It’s Oktoberfest time in Kansas City. What to know about the area’s biggest festivals
You might think something called Oktoberfest would be celebrated in October.
But, no, the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, has been a mostly late-September affair for more than 200 years — primarily to take advantage of the warmer weather. This year’s Oktoberfest in Munich began Sept. 21 and runs through Oct. 6.
In keeping with that tradition, the Kansas City area’s three major Oktoberfest celebrations fall within those 16 days.
The first — and best-attended of the bunch — is Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest, with more than 100,000 attendees expected the weekend of Sept. 27. Also on tap that weekend is Oktoberfest Live! at the KC Live! block in the Power & Light District. KC Oktoberfest will run Oct. 4-5 in Crown Center Square.
Here’s what you need to know about all three celebrations.
Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest
When? Hours will be 3-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. The carnival only will operate noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.
Where? Activities are throughout downtown Lee’s Summit. The arts and crafts will be on Third Street, Southeast Main Street and Douglas Street. The Main Stage will be at Third and Green streets, and the carnival between Market and Southwest Main streets.
What are the activities? Arts and crafts booths, beer and brat tents, live entertainment, a carnival and a kids street are among the attractions.
How much does it cost? The festival, including all entertainment, is free. Carnival rides are $3 or $4, with wristbands for extended sessions available for $25 or $30.
Where can I park? Free parking is available on lots throughout downtown.
Other things to know
▪ Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner train from Union Station stops right in the heart of the festival.
▪ Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds.
▪ The carnival is cash only.
More information: lsoktoberfest.com
Oktoberfest Live!
When? Hours will be 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Where will it be held? The event will take place the KC Live! block in the heart of the downtown Power & Light District.
What are some of the activities? In addition to buying food and seasonal beer, attendees can enjoy wiener dog races, games and live music.
How much does it cost? This event is free, with food and drink upgrades available.
Where can I park? You can park at the KC Live! garage, with validation from any Power & Light District venue.
Who can go? The event is open to all ages, but you must be 21 to buy drink-package add-ons.
More information: powerandlightdistrict.com
KC Oktoberfest
When will it run? Hours will be 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
Where will it be held? The festival will be outdoors in the Crown Center Square.
What are some of the activities? In the tradition of the Munich Oktoberfest, beer (or bier) is the focus of this celebration, but there also will be food, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
How much does it cost? Tickets are $17 until 4 p.m. Oct. 4, then $20. Reserved tables for six people are available for $175-225. To purchase beer, commemorative mugs ($4 or $6) and tokens ($8) will be available on site.
Where can I park? There will be free parking all weekend in the Crown Center parking garages.
Other things to know
▪ All the beer served is from Kansas City Bier Company. For non-beer drinkers, two German wines will be available.
▪ The German-style entertainment will be on two stages with covered seating under large tents.
▪ Only service dogs are allowed on the festival grounds.
More information: kcoktoberfest.com
