Excelsior Springs Gears Up for Summer’s Biggest Festivals: Wine Fest and Waterfest
Two of Excelsior Springs’ most popular annual festivals are just around the corner, promising weekends filled with music, food, local flavor, and fun for all ages.
First up is the 19th Annual Excelsior Springs Wine Festival, hosted by the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP), taking place this Saturday, June 7, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the heart of the Hall of Waters Historic District. The region’s largest local wine event brings together over 80 wines from across Missouri, local craft breweries, artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music.
“This year we’re thrilled to welcome more Missouri wineries than ever before,” said Lyndsey Baxter, Executive Director of DEP. “The Wine Festival is not just a celebration of wine—it’s our largest fundraiser of the year, directly supporting the revitalization of our downtown.”
New this year is expanded trolley access, giving festivalgoers a chance to explore the rest of town between tastings. Participating vendors include several Excelsior Springs favorites such as Atlas Saloon Brewery, Casa Di Vite, Fence Stile Vineyards, and Shamrock Hills Vineyard, alongside regional producers like Les Bourgeois Vineyards, St. James Winery, and KC Wineworks.
Tickets range from $10 to $50 and are available at visitexcelsior.com/wine-festival. Volunteers are still being accepted for setup, breakdown, and gate attendance.
Just a few weeks later, the excitement continues with Waterfest, the city’s oldest and largest community celebration, happening June 27–28 in downtown Excelsior Springs. This year’s theme, “Summer Splash,” promises two full days of live music, activities, food, vendors, and family-friendly fun.
Festivities kick off Friday at 2:00 p.m. with over 90 vendor booths and the return of the Kids’ Splash Zone, featuring popular waterslides sponsored by Shelter Insurance Agent Kalyn Goode, Kenny Manley of RE/MAX, and Tray Harkins of Flat Branch Loans. The Little Mr. and Ms. Waterfest Contest begins at 5:00 p.m., and the evening wraps up with free hot air balloon rides and live music from JD & The Chasers, plus a fireworks display at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday morning begins at 9:00 a.m. with vendor booths reopening and the Waterfest Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. Longtime community leader Coach Jesse Hall will serve as Grand Marshal. Classic car lovers won’t want to miss the Custom Car, Hot Rod & Truck Show, with a special Bike Show hosted by Boopy Locks Salon.
Throughout Saturday, attendees can enjoy a Zumba session, live music by Jesse Thomas Harris and Jeff Perkins, and explore the quilt show in the Hall of Waters Visitor’s Center. The weekend wraps up with a “Summer Jam Concert” Saturday night from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., featuring tribute acts honoring Styx, The Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band, and John Cougar Mellencamp.
Both festivals highlight Excelsior Springs’ commitment to celebrating local talent, supporting small businesses, and bringing the community together.
Whether you’re raising a glass at Wine Fest or cooling off at Waterfest, downtown Excelsior Springs is the place to be this June.
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