Festivals and Events
From food and art to music and family fun, Lenexa’s events bring people together and showcase the best of our community spirit!
Visit the City of Lenexa’s Festival and Event page for more information on these and many other great things to do in Lenexa!
LENEXA ART FAIR – MAY
Lenexa Civic Campus
17201 W. 87th St. PkwY
In May, celebrate all things artisan at Lenexa’s one-day, outdoor juried art fair featuring fine artists around the region. The family-friendly event features live music, food trucks, and entertainment.
THE GREAT LENEXA BBQ BATTLE – JUNE
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th St. Pkwy. & Lackman Rd.
On the last weekend in June, nearly 200 teams compete for the title of Grand Champion. Started in 1982 with just 12 contestants and 12 judges, the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle is now the official Kansas State BBQ Championship. This two-day event features live music, food, and activities throughout the park.
LENEXA FREEDOM RUN – 4TH OF JULY
Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Dr. & Pflumm Rd.
More than 1,500 runners and walkers celebrate Independence Day on this USATF-certified 5K or 10K course that begins in Old Town Lenexa.
COMMUNITY DAYS PARADE – 4TH OF JULY
Old Town Lenexa
Santa Fe Trail Dr. & Pflumm Rd.
An annual hometown tradition that draws thousands to Old Town to celebrate Independence Day. Prizes are awarded for Best of Show, Best Float, Best Community Group, and more!
LENEXA SPINACH FESTIVAL – SEPTEMBER
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th St. Pkwy. & Lackman Rd.
Lenexa was christened the “Spinach Capital of the World” in 1934 by The Kansas City Star for the impressive amount of spinach grown by local farmers who immigrated from Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. The crops, which earned a reputation for superior quality, were transported by train from the depot in Lenexa to Chicago and other markets in the eastern US.
LENEXA CHILI CHALLENGE – OCTOBER
Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Dr. & Pflumm Rd.
Every October, Lenexa turns up the heat! More than 200 teams face off in chili, hot wing, and salsa contests, all competing for the coveted grand champion title. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and tasty samples (while they last), all while supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
SAR-KO AGLOW – DECEMBER
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
87th St. Pkwy. & Lackman Rd.
One of the region’s best holiday light displays, Sar-Ko Aglow features miles of light strands and thousands of colorful bulbs that brighten this favorite park each winter. Take a nighttime stroll during December and January to view the stunning spectacle. Free admission.
