As summer begins to wind down and cooler weather slowly rolls in, some are ready to begin planning their outdoor fall adventures.
Whether it be apple picking, pumpkin carving or enjoying pumpkin-flavored drinks and treats, a few upcoming festivals celebrate the fall season in Kansas.
Here's a look at some events within a few hours of Topeka that will host fall festivals.
The Cider Days Fall Market will celebrate its 43rd year at the Stormont Vail Events Center, Exhibition Hall. more than 250 artisans, creators, makers, pickers booths and more will be on site. Attractions typically include live entertainment, pie baking contests, face-painting and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.
The Fall Festival and Swap Meet is the 46th annual celebration at 8275 K-4 highway in Meriden. The festival includes all-day activities like flea market, arts and crafts, tractor rides, displays, live music and more. Concessions will also be available. Children ages 12 years and younger will be free of admission, while adults will be $5 a day, cash only.
When: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, and Sunday, Sept. 29.
The Kansas State Fair has been one of Kansas's largest events at 2000 North Poplar in Hutchinson, showcasing exhibits, agriculture and more. Attendees can expect dairy cattle shows, George Sanders Blues Band, Rockland Road Band and more live entertainers.
General admission tickets for the 10-day event range from $4 to $10. Tickets can be purchased online at the Kansas State Fair website.
When: Times vary by day and event. Friday, Sept. 6, through Sunday, Sept. 15.
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The 38th Shawnee Indian Mission Fall Festival will take place at the Shawnee Indian Mission, 3403 W. 53rd St. in Fairway. Those who attend can expect educational opportunities, live music and dancers, wagon rides, food trucks, vendors and more.
Jennifer Laughlin, site director, said there will be something for every age group. The festival will have a suggested donation admission of $3 per person.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12.
The Overland Park Fall Festival will take place at 7935 Santa Fe Drive in downtown Overland Park, with an artisan fair, children's entertainment, performances from local artists, food, vendors and more. Those who attend will have the chance to see up to four stages for live performances.
Desiree Pickert, marketing and communications specialist, said celebrating the fall festival is a community staple.
"It's kind of like fall can start now, because we've been to the Overland Park fall festival," Pickert said. "It's so fun to see the whole community come out and gather together."
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28.
Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: These 5 fall festivals in Kansas will have you knee-deep in pumpkins and apples
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