If your idea of fall includes a cold drink or a wagging tail, this weekend delivers. Two beer festivals take place on Saturday, October 17, and a long-running dog festival follows on Sunday.
Taps & Tastes at Current Landing (Oct. 17)
Boulevard Brewing Co. and the Kansas City Current bring Taps & Tastes to Current Landing, just outside CPKC Stadium, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event features 19 breweries and two distilleries, plus entertainment and local food. Tickets are $75 plus taxes for general admission, and a $125 VIP ticket adds exclusive beer and food and early entry. Afterward, fans can stay for a big-screen viewing of the Current’s road match.
Botanical Brewfest at the Overland Park Arboretum (Oct. 17)
The same day, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens hosts around 20 breweries, five food vendors, and a live band in a peaceful garden setting. General admission is just under $70.
Dogtoberfest in Blue Springs (Oct. 18)
The 32nd annual Dogtoberfest brings more than 3,000 dogs and their owners to the Kemper Outdoor Education Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect contests for titles such as Best Trick and Best Tail-wagger, demonstrations of frisbee catching and agility, and pet supply vendors. Entry is free with a donation of canned or dry dog food, though some activities require paid entry.
Planning tips
- Arrange a sober ride home if you’re attending a beer festival, and drink responsibly.
- Buy tickets early, since festival tickets often sell out.
- Bring water, sunscreen or layers, and clean-up supplies for your dog.
Fall weekends in Kansas City tend to pack a lot into a short time, and this one is a good example.
