Have a fun-filled fall in Lenexa
Published on August 04, 2026
From award-worthy chili and food truck feasts to fireside s'mores and outdoor concerts, Lenexa is packed with ways to make the most of fall. Mark your calendar, grab a cozy layer and enjoy family fun, local flavors, live entertainment and unforgettable community traditions.
Fall festivals
Lenexa Spinach Festival
Sept. 12, 2026 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Celebrate Lenexa's leafy legacy as the spinach capital of the world. Enjoy live entertainment, food, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, contests and unique craft vendors. Think your spinach recipe has what it takes? Enter the Spinach Recipe Contest for a chance to win a cash prize. Free admission. Learn more
Lenexa Chili Challenge
Oct. 9–10, 2026 | 6–10 p.m. & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Old Town Lenexa
Taste your way through one of Lenexa's favorite fall traditions. Gather a team to compete or stop by Saturday to sample award-worthy chili, salsa and hot wings while supplies last. Kids ages 12 and under can also show off their baking skills in the free Kids Kornbread Contest. Free admission. Learn more
More fall fun
Special Friday Night Sound Bites
Sept. 11 & Oct. 2, 2026 | 5–10 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market
Friday Night Sound Bites brings live music, great food and a lively atmosphere to the Public Market every Friday night from Memorial Day weekend to Halloween. On Sept. 11, celebrate Red Friday Football with fellow Chiefs fans, the Chiefs Rumble drumline, Yosh the Fire Guy, live music by Switch in Time and tailgate-worthy food and drinks. On Oct. 2, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Empanada Fest, featuring authentic empanadas, live Latin music by Selekto Show and an evening filled with culture, flavor and community. Free admission.
Fire Department Open House
Sept. 19, 2026 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Fire Station No. 3
Climb aboard a fire truck, meet Lenexa firefighters and discover fire safety through hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy. Free admission. Learn more
Skate Jam
Sept. 19, 2026 | 4–6 p.m. | Rolling Magic Skate Park
Roll into one of Lenexa's coolest parks for an afternoon of tricks, tunes and good vibes. Watch local skaters show off their skills, enjoy live DJ beats and grab a bite from local food vendors. Enter for a chance to win a free helmet (while supplies last). Free admission. Learn more
Food Truck Frenzy
Sept. 19, 2026 | 5–9 p.m. | Lenexa civic campus
Come hungry and leave happy. Grab dinner from a fleet of fan-favorite food trucks, enjoy live music by Instamatics and shop local, handmade goods. Limited seating. Bring a lawn chair. Learn more
Special Family Nights at the Public Market
Sept. 23 & Oct. 14, 2026 | 5–7 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market
Every Wednesday is Family Night at the Lenexa Public Market, and these two evenings feature extra fun for kids. Build a buddy from bricks to take home on Sept. 23, then meet firefighters, explore a fire truck, play interactive games and enjoy a fire safety story time with the library on Oct. 14. Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase. Learn more
Family Campout
Sept. 25–26, 2026 | 4 p.m.–9 a.m. | Black Hoof Park
Experience camping without leaving town. Pitch a tent, roast s'mores, enjoy family activities and wake up to breakfast in one unforgettable night outdoors. Fees apply. Registration required. Learn more
Music, movies and performances
Outdoor Concert Series
Sept. 20, 27 & Oct. 4, 2026 | 5–6:30 p.m. | Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Spend your Sunday evenings enjoying free live music at the Grand Pavilion. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax as local favorites perform under the open sky. The fall lineup includes Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra, The Kicks Band and Kansas City Jazz Orchestra — KCJO7. Learn more
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Sept. 24, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. | Lenexa City Hall
Watch 10 acclaimed short films from around the world and cast your vote to help determine which filmmakers earn a shot at the 2027 Oscars. Free admission. In partnership with the Johnson County Library. Learn more
City Center Live: The War of the Worlds: The 1938 Radio Script
Oct. 10, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lenexa City Hall
Step back into the Golden Age of Radio with a live performance of the legendary broadcast that captivated the nation. It's the first performance in this season's City Center Live series, followed by Fountain City Strings (Nov. 14) and the Mandolin Orchestra of Kansas City (Dec. 12). Learn more
Markets, fitness and community
Native Plant Sale at Lenexa Farmers Market
Sept. 5, 2026 | 8 a.m.–noon | Lenexa civic campus
Create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that supports pollinators and improves water quality. Shop native plants and get expert gardening advice. Learn more
Don’t miss the Lenexa Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 31.
Fall Back to Fitness
Sept. 8–11, 2026 | Lenexa civic campus
Thinking about joining a fitness class at Lenexa Rec Center? Try select Group X classes for free outdoors and discover a workout you'll actually look forward to. No registration required. Learn more
Don't miss a free Fitness Checkup on Sept. 23.
Work Out With Lenexa Police
First Saturday of every month | 8–9 a.m. | Lenexa Justice Center
Build strength, meet your neighbors and work out alongside Lenexa police officers during this free community fitness class led by a certified strength coach. Registration required. Learn more
Swingin’ for a Scholarship Pickleball Tournament
Sept. 25 & 26, 2026 | Lenexa Old Town Activity Center
Play for a purpose during this fun tournament supporting the Lenexa Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund. Fees apply. Registration required. Learn more
Women’s Self-Defense Workshop
Sept. 26 & Oct. 24, 2026 | 8:30–11:30 a.m. | Lenexa Justice Center
Take this free self-defense workshop and learn practical techniques and safety strategies through both discussion and hands-on practice. Ages 15+. Registration required. Free. Learn more
Share your family traditions
Fall traditions are made to be shared. Do you have a treasured family recipe, heirloom or keepsake that tells your story? Lenexa is looking for community members to help create Lenexa Family Traditions, a City Hall art gallery exhibit celebrating the memories that bring us together. Apply by Sept. 15. Learn more