10 Things to Do in Kansas City This Weekend: September 18–20, 2026
Kansas City is having one of those weekends where picking just one plan feels a little unfair. There are free festivals, art markets, vintage finds, independent films, family outings, a Renaissance fair, and the final chance to catch Come From Away. These Things to do in Kansas City offer weekend activities for nearly every interest.
These weekend plans stretch across Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City, Kansas, Blue Springs, Kearney, Shawnee, Lawrence, and Bonner Springs. Sports fans can balance festival plans with watching the Kansas City Chiefs. Keep the Kansas City events calendar handy, then confirm weather plans, parking, tickets, and admission rules before you leave.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas City’s September 18–20 weekend includes free festivals, independent films, art markets, vintage shopping, family activities, and live theater.
- Several events are Saturday-only, including the Deaf Cultural Festival, Hallmarket, KC Vintage Flea Market, and Friends of Shawnee Town Arts and Crafts Fair.
- The Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival, Kansas City FilmFest International, Kansas City Renaissance Festival, and Come From Away offer multiple chances to attend throughout the weekend.
- Outdoor plans should include a weather check, while theater and Renaissance festival tickets, parking, shuttle details, and showtimes should be confirmed in advance.
- Consider grouping nearby stops, such as Crown Center, the Nelson-Atkins, and Spencer Theatre, and leave time for barbecue, coffee, or a neighborhood happy hour.
Things to Do in Kansas City This Weekend, September 18 to 20, 2026
Fall festivals are showing off, with top regional gatherings kicking off the weekend. These family friendly festivals offer solid Friday-through-Sunday options.
Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival
The 57th annual Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival takes over downtown Blue Springs, at 1000 W. Main St., Blue Springs, Missouri. Admission is free, with more than 200 vendor booths, carnival rides, festival food, live entertainment, a community stage, youth market, and Beer Garden. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Don’t miss Saturday’s 10 a.m. parade, plus the Sunday Dog Garden and car show. Friday and Saturday shuttles are available. View the Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival schedule.
Kansas City FilmFest International
Kansas City FilmFest International celebrates its 30th year at AMC Ward Parkway 14, 8600 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri, September 18 through 20. It’s a good pick when you want a weekend plan with more story behind it, not just another night at the movies. The festival brings independent films and filmmakers to KC. Check film times, ticket prices, receptions, panels, and seating before heading over. See the Kansas City FilmFest International schedule.
Festivals, culture, and local history
If you like a weekend where a parade, a museum visit, and a rodeo are all possible, these fall festivals offer plenty of variety. The fall festivals across the metro also highlight local history, culture, and outdoor fun.
Jesse James Festival in Kearney
The Jesse James Festival returns to Jesse James Park in Kearney, Missouri, for its 55th year. Friday includes line dancing at 6:30 p.m. and a DJ from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday’s schedule lists a 10 a.m. parade and Arts and Crafts Alley from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday’s plans include a car show and rodeo programming. Some activities may be free, while others can require admission or registration, so view the complete Jesse James Festival schedule before making the drive.
Deaf Cultural Festival at the Nelson-Atkins
The free Deaf Cultural Festival is Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Missouri. The festival centers Deaf and hard-of-hearing art, history, identity, and community experiences. The organizer’s page has the latest information on programming and accessibility services, including interpretation and captioning details. Learn more about the Deaf Cultural Festival.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival brings knights, costumes, comedy, artisan shops, themed food, and giant turkey legs to Bonner Springs. This open-air event is one of the area’s popular outdoor attractions, at 633 N. 130th St. This weekend’s dates are September 19 and 20, with gates open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are required. The season continues through October 18, so check special weekend programming and ticket options before you go. Purchase Kansas City Renaissance Festival tickets.
Art markets and treasure hunting
Saturday is packed with places to browse, snack, and bring home something unexpected. Along with local Saturday morning farmers markets, these craft-focused events offer plenty to explore.
Hallmarket: A Hallmark Art Festival
Hallmarket is advertised as a free, rain-or-shine Saturday event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crown Center Square, near 25th Street and Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri. The listing includes Hallmark artists, original art, jewelry, textiles, pottery, live music, food, and drinks. Get details about Hallmarket before heading downtown.
KC Vintage Flea Market
Vintage clothing, accessories, collectibles, local makers, small businesses, and food trucks are the draw at the KC Vintage Flea Market. It’s advertised for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Zhou B Art Center, 1801 East 18th St., Kansas City, Missouri. Learn more about the KC Vintage Flea Market, especially if you want the latest vendor and admission details.
Friends of Shawnee Town Arts and Crafts Fair
Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, Kansas, is slated to host this family-friendly fair Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoppers from nearby Johnson County hubs, including Overland Park, can browse handmade goods and artwork from local and regional makers. The listing notes a suggested $1 donation supporting Friends of Shawnee Town. Arrive early for the best selection, and find more information from the City of Shawnee.
A Lawrence art day and KC Rep’s final curtain
These two plans work nicely for people who want an easy daytime outing or a memorable night at the theater.
Art in the Park in Lawrence
More than 125 artists are expected for Art in the Park at South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas. The advertised hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with fine art, handmade goods, live music, and food near Lawrence’s Massachusetts Street entertainment district. Give yourself extra travel time and check parking before you go. Plan your visit to Art in the Park.
Come From Away at KC Rep
This is the final weekend to see KC Rep’s Come From Away at Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Missouri. The uplifting musical follows airline passengers welcomed by a Newfoundland community after the September 11 attacks. Consider an early happy hour near Spencer Theatre or in Country Club Plaza before the curtain call. KC Rep’s run ends September 20, so reserve seats soon and confirm the exact Friday, Saturday, or Sunday showtime before making dinner plans. Get tickets for Come From Away.
How to plan your Kansas City weekend
Several plans are Saturday-only, while Blue Springs, FilmFest, the Bonner Springs faire, and Come From Away give you more than one shot. Build your weekend itinerary around nearby stops when you can. Crown Center, the Nelson-Atkins, Spencer Theatre, and the Kansas City Zoo are easier to pair than Lawrence and Blue Springs on the same afternoon.
Outdoor plans need a weather check, and Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and other sporting events can affect stadium traffic and scheduling. Crossing between Missouri and Kansas also takes longer than it looks on a quick map glance. Buy theater and renaissance fair tickets early, then check parking and shuttle notes the morning of. For more ideas, browse our Kansas City weekend guide and Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter for the next round of local plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Kansas City this weekend?
The Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival, Deaf Cultural Festival, and Hallmarket are all advertised as free events. Friends of Shawnee Town Arts and Crafts Fair suggests a $1 donation, so check each organizer’s website for the latest admission details.
What festivals are happening in Kansas City September 18–20, 2026?
Fall festival options include the Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival, Jesse James Festival, Kansas City Renaissance Festival, and Deaf Cultural Festival. Each offers a different mix of entertainment, including parades, live music, arts and crafts, history, food, and family activities.
What can I do in Kansas City on Saturday?
Saturday options include Art in the Park in Lawrence, Hallmarket, the KC Vintage Flea Market, Friends of Shawnee Town Arts and Crafts Fair, the Deaf Cultural Festival, and the Renaissance Festival. You can also attend Kansas City FilmFest International or see Come From Away if you prefer movies or theater.
Is Come From Away still playing in Kansas City this weekend?
Yes, September 18–20 is the final weekend of KC Rep’s Come From Away at Spencer Theatre. Check the exact showtime and reserve seats before making dinner or transportation plans.
Should I buy tickets or check details before visiting these events?
Yes. Confirm admission rules, ticket availability, parking, shuttle schedules, weather plans, and event times with the organizer before leaving, especially for the Renaissance Festival, KC Rep, FilmFest, and outdoor events.
Make it a good KC weekend
Kansas City has something here for festival fans, art shoppers, movie lovers, families, culture seekers, theater people, and Kansas City Chiefs fans. The best move is choosing one or two events, then leaving room for barbecue, coffee, local dining, or a neighborhood happy hour. You could also catch a Kansas City Royals game, then discuss the Kansas City Royals over a second happy hour nearby.
Which event are you planning to attend? Check each organizer’s website once more before you head out, because a loose plan works well for Sunday game-day viewing with Kansas City Chiefs fans or watching the Kansas City Chiefs at home.
