Briarfest VIII
Levee Days
Music Line-up • VIP Weekend Passes • Explore • FAQs • Sponsorships • 2023 Sponsors
Briarfest is a two day family friendly free admission Music Festival benefiting the Midwest Music Foundation, Synergy Services and North Kansas City Parks and Recreation. Located in beautiful Macken Park in North Kansas City, Missouri on Friday September 8th and Saturday, September 9th 2023.
Created 8 years ago, by Robert Bearce and the BBPA, this music festival has become a favorite of many Kansas Citians. A festival with a goal to be accessible to all area residents, the festival will always remain free for general admission. Briarfest has raised over $250,000 for Charity and is looking to surpass that goal in the years to come! Join us for a Weekend of Music, Brews, Food and Fun!
Free general admission! VIP passes available.
Music Line-up
Music Lineup
Friday September 8th
Main Stage
3:30-10:30 p.m.
- Levee Town
- The Vincent’s
- Popskull Rebels
- Oscar Polk All Star Band
- Carl Warden Band
- Cherry Bomb
Beer Forest Stage
5:30-9:30 p.m.
- School of Rock
Saturday September 9th
Main Stage
Noon-10:30 p.m.
- Similar Animal
- Alex Abramovitz & His Swingin’ KC Jazz Band
- Stranded in the City
- Brook Kafka & Friends
- Free Rent Band
- Tracer Heights
- Old Number 5’s
- Four Fried Chickens and A Coke
Beer Forest Stage
Noon-8 p.m.
- School of Rock
- Jillian & Josephine
- Pathfinder
- Jacilyn Bell Band
- Newland Band
VIP – Weekend Pass
- VIP Bar
- 20% off t-shirts
- $5.00 off Balloon Ride – Old World Balloonery
- Tasting Glass
- VIP Bathrooms
- The Full Briarfest Experience
- *Sampling only on Saturday
Presale: $50.00 Day of Event: $60.00
Sampling Ticket – Saturday Only
Presale: $25.00 Day of Event: $30.00
Explore
Art and Wine Oasis sponsored by Jan Jensen Art – Vibrant Colors and Tastes combine in the luxurious outdoor tented Art Gallery Experience with Local Wineries serving their libations.
Beer Forest sponsored by Cinder Block Brewery celebrating 10 years in North KC – Nestled around the Oakes and Pines in Macken Park, the Beer Forest emerges with Local Kansas City Breweries serving up hoppy and bright brews.
Sampling Beer and Wine – 4 to 7 Saturday (get tickets here link)
A Toast to Teachers – Join us as we honor the teachers and our school staff, in our community, sponsored by Cinder Block Brewery & Briar Fest. Friday September 8th from 4-7:00 pm * Teachers and school staff receive a coupon for one free beverage at the Beer Forest Entrance,with valid photo ID and current school ID or proof of employment. (valid for Friday night between 4 and 7pm only. Coupon may not be used beyond designated times).
Hot Air Balloon Tandem Rides : Saturday 3pm to 9pm. Weather permitting. Tickets for sale at the event or online day of event. (All Ages).
Dunk Me for Charity : Elect Someone to be dunked, local or national candidates and organization leaders will be available for your dunking pleasure. Saturday Morning starting at 10:30am by the Main Stage. Do you know someone who we should dunk for charity? Email bbpakc@gmail.com with your ideas or call 816-695-3652!
Barley Brew Bus : Saturday 3:30pm – 10 pm, Bus services sponsored by the Barley Brew Bus. Making stops throughout North Kansas City, Missouri.
LYFT services : Huge Thanks to LYFT for being a sponsor of our festival, encouraging everyone to get LYFT-ed home and never drink and drive! LYFT QR codes will be posted throughout the park – so you can scan and go! LYFT drivers will also come and go from Spurtty Circle during the festival.
Black Light Art Area: Journey through the black light art tunnel, sponsored by Area Artist Craig Mildrexler. The Black Light Area will feature a two way Art Tunnel, Black Light Paint Area and more!
School Of Rock : The Beer Forest Stage, Sponsored by the School of Rock. One of the area’s top music schools will have students playing on the Macken Stage Friday and Saturday!
FAQs
- Festival Hours : Friday September 8th 3:30pm to 10pm and Saturday September 9th 10am to 10:30pm
- Accommodations for guests with disabilities – parking, bathrooms and sidewalk areas will be listed on the digital map. This festival is held in a park with only some sidewalk areas. There is no special seating for those with disabilities.
- Do I have to bring my printed VIP or Sampling Ticket? You must have a printed ticket or the link to the receipt for the ticket. A photo of the ticket will not be permitted.
- Photo/Video Policy: Any image or sound captured is property of Briar Fest.
- Where is Briar Fest? Briar Fest is located at William E. Macken Park at 1002 Clark Ferguson Drive in North Kansas City, Missouri.
- Where can I park? There is a parking lot at William E. Macken Park. There is also street Parking all over North Kansas City. Please be mindful of how and where you park. Pay attention to street signs, try to carpool with friends or ride the amazing downtown buses from the River Market! Barley Brew Bus will be going back and forth from local breweries and the festival as well.
- Is there seating? There is no seating. You are welcome to bring blankets and collapsable chairs.
- Can I bring my pet? Yes, with current tags for cats and dogs. On Leash only. NO EXOTICS
- Is the event kid friendly? This is an all age show. Kids under the age of 18 after 8pm must be accompanied by an adult.
- Do you accept Credit Cards or Checks? No checks please. Credit Cards and Cash Accepted.
- Can I bring my Camera? Yes.
- Prohibited Items : No outside food or Drink, No Alcohol or Marijuana, no tent structures, no firearms or weapons, no illegal drugs, no bbq grills, no fire pits, no camping gear and no bad attitudes.
- What can I bring ? Small portable chairs, blankets, bug spray, sun screen, unopened bottled water(these will be checked). Purses and Backpacks subject to search.
- What food is available? Food trucks will offer a variety of yummy savory and sweet foods for purchase.
- Where do I go if I get separated from my child? We will reunite lost children with parents/guardian at the front entrance by the circle drive.
- Where do I go for First Aid? There will be two first Aid Tents set up in the park. The locations will be marked and listed on the digital map
- Non Alcoholic Drink Options? Yes! Food Trucks will have non alcoholic drinks for purchase.
- Can I come and go as I please? Yes. Subject to check in anytime you enter the festival grounds.
- What is the Rain policy? We are a rain or shine event. No refunds or rain out dates. If lighting does occur, the bands will wait until the all clear.
- Can I smoke in Macken Park? There will be a designated smoking area located by the Beer Forest. William E. Macken Park is a non smoking, non vaping Park. Please be mindful to not smoke outside of the designated area.
- Where should I stay if I am visiting Kansas City? We recommend Aloft North and Element North Hotel in North Kansas City! We also recommend Holiday Inn, Marriott Hotels, Best Western and the Hotel Phillps.
- Directions and Transportation
- What is the route that Barley Brew Bus takes? This will be announced closer to the festival.
- Does the Brew Bus Cost to ride? It is free! (Feel free to tip your driver).
- North Kansas City Towing Policy? Please be mindful of NO Parking Signs or Limited Parking Signs. If you park illegally, you will be towed.
- Can I take a Lyft home? Absolutely! Download the app before the festival so you are prepared. Festival staff cannot call you a cab.
- Where is Macken Park Located? William E. Macken Park is located at 1002 Clark Ferguson Drive North Kansas City, Missouri 64116
2023 Sponsors
Sail Away Wine (Sampling Glass Sponsor)
Gallery Portraiture
Cinderblock Brewery
Big Dudes Music Center – backline Equipment
5 star Painting
KC RV There Yet LLC
Pets Best Life
BG Law
Scimeca’s Italian Sausage and Lemonade
Taco Bar
North Kansas City Business Council
Julieta’s Food Truck
ProPrint
Jada Bay Food Truck
Blue Dog Merch
One More Scoop
Ying Thai Food
Bem Biz Service