Annual Events
No matter when you visit Independence, chances are something special is on the calendar.
From artsy evenings and seasonal festivals to holiday traditions that feel straight out of a storybook, these recurring events give travelers plenty of reasons to time their trip just right.
Each month, the Third Fridays Art Walk brings the Englewood Arts District to life with gallery openings, public art, live performances and creative surprises around every corner. Food trucks roll in to keep things delicious, and nearby restaurants like Vivilore and Wine Down 109 offer easy spots to refuel. Catch a puppetry performance, linger for open mic night or simply wander and soak it all in.
Set near the historic Independence Square, the Independence Uptown Farmers Market is a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike. With more than 40 vendors, the market is a great stop for fresh produce, handmade goods and locally inspired gifts—all housed in a covered pavilion designed for year-round community events.
Fall arrives with flair during SantaCaliGon Days, a longtime tradition named for the historic trails that began in Independence. This free festival fills the streets with carnival rides, live music, local vendors, beer gardens and classic festival fare — an unmistakable sign that autumn has arrived.
October brings chills with 1859 Jail Museum Jail Haunts, an after-dark tour that explores the site’s eerie history and reported paranormal activity. During the holidays, the city leans into its festive side with Living Windows, where shop windows around the Independence Square transform into live performances, and elegant seasonal tours at both the Vaile Mansion and Bingham-Waggoner Estate, offering a glimpse of Christmas celebrations from another era.
Whether you’re chasing art, history, holiday cheer or hometown fun, Independence’s annual events make it easy to plan a visit that fits your interests — and maybe discover a new tradition along the way.
