Kansas is known to have some great festivals, but have you been to our ethnic festivals? It’s always a good idea to explore other cultures and customs, and it helps that these festivals almost always come with food. Here’s 10 of our favorite ethnic festivals taking place throughout the year. Why not check them out and tell us about your experience?
- 68th Indian Republic Day (January 26, 2018)
Anjana S./Yelp This celebration is held at the Kansas City Kansas Community College at the beginning of the year, usually around January 26th. They celebrate their constitution coming into effect in 1950, and making them one step closer to an independent republic. Go, India!
- Wyandotte County Ethnic Festival (spring 2018)
WYCO Ethnic Festival/The Human Family Reunion Facebook This festival celebrates cultures from all sorts of backgrounds, and includes dance performances from many of them. There’s also music and food to add to this Kansas City gathering of around 1,000 people.
- Fiesta Mexicana of Topeka (July 2018)
Fiesta Mexicana of Topeka Facebook This festival in Topeka is a five-day celebration of Hispanic culture. It has some of the best authentic Mexican food, dancing, music, and plenty of fun.
- Fiesta Italiana (October 7, 2017)
Kansas City Chapter of UNICO National Facebook Held every fall, this festival started in 1999 as a small food and heritage festival, but has expanded to include many other related nationalities. Now, hundreds of people from many backgrounds come to Frontenac, Kansas to celebrate their heritage.
- Svensk Hyllningsfest (October 13-14, 2017)
Svensk Hyllningsfest Facebook Held every two years, this Lindsborg festival celebrates the town’s rich Swedish heritage. Tickets are limited though, as they include entry to the smorgasbord as well as general events.
- Wichita Asian Festival (October 28, 2017)
Wichita Asian Festival Facebook The Wichita Asian Festival is completely free to enter, but vendors will be selling their products from many cultures. This year, Wichita’s Asian festival has stage performances, a Kid’s Corner, and 11 different countries entered in the Miss Wichita Asian Festival competition. It’s truly a great festival to experience!
- Jewish Culture Fest (Fall 2018)
Jewish Culture Fest Facebook What started in 1994 as a small gathering, now draws thousands of people of all backgrounds and faiths to celebrate Jewish culture in Overland Park. This year, they’re even holding a Kansas City Kosher BBQ Competition in addition to the rest of the festivities.
- KC Japan Fest (Fall 2018)
Chris Guy/Flickr The first Japan Festival was held in 1997, but now this Overland Park celebration is held at the Johnson County Community College with great success. Opening ceremonies include music, special guests, and Kagamiwari - a tradition to open the festival officially! It’s really a special event that shouldn’t be missed.
- Filipino Celebration of Togetherness (Fall 2018)
Filipino Association of greater Kansas City Facebook This annual dinner-dance gala and fundraiser takes place in Kansas City, celebrating Filipino heritage. It includes a reception, cuisine, dancing, and live entertainment.
- British Faire & Tea (November 4, 2017)
Mark Hillary/Flickr This faire in Shawnee at the Civic Centre is a fundraising event that celebrates those who are British or just enjoy the culture. There’s a tea held during the afternoon, and many vendors and entertainment to keep you busy throughout the day.
In addition to these, check out these cool things in Kansas you’ll want to do again and again.
Anjana S./Yelp
This celebration is held at the Kansas City Kansas Community College at the beginning of the year, usually around January 26th. They celebrate their constitution coming into effect in 1950, and making them one step closer to an independent republic. Go, India!
WYCO Ethnic Festival/The Human Family Reunion Facebook
This festival celebrates cultures from all sorts of backgrounds, and includes dance performances from many of them. There’s also music and food to add to this Kansas City gathering of around 1,000 people.
Fiesta Mexicana of Topeka Facebook
This festival in Topeka is a five-day celebration of Hispanic culture. It has some of the best authentic Mexican food, dancing, music, and plenty of fun.
Kansas City Chapter of UNICO National Facebook
Held every fall, this festival started in 1999 as a small food and heritage festival, but has expanded to include many other related nationalities. Now, hundreds of people from many backgrounds come to Frontenac, Kansas to celebrate their heritage.
Svensk Hyllningsfest Facebook
Held every two years, this Lindsborg festival celebrates the town’s rich Swedish heritage. Tickets are limited though, as they include entry to the smorgasbord as well as general events.
Wichita Asian Festival Facebook
The Wichita Asian Festival is completely free to enter, but vendors will be selling their products from many cultures. This year, Wichita’s Asian festival has stage performances, a Kid’s Corner, and 11 different countries entered in the Miss Wichita Asian Festival competition. It’s truly a great festival to experience!
Jewish Culture Fest Facebook
What started in 1994 as a small gathering, now draws thousands of people of all backgrounds and faiths to celebrate Jewish culture in Overland Park. This year, they’re even holding a Kansas City Kosher BBQ Competition in addition to the rest of the festivities.
Chris Guy/Flickr
The first Japan Festival was held in 1997, but now this Overland Park celebration is held at the Johnson County Community College with great success. Opening ceremonies include music, special guests, and Kagamiwari - a tradition to open the festival officially! It’s really a special event that shouldn’t be missed.
Filipino Association of greater Kansas City Facebook
This annual dinner-dance gala and fundraiser takes place in Kansas City, celebrating Filipino heritage. It includes a reception, cuisine, dancing, and live entertainment.
Mark Hillary/Flickr
This faire in Shawnee at the Civic Centre is a fundraising event that celebrates those who are British or just enjoy the culture. There’s a tea held during the afternoon, and many vendors and entertainment to keep you busy throughout the day.
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