Lickskillet Days 2026: A Small-Town Fall Tradition in Oak Grove
There is something special about a fall festival in a small town. Neighbors run into one another, families spend the day together, and local businesses and organizations get a chance to show off a little of what makes their community special.
Lickskillet Days is one of those traditions.
This year’s festival takes place Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, 2026, in downtown Oak Grove, Missouri. Visitors can expect live music, local vendors, food, shopping, children’s activities, and plenty of hometown fun.
Whether you have lived in Oak Grove for years, recently moved to the area, or simply want something enjoyable to do this weekend, Lickskillet Days is a wonderful way to experience the heart of the community.
What Is Lickskillet Days?
Lickskillet Days is Oak Grove’s annual fall festival and a celebration of the town’s history and community spirit. The name comes from “Lickskillet,” an early nickname associated with Oak Grove.
Today, the festival brings people together in downtown Oak Grove for two days of food, entertainment, shopping, and family activities.
You can expect a mix of:
Local food, craft, and retail vendors
Live music and entertainment
Kids Street activities
Carnival-style fun
Opportunities to support local businesses and organizations
Plenty of familiar faces and small-town hospitality
Admission to the festival is free, although food, merchandise, children’s activities, and other attractions may cost extra.
Lickskillet Days 2026 Dates and Location
Lickskillet Days will be held:
Friday, September 25, 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026
The festival takes place in downtown Oak Grove near the Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce at:
1300 South Broadway
Oak Grove, Missouri 64075
Because festival schedules and individual activities can change, I recommend checking the Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce event page before leaving home.
Friday Evening at Lickskillet Days
Friday is a great time to stop by after work or school and enjoy the start of the weekend.
The festival gets underway Friday afternoon, with vendors, food, children’s activities, and live entertainment continuing into the evening. Fast Times is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. at 1300 South Broadway.
If you enjoy live music and that relaxed Friday-night festival feeling, this may be the best time for you to visit. Missouri fall evenings can cool down quickly, so bringing a light jacket is probably a good idea—even if the afternoon starts out warm.
Saturday’s Family Fun
Saturday offers a full day to explore the festival.
Families can browse the vendors, find something good to eat, enjoy the entertainment, and let the kids spend some time on Kids Street. The Oak Grove Chamber lists Kids Street wristbands at $10.
Saturday may be the better choice if you want more time to walk around without feeling rushed. It is also a nice opportunity for people who are new to Oak Grove to discover local businesses, meet community organizations, and get a feel for the town.
Popular festival times can become crowded, so arriving earlier in the day may make parking and navigating the festival a little easier.
What Should You Bring?
A little preparation can make any fall festival more enjoyable. I would suggest bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes
Cash and a card, since payment options may vary by vendor
A light jacket or layers for changing temperatures
Water bottles
Sunscreen
A stroller or wagon if you have little ones
A small bag for anything you purchase
It is also smart to check the weather before leaving. Missouri has a way of giving us cool mornings, warm afternoons, wind, and rain—all within the same weekend.
If you are attending with children, take a quick picture of them when you arrive and choose a meeting place in case anyone gets separated.
Come Hungry and Support Local
Let’s be honest: the food is always one of the best parts of a community festival.
Lickskillet Days gives local vendors and organizations an opportunity to serve the community, raise money, and introduce their businesses or programs to new people. Buying lunch, grabbing a treat, or shopping at a vendor booth is a simple way to support the people who help make Oak Grove what it is.
You may find food trucks, fair-style favorites, sweet treats, cold drinks, and other local offerings throughout the festival. Vendor selections can vary, so come hungry and see what sounds good when you get there.
Why Events Like This Matter
Real estate is about much more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. It is also about finding a place where you feel connected.
For many families considering Oak Grove or the surrounding eastern Kansas City metro, that small-town connection is a big part of the appeal. Oak Grove offers a little more breathing room while still keeping residents within reach of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lee’s Summit, and Kansas City.
Community traditions like Lickskillet Days give people a chance to slow down, spend time together, and support their neighbors. They also give newcomers a glimpse of what everyday life in the community can feel like.
Sometimes the best way to decide whether an area could feel like home is simply to spend some time there.
Enjoy a Fall Weekend in Oak Grove
If you are looking for something fun to do September 25 or 26, make plans to visit Lickskillet Days in downtown Oak Grove. Enjoy the music, browse the vendors, let the kids have some fun, and treat yourself to something good to eat.
Be sure to check the Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce for the latest schedule and event information before you go.
And if spending the day in Oak Grove has you wondering what it might be like to call this area home, I would be happy to help. Whether you are buying, selling, or relocating to Oak Grove or another community in the eastern Kansas City metro, reach out anytime. I’m always glad to answer questions and help you get to know the communities I’m proud to serve.
