Labor Day weekend events

Several events are planned for Labor Day weekend in the area.

Renaissance Festival opens

The Renaissance Festival kicks off its 2015 festival season on Saturday, Sept. 5, near 126th and State in Bonner Springs.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. each festival day, rain or shine. The event is open weekends and Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

“Wonders of the World” is the theme of the opening weekend at the Renaissance Festival. It is also Artisan Appreciation Weekend.

For more information, see www.kcrenfest.com/,

Downtown KCK Labor Day Festival planned Sept. 5

A Downtown KCK Labor Day Festival celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 5, starting with a parade at 11 a.m. and a festival.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Minnesota Avenue near 4th Street. Afterward, the festival will be from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at 18th Street and Minnesota Avenue.

The festival includes a mini carnival, live bands, activities for children, face painting, clowns, food and entertainment.

Admission is free. The event is sponsored by Bonito Michoacan.

Irish Fest planned

The Kansas City Irish Fest is set to start at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and continue through Sunday evening at Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo.

More than 300 musicians and dancers are expected to participate in the event.

Performers will include Mundy,The Elders, Gaelic Storm, Baile an Salsa, We Banjo 3, Socks in the Frying Pan, Carswell and Hope, Ashley Davis, Larry Kirwan, Eddie Delahunt and Friends, Flannigans Right Hook, St. Andrews Pipes and Drums, Bob Reeder, Jim Cosgrove and Damien McCarthy.

Among the many dancers who are scheduled include the O’Riada-Manning Academy of Irish Dance, the Driscoll School of Irish Dance and Ceili at the Crossroads. Several Wyandotte County residents are expected to volunteer.

There also will be activities for children. The schedule for the event is online at www.kcirishfest.com.