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.

Jesse James Festival Returns for 53rd Year

Next week, the annual Jesse James Festival returns to Kearney with new events and familiar favorites. This is the 53rd year for Kearney’s biggest event.

The two-weekend festival has several events and activities that every family member will enjoy. The festival begins Friday evening, September 13, when the carnival opens at Jesse James Park in Kearney.

On Saturday, September 14, activities include the Bill James 5k/10k Classic Run at 8 am and the Demolition Derby & Power Wheels event beginning at 7 pm.

On Thursday, September 20, the carnival opens again at the park. Carnival hours are 6 – 10 pm and entrance armbands are $25.

Friday brings in the main festival and has biggest events and activities including the thirty-sixth annual Jesse James Barbeque Cook-Out, free festival dance, and catfish tournament.

On Saturday, the annual Jesse James Festival Parade is the big event of the day. The parade begins at 10 am in downtown Kearney. Other events of the day include the carnival, rodeo, vendors, disc golf, axe throwing, petting zoo, large kite show, and more at Jesse James Park.

On Sunday the festival is open all day with the carnival, vendors, car and motorcycle shows, and more. For more information about the Jesse James Festival and a schedule of events go to jessejamesfestival.com.

Kearney is the birthplace and boyhood home of Jesse James, as well as his final resting place. The city hosts this festival that brings a large collection of people from all walks of life together. Each year, during the 3rd weekend of September, the festival is in full swing at the Jesse James Park, just north of Kearney on Highway 33.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Jesse James Parade Entry Information

The Jesse James Festival is coming up again next month and the festival committee is asking for participants in the Jesse James Parade. This will be the 53nd year for the festival.

This year’s Jesse James Parade theme is “Patriotic.” The categories judged at the parade include floats, non-motorized, motorized, equestrian and crowd pleaser. Ribbons or plaques along with the ultimate prize will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

The parade this year will be on Saturday, September 21, at 10 am in Kearney. Parade applications can be found HERE. The deadline to register is August 31.

Entry forms should be completed and returned with fee to the PO Box 536, Kearney, MO 64060. The parade order of line-up will be placed in order by date of receipt of entry form with fee.

For questions, please call Julie Hedges at 816-507-5503 or Ashley Hedges at 816-797-3957.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.