Kansas City Events This Weekend: October 9–11, 2026

Kansas City Events This Weekend: October 9–11, 2026

Looking for Kansas City events this weekend? October 9–11 offers a free neighborhood festival in Waldo, Asian food and cultural experiences at Panda Fest, Renaissance Festival entertainment, and live music at the Kauffman Center. There are also several October events worth adding to your calendar.

I’m Jason DeLong with Heartland Homes KC | eXp Realty. My work in architecture, homebuilding, renovation, and real estate has taught me to look beyond a property’s walls. The surrounding community shapes how you live, too. Weekend outings are a simple way to explore that.

If you’re enjoying Kansas City while considering a move, schedule a call with me. We can talk about the neighborhoods and homes that fit your everyday life.

Here’s your guide to this weekend and the weeks ahead. All times are local Kansas City time.

Things to Do in Kansas City This Weekend

Waldo Fall Festival: Free Neighborhood Fun on October 10

The 34th Annual Waldo Fall Festival takes place Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is held in the parking lot at Gregory Boulevard and Wornall Road.

Admission is free. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, and children’s activities. The organizer lists bounce houses, soft play, carnival games, and a coloring wall among the options for kids.

There is also a dog costume contest scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. Registration details are available on the event website. waldokcevents.org

• Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026.

• Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Location: Gregory Boulevard and Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO.

• Admission: Free; budget separately for purchases.

• Details: Official Waldo Fall Festival website.

This would be my pick for an easy neighborhood outing. You can browse, grab something to eat, and leave room in the day for other plans.

Panda Fest: Food and Culture at Legends Field

Panda Fest brings Asian food, cultural performances, and shopping to Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas, October 9–11.

The organizer lists more than 100 Asian food vendors and more than 40 merchandise vendors. Panda-themed attractions add another reason to bring the family.

General admission is listed at $14, with Saturday tickets priced $2 higher. Gate admission is listed at $20 plus tax. Children under 6 do not need tickets. Tickets are tied to a selected entry time, so review the booking options before buying. Panda Fest

• Friday, October 9: 4–10 p.m.

• Saturday, October 10: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

• Sunday, October 11: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

• Location: Legends Field, 1800 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, KS.

• Details: Panda Fest information and tickets.

Give yourself time to explore the food options. This is the kind of outing where a little flexibility makes the experience more enjoyable.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival: October 10–11

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival continues in Bonner Springs this weekend. Saturday and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The festival offers a medieval-themed setting with jousting, costumed performers, and entertainment. It is an option for families who want to build their day around one destination.

There is also a Monday opening on October 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final weekend of the season is October 17–18. kcrenfest.com

• Dates this weekend: October 10–11, 2026.

• Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

• Location: Bonner Springs, KS.

• Admission: Ticketed; review current pricing and parking instructions.

• Details: Kansas City Renaissance Festival website.

Wear comfortable shoes and plan for time outdoors. Check the daily program so you can choose the performances you most want to see.

Kansas City Symphony Presents The Planets

For an indoor activity or date night, the Kansas City Symphony performs The Planets at Helzberg Hall in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

The program features Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite alongside works by Scelsi, Beethoven, and Martinů. Members of the Symphony Chorus also participate. Performances take place Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., followed by a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. www.kcsymphony.org

• Friday, October 9: 8 p.m.

• Saturday, October 10: 8 p.m.

• Sunday, October 11: 2 p.m.

• Location: Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center, Kansas City, MO.

• Admission: Ticketed.

• Details: Kansas City Symphony program and tickets.

My architecture background makes the setting part of the appeal. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the building before settling in for the concert.

Original Lowrider Midwest SuperShow: October 11

The Original Lowrider Midwest SuperShow comes to Bartle Hall on Sunday, October 11. The Kansas City Convention Center lists event hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This gives car enthusiasts another downtown option for the weekend. Visit the event page for admission information and current show details. kcconvention.com

• Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026.

• Hours: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Location: Bartle Hall, Kansas City Convention Center.

• Details: Original Lowrider Midwest SuperShow.

Upcoming Kansas City Area Events in October

Garmin Kansas City Marathon: October 17

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon returns Saturday, October 17. Whether you plan to participate or support someone running, start with the organizer’s website for race details.

If your plans take you through the race area, review the route and traffic information before leaving. Visit the official marathon website for registration and planning resources. www.sportkc.org

Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City: October 17–18

The Maple Leaf Festival takes place October 17–18 in Baldwin City, Kansas.

This is a day-trip option outside the immediate Kansas City metro. The festival began in 1958 and remains a longstanding community tradition. Check the official Maple Leaf Festival website for the current schedule and visitor information. mapleleaffestival.com

Boo at the Zoo: October 24–25

Boo at the Zoo returns to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium on Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event offers a daytime trick-or-treating experience. Families are invited to wear family-friendly costumes. Check admission requirements before your visit, especially if you plan to use a membership. View Boo at the Zoo details. www.visitkc.com

How to Choose Your Kansas City Weekend Plans

You don’t need to fit everything into one weekend. Choose the experience you want, then leave enough room to enjoy it.

• For a free community outing, start with Waldo Fall Festival.

• For food and cultural entertainment, consider Panda Fest.

• For a full day outdoors, explore the Renaissance Festival.

• For an indoor date night, look at the Symphony.

• For a car-focused outing, check the Lowrider SuperShow.

Confirm schedules and ticket availability before heading out. For outdoor events, check the forecast and bring layers. At festivals with free admission, remember to budget for food, shopping, and any separately priced activities.

Explore Kansas City Neighborhoods Beyond the Listing Photos

As a Kansas City real estate agent, I encourage buyers to spend time in a neighborhood before choosing a home there. Visit during the week. Come back on a weekend. Notice the traffic, nearby businesses, public spaces, and travel time to places you use regularly.

A festival won’t tell you everything about a neighborhood. It can give you a useful starting point.

My background includes more than 100 homes built, 150 renovations, and 1,000 retail transactions. That experience helps me assess construction, layout, and renovation needs. Your daily routine adds another essential part of the decision.

The best neighborhoods in Kansas City for you depend on your budget, commute, preferred home style, and how you spend your time. Start exploring with our Kansas City neighborhood resources and featured listings.

Planning a Home Sale This Fall?

If your weekend plans include looking at homes, take a moment to consider the sale of your current property, too. Understanding your options early can help you make better decisions about timing.

You can request a home value estimate as a starting point. Then we can discuss your home’s condition, improvements, and competition.

If you are researching cash home buyers in Kansas City, explore our cash offer options. Review the terms and expected proceeds alongside a traditional listing.

For homeowners considering a market sale, our Heartland Homes KC 100-point marketing plan explains our approach to preparing and promoting a listing.

Enjoy Kansas City This Weekend

October 9–11 gives you several ways to experience Kansas City, from neighborhood festivities and food vendors to live orchestral music. Choose something that fits your interests and make time to explore.

If that exploration has you thinking about a different home or neighborhood, schedule a call with Jason DeLong at Heartland Homes KC | eXp Realty. We’ll talk through your goals, your timing, and the next steps that make sense for you.