Ethnic Enrichment Festival and other Good Food in KC

Good food abounds in KC this August, and here’s a brief guide to help you find it! There are two events happening that will make your mouth water, and may even educate your kids at the same time. At the very least, you’re sure to have a great time.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Swope Park

This event is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the country and features more than 60 different cultures selling their native foods, crafts and performing ethnic music and dances. It’s always held during the third full weekend of August, which puts this year’s celebration Aug. 21-23.

This truly is a family-friendly event, with great food, fun activities and ongoing entertainment to keep the kids busy as you enjoy yourself. If you like to try new foods and experience other cultures, this melting pot event, hosted by KC’s Ethnic Enrichment Commission, is for you.

Swope Park (on Meyer & Swope Parkway, near Starlight Theatre and the Zoo). Admission is $3/adult; kids 12 & under free. Parking is free too. Food and crafts are available for purchase.

Friday, August 21-Sunday, August 23, 2015
Swope Park, Meyer Blvd. and Swope Parkway

Friday: 6-10pm
Saturday: Noon-10pm
Sunday: Noon-6pm

4th Annual Kansas City Kosher BBQ Festival

You won’t find any pork ribs (beef and poultry only) at this kosher BBQ festival, but you will find tons of fun and good food!

Just like most other BBQ competitions, the KC Kosher BBQ Festival has a little something for everyone, including a free Kids’ Zone (last year’s included face painters, games, and inflatables); live entertainment; and some good KC BBQ.

This year offers something special for your young chefs (ages 6-12): a Kids Q contest. Kids in two categories (6-9 and 10-12) will be provided with a charcoal grill, tongs and a dozen chicken wings; kids show up with their own recipe and secret ingredients. Parents are allowed to help with the grilling, and kids will be judged based on taste, appearance and tenderness of their wings. For more information, or to register your child, click here.

The Ritz Charles Parking Lot, 9000 W. 137th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66221. Free admission and parking; food available for a fee.

Sunday, August 16: 11am-4:30pm; Kids Q begins at 9:30. For a complete schedule of events, click here.

Bon appetit!

Photo courtesy of the Ethnic Enrichment Festival