Things to Do in Kansas City This Weekend: October 2–4, 2026
Apple dumplings, cider doughnuts, live music, and a little fall adventure—October is starting with plenty to do around Kansas City! 🍎🍂 Here are 11 weekend events, followed by pumpkin patch and apple orchard ideas to help you plan your outing.
All times are Central. Check the linked event pages before heading out for weather updates, tickets, and schedule changes.
1. KC Oktoberfest at Crown Center 🍻 — My Weekend Pick!
Bring your friends and celebrate fall with German-style beer, Bavarian food, live entertainment, games, and family activities. KC Bier Co.’s Oktoberfest brings a taste of Munich to Crown Center for two days of festive fun.
When: Friday, October 2, 5–11 p.m.; Saturday, October 3, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Where: Crown Center Square, 2450 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO
Details and tickets: KC Oktoberfest
2. Weston Applefest 🍎
Spend the day exploring downtown Weston, shopping arts and crafts vendors, listening to live music, and enjoying apple treats. Apple dumplings and apple butter demonstrations make this a sweet way to welcome October. Saturday’s apple-themed parade begins at 10 a.m.
When: Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, October 4, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Historic downtown Weston, along Main Street, Weston, MO
Admission: Free
Details: Weston Applefest
3. Gladfest 🎡
Enjoy a community fall festival with carnival rides, vendors, live music, and a Saturday morning parade. Friday and Saturday offer the full festival experience; Sunday is carnival only.
When: Friday, October 2, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sunday, October 4, noon–4 p.m., carnival only
Where: Downtown Gladstone, around 70th Street and N. Holmes Street and Linden Square, Gladstone, MO
Admission: Free festival admission; carnival rides cost extra
Details: Gladfest
4. Louisburg Cider Mill Ciderfest 🍩
Fresh apple cider and warm cider doughnuts? Yes, please! Ciderfest also features bluegrass music, craft vendors, festival food, and activities for kids. Start early for the Lions Club pancake breakfast, served from 8–11 a.m. each day.
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 3–4, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K-68 Highway, Louisburg, KS
Admission: Free admission and parking; breakfast, purchases, some activities, and the Family Farm cost extra
Details: Louisburg Ciderfest
5. Merriam Drive Live 🎶
Pack a lawn chair or blanket for an afternoon of free live music at Merriam Marketplace. The lineup includes Surfin’ Safari, The Original Silver Bullet, The Punching Pandas, and The Suburbans. Food trucks, yard games, face painting, and balloon art round out the outing.
When: Saturday, October 3, 2–8 p.m.
Where: Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS
Admission: Free
Details: Merriam Drive Live
6. Missouri Town’s 50th Annual Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music 🍂
Step into an autumn celebration inspired by life in the mid-1800s. Explore historic buildings, watch artisans demonstrate traditional skills, and enjoy food, music, games, and family-friendly vendors.
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 3–4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Missouri Town Living History Museum, 8010 East Park Road, Lee’s Summit, MO
Admission: $15 per car; $25 per van or bus
Details: Missouri Town Fall Festival
7. Vintage Market Days of Kansas City 🛍️
Browse antiques, original art, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, and home décor at this indoor market in the West Bottoms. Food and live music make it easy to turn your shopping trip into a weekend outing.
When: Friday and Saturday, October 2–3, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: American Royal Association, 1701 American Royal Court, Kansas City, MO
Details and tickets: Vintage Market Days
8. Crossroads First Fridays 🎨
Kick off the weekend with local art, galleries, creative businesses, vendors, and the lively atmosphere of the Crossroads. Make an evening of it with dinner and a stroll through the district.
When: Friday, October 2, approximat