Festivals

In Lenexa, we love to gather with our community and show off our hometown pride.  Our festivals are ideal for families, foodies, and art lovers alike!

THE GREAT LENEXA BBQ BATTLE
Sar Ko Par Trails Park, 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road

Started in 1982 with just 12 contestants and 12 judges,
the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle is now the official Kansas
State BBQ Championship. Every June, nearly 200 teams
compete for the coveted Grand Champion title. The
two-day event features live music, food, and activities
throughout the park

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LENEXA FREEDOM RUN
Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road

The Freedom Run is held annually over the July 4th  holiday and includes a 5K and a 10K.  After the run, participants can catch their breath while enjoying  the Community Days Parade.

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COMMUNITY DAYS PARADE
Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road

ThiThe Community Days Parade is an annual hometown tradition that draws thousands to Old Town to celebrate Independence Day.

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LENEXA SPINACH FESTIVAL
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th St. Pkwy. & Lackman Rd.

Lenexa was hailed as the “Spinach Capital of the World” during the 1930s thanks to the excellent crops grown in the area. The Spinach Festival rolls all the history surrounding Lenexa into a fun, family-friendly event including arts and craft booths and children’s activities

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Lenexa Spinach Festival

The Lenexa Spinach Festival celebrates Lenexa’s heritage as the Spinach Capitol of the World in the 1930s.  Held the first Saturday after Labor Day each year, enjoy a day of food, entertainment, history, recipe contests and children’s activities.  The festival also includes an art, fine craft and antique show.

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Lenexa Chili Challenge

The Lenexa Chili Challenge is held the third weekend every October in Old Town Lenexa.  Festivities include live music, family fun and fireworks!

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Lenexa Art Fair

The Lenexa Art Fair, held during Mother’s Day weekend at Lenexa City Center, is the perfect outing for art enthusiasts, jazz lovers and wine or beer connoisseurs. This juried event features dozens of fine artists from the region, a wine and craft beer tasting, live jazz music, food trucks and more.

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Sar-Ko Aglow

Sar-Ko Aglow is Lenexa’s holiday season lighting spectacular located at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park!  After the lights are officially switched on at 6pm, enjoy hot chocolate, carolers and a visit with Santa.

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Food Truck Frenzy

​Twice a year, food trucks from around the metro area cook up a variety of cuisine to the tunes of local, live music.

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Other Festivals:
Cupid’s Gems Artisan Jewelry Show
Enchanted Forest
Tails on the Trails Pet Festival

Visit the City of Lenexa’s Festival and Event page for more information on these and many other great things to do in Lenexa!