Outer Reaches Festival originated in 2012 as KC Psych Fest, created by Dedric Moore, owner of recording space HQ and member of experimental Kansas City groups. The inaugural event took place at FOKL arts space in Kansas City, Kansas over three days in May 2012, utilizing projections onto 3D sculptures alongside experimental music performances.

In its early years, the festival expanded from a single-venue event to multiple venues across Kansas City, gradually incorporating more diverse touring acts alongside local performers. The 2013 transition to recordBar venue in Kansas City, Missouri marked a significant evolution, with owner Steve Tulipana and Haymaker Records founder Brenton Cook joining organizational efforts.

By 2015, the festival had shifted to multiple events throughout the year rather than a fixed weekend format. The 2016 rebranding from KC Psych Fest to Outer Reaches reflected a broader artistic scope beyond exclusively psychedelic music. The festival has consistently featured both established local artists and national touring acts, with production enhancements including live video mapping and dual-stage configurations.

The organization emphasizes presenting artists experimenting within and pushing boundaries in their respective genres, drawing acts from genres spanning punk rock, folk, blues, funk, and electronic music alongside traditional psychedelic offerings. The festival operates as a partnership with the Midwest Music Foundation, a nonprofit supporting Kansas City's music community through health care assistance and educational resources.

With a typical two-day format held at recordBar in Kansas City, Outer Reaches continues to champion experimental and unconventional artistry, positioning Kansas City as a hub for boundary-pushing music and avant-garde expression.