Kansas City offers plenty of reasons to enjoy the fall season
When pumpkins adorn the streets amidst the scatterings of vibrant, multicolored leaves, the season of apple cider and pumpkin-centric activities has officially arrived.
Kansas City offers plenty of events to kick-start October, from the ever-so-popular Renaissance Festival to quaint, neighborhood gatherings like the Lenexa Chili Challenge.
Either way, whether you like to celebrate the fall amongst the crowd or embrace the season in solitude, the city provides an exciting assortment of activities fun for you and the entirely family.
A Taste of Autumn |
Where to get it |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte | Starbucks, Scooters, Quick Trip |
| Pumpkin-Flavored Donuts | Lamar’s, Krispy Kreme, Donut King |
| Schlafly Pumpkin Ale | Gomer’s, Rimann Liquors of Lenexa |
Not a fan of pumpkin? There are plenty of other seasonal comfort foods!
| Homemade apple pie/cheesecake | The college’s very own pastry shop ($3 per slice, $12 for a whole cheesecake), d’Bronx ($3.50 for a slice) or any local market |
| Louisberg Apple Cider | Local grocery stores |
| Samuel Adams’ Black & Brew Coffee Stout or Mother’s Winter Grind | Gomer’s, Rimann Liquors of Lenexa, MDL Wine & Spirits |
Movies to watch this fall
“The Skeleton Twins”
Starring Kristen Wiig and Bill HaderPlaying at Cinetopia Overland Park 18, AMC Studio
30 and Dickinson Palazzo 16 Theatre
| “Gone Girl” Directed by David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck |
In theaters Saturday, Oct. 11 |
| “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Featuring a star-studded cast |
In theaters Saturday, Oct. 11 |
| “Annabelle” A horrifying prequel of “The Conjuring” |
Playing in AMC Studio 30, Dickinson Westglen 18, and AMC Town Center 20 |
| “Fury” Starring Brad Pitt and Shia LaBeouf |
In theaters Friday, Oct. 17 |
Kansas City fall events
Compiled by Valerie Velikaya, vvelikay@jccc.edu
EventWhenWhereWhat
| Waterfire | Oct 10 – 11, 7-11pm Friday, 12 – 11pm Saturday | Brush Creek, located in the Country Club Plaza | Observe the torch-lit bonfires as they float down Brush Creek, lighting the arch bridges of the Country Club Plaza. Designed by award-winning artist Barnaby Evans, the art installation, now in its seventh consecutive year, is a multi-sensory extravaganza that fills the district with the lingering scent of wood smoke, relaxing music and more. Free. Info: www.waterfirekc.com, 816-753-0100 |
| Greater Kansas City Japan Festival | Oct 11, 10-7:30pm | Carlsen Center at the college | Activities include sumo wrestling, candy-making (and eating) by Miyuki and more. One can view traditional Japanese swords, listen to teh performances of drum group Denver Taiko or visit the gift shops. $12 for adults, $10 for students, $8 for children (5 and under is free). Info: www.kcjapanfestival.org, 913-469-8500 |
| Harvest Festival | Oct 11, 10 – 4:30pm | Shoal Creek Living History Museum in Hodge Park (7000 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64156) |
Relive the simplest of times. Take part in the 19th century reenactment and stroll through the log cabins and homes, ride on the horse-drawn wagons and learn how to make apple butter or visit the pumpkin patch. $5 (5 and under is free). Info: www.kcparks.org, 816-513-7500 |
| Renaissance Festival | Through Oct 13, 10 – 7pm | 628 N 126th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 | Go further back in time to the early 1500s. Watch knights jousting on horseback, check out the embroidered costumes, and 16th century jewelry and don’t forget to try a turkey leg as you lounge on a replica of the Iron Throne. Upcoming themes include Oktoberfest and Harvest Huzzah. $20.95. Tip: The Campus Ledger is giving away free tickets to students who submit a photo of them with this issue. |
| Lenexa Chili Challenge | Oct 17 – 18, 6-10pm Friday, 10am – 3pm Sat & Sun | Old Town Lenexa, corner of Santa Fe Trail Drive and Pflumm Road | The 28th annual chili challenge will take place this year with 200 teams competing in two sectors: Chili Appreciation Society International (C.A.S.I.) and Home Style Chili. In addition, contestants also compete in the Salsa, Pico De Gallo and Hot Wing contests. Competitors will arrive on Friday afternoon to set up their stations, but the real fun begins at night with live music and fireworks. The contest begins the next day and free samples will be offered (while supplies last) to the public. The winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Free. Info: www.lenexa.com |
| Grunäuer | 11:30-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11:30-11 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 11:30-9 p.m. Sunday; 11:30-1 a.m. Wunderbar, daily; 3-6 p.m. & 10 p.m.-close, Happy Hour, daily |
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108 | In light of Oktoberfest, it’s important to take in the German culture. Grunäuer offers authentic German cuisine, a relaxing atmosphere and beer – lots of beer. Prices vary. Tip: Reserve a table ahead of time to avoid the wait. |
| Pastry Shop | Every Friday, 3-5:30pm while supplies last | Hospitality and Culinary Academy | The college’s very own pastry shop offers a variety of delectable treats, baked by students in the pastry/baking certificate program. Prices vary (from 50 cents for a biscotti to $12 for a whole cheesecake). Info: contact Chef Doug Flick at dflick@jccc.edu |