Top Summer Happenings in Northeast Kansas

Spending summer in Northeast Kansas? Consider your plans all set! With family-friendly festivals, action-packed sporting events, and seasonal passports, you could fill just about every day of your calendar with something new and exciting to do, see and explore! Check out this fantastic list of must-do's this summer.

Topeka: Get ready for a summer full of celebration in Topeka! Kick things off with Germanfest on June 7, followed by the Topeka Renaissance Festival on June 21–22—a weekend of knights, music, and medieval fun. In July, experience tradition and culture at the 92nd Fiesta Topeka, running July 15–19. August brings two more can’t-miss events: India Mela on August 2 with vibrant food and performances, and the always-popular Topeka Food Truck Festival on August 24. From cultural festivals to food-filled fun, summer in #TopCity has something for everyone!

Lawrence: Experience an umistakable summer of fun in Lawrence with the FREE summer of fun passport! Sign up for free, earn points, and redeem for prizes. You may even find a coupon or two along the way. Points can be turned for sweepstakes entries for an ultimate weekend getaway!

Miami County: It's back! KC Watersports is bringing back its full aqua park with slides, a rope swing and adventure challenges. Day passes will be available. The wakeboarding park is also open for general use, private rentals and camps.

Jackson County: Kickstart your 4th of July Celebrations in Jackson County with our July Jubilee Festival at Banner Creek Reservoir. Jackson County holds its celebration the Saturday before the 4th and this year we are launching the season with our June 28th Celebration. Come for the family-friendly festival atmosphere with live music by multiple bands and various vendors, culminating in a patriotic fireworks display over Banner Creek Reservoir after dark! Gates open early, and admission is a free-will donation. Join us as we gather to celebrate with music, food, fun, and more!

Gardner: Discover small-town charm and big-time fun at the Johnson County Fair in Gardner, Kansas! From thrilling carnival rides and live music to mouthwatering local eats and classic livestock shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss this family-friendly celebration that captures the heart of Kansas summer starting July 26th. Make your plans to visit Gardner today!

Ottawa: Mark your calendars for Third Thursdays on Main, running April through October in downtown Ottawa! From 5–8 PM, enjoy late-night shopping, local dining, a maker-market popup, and our common consumption area. Perfect for a summer day trip with family or friends, it’s a great way to support small businesses and soak up the Summer fun. Come see why Third Thursdays are the place to be in Ottawa!

Seneca: Get ready to make the most of your summer with the Seneca Summer Passport—your ultimate guide to exploring all the fun, flavor, and hidden gems our community has to offer! The passport runs all season long and includes exciting challenges that take you to local shops, parks, attractions, and events. Complete activities to earn prizes and discover new favorites along the way! A perfect day to kick things off is Saturday, June 14, during MuseumFest, when all five Seneca museums will be open and free to the public with special exhibits and family-friendly fun. Be sure to also mark your calendar for the Downtown Business Poker Run on July 12 and the always popular Cruise Night and Car Show happening July 26 & 27. There’s no better time to experience Seneca—passport in hand!

Merriam: Don't miss Family Fun Fridays in Merriam this summer—June 13 at Brown Park and July 11 at Quail Creek Park! Each event features delicious food trucks, live entertainment, and fun activities for all ages. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of free family fun from 6–8 p.m.!

Kansas City: Come cheer on two of Kansas City’s home teams! With FIFA World Cup 2026 only one year away, soccer is in the spotlight in Kansas City more than ever. Come cheer on Sporting KC at any of the 10 chances you'll have to catch them at home this summer! For some affordable family fun, enjoy a night out at the ballpark with the Kansas City Monarchs! Firework Fridays at the KC Monarchs are officially back, so make sure to hang around after any Friday night home game for a free firework show.

Leavenworth: “The First City of Kansas” will host a big summer sendoff September 26-27: Camp Leavenworth, a free two-day festival featuring live music, fireworks, a host of kids activities and other adventures alongside the Missouri River. The headliner for our 2025 event is multi-platinum alternative rockers Gin Blossoms, and we can’t wait to dance to our favorite ‘90s hits. While there is no cost for admission to Camp Leavenworth, be sure to bring along a little cash for our food truck “chow hall” and the Makers Fair featuring works by local artisans and crafters. If you still have energy to burn, sign up for the 5K run and walk on Saturday morning, as each participant will leave with a t-shirt, a coupon for a free beverage and a bouquet of seasonal sunflowers!

So, what are you waiting for? There are approximately 93 days in the summer season. Get out there and have some fun in Northeast Kansas!