7 Unique Kansas Food Festivals
Those who don’t know the state might dismiss it as flyover country, but locals will tell you that Kansas is home to some of the tastiest food in America. Everyone knows about Kansas City barbecue, but that’s not the only delicious reason to visit. These seven Kansas food festivals will make you want to plan a trip to The Sunflower State today.
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Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff
Wichita
Taking place in late September, the Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff draws in 80 teams from Kansas and beyond for a chili cooking competition. A $5 tasting kit gives guests access to tasting all the entries, plus a full bowl of chili from the Wagonmaster. The cookoff features chili in all kinds of categories, plus a salsa competition and an award for the team with the most chili spirit. Go early, as the chili usually starts running out after about 2 hours. Afterward, hang around for live music, the chile pepper eating contest and more.
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National Festival of Breads
Manhattan
The National Festival of Breads is the place to be if you love carbs. This one-day event in June features multiple stages with demonstrations, classes, sessions and even lessons on how to shape bread. There are all kinds of fun activities for kids, plus samples, sweet treats and a food truck gathering outside. Learn from the experts, see the country’s best bread making in person and take home a pizza-in-a-bag at this unique but delicious celebration of bread. Entry is free, but a non-perishable food donation is encouraged.
International Pancake Day
Liberal
Take a centuries-old tradition from small-town England and add the competitive spirit of Liberal, Kansas, and you get a day unlike any other. The town’s International Pancake Day event always takes place on Fat Tuesday – the day before Lent begins.
In Olney, England, they have a long-standing tradition that involves pancake making and a rush to the church. Today, the tradition has transformed into an international competition between Liberal and Olney where women race while flipping pancakes. There are men’s and kids divisions, as well, but the women are the main event. The day features a talent show, a 5K, a pancake breakfast and a parade. You truly won’t find anything like this unusual day anywhere else, and that’s what makes it a can’t-miss festival.
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Festa Italiana
Kansas City
Celebrate all things Italian food and culture at the three-day Festa Italiana in early summer. In addition to a weekend full of incredible food, the festival features wine tasting, cannoli and meatball eating contests, a street soccer tournament, live music, a children’s area, and more. Plan to come and try the best Italian food you’ll find anywhere in the state, but stay for the entertainment schedule packed with nationally acclaimed talent.
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Taste of Newton
Newton
This town north of Wichita has been drawing visitors to their yearly Taste of Newton for over three decades. More than 50 different local restaurants offer up samples of their fare at this early October festival taking place in the center of town. The event serves as the kickoff to Bethel College’s Fall Festival, which has a country breakfast, a craft fair, a bake sale and more events on campus. Entrance to Kauffman Museum is also free on this weekend.
American Royal World Series of Barbecue
Kansas City
What better place to be in mid-September than at the world’s largest barbecue? The American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City features an international barbecue competition, live music, a car show, a barbecue marketplace, all kinds of food and fireworks. Located on the infield of the Kansas Speedway, this massive celebration of barbecue is steeped in smoke and fun for the whole family. Check out how the pros grill, smoke and cook up the very best barbecue in the world. Taste it for yourself and then stock up on all the sauces and wood chips you’ll need to recreate the experience at home. The first 5,000 guests on Saturday receive a free barbecue lunch as part of the Pit Road Picnic.
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Prairie Harvest Festival
Strong City
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Strong City is home to the old-fashioned, down-home Prairie Harvest Festival in late September. Living history characters show off how to prepare and preserve the fresh bounty from the on-site orchard for winter. Guests will also enjoy hands-on demonstrations, historic cooking, pumpkin carving, cider making, wagon rides and more. There is no fee to enter the National Preserve or take part in the harvest festival.