한국어
Experience the tastes, traditions, and vibrant spirit of Korea at the 2026 KC Arirang Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 19, at the UMKC Student Union.
The KC Arirang Festival is Kansas City’s annual celebration of Korean culture, bringing together Korea’s rich heritage and today’s globally popular K-culture. Korean American community members, local residents, students, families, and cultural enthusiasts are all invited to connect, celebrate, and experience Korea together.
The festival showcases Korea’s past, present, and future through traditional dance and music, Taekwondo demonstrations, K-Pop performances, Korean food, traditional games, crafts, hanbok, language activities, K-Beauty, and much more.
The main stage will feature an exciting variety of performances, including powerful Taekwondo demonstrations, traditional Korean dance and choral music, and energetic K-Pop showcases. Together, these performances offer audiences a glimpse into the remarkable range of Korean culture, from time-honored traditions to contemporary entertainment.
Festivalgoers can enjoy popular Korean and Korean-inspired dishes such as bulgogi, tteokbokki, and more. Food at KC Arirang is more than a meal—it is another way to share Korea’s warmth, hospitality, and everyday culture.
Visitors can explore the Korean language and create traditional crafts inspired by bojagi wrapping cloths and norigae ornaments. Other activities may include K-Pop dance workshops, hanbok experiences and photo opportunities, and traditional games such as jegichagi, ddakji, and gonggi.
A wide range of booths will introduce visitors to Korean cosmetics and skincare, fashion accessories, stationery, handcrafted goods, K-Pop merchandise, and other Korean products. Guests will also have opportunities to meet local Korean American organizations, businesses, and cultural groups.
One of the festival’s featured events is the Han Beat KC K-Pop Dance Competition. Five solo performers or groups selected through a preliminary round will advance to the grand finale and compete live on the KC Arirang main stage.
Both solo performers and groups are welcome to apply. It is a special opportunity to share your talent and passion for K-Pop in front of thousands of festivalgoers.
The K-Cosplay Showcase invites fans to dress as their favorite K-drama, K-Pop, or Korean movie personalities, wear hanbok, or create costumes inspired by Korean anime and game characters.
Participants can show off their creativity on the cosplay runway. Selected participants may also have an opportunity to appear on the main stage and receive special prizes.
KC Arirang is more than a show to watch—it is an interactive cultural experience. Visitors can taste Korean food, wear hanbok, learn Korean words, play traditional games, make crafts, and experience Korean culture firsthand.
The 2025 festival welcomed approximately 2,000 visitors and filled the UMKC Student Union with performances, food, cultural activities, and shopping. Created through the combined efforts of local Korean American organizations, businesses, students, and volunteers, KC Arirang continues to grow as an important bridge between Korea and the Greater Kansas City community.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Korean culture or discovering it for the first time, everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends and experience the flavors, beauty, excitement, and warmth of Korea.
One performance, one bite, and one smile at a time, Korea and Kansas City come closer together.
Saturday, September 19, 2026｜9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
UMKC Student Union｜5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO 64110
Meet Korea. Celebrate culture. Connect with your community.
See you at the KC Arirang Festival!
