Waterfest Returns for its 43rd Year

Waterfest 2026 will return to downtown Excelsior Springs on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, bringing back one of the Kansas City area’s longest-running summer traditions for its 43rd year.

Organized by the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival draws thousands of residents and visitors for two days of entertainment, family activities, contests, vendors, and community traditions. Waterfest is the city’s largest annual event and has been named Best Festival in the Community of Excellence Awards for the past two years.

This year’s festival will feature more than 90 vendor booths along Broadway offering arts, crafts, clothing, gifts, food, beverages, and novelty items. Festivalgoers can also expect live music on the Rite-Way Stage, the Waterfest Summer Jam concert, country artist Josh Collins, the Waterfest Parade, a beer garden, and a wide range of attractions including a custom car, hot rod and truck show, a motorcycle show, a quilt show at the Hall of Waters, a Kids Splash Zone, free trolley rides, free hot air balloon rides, and community favorites such as the Little Miss & Mister Waterfest contest and the Rotary water fight.

One event returning to the lineup this year is the ES Idol Singing Competition, an amateur vocal contest that had been popular in previous years. Auditions are scheduled for June 19 and 20 at Slightly Off Broadway Theatre, with finalists set to perform during Waterfest on June 27. Former contestant Samantha Barrett is helping organize the competition alongside Cindy Hewitt.

Festival organizers said Waterfest remains a community-wide effort supported by volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, and civic groups. “This festival is about celebrating the spirit of Excelsior Springs,” organizers said. “Waterfest brings together families, visitors, businesses, entertainers, nonprofits, and volunteers in a way that truly showcases our community.”

Organizers are currently seeking additional volunteers, sponsors, parade entries, and vendors ahead of the June festival. For schedules, applications, contest information, sponsorship opportunities, and festival updates, visit: ESWaterfest.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.