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Day: October 1, 2025
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Gram & Dun Is Expanding North
One of the Plaza’s most notable restaurants, Gram & Dun, is opening a second location.
The new site, Gram & Dun Argosy, sits further north in the Argosy Casino & Hotel and is expected to open in January 2026. The 250-seat restaurant features private dining rooms and an outdoor patio, making it one of the largest restaurant spaces in the casino’s portfolio.
Along with the staple comfort menu items like steak, chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, customers can expect signature cocktails, a sommelier-curated wine list and dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Rendering Courtesy Of Argosy Casino 
Rendering Courtesy Of Argosy Casino “We’re excited to collaborate with W. VinZant Restaurants to bring Gram & Dun Argosy to life,” said Lance George, Vice President and General Manager of Argosy Casino & Hotel. “Whether guests are joining us for breakfast, lunch, or celebrating a night out, we’re committed to offering a unique dining experience that’s satisfying and memorable from the moment you arrive.”
The opening marks a strategic move for Argosy as it continues to expand its hospitality offerings beyond the casino floor.
The W. VinZant hospitality group has significantly expanded its portfolio this past year, acquiring beloved restaurants KC like Waldo Pizza, Bo Lings (now known as Heritage) and Corvino, to name a few.
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Fifteen Things To Do In KC This Weekend, October 2—5
Here are fifteen things to do in KC this weekend, October 2—5 including Chappell Roan, Chicano Art Festival and KC Oktoberfest.
The Life Of An Indie Showgirl: Midnight Release Party
It’s a busy weekend for Swifties. Taylor Swift’s album, The Life of a Showgirl, drops this Friday, and themed events are plentiful throughout KC. Mills Record Company, a locally-owned Westport staple, hosts a listening session and vinyl drop as the clock strikes midnight. Entry is free, but RSVPs are required.
October 2. 11:30 pm. Mills Record Company.
Chappell Roan
The Midwest Princess stays true to her title: KC is one of just three stops (in good company with New York City and Los Angeles) on her Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things pop-up tour. Returning to her home state of Missouri, the pop star’s show follows the release of her long-awaited single, “The Subway.” Her last KC performance was in April 2024, just weeks before her meteoric rise. Best of luck getting your hands on the coveted tickets.
October 3 & 4. 6:30 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial.
ArtSmash
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s party of the year returns. A fusion of fashion and music, ArtSmash features a curated menu from Ted Habiger, the museum’s chef partner and the chef and owner of Room 39.
October 4. 7 pm. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Pete Escovedo and His Orchestra
Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo marks his 90th birthday with a celebratory tour alongside his orchestra for a powerful start to the Folly Theater’s 44th Jazz Series. The percussionist has toured and recorded with a laundry list of artists like Carlos Santana, Prince and Herbie Hancock. Expect a vibrant fusion of smooth jazz and salsa.
October 4. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
Photography by Sarah Escovedo. Cinderella
This Lyric Opera of Kansas City production isn’t Disney’s fairy tale. It’s Italian composer Gioachino Rossini’s quirky, irreverent twist, where magic takes a back seat to comedy, leaving out the carriage, Fairy Godmother and glass slipper. With grandiose set design and costuming, plus orchestral backing by the Kansas City Symphony, world-renowned mezzo-soprano Siphokazi Molteno stars as Cinderella.
September 27, October 3 & 5. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Photography by Andrew Schwartz. KC Oktoberfest
The region’s largest Oktoberfest returns to Crown Center for two days of authentic German food, drink and music. Hosted by KC Bier Co., this year’s lineup includes touring Alpine rock band Die Schlauberger and local polka favorites like The Happy Wanderers. The festival’s highlight competition? A Masskrugstemmen, a beer steinholding contest that tests endurance and perfect form.
October 3 & 4. Times vary. Crown Center.
Courtesy photo. Chicano Art Festival
At this celebration of Chicano culture, art isn’t the only thing on display. The event also features folkloric dance performances, traditional cuisine, music and poetry. And if you’re a motorhead, this festival is home to KC’s largest lowrider show.
October 5. 11 am. Liberty Courtyard, West Bottoms.
Courtesy photo. Weston Applefest
Take a drive to Weston’s quaint historic square for Applefest. Now in its 35th year, festivities kick off Saturday morning with a parade, and the rest of the weekend offers live music, artisan makers and an abundance of warm apple dumplings.
We recommend taking a quick detour (just a block from Main Street’s festival action) and grabbing a round at O’Malley’s 1847 Pub. The historic underground bar, nearly 60 feet below street level, was formerly home to one of the country’s first breweries.
October 4 & 5. Times vary. Main Street, Weston.
Photo courtesy of Weston Applefest. Visions of the Flint Hills
At this annual art benefit and sale, celebrate the beautiful plains of Kansas, portrayed through art pieces inspired by the Flint Hills’ landscapes—the largest tallgrass prairie in North America. Artists from around the country find themselves inspired by the region and present their pieces at the Buttonwood Art Space this fall. Half of the proceeds go to the artists themselves, while the other half benefit the Friends of Konza Prairie, which promotes education and research in the Flint Hills. Although the sale is open from October through November 10, a First Friday reception with live music and refreshments will be held on October 4.
October 1–November 10. Times vary. Buttonwood Art Space.
RENT
While the struggles of living with HIV/AIDS may be hard to fully understand, RENT gives us a window in. Jonathan Larson’s iconic Tony Award-winning musical follows a group of artists in 1990s New York as they search for love and meaning while facing poverty amid the AIDS crisis. Presented by Music Theater Heritage, this show, which first opened on Broadway in 1996, is one of just 10 musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and its message still rings true.
October 2–26. Times vary. Main Stage at Crown Center.
Meet Me in the Car Tour
Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, an Australian indie-rock duo performing under the name Royel Otis, will be performing at Grinders in October. The pair are on their Meet Me in the Car Tour, which included performances at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Known for having a calm stage presence, the pair met while working in Australia and formed their band in 2019.
October 3. 7 pm. Uptown Theatre.
KC Wine Co. Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch
Roam KC Wine Co.’s 40 acres at this all-ages extravaganza. The price of admission includes over 60 activities like corn pits, skee ball, mega slides and plenty of seasonal photo ops. Plus, the Olathe winery’s signature wine slushes will be available for purchase all day, every day.
September 27–October 26. KC Wine Co.
Courtesy photo. Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Don your finest flowy dresses, tunics and breeches for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. At this immersive step back in time, watch jousting tournaments, feast on gigantic turkey legs, listen to period music and shop the bustling artisan market. Each weekend brings a different theme, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
August 30–October 13. Times vary. 628 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs.
KC Renaissance Festival. Courtesy photo. Alone Together
The bittersweet feeling of becoming empty nesters doesn’t last long in the Broadway comedy Alone Together. Just as all three kids finally move out, they slowly start trickling back in, returning home to mom and dad one by one. Starring The Brady Bunch’s Barry Williams and featuring Cathy Bennett, this show explores the chaos and joy of family life. At New Theatre & Restaurant in Overland Park, the play is a full dining and entertainment experience, complete with waitstaff, cocktails and a gourmet buffet.
September 10–November 16. Times vary. New Art Theatre & Restaurant.
ArtSalon: Biennial Alumni Exhibition
Head over to the Kansas City Art Institute’s 2025 alumni exhibition to see what former KCAI students are creating right now. Whether you’re collecting or just want to take a look, the annual exhibition is always a good show. There will also be an opening reception, bringing together alumni, faculty, collectors and patrons, that’s open to anyone who wants to meet the artists and celebrate this year’s exhibition.
Every piece in the show is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting both the artist and the KCAI Annual Fund, which supports student scholarships.
September 6–October 19. KCAI Gallery.
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The best things to do this month in KC: October 2025
Dark Forest offers an eerie, immersive experience at Powell Gardens
Dark Forest. Photo courtesy of Powell Gardens. This October, take a night hike through Powell Gardens at Dark Forest. A collaboration with performance art group Quixotic, the immersive after-hours installation transforms the woods into a surreal celebration of the supernatural.
“A lot of times when we think of spooky things, we think of haunted houses,” says Laina Burdette, marketing specialist for Powell Gardens. “Those are great, but being outdoors with the stars and moon above and hearing the wind through the trees—that really adds this element you can’t get anywhere else.”
Returning for its fourth year, the one-mile multimedia walk winds through the forest and is animated with live music, ethereal lighting and performers in extravagant costumes. According to Burdette, the botanical garden serves as more than just a backdrop. “The wooded landscape becomes a character in itself,” she says. “It’s magical. It’s eerie, but not spooky or gory.”
Before hitting the trail, visitors can reserve a spot at Fire Feast—an outdoor dinner cooked over an open flame—and explore the seasonally rotating garden gallery. Burdette says the Halloween-inspired display currently features “poisonous plants, creepy crawlers and carnivorous species.”
To cap the evening off, occultists and curious wanderers can enjoy perusing the Mystic Faire. The fair brings together an entertaining mix of local artists selling their wares, along with oddities such as taxidermy displays, tattoo artists and piercers.
GO: Dark Forest. October 17–November 1. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Powell Gardens. Visit powellgardens.org for tickets and more information.
3 & 4
Chappell Roan
The Midwest Princess stays true to her title: KC is one of just three stops (in good company with New York City and Los Angeles) on her Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things pop-up tour. Returning to her home state of Missouri, the pop star’s show follows the release of her long-awaited single, “The Subway.” Her last KC performance was in April 2024, just weeks before her meteoric rise. Best of luck getting your hands on the coveted tickets. October 3 & 4. 6:30 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial.
4
Pete Escovedo and His Orchestra
Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo marks his 90th birthday with a celebratory tour alongside his orchestra for a powerful start to the Folly Theater’s 44th Jazz Series. The percussionist has toured and recorded with a laundry list of artists like Carlos Santana, Prince and Herbie Hancock. Expect a vibrant fusion of smooth jazz and salsa. October 4. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
10 & 11
Heartland Book Festival
Regional and national literary voices gather for this two-day festival. Friday night features Pulitzer Prize winner Percival Everett in the Northland, followed by a downtown celebration at the Kansas City Public Library on Saturday, headlined by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo presents her latest novel, Atmosphere, alongside KC’s own best-selling author Adib Khorram. October 10 & 11. Times vary. Mid-Continent Public Library Woodneath Library Center & Central Branch, Kansas City Public Library.
10–12
Copland’s Appalachian Spring
Spanning from Americana to French impressionism, the Kansas City Symphony presents an evening of contrast (though both masterworks were originally composed for ballets). The program opens with Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, a Pulitzer Prize-winning score with folksy melodies. Maurice Ravel’s lush and romantic Daphnis et Chloê—nearly an hour-long magnum opus—closes out the evening. October 10–12. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
11
Waldo Fall Fest
A day of family fun ensues as Waldo Fall Fest returns for its 33rd year. The neighborhood’s autumn event includes pop-up shops featuring small businesses, food trucks like Taco Cacao and El Café Cubano, a live DJ and ample kids’ activities. October 11. 10 am. Gregory Boulevard & Wornall Road.
11
Kansas City Jazz Orchestra: British Invasion
At British Invasion, rock and roll from across the pond meets big band jazz. Backed by the 18-piece Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the program includes fresh arrangements of hits from English bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and more. October 11. 7 pm. Yardley Hall.
14–Nov 2
Dracula
Celebrate Halloween with a provocative and chilling take on Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic novel. This stage adaptation was written by KC’s own Vanessa Severo (in collaboration with Joanie Schultz), who stars as the gender-bent protagonist Van Helsing. With top-notch special effects, it’s a must-see for horror fans and thrill seekers alike. October 14–November 2. Times vary. Copaken Stage.
17
Fred Armisen: Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome
Fred Armisen. Photography provided. Although you may recognize comedian Fred Armisen from the sketch comedy series Portlandia or his 11-season run on Saturday Night Live, he’s equally accomplished as a musician. A drummer and guitarist, Armisen began his career in punk band Trenchmouth, has filled in for the B-52s and spent a decade leading the Late Night Show with Seth Myers’ house band. Two worlds collide on his tour “Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome” as he blends anecdotes and music from his storied career. October 17. 7 pm. The Midland Theatre.
18
Family Fun Day
Power and Light transforms into a fall festival at the inaugural Family Fun Day. With live entertainment and hands-on activities, highlights include Science City’s mobile lab, an interactive performance with Drum Safari and meet and greets with Sesame Street’s Elmo. Entry to the street party is free, with VIP upgrades available. October 18. 10 am. Power and Light District.
25
Sugar Skull
Sugar Skull. Photography by Mitch Zachary. This bilingual children’s musical brings Día de los Muertos to life. With traditional music and dance from Mexico, the story follows 12-year-old Vita Flores. Initially a skeptic of her family’s party planning, she changes her tune when a candy skeleton comes to life. Although the production is fun for all ages, it’s catered to ages 5 to 9. October 25. 11 am. & 2 pm. Starlight Theatre.
30
Steve Hofstetter
Youtube-viral comic and podcaster Steve Hofstetter comes to KC for a night of laughs. Known for his frank, observational style, Hofstetter’s Zona Rosa performance follows the release of Kill the Butterflies—a documentary and comedy special that takes a vulnerable look into how he (and other comedians) navigate mental health. October 30. 7pm. Funny Bone Comedy Club.