There’s a lot to do when the weather is fine. Here are three upcoming events in or around south KC.
KC Bier Co. hosts area’s largest Oktoberfest
In 2014 KC Bier Co. held its first Oktoberfest at its Biergarten off 79th and Wornall Road soon after its opening. By 2018, the festival attendance had grown and organizers moved the celebration to Crown Center, where it’s been ever since.
On October 4 and 5, about 15,000 people are expected to attend the festivities, making it the area’s largest Oktoberfest. KC Bier Co. owners Steve Holle and Jurgen Hager have ensured that the Kansas City Oktoberfest is as authentic as any you would find in Munich.
Beer, live entertainment, food, competitions and vendors.
On hand will be KC Bier Co.’s seasonal Fall lager, a traditional Oktoberfest brew in addition to other beverage choices.
Along with German cuisine, Hawaiian, Brazilian, barbecue and other American fare will be featured.
Live entertainment will appear on multiple stages, including polka, rock and high energy dance music. Traditional German dance groups will also entertain the crowd. Among them is the Blautaler Schuhplattler folk dance team that appears every hour on the hour like a German cuckoo clock.
Competitions such as beer stein holding (Masskrugstemmen), hammer hitting (Hammerschlagen) and best dressed costume create more fun for adults. Kids can play on inflatables, participate in games and create pretzel necklaces.
A marketplace this year boasts 27 local vendors selling clothing, jewelry, artwork, housewares and includes the author of the children’s book, “Danke Oma.”
The festival runs Friday, October 4, 5 – 11 pm and Saturday, October 5, 11 am – 11 pm at the Crown Center Pavilion, 2450 Grand Blvd. Ticket prices vary depending on when you purchase them: $17 prior to the festival, $20 during. For more information, go to kcoktoberfest.com.
The area’s only Oktoberfest 5K is in Martin City
Kansas City Running Company’s 8th Annual Oktoberfest 5K is held Sunday, October 6, at 8 am in the heart of Martin City. Beer samples, baked pretzels, a German folk band, costumes and finish medals round out the event. About 400 runners and walkers are expected.
The festivities take place in front of KC Running Co. at 200 E. 135th St. A fee is necessary to participate, but volunteers and observers are also welcome. Proceeds of the 2024 Oktoberfest 5k will benefit The International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) Kansas and Missouri Branch. More information is available at kcrunningcompany.com/oktoberfest5k.
Walktober includes special commemorate buttons
The sixth season of Walktober features a remnant prairie, two national historic landmarks, and a behind-the-scenes look at holiday lights.
Kansas City Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Jackson County Parks + Recreation invite walkers on a tour of autumn’s most vibrant landscapes by participating in Walktober, an event held each Sunday during the month of October from 10 am to noon. This year the parks include Jerry Smith Park in Martin City, Fort Osage in Sibley, MO., Penn Valley Park in downtown Kansas City, and Longview Park in Lee’s Summit Commemorative buttons designed by artist Alex Hamil will be given to the first 200 participants at each location. A Plein Air Quick Paint Contest is held during each event. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
October 4 – Jerry Smith Park
13600 Prospect Ave.
1.28 mile crushed limestone trail
Guided tour at 10:15 am
Jerry Smith Park provides a southern anchor for Kansas City, MO’s park and boulevard system. It consists of 360 acres of open rolling hills, wooded forests, a three-acre lake, and contains the largest remaining tract of remnant prairie on the Missouri side of the metro and the only one in the city limits of Kansas City, MO.
October 13 – Fort Osage
105 Osage Street, Sibley, MO
Guided tour at 10:30 am led by a Fort Osage Interpreter
More than just a walk, participants will be able to experience Fort Osage built in 1808, under the direction of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Fort Osage served dual roles as both a military garrison and a trade center. The walk will take you on a journey through Fort Osage’s past. Participants will enjoy breathtaking views of the reconstructed historic site that overlooks the Missouri River as they learn about the daily life of military, civilian, and Native American populations at Fort Osage and explore museum exhibits at the Fort Osage Education Center.
October 20 – Penn Valley Park
Pershing Rd. & Main St.
1.88 mile asphalt trail
Penn Valley Park is an urban park overlooking Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The 176-acre park is home of the National World War I Museum & Memorial, an off-leash dog park, a lake, and several fountains and sculptures including The Scout.
October 27 – Longview Park
Shelter 5 & 6, 3901 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit; Pavement 3.5 miles
Longview Lake Park is the home of Christmas In the Park and Longview Lake. Participants will have the opportunity to walk the route of Christmas In The Park starting at Shelter 5 & 6 and proceeding into Longview Lake Campground. This area closes on the first of October so the parks crew can start building the lighted displays that bring the magic of Christmas In the Park to life, but will be open for Walktober guests to enjoy.
Learn more at kcparks.org.
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