Home to pomes (fleshy fruits), Pome on the Range in Williamsburg kicks off its U-pick party in late August, when early-bird Gala apples ripen. Stick around for pumpkin harvest, locally crafted wines, and the market’s orchard-sourced produce and pies.

Pome on the Range - Williamsburg
Credit: Kansas Tourism
 

At A and H Farm near Manhattan, Andrea, Hugo, and their eight kids throw a full-blown fall festival. Ride a hayrack to the pumpkin patch or frolic at the farmstead’s mega slide, corn maze, and petting zoo. Get pickles and produce at the store and adult slushies at the Grain Bin bar.

A & H Farm - Manhattan
Credit: Kansas Tourism
 

Good luck choosing a take-home favorite among more than 50 varieties of pumpkins—including blue, white, and pink varieties—at Spearville’s Hickory Hollow Pumpkin Patch. The farm roundup includes a pumpkin train, a haunted corn maze, and a store stocked with fresh-baked goods and pumpkin candles. Kiddos also dig Peckham’s Pumpkin Patch in Rantoul, with its hay bale maze, obstacle course, and pedal carts. Ride a wagon to the pumpkin patch or choose from varieties

The town of Wamego prides itself on its Wizard of Oz appeal, and on October 3 this year, many visitors show up as their favorite character for OZtoberfest. Enter the costume contest or bring your pooch for the Toto look-alike judging. After the festivities, follow the Yellow Brick Road alleyway from Wamego City Park to downtown’s Oz-somest attraction: the OZ Museum.

Oz Museum - Wamego
Credit: Zach Bauman
 

It's 2,000 artifacts include Munchkin costumes and a Winkie spear from the 1939 classic, and other rare memorabilia that will delight the savviest fans. Oz Winery brews Squished Witch, Drunken Munchkin, and other vinos that draw you in with their creative labels. Before you make your grand exit via hot-air balloon, rove around town to sniff out 18 adorable Toto statues.

Bonner Springs

Kansas City Renaissance Festival (September 5th–October 18th)

Throughout this 16-acre kingdom, mingle with hundreds of costumed performers and vendors selling handblown glass, pottery and turkey legs fit for a king. Catch fire-eaters, jugglers and comedy acts on 20 stages, and cheer knights jousting on horseback.
 

Salina

Boom! Salina Street Art and Music Festival (October)

Salina transforms when five muralists from around the world paint their stylistic masterpieces on buildings downtown and throughout the city. Observe the artists as they add to the city’s already extensive collection of international murals—then hear from them at the panel discussion.
 

Emporia 

Dia de los Muertos (October)

This Mexican celebration honors the memory of loved ones with a Parade of the Living Dead featuring flashy regalia and skull face paintings. Festivities carry on downtown with street corn and taco vendors, folkloric dancers and singers, a fire show, and other spirited entertainment.

Dia de los Muertos - Emporia
Credit: Kansas Tourism