54th Annual Jesse James Festival Returns to Kearney

The 54th Jesse James Festival is set to bring heritage, entertainment, and community spirit back to Kearney, Missouri, September 13 and the weekend of the 19th through 21st. Held at Jesse James Park and downtown Kearney, the festival honors the town’s most famous native son while offering a full weekend of family fun.

The action begins September 13th with the demolition derby and Kids Power Wheels race at 7 pm, always a crowd favorite. Children six and under get in free, general admission is $15, and pit passes are available for $25. Chainsaw carvings by Robinson Chainsaw Carvings will also be on display, with pieces sold at auction.

The following weekend heats up with the 37th Annual and 35th State Championship Jesse James Barbecue Cook-Out, a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned contest running Friday and Saturday. Teams will compete in brisket, ribs, chicken, pork shoulder, and specialty categories for prize money, trophies, and bragging rights. A beer garden and live music add to the festive atmosphere.

Saturday, September 20th, starts with the VFW Country Breakfast and the annual parade downtown, featuring the 2025 theme “Back to 1845: the Wild Frontier Begins.” Floats, equestrian entries, and local groups will compete for awards, while Arts & Crafts Alley, a disc-golf tournament, and the new free Garden Tractor Pull give families plenty to enjoy. A carnival opens at noon, and the afternoon features mud volleyball before the rodeo takes over the arena at 6 p.m. The night wraps up with a free Jesse James Dance under the stars, headlined by Pistol Creek.

On Sunday, September 21st, classic cars roll into town for a show starting at 9 am, while the Cody Vanderau Band provides live music from 10 am to 2 pm. Kids can join a free fishing tournament and families can attend Cowboy Worship near the rodeo arena. Arts & Crafts Alley and the carnival return for one more day, and the festival concludes with a hog raffle drawing and rodeo at 2:30 pm.

Now in its 54th year, the Jesse James Festival has become a tradition that honors Kearney’s place in history while bringing the community together. With food, competition, music, and plenty of small-town charm, it remains one of Missouri’s most anticipated fall celebrations.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.