Join us for the Raspberry Spring Expo on March 12, 2027, at The Pavilion at John Knox Village, Lee's Summit, MO, featuring over 100 booths of unique handcrafted items.
Dates
12 Mar 2027
City / country
Lee's Summit, USA
Venue
The Pavilion at John Knox Village
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Raspberry Spring Expo is a vibrant event showcasing over 100 booths filled with unique handcrafted items, fostering creativity and community spirit.
It takes place on March 12, 2027, at The Pavilion at John Knox Village in Lee's Summit, Missouri.
TL;DR
Visitors can explore a wide range of unique handcrafted items, enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, and support local artisans. Dates and Venue: The Raspberry Spring Expo runs on March 12, 2027, at The Pavilion at John Knox Village, Lee's Summit, Missouri. Buyer Authority: Attendees include families and craft enthusiasts looking for unique, handcrafted products.
Exhibitors gain visibility among a targeted audience of craft enthusiasts, the opportunity to sell unique products, and the chance to connect with potential customers and other vendors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include families and craft enthusiasts looking for unique, handcrafted products. The Raspberry Spring Expo is a key event for local artisans and craft vendors, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and connect with the community.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
520 NW Murray Rd., Lee's Summit, MO 64081, USA
Attend
How the last edition performed
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
The Raspberry Spring Expo is a vibrant event showcasing over 100 booths filled with unique handcrafted items, fostering creativity and community spirit. It takes place on March 12, 2027, at The Pavilion at John Knox Village in Lee's Summit, Missouri. The Raspberry Spring Expo is a key event for local artisans and craft vendors, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and connect with the community. It supports local creativity.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Families looking for unique handcrafted gifts, Art and craft enthusiasts, Local community members interested in supporting artisans, Vendors seeking to network and collaborate. Dates and Venue: The Raspberry Spring Expo runs on March 12, 2027, at The Pavilion at John Knox Village, Lee's Summit, Missouri. Scale and Focus: This event features over 100 booths showcasing unique handcrafted items, attracting a diverse audience of art and craft enthusiasts. Organiser: The event is organised by.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors gain visibility among a targeted audience of craft enthusiasts, the opportunity to sell unique products, and the chance to connect with potential customers and other vendors. Buyer Authority: Attendees include families and craft enthusiasts looking for unique, handcrafted products. The Raspberry Spring Expo is a key event for local artisans and craft vendors, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and connect with the community. Exhibitor categories include Local artisans and crafters,.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Raspberry Spring Expo on 2027-03-12 to 2027-03-12 in Lee's Summit lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Buyers covering handmade arts, crafts and gift retail plan Raspberry Spring Expo alongside regional and national peer shows to compare makers, pricing and wholesale coverage across markets.
Pre-show
Confirm maker meetings, custom-order briefs and wholesale terms for Raspberry Spring Expo.
Show week
Hall walk-throughs, live craft demonstrations and consignment negotiations.
Peer events are established craft and gift fairs across the Midwest and USA; check each organiser website for current dates.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Kansas City International Airport
The region's main commercial gateway, north of Kansas City and connected to Lee's Summit via I-435 and MO-291. Rental cars, ride-hail (USD 55–75 one way) and pre-booked shared shuttles all serve the venue; there is no rail link south to Lee's Summit.
~37 mi (60 km)
to venue
40–50 min off-peak; allow 60 min in weekday rush hour
by car
Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport
General aviation, private and charter jet gateway on the Missouri River beside downtown Kansas City. No scheduled airline service, but the closest airfield for corporate aircraft and a quick run south on US-71/I-470 to Lee's Summit.
~25 mi (40 km)
to venue
30–35 min
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lee's Summit – Kansas City by IHG
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre, restaurant
Hampton Inn Kansas City-Lee's Summit
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, pet-friendly, fitness centre
Comfort Inn Lees Summit @ Hwy 50 & Hwy 291
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, business centre, accessible rooms
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
ride_hail
Uber and Lyft cover the whole route; allow 40–60 minutes and book the return car in advance because suburban driver supply thins after the afternoon peak.
taxi
Taxi supply in Lee's Summit is limited and metered cabs are booked through local operators; pre-book morning pickups rather than hailing on the street.
bus
Commuter-oriented service with infrequent weekend departures and no rail link to the venue; the free Kansas City Streetcar only covers downtown.
rental_car
The most flexible option for a single-day suburban show; the rental centre is reached by the free MCI shuttle bus and the venue has free on-site parking.
parking
Ample free surface parking with accessible spaces near the main entrance; arrive before 9:30 AM for the closest bays on show day.
taxi
30–35 min; General aviation, private and charter jet gateway on the Missouri River beside downtown Kansas City. No scheduled airline service, but the closest airfield for corporate aircraft and a quick run south on US-71/I-470 to Lee's Summit.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States for business or tourism of up to 90 days without a visa by obtaining an approved ESTA. All other foreign nationals generally need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
Official visa pageWeather
March in Lee's Summit is early spring: daytime highs sit around 13 C (55 F) and overnight lows drop to 0–2 C (32–36 F), with roughly 69 mm of rain across the month and a few light snow days early on. Conditions swing quickly between mild afternoons and cold, windy mornings. Pack a warm mid-layer plus a compact rain shell and closed-toe shoes for the walk from the parking lot into The Pavilion.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The Kansas City metro has strong 4G/5G coverage from Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, including Lee's Summit and the John Knox Village campus. International visitors can buy a T-Mobile or AT&T prepaid SIM at Kansas City International Airport on arrival, or activate a US-data eSIM (Airalo, Nomad or Google Fi) before flying. The Pavilion and most nearby hotels offer free guest Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi calling is a useful fallback if your home SIM charges roaming rates in the USA.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in US service settings — 15–20% at restaurants, USD 1–2 per drink at bars, and USD 2–5 per day for hotel housekeeping.
Dress code
Midwest craft and consumer shows are relaxed; smart casual, jeans and comfortable shoes are normal for both shoppers and stallholders.
Greetings and small talk
Handshakes and first names are standard on both sides of a booth, and a short friendly introduction before pricing or wholesale questions works well.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MCI
Fly into Kansas City International (MCI), served by Southwest, Delta, American, United, Spirit and Frontier with nonstop routes from most major US hubs. Book 6–10 weeks ahead for March travel to lock in the best fares, and avoid a same-morning arrival if you plan to drive straight to Lee's Summit. International travellers should connect through a US gateway and allow extra time for customs before the 40–50 minute drive south.
Foreign nationals travelling to the United States for a trade show or business meetings generally require a B-1 visitor visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa.
Estimated cost: Approx. USD 185 MRV visa application fee for B-1/B-2, or approx. USD 21 ESTA where eligible (labeled approximate government fees, verify on the official U.S. visa site).
Processing: Varies by nationality and consulate; U.S. officials advise applying well in advance. Interview wait times fluctuate, so start the process 2-3 months before the March 2027 event.
Carry event registration or an organiser invitation, proof of the 12 March 2027 show dates, hotel booking and return travel details for the visa interview and at the U.S. port of entry. Attendees on business should request a B-1 or B-1/B-2 visa.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Kansas City International Airport (MCI): 40–50 min off-peak; allow 60 min in weekday rush hour; Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC): 30–35 min. Allow road or rail time to The Pavilion at John Knox Village; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Pavilion at John Knox Village: Lee's Summit, NW Murray Rd corridor: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lee's Summit – Kansas City by IHG; Lee's Summit, near Hwy 291: Hampton Inn Kansas City-Lee's Summit; Lee's Summit, Hwy 50 & Hwy 291 junction: Comfort Inn Lees Summit @ Hwy 50 & Hwy 291.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate throughout Lee's Summit and the wider Kansas City metro, making ride-hail the most practical door-to-door option for this suburban venue. Expect roughly USD 20–40 for trips between local hotels and The Pavilion at John Knox Village, and USD 55–75 from Kansas City International Airport. Request your return car early on show day, as driver supply thins in outlying suburbs after the afternoon peak.
Public transit: RideKC runs regional bus services linking Lee's Summit with Kansas City, but the network is commuter-oriented and there is no metro or light rail serving The Pavilion at John Knox Village. Fares run about USD 1.50–3.00 per ride, and the Kansas City Streetcar is free but stays within downtown. Most visitors drive or use ride-hail for the final leg; weekend frequencies are limited, so plan around published timetables.
Parking: The Pavilion at John Knox Village has a free on-site surface lot at 520 NW Murray Rd that handles show-day traffic comfortably; arrive before 9:30 AM for the closest spaces to the main entrance. Accessible parking sits near the entrance, and overflow parking opens on the busiest mornings. There is no paid parking structure at the venue, and neighbouring NW Murray Road businesses restrict their lots to customers.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Daytime highs around 13 C (55 F) with overnight lows of 0–2 C (32–36 F) in Lee's Summit during March.
Seasonality: March is one of the wetter months in Lee's Summit, averaging roughly 69 mm of rainfall, with around two light snow days early in the month. Plan for wet pavements and a chance of cold snaps.
Packing: Pack layers and a warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell, and comfortable walking shoes for browsing indoor vendor aisles. Bring a tote for purchases and a charged phone for payments.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Friday, 12 March 2027 — the expo's only show day
Raspberry Spring Expo runs a single day at The Pavilion at John Knox Village, so Friday 12 March is the whole event. Arrive at opening: vendor stock and one-off handmade pieces are at their fullest in the morning, parking is easiest before 9:30 AM, and afternoon congestion builds as local shoppers arrive. Because the schedule is a single concentrated day, plan any wholesale or custom-order discussions for the morning and leave the final hour for browsing and purchases.
Confirm event details — Raspberry Spring Expo runs one day, 12 March 2027, at The Pavilion at John Knox Village, Lee's Summit, MO.
Check U.S. visa need — Foreign visitors generally need a B-1/B-2 visa unless eligible for the Visa Waiver Program via ESTA; check travel.state.gov.
Book flights — Fly into Kansas City International Airport (MCI), about 40-50 minutes from the venue.
Reserve a hotel — Book near the venue, such as Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn in Lee's Summit, 1-2 miles away.
Register for the show — Check ibdpromotions.com and the Raspberry Spring Expo page for visitor and admission information.
Plan transport — Arrange a rental car or ride-hail; Moovit lists local bus routes to John Knox Village.
Review March weather — Expect cool, wet spring weather with highs near 13C (55F); pack layers and rain gear.
Shortlist vendors — Review the vendor line-up and note makers you want to visit across the hall.
Set a budget — Bring a card and some cash; many craft vendors accept both for purchases.
Arrange travel cover — Purchase travel insurance and keep confirmations accessible on your phone.
Prepare for the day — Pack comfortable shoes, a tote for purchases and a charged phone for payments.
Attend the expo — Arrive early for parking and entry at 520 NW Murray Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081.
Kansas City — Country Club Plaza and Nelson-Atkins Museum
Truman Presidential Library and Independence, MO
Main Vendor Hall, The Pavilion at John Knox Village
Pavilion lobby and registration area
NW Murray Road café strip, Lee's Summit
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
per_diem
visitor · standard
USD 60–90 / per day
hotel
visitor · budget
USD 85–115 / per night
hotel
visitor · mid-range
USD 120–170 / per night
hotel
visitor · premium
USD 180–250 / per night
ground_transport
visitor · ride-hail MCI to venue
USD 55–75 / one way
visa_fee
visitor · B-1/B-2
USD 185 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
USD 21 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Entry visa
USD 185 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| per_diem | visitor | standard | USD 60–90 / per day | estimate | |
| hotel | visitor | budget | USD 85–115 / per night | estimate | |
| hotel | visitor | mid-range | USD 120–170 / per night | estimate | |
| hotel | visitor | premium | USD 180–250 / per night | estimate | |
| ground_transport | visitor | ride-hail MCI to venue | USD 55–75 / one way | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | B-1/B-2 | USD 185 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | USD 21 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Entry visa | USD 185 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Local shoppers, craft enthusiasts and collectors seeking handmade gifts, jewelry and home decor direct from 100+ vendors.
Min. budget
$350.00
Timeline
1-2 weeks for hotel and transport if attending the full day.
Risks
March hotel demand around Lee's Summit
Single-day show limits your attendance window
exhibit
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Artisans, crafters and small product businesses selling direct to consumers and testing the Midwest market.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
8-12 weeks to book a booth, prepare inventory and plan marketing.
Risks
Booth allocation may be limited and first-come
A single high-traffic show day requires enough stock and staffing
skip
Assess how this option fits your objectives.
Best for
Wholesale or industrial buyers and companies outside arts, crafts and gift retail.
Timeline
Not applicable.
Risks
Event scope is consumer arts and crafts, not industrial procurement
Book with
Recommended providers
FAQs & glossary
Glossary
Trust footer
3
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
IBD Promotions
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
