By Jeanne Beechwood
With cooler temps on the way it’s time to get out of the AC and into the good old-fashioned fresh outdoor air. You can enjoy numerous old- and new-fashioned fun fall activities with your friends and family and even your furkids starting with four big events in the area.
Greek Festival
The Greek Festival celebrates its 62nd annual family event on Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8th at 12001 Wornall Road. You can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavors of Greece with authentic cuisine, lively traditional dancing and vibrant music. Discover treasures at the Greek market offering stylish apparel and exquisite jewelry, which this year will be indoors. Also new this year is a wine-tasting event and dance instruction. There will also be tours beginning at 2:30pm of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Admission and parking are free and to streamline your experience this event is entirely cashless. Transport yourself to Greece, no passport required. Friday, 6 to 10pm; Saturday, noon – 10 pm, and Sunday, noon to 4 pm. For more information please go to GreekFoodFest.org.
Bands on Byars
Bands on Byars is the Grandview Chamber of Commerce’s signature event, taking place on September 13 at the Grandview Amphitheatre. Food, drink and live music will transpire between 5 and 10pm. A Kidzone will feature a free movie, the 2024 animation “If,” for the younger crowd.
The band appearing this year is JAM: Jackson and Mars. JAM is a high-energy live band and production showcasing the biggest hits of two of pop music’s biggest icons Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. Featuring Bruno Mars look-alike and one of the best Michael Jackson impersonators in the country, JAM recreates their memorable live performances and music videos, including 40 songs with costumes, choreography and one of the only automated light shows in the midwest. Following the concert will be a fireworks display.
Bands on the Byars is a thank you from Chamber members to the community for supporting local businesses throughout the year.
The Grandview Amphitheatre offers free parking and is located at 13501 Byars Road, Grandview. For more information, visit grandviewmochamber.com
Belton Fall Festival
The Belton Fall Festival will take place on Main Street in Belton on Friday, September 13th from 5 to 10 pm and Saturday, September 14th from 10am to 10 pm. The historic Main Street will be transformed into a festival of local vendors, drinks and food, live music, children’s activities and contests. On the agenda are jumbo lawn games, a pumpkin decorating station, a free petting zoo, kids face painting, a pet costume contest and kids mad science show. Also a kids cake walk will be offered on Friday. How about a touch-a-truck contest at the fire station? Band music ranges from high school jazz to acoustic to pop. For more information please go to DowntownBeltonMain.com.
Waldo Fall Festival
The Waldo Fall Festival is Saturday, September 21 from 10am to 8pm. The Waldo Business Association hosts this 32nd Annual Waldo Fall Festival. This year promises a bigger layout including a stage featuring local musicians with live entertainment. Snacks for purchase include a variety of food trucks including a coffee truck, shaved ice and tacos. Activities will include glitter tattoos, a bounce house and soft play for little ones as well as activities for the adults, such as a bar for adult beverages.
Waldo merchandise will be featured for those seeking unusual treasures. Over 30 vendors will be at this festival that celebrates community and the Waldo spirit. The location of this festival is the parking lots in Waldo at Gregory and Wornall. For more information please go to waldokc.org.
Don’t be a party pooper. Come enjoy these community events and festivals and have some outdoor fun this fall.