union Station transforms into a winter wonderland with Holiday Reflections, a dazzling display of lights, music, and festive décor. This immersive experience includes massive Christmas trees, an ice-skating rink, holiday train rides, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
It’s one of the most magical ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re snapping photos in front of the giant ornaments or sipping hot cocoa while watching snowfall indoors, this festival brings out the childlike wonder in everyone.
Get Ready for a Year of Unforgettable Festivals
Kansas City is a festival city, and 2025 is packed with can’t-miss events. Whether you’re here for the art, the food, the beer, or the music, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendar, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience the best of KC.
Which festival are you most excited for?
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