Maybe it’s just me, but as soon as I start to feel a chill in the air and the first football kickoff date rolls around, I start thinking about attending a fall festival near me. After all, fall in Kansas is a wonderful season, with everything from the weather to the food to the sports making it oh-so-much fun. It’s also the time when some of the most festive events in the Sunflower State are scheduled! Here are a few of the best fall festivals in Kansas that you’ll want to mark your calendars for this year.

1. Kansas City Renaissance Festival (Bonner Springs): Weekends from Aug. 31-Oc. 13, 2024

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival may not be a fall festival in the traditional sense of the word, but it's so much fun! This Bonner Springs event is one of the best fall events near Kansas City. It's held on weekends throughout September and most of October, and it's been going strong for nearly 50 years. This is one of the largest RenFairs in the entire country. You can learn more or purchase tickets from the Kansas City Renaissance Festival website.

2. Kansas State Fair (Hutchinson): Sept. 6-15, 2024

Really, does anything scream "fall" more than a fair? The Kansas State Fair is the best fall event in Hutchinson, KS. It's been going on for more than a century and is one of the largest events in the Sunflower State. There's so much to do here, with big-name concerts, rides, carnival food, games, contests, and agricultural competitions. Check out the Kansas State Fair website to see this year's full calendar of events.

3. Oktoberfest Hays (Hays): Oct. 4-5, 2024

The Hays Oktoberfest is the largest fall event in Hays, KS. This festival celebrates the German heritage of Ellis County, and also coincides with homecoming week at Fort Hays State University, making it a double celebration. There's music and festive German foods, plus crafts and, of course, beer. Learn more on the Oktoberfest Hays website.

4. Overland Park Fall Festival (Overland Park): Sept. 27-28, 2024

The Overland Park Fall Festival is another of the best fall events near Kansas City. This downtown festival features an artisan craft fair with more than 75 vendors. There are also food trucks and special deals on local restaurants. It's always a fun time, and there's plenty to entertain the little ones, like concerts and live entertainment. View the full schedule of events on the City of Overland Park website.

5. Rose Hill Fall Festival (Rose Hill): Oct. 11-13, 2024

The Rose Hill Fall Festival is the largest fall event in Rose Hill, a small city in Butler County. It has a fun, fair-like atmosphere, and the entire town gets into the autumn extravaganza. With a craft show, fun run, fishing derby, car show, parade, and more, there's something for everyone at this great festival. Check out the full schedule on the Rose Hill Fall Festival website.

6. Maize Fall Festival (Maize): Sept. 28, 2024

Maize is a city in Sedgwick County of about 6,000 people, and it hosts one of the best fall festivals near Wichita. The full schedule of events for the 2023 festival hasn't been released yet, but it's sure to be a great time. This year's theme is "Maize Super Days." Vendors will be on hand with crafts, and there's also a car show and talent show, so get ready for some fun! Keep an eye on the Maize Fall Festival website for updates.

7. Little River Fall Festival (Little River): Oct. 26, 2024

Little River is a small town of under 600 people, but it puts on a big festival each year with the Little River Fall Festival. This fun-filled event has a car show, live music, craft vendors, an ATV rally, and more. It's a wonderful family event to celebrate the season. Learn more from the Little River Fall Festival Facebook page.

If you're going to be traveling out of town for any of these fall events, check VRBO for accommodations. You can find Kansas vacation rental properties all over the state there.

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Don't these fall festivals in Kansas look like so much fun? Which ones are you most excited to attend in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments!