Wathena Fall Festival

Join us for the Wathena Fall Festival, a heartwarming celebration of community and nature in Wathena, Kansas, from Friday, September 4, to Monday, September 7, 2026. Set against the backdrop of the Missouri River and surrounded by lush forests, this festival offers a perfect blend of lakeside charm and small-town hospitality. It’s an event where families, friends, and neighbors come together to create lasting memories.

The festival kicks off on Friday evening with opening ceremonies featuring the Star-Spangled Banner and a welcoming address by Mayor John Cluck. Enjoy a delicious fried chicken dinner served by DCSW, followed by carnival rides, a petting zoo, and live music by local artists like Jacob Davis and Bill Mears. Saturday’s festivities include a 5K and 10K run/walk, a tractor show, children’s parades, a cornhole tournament, and a pie and dessert baking contest. Sunday features a pancake feed, a motorcycle and car show, a grand parade, and the unique Greased Pig contest. Each day concludes with live country music performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.

This festival is ideal for families with children, offering activities like inflatable slides, face painting, and a petting zoo. Pet lovers will appreciate the dog-friendly events and amenities. Couples can find quiet corners and scenic spots perfect for photos. Large reunion groups will find ample space for shared meals and group activities. The event fosters togetherness, a connection to nature, and the simple joy of lakeside living.

Nearby lodging options are available on Lake.com. Ready to make some lakeside memories? Start planning your stay now on Lake.com.