October in the Metro: Your Essential Guide to KC's Best Weekend (Oct 17–19)

October is officially in full swing, and the Kansas City metro is bursting with brilliant fall colors and exciting events! From high-octane symphonies to massive food festivals and classic autumnal adventures, there is something thrilling happening on both sides of the state line this weekend.

Whether you're looking for spooky date night ideas or a full day of family fun, here is your essential guide to the top events happening Friday, October 17th, through Sunday, October 19th.

1. The Need for Speed, Live: Top Gun: Maverick in Concert 🎼

When: Friday, Oct 17 – Sunday, Oct 19 Where: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Get ready for an adrenaline rush as the Kansas City Symphony performs Lorne Balfe and Harold Faltermeyer’s incredible score live while the blockbuster film Top Gun: Maverick plays on the big screen! This is a truly spectacular, high-energy event that brings the magic of the movies to life in a way you have to hear to believe. It’s the perfect blend of classical music artistry and modern cinematic thrills.

2. Kansas City Street Food Festival 🍔

When: Saturday, October 18th Where: Kansas City Power & Light District

Get your appetite ready! Kansas City’s biggest foodie weekend takes over the Power & Light District for an epic celebration of local flavors. The Street Food Festival brings together a diverse lineup of the area's best food trucks, vendors, and pop-up eateries. It's the ultimate chance to try everything from gourmet tacos and international cuisine to local BBQ legends, all in one buzzing location.

3. KC Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival Fun 🎃

When: All Weekend (Fri–Sun) Where: KC Pumpkin Patch, Olathe, KS

For families and those who love classic fall fun, the KC Pumpkin Patch is the place to be. Located in Olathe, this festival features over 60 farm fun adventures! You can explore the corn maze, slide down giant slides, visit the petting zoo, and, of course, find the perfect pumpkin to take home. It’s an all-day event that embodies the spirit of harvest season.

4. A Little Spooky Fun: The Ghouls Pop-Up Bar 👻

When: All Weekend (Fri–Sun) Where: KC Wine Co., Olathe, KS (21+ Event)

Looking for a frightfully fun evening without the kids? KC Wine Co. is hosting its popular Ghouls Pop-Up Bar all weekend. This spooky tradition features festive photo opportunities, specialty themed cocktails (like a Hallow-Rita!), vineyard snacks, and often hosts fun activities like Halloween trivia. Admission is free, making it a great, festive atmosphere for a date night or a night out with friends (ages 21+ only!).

5. Historic Charm: Baldwin City Maple Leaf Festival 🍁

When: All Weekend (Oct 17-19) Where: Downtown Baldwin City, KS (Approx. 45 min drive)

If you're willing to take a scenic drive, the Maple Leaf Festival is a long-standing tradition worth the trip. Held every third full weekend in October, this festival celebrates the changing leaves and the harvest season. Expect hundreds of arts and crafts booths, a massive parade, live music, and classic festival foods that draw visitors from across the region. It’s perfect for finding unique gifts and soaking up small-town charm.

Have an incredible, fun-filled weekend in Kansas City!