Enjoy Labor Day 2021 Around Kansas City

Most people associate Labor Day with cookouts, visits to the lake, or end-of-summer camping trips – but there are a number of events and activities happening throughout the Kansas City area that do not require you to leave town or host a party. If you do not have a spot down at the lake or would rather just explore Kansas City for the weekend, I have a few ideas that might make for a fun-filled Labor Day weekend:

Kansas City Irish Festival

The Irish Fest has become a yearly Labor Day tradition for many families in Kansas City – and for good reason. If you have never made your way out to Crown Center on Labor Day weekend, you are truly missing out. This three-day festival in the heart of downtown Kansas City celebrates all things Irish culture and history. Gather the family and join in on the fun for a weekend full of Irish food, beverages, shops, activities, and the main event – the music. The Kansas City Irish Festival offers attendees the chance to see some of the top Irish entertainment in the world. You do not want to miss it – and tickets are pretty cheap too.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Labor Day weekend marks the start of another Kansas City tradition, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, Kansas – which is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Attending the Renaissance Festival is an experience unlike any other. You truly feel as though you have traveled back to medieval times. From entertainment acts such as jousting and the Royal Court, to medieval themed games and rides, to faire food, there is sure to be something that everyone in the family will enjoy. Like the Irish Fest, this is a Kansas City staple that everyone should experience, and tickets aren’t too expensive either.

DeSoto and SantaCaliGon Days Festivals

If these larger festivals are not your type of scene, you should definitely check out these smaller, free admission events taking place this Labor Day Weekend. The DeSoto Days Festival in DeSoto, KS takes place Thursday, September 2 through Saturday, September 4 and is a great opportunity to enjoy some family fun with tons of vendors, a carnival, a parade, and live music throughout the weekend.

SantaCaliGon Days is celebrating their 47th annual festival in downtown Independence, MO. Taking place Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6, this is another free admission event that is a great excuse to get out of the house. Similar to the DeSoto Days Festival, there will be plenty of food and drink vendors, live music and activities for the whole family.

Sporting Events

There are tons of sporting events happening around Kansas City on Labor Day weekend. The Kansas City Royals are in town starting Tuesday, August 31 through Sunday, September 5 – taking on the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox. They are hosting a couple theme nights this homestand that would be a great excuse to head out to the K; Royals for a Cause – Childhood Cancer on September 2, Teacher Night – and Fireworks Friday – on September 3, and Missouri State Day on September 5. For you soccer fans, Kansas City NWSL is hosting Dads and Daughters Night at their home game on Sunday, September 5.

You should be able to sit back and relax on your three-day, Labor Day weekend – not have to worry about traveling or hosting a party. Check out these events, and more, happening around Kansas City for a fun-filled family weekend right here at home.