Over 40 breweries, live music, and vibrant autumn gardens come together for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser supporting the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Every October, the Overland Park Arboretum transforms into a vibrant celebration of fall flavors, local craft culture, and community spirit. Botanical Brewfest returns Saturday, October 18, from 12 - 3 PM, filling the gardens with the energy of live music, the aroma of seasonal treats, and the clink of tasting glasses. The event is presented by Friends of the Arboretum, a nonprofit fundraising arm of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.
What began as a cozy Oktoberfest-style gathering with firepits and flannel has grown into one of the Arboretum’s most anticipated annual fundraisers. Each year, proceeds from Brewfest flow directly back into the Arboretum, supporting projects that inspire and educate the community. From interpretive signage and pollination exhibits to youth field trips, library enhancements, and hands-on educational programs, every ticket sold helps sustain the Arboretum’s mission of learning, discovery, and connection. The event also fuels community favorites like Kite Fest, Arbor Day giveaways, and Night at the Arboretum.
This year’s Brewfest is returning to daytime hours, giving guests the perfect chance to enjoy crisp air, golden leaves, and the gardens at their most colorful. “The fall gardens are at the heart of Botanical Brewfest,” says Brit Waye, Community Engagement Manager. Visitors can stroll through the whimsical Train Garden, where model trains weave past seasonal blooms, or take in sweeping views of Margaret’s Pond framed by fiery mums and autumn foliage. The setting is a showstopper in its own right, meticulously designed by Horticulture Supervisor, Anne Wildeboor, and her team to create an immersive fall dreamscape.
Of course, the festival isn’t just about scenery. More than 40 breweries, distilleries, and beverage makers will be on hand, offering over 120 different pours from spicy pumpkin ales and rich stouts to ciders, spiked teas, and canned cocktails. Local favorites such as KC Bier Co., Free State, Transparent, and Sandhills will be joined by newcomers, including Broken Hatchet, Rochester, and Smoke Brewing. For those who prefer to skip the alcohol, non-alcoholic options like hop waters, sodas, and seltzers ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.
Food trucks and local vendors round out the afternoon with something for every craving. Guests can dig into Hawaiian teriyaki chicken or pork from Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill, fresh tacos from Pink Taco Truck, and fall staples like Donutology donuts, Jack’s Kettle Corn, and WildSide seasoned pretzels.
The soundtrack to the day comes courtesy of Kansas City musicians, from the classic rock stylings of 3 Guys and 3 Guitars to the upbeat oom-pah rhythms of The Jolly Dutchmen, creating a lively backdrop that keeps the celebration moving.
Behind the scenes, it takes an enormous volunteer effort to bring Brewfest to life, as more than 80 volunteers donated 480 hours of service last year alone. From pouring drinks to helping with setup and logistics, their work ensures guests experience nothing but seamless fun.
At its core, Botanical Brewfest is about more than sampling seasonal flavors. “We hope guests leave feeling like Brewfest was a must-do fall experience,” Waye says, “one that rivals pumpkin patches and cider mill weekends and knowing their day helped make a lasting impact on the Arboretum.”
With its perfect blend of brews, bites, and blooms, Botanical Brewfest has become a signature fall tradition in Overland Park and one that only promises to keep growing.