About 20 minutes outside of Topeka lies the small city of Meriden, Kansas. If you’re not familiar with it, you’re not alone: it’s home to fewer than 800 people. However, we think it’s a great small town with a strong sense of community and the quaint, homey atmosphere that you’ll often find in small towns in Kansas. It’s also home to an active, community-oriented Antique Engine and Threshers Association that holds events throughout the year. The association has been hosting a fall festival and swap meet for 45 years now, and it’s always such a fun time in this small town! This year’s fall festival near Topeka, KS will be held September 23-24, 2023.

Meriden is one of the many small cities that dot the Kansas landscape. It's in the western part of Jefferson County.
City of Meriden, KS
The non-profit group Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association works to preserve old-school farming methods.
Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association/Facebook
The association hosts a summer show, a fall festival and swap meet, and a November chili cook-off. These events are open to the public.
We're so excited for the upcoming fall festival! Admission is only $3 and you'll get to see tractor pulls and farm equipment demonstrations.
Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association/Facebook
The vendors have crafts, canned goods, and more available for purchase.
Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association/Facebook
Cottonwood Station is the association's little town made up of antique buildings.
Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association/Facebook
During festivals, many of the buildings have demonstrations. You'll be able to see apple butter as it's made, sorghum syrup being crafted, and even attend a church service at the old Bloomfield Church.
This is such a great old-fashioned fall festival near Topeka, KS that is so much fun for the whole family.
Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association/Facebook

For more information about this fall festival near Topeka, KS, check out the Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association website or the MAETA Facebook page. As a reminder, this year’s festival will be held September 23-24.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the area, check out this great vacation rental home in Meriden, KS. It’s such a peaceful escape from the city!

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Meriden, KS 66512, USA