Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics is proud to be your local orthodontic experts in Kansas City and Sedalia, and we love our community! While we tend to focus on your tooth and jaw health at our practice (it comes with the territory), we wanted to do something a little different today and talk about all the awesome local festivals in Sedalia! So, let’s get down to business!
CELEBRATING SEDALIA: LOCAL FESTIVALS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
Sedalia is a town that knows how to celebrate! Whether you love live music, historic tributes, or food festivals that bring the whole community together, there’s always something happening. At Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics, we’re all about making smiles brighter—not just in our office but throughout the community. And what better way to bring people together than a great festival?
From the legendary Missouri State Fair to hidden gems you may not have heard of, here’s your guide to the best annual events Sedalia has to offer.
The Missouri State Fair: Where Sedalia Comes Alive
If you ask any local about Sedalia’s biggest event, they’ll tell you—it’s the Missouri State Fair. Held every August, this 11-day celebration is packed with live music, carnival rides, livestock shows, and enough fried food to last a lifetime. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned fairgoer, there’s always something new to experience.
What Makes the Missouri State Fair a Must-Visit?
- Live Entertainment – Big-name concerts at the State Fair Grandstand draw music lovers from across Missouri.
- Agricultural Exhibits – Get up close with prize-winning livestock and farming displays.
- Food Vendors Galore – From deep-fried everything to barbecue and fresh lemonade, this is foodie heaven.
- Carnival Rides & Games – Test your skills, win prizes, and take in the fair from the top of the Ferris wheel.
Braces-Friendly Fair Foods
Fair food is delicious, but if you or your child has braces, you’ll want to steer clear of some of the crunchier or stickier options. Instead, try:
- Smoothies
- Funnel cakes
- Mac & cheese bowls
- Soft Pretzels
Want to indulge but worried about your orthodontic care? No problem. Just make sure to brush and floss after enjoying those sweet treats!
Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival: Celebrating a Musical Icon
Before jazz and rock and roll, there was ragtime, and Sedalia was at the heart of it. This annual festival, held every May, celebrates the music of Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime,” who got his start right here in town.
This isn’t just a concert—it’s an immersive experience. Pianists from around the world travel to Sedalia to perform in historic venues and street corners, keeping this iconic American music alive.
The Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival brings Sedalia to life with free outdoor concerts throughout downtown, featuring world-class musicians performing the vibrant rhythms of ragtime. Visitors can enjoy ticketed performances, explore historical walking tours that highlight Sedalia’s deep connection to Joplin’s legacy, and attend educational symposia that dive into the lasting impact of ragtime on American music.
If you love music, history, or just a good excuse to tap your feet, this is an event you don’t want to miss!
Sedalia’s Christmas Celebrations: A Season of Lights and Cheer
The holiday season in Sedalia is nothing short of magical, with multiple events bringing the community together. Whether you’re looking for a dazzling display of lights, a cozy hometown parade, or a chance to meet Santa himself, Sedalia has something for everyone.
Annual Downtown Christmas Parade
For over 50 years, the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade has been a community favorite. Floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer fill the streets on the first Saturday of December.
Local Tip: Grab a spot near Hotel Bothwell for the best view of the tree-lighting ceremony!
Thanksgiving Fireworks & Tree Lighting at Hotel Bothwell
Thanksgiving night, downtown Sedalia transforms into a winter wonderland. The historic Hotel Bothwell hosts a tree-lighting ceremony, followed by a fireworks display synchronized to holiday music.
Best places to watch:
- Courthouse Square
- Any spot with a good view of Hotel Bothwell
- Local restaurants offering holiday specials
Between the parade and fireworks, Sedalia’s holiday season is full of magic.
St. Patrick’s Day in Sedalia: The Pub Crawl You Can’t Miss
March in Sedalia means shamrocks, green beer, and the annual Sedalia Lions Club St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl. This event brings downtown to life with local bars and restaurants offering drink specials, live music, and plenty of Irish spirit.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
- Open Container Rules – You must use the official Pub Crawl cup to enjoy drinks outdoors.
- ID Checks – All participants must be 21 or older.
- Dress Code – Wearing green is a must!
If you’re looking for a night of fun with friends, this is the event to mark on your calendar.
Annual Piccadilly Gala: A Night of Fun and Fundraising
Looking for something a little more upscale? Every fall, the Piccadilly Gala brings together Sedalia’s community leaders for an evening of entertainment, auctions, and giving back.
The highlight of the night is the Piccadilly Auction, where guests bid on prizes using quarters rather than cash. All proceeds go toward funding local community events throughout the year.
It’s a perfect excuse to dress up, enjoy a great meal, and support a good cause!
Keeping Your Smile Bright During Festival Season
Festivals are all about having fun, but don’t forget about your smile while enjoying all the treats and activities! Here are a few quick tips for keeping your teeth in top shape:
- Pack a Travel Toothbrush – A quick brush after a sugary snack can prevent cavities.
- Stick to Braces-Safe Foods – Soft options like smoothies and pasta are safer than crunchy or sticky treats.
- Drink Water – Staying hydrated helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth healthy.
At Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics, we love seeing our patients out and about, enjoying everything Sedalia has to offer. Whether you’re heading to the Missouri State Fair, tapping your feet at the Scott Joplin Festival, or ringing in the holidays at Hotel Bothwell, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate in our community.
So get out there, enjoy these incredible events, and keep sharing your beautiful smiles along the way!
Final Word
Sedalia’s festivals are what make this community feel like home. No matter what season it is, there’s always a reason to come together and celebrate.
And if you ever need a little help keeping your smile festival-ready, you know where to find us. Your consultation is always free, so there’s nothing to hold you back from a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles for the whole family!
