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DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR IN INDEPENDENCE,MO:The 53rd Annual SantaCaliGon® Days Festival!
Presented by Xfinity - https://www.xfinity.com/
The vibrant and time-honored tradition of the SantaCaliGon® Days Festival hosted by the Independence Chamber of Commerce and presented by Xfinity, is set to mark its 53rd year, commemorating the rich history of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails that played an essential role in the westward expansion of the United States. The SantaCaliGon® Days Festival, a beloved Independence tradition, is set to take place over Labor Day Weekend, inviting everyone to relive the pioneering spirit that shaped the nation.
This historic festival, held from August 29th to September 1st, stands as the region's oldest and largest FREE event, promising a weekend filled with entertainment, delectable cuisine from numerous food vendors, handcrafted arts and crafts, a world-class carnival, and live performances across two dynamic stages. With over 250,000 attendees annually, the SantaCaliGon® Days Festival is a cornerstone of our community, contributing millions of dollars to the local economy.
> Handmade, crafters, and food vendors (500+ vendor booths)
> Carnival/Midway by Wade Shows
> Live music and performance on 3 stages
> Root Beer Chugging Contest (Sunday)
> Ice Cream Eating Contest (Sunday)
> Festival Food
> Main Street 1949 Experience
>One Room Schoolhouse
>Activities for the kids
> Antique Fire Trucks
> Fall photo opportunities throughout the festival
FESTIVAL DATES & HOURS:
Friday, Aug. 29th | 12 PM - 10 PM
Saturday, Aug. 30th | 10 AM - 10 PM
Sunday, Aug. 31st | 10 AM - 10 PM
Monday, Sept. 2nd | 10 AM - 5 PM
CARNIVAL DATES & HOURS:
Thursday, Aug. 29th | 5 PM-11 PM
Friday, Aug. 30th | 12 PM - 11 PM
Saturday, Aug. 31st | 10 AM - 11 PM
Sunday, Sept. 1st | 10 AM - 11 PM
Monday, Sept. 2nd | 10 AM - 5 PM
LOCATION:
Independence Square
116 W. Lexington
Independence, MO 64050
MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT:
Presented by Visit Missouri - https://www.visitmo.com/
ALL CONCERTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE
Unforgettable Main Stage Performances:
The Main Stage will feature an outstanding lineup of entertainment spanning three days, with performances from tribute bands and local favorites. Enjoy the shows up close with giant video screens on both sides of the stage.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29TH:
6 PM - Fast Times (Totally rad '80s vibes)
8 PM - The Women of Rock (Legends. Loud. Legendary.)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH:
6 PM - Jason Craig and the Wingmen (Southern twang, serious charm)
8 PM - Phil Vassar (Chart-topping country star, live in concert)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31ST:
6 PM - Sebastian James (Smooth, soulful, unforgettable)
8 PM - The Rock Gods (Hair, hits, and high-volume rock anthems)
:::::::::COMMUNITY STAGE ENTERTAINMENT:::::::::
Presented by WHATABURGER
https://whataburger.com/
Located in the Pharoah Theatre Parking Lot at the corner of Maple & Liberty Streets
Community Stage: Local Talent Spotlight
The Community Stage presented by WHATABURGER will feature local talent, providing lively entertainment throughout the day and under the stars in the evening.
FIRDAY, AUGUST 29TH:
5:30 PM - Derick Pierre & Friends
7:30 PM - KC Bones (Music of the Grateful Dead)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH:
10:00 AM - Claudia’s Legacy Dance Company
11:00 AM - Cathy's Creative Dance School
12:00 PM - Studio 3V Dance Center
2:00 PM - Legacy Entertainment
3:00 PM - Suzette Sings featuring Brother John
4:00 PM - Terry Hancock
5:30 PM - Green Shoebox Band
7:30 PM - Retroactive
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31ST:
12:00 PM - Ice Cream Eating Contest (Sponsored by Clinton's Soda Fountain)
1:00 PM - Root Beer Chugging Contest (Sponsored by Polly's Pop)
2:00 PM - Veterans Pinning Ceremony
3:00 PM - Critical Rock Theory
5:30 PM - Mirage KC
7:30 PM - Bound & Determined
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST:
11:00 AM - KC Heart of America Chorus
12:30 PM - School of Rock
2:00 PM - Rocket Surgery
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:::👇
Vendor Extravaganza in Historic Downtown:
Stretching across nine square blocks in Independence’s historic downtown, where pioneers once outfitted for their westward journey, vendor booths will showcase a diverse array of handcrafted treasures like jewelry, soaps, wood crafts, and more. Delight in an eclectic range of food, including homemade root beer, kettle corn, funnel cake, cobbler, pulled pork sandwiches, Greek salads, and other delectable treats. And don’t forget the Square’s local shops! Step into air-conditioned havens filled with unique finds and hometown charm. Shop small. Shop
local. Score big.
Medallion Hunt Returns:
The popular medallion treasure hunt is back! Clues will be published by The Examiner and posted on the festival’s Facebook page until all medallions are found. Find a medallion, scan the QR code, and claim your spot to win the grand prize beginning Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 This year, 4 Medallions will be hidden in public places Independence, MO. Only one winner per person/family.
Carnival Midway Attractions:
The carnival midway offers rides for thrill-seekers of all ages. Presale of unlimited ride wristbands will be available online BEGINNING IN AUGUST leading up to the festival.
Main Street 1849: A Pioneer Adventure Awaits
Experience a journey back in time with Main Street 1849. Located on Liberty between Lexington and Kansas Avenues, this attraction features a frontier jail cell, pioneer actors, live entertainment, games, activities, and live demonstrations. Perfect for memorable family photos.
For more information about the festival or how you can bring your business to SantaCaliGon Days, visit https://www.santacaligon.com
Whether you're here for the music, the memories, or the mouthwatering food, you belong at SantaCaliGon #53!
We can't wait to see you there!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Historic Independence Square, 121 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64050-3748, United States
