Need Labor Day weekend plans? Here’s your guide to Kansas City’s three big festivals
From the historic Independence Square to Crown Center to western Wyandotte County, the Kansas City area will be a Labor Day weekend playground.
Three festivals that have become end-of-summer holiday traditions will return: SantaCaliGon Days, the Kansas City Irish Fest and the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.
SantaCaliGon Days, celebrating the starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails, has been around the longest and attracts the most visitors. The free event in Independence dates to 1940, although it didn’t become an annual event until 1973. It draws more than 300,000 people over four days.
The Renaissance Festival, which will run for the next seven weekends in Bonner Springs, began in 1977 as a benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute. It has become one of the largest renaissance fairs in the United States, with an annual attendance of about 200,000.
The Irish Fest, founded in 2003 as a merging of the Brookside and Westport Irish fests, draws about 75,000 people each year to Kansas City’s Crown Center.
Here’s what you need to know about KC’s three big Labor Day events:
SantaCaliGon Days Festival
What fun stuff can I expect?
The big draws are the hundreds of vendors, two stages of live entertainment (main-stage acts are heavy on tribute bands and country music) and a carnival. This year, the Budweiser Clydesdales will visit for one night only, 5-7 p.m. Friday.
When and where can I go?
Noon-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday. It’s on the Independence Square in Independence, from Osage to Memorial Drive, between Truman and Walnut streets.
What does it cost?
It’s free to go. Wristband or tickets required to enter the carnival area.
Where can I park?
On surrounding streets. Also, free parking is available at the Community of Christ Auditorium parking lot at 1001 W. Walnut. Shuttles to the festival grounds will run every 15 minutes and cost $1 per person. Handicap accessible shuttles will be available.
Other things to know
▪ Not allowed: smoking, weapons, animals, cycling, skateboarding.
▪ Alcohol purchased at the beer gardens may be carried around the grounds but not in the carnival area or vendor tents.
▪ The carnival area will be fenced, with access at Kansas and Liberty.
You can get more information at santacaligon.com.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
What fun stuff can I expect?
In addition to hundreds of artisans, the festival features multiple bars and food venues, jousting several times daily, Daily Royal Events (including Captain’s Rum Raid, Royal Romance Package, Fairy Time Treats and the Hawk Walk) and theme weekends, starting with High Seas Adventure from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.
When and where will it run?
10 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends Aug. 31-Oct. 13, plus Sept. 2 and Oct. 14 (closes at 5 p.m. on Oct. 14) in Bonner Springs, southeast of Azura Amphitheater. The main entrance is on 130th Street, between State Avenue and Kansas 7.
What does it cost?
Admission is $25.95 ($21.95 online) for adults and $16.95 ($13.50 online) for ages 5-12; also $23.95 for 65 and over and $21.95 for military; children 4 and under are free. Season passes are $100 for adults and $65 for ages 5-12. Special passes are $180-$255.
Where can I park?
The festival shares parking lots with Azura Amphitheater. They are west of the grounds, off 130th Street.
Other things to know
▪ Dogs are allowed, but registration is required and the cost is $10.
▪ Bringing cash is recommended; several ATMs will be available.
▪ Costumes are encouraged, not required.
▪ Plastic, cardboard and wood replica weapons with no sharp edges are allowed. Firearms are banned.
▪ Disabled-accessible parking and portable toilets are provided, but the uneven ground and possible muddy surfaces might be difficult to maneuver in a wheelchair.
You can get more information at kcrenfest.com.
Kansas City Irish Fest
What fun stuff can I expect?
Seven stages will feature more than 150 acts, including the California Celtic group Gaelic Storm, a new quartet called Gadan and the popular local bands The Elders and Flannigan’s Right Hook. There’s also art displays, vendors, loads of children’s entertainment, a culture tent, demonstrations and more.
One planned event at the festival, the Irish Breakfast Sunday, was canceled after the death of local chef Shaun Brady this week outside his Brookside restaurant.
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When and where will it run?
5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at Crown Center Square and Washington Park.
What does it cost?
Daily passes are $25 for adults and $8 for children 3-11 (Friday); $30 and $8 (Saturday or Sunday). Weekend passes are available for $75. Additional fees apply for the comedy club, whiskey tastings, and other special events.
Where can I park?
Free parking for all three days is available in the Crown Center garages.
Other things to know
▪ The festival goes cashless this year. You’ll need a debit card, credit card or digital wallet to make purchases.
▪ There will be bag checks at all entrances. No weapons or fireworks will be allowed.
▪ Water bottles will be allowed — if they’re empty. Water fill-up stations will be located on Grand Boulevard and in Washington Square Park.
You can get more information at kcirishfest.com.
This story was originally published August 28, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
