Kansas Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Kansas, known for its vast plains and warm hospitality, has a rich variety of festivals that celebrate some great food, wine, spirits, and beer events. Let's embark on a flavorful journey across the cities of Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita, exploring the best festivals that showcase the state's offerings.

Kansas Food Festivals:

Wichita Kansas Taco Fest (Wichita - June)

 

The largest taco-focused food festival in Kansas draws thousands of hungry attendees to the Capitol Federal Amphitheater in Andover. The Wichita Taco Fest features over 30 local and regional vendors, including popular spots like District Taqueria, Uno Mas, and Taco Locale serving up their unique takes on street tacos. Festival-goers can enjoy handcrafted margaritas, Mexican beers, and authentic horchata while sampling an array of traditional and fusion-style tacos ranging from birria to Korean-inspired creations.

 

Local mariachi bands and Latin music performers provide entertainment throughout the day, with Mariachi Luna Llena headlining the festivities. A highlight of the event includes the "Best Taco" competition where attendees vote for their favorite vendor, while salsa-making demonstrations and Mexican folk dance performances add cultural flair. The family-friendly festival also features face painting, piñata stations for children, and artisan vendors selling handmade Mexican crafts and artwork.

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle (Kansas City - June)
 

One of Kansas City's most cherished barbecue festivals draws thousands of pit masters and food enthusiasts to Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa each summer. The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle hosts over 185 competitive teams, making it one of the region's largest Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned contests. Local favorites like Burnt Finger BBQ, Pellet Envy, and Smokin' Guns BBQ serve up mouthwatering ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken to nearly 10,000 attendees throughout the weekend.

 

The family-friendly event features not just barbecue but also craft beer gardens, local wine tastings, and live blues performances from regional artists like Amanda Fish and John Paul Drum. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon artists, and a dedicated play area while parents sample from dozens of sauce vendors and specialty food trucks offering unique sides and desserts. The festival's distinctive feature is its overnight component, where teams smoke their meats through the night, filling the park with incredible aromas as judges prepare for the next day's blind taste testing.
 
Kansas Wine Festivals:

Topeka Zoo Roar & Pour Wine Festival (Topeka - April)
 

The annual summer wine tasting event has become a cherished tradition at the 47-acre Kansas venue. The Topeka Zoo Roar & Pour Wine Festival transforms the zoo grounds into an elegant after-hours gathering, featuring 25 local and regional wine vendors including Wheat State Wine Co., Grace Hill Winery, and Prairie Fire Winery. Local food trucks serve gourmet appetizers and small plates while guests stroll through select animal exhibits, with zookeepers providing special educational presentations about the resident wildlife.

 

Live music from local jazz ensemble Blue Orleans and acoustic guitarist Mike Felten creates an ambient backdrop as approximately 800 attendees sample wines and enjoy animal encounters. The festival's unique features include specialty wine glass painting stations, commemorative photo opportunities with select animal ambassadors, and VIP access to the zoo's new giraffe feeding deck.
 
Midwest WineFest Old Town (Wichita - May)

 

The annual gathering has become Kansas most celebrated wine and culinary celebration, drawing connoisseurs to Wichita's vibrant Old Town district. Guests at the Old Town Walkabout explore multiple venues while sampling premium wines and savoring dishes from local restaurateurs. The exclusive Reserve Room event showcases high-end wine selections paired with gourmet appetizers, offering an intimate tasting experience for serious wine enthusiasts.

 

Local sommeliers and wine experts guide attendees through curated tastings, sharing their knowledge of vintages and wine regions. Live music drifts through the historic brick-lined streets as participants stroll between tasting locations. The festival supports local charitable organizations while highlighting Wichita's growing reputation as a destination for food and wine appreciation.