Food festivals in Kansas City worth planning a trip around, by month.
Food festivals in Kansas City worth planning a trip around, by month.
The world's largest barbecue competition in Kansas City brings 500-plus teams to the Kansas Speedway across the last weekend of September into early October.
Focus: BBQ
Tip: BBQ Garden Saturday-only ticket includes samples plus games from KC pitmasters. Day passes for the Open Contest Sunday are the public-friendly entry.
Kansas City Restaurant Week runs each January with over 250 restaurants offering $20, $40, $50 and $65 prix-fixe menus. Charities receive 10 percent of menu.
Focus: Restaurant promotion, all cuisines
Tip: Reservations on OpenTable and Resy open in late December. Tasting menus at fine-dining rooms book first.
Plaza Art Fair on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza runs the last weekend of September with 240 artists, three music stages and 20 featured restaurants.
Focus: Plaza restaurants, street food
Tip: Free entry, free parking in Plaza garages. Friday 17:00-21:00, Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00.
First Friday in the Crossroads has been Kansas City's monthly gallery and food walk since 2001, with galleries open late, food trucks and busy restaurants.
Focus: Crossroads restaurants and galleries
Tip: Free outdoor event; the busiest months are May, June and September. Park along Grand and walk.