Ethnic Enrichment Festival
One of the largest festivals of its kind anywhere in the U.S., this annual celebration takes over the large field on the west side of Swope Park, with booths representing sixty nations and ethnic groups. Most booths offer food for sale, and some sell handmade goods. The large picnic shelter at the park houses a dance floor where group performances run back-to-back for most of the three-day event.
Friday, August 19–Sunday, August 21, times vary. Swope Park.
About Alice
New Yorker scribe Calvin Trillin is arguably the finest writer this city has ever produced. The journalist, humorist, novelist, cookbook author and memoirist has written thirty-one books, none more personal than About Alice. In 2006, five years after the death of his wife, he wrote the memoir, which looks back fondly at their time together. This is the Kansas City debut of the theatrical adaptation of About Alice, a two-person play that premiered in 2019.
Now–Saturday, August 27. City Stage, Union Station. Get tickets here.
Sister Act
The iconic 1992 movie adapted into a Broadway musical is coming to Starlight Theatre. No one expects a “disco diva” to find herself as a nun in a convent, but that is exactly what happens to Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act after she is put into protective custody after witnessing a murder. This comedic story is sure to grant a much-needed laugh on these summer nights.
Tuesday, August 16–Sunday, August 21, 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Monarch Bar’s Fifth Anniversary
The Monarch Bar is one of the prettiest rooms in KC and one of the best cocktail spots anywhere in the Midwest. On Saturday, August 20 they’re celebrating with a “Secret Garden” themed party. A $45 ticket includes a complimentary cocktail and small bites plus a raffle ticket with some of the proceeds benefiting The Monarch Butterfly Project at the Kansas City Zoo.
Saturday, August 20. 6 pm–1:30 am. 4808 Roanoke Pkwy, KCMO. Get tickets here.
Taylor Swift Night
Have you ever attended a concert without the actual artist being there? That is essentially what you’ll find at The Taylor Party, a “Taylor Swift-Inspired Dance Party.” Spend hours surrounded by other Swifties, dancing to nothing but Taylor’s most popular discography––and there’s a lot.
Saturday, August 20, 8 pm. The Truman.
Kendrick Lamar
After losing a Grammy to Macklemore and winning a Pulitzer, Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar is back from a five-year hiatus to promote his widely critically acclaimed and intensely introspective album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. He is joined on tour by his cousin, ultra-talented rapper Baby Keem.
Sunday, August 21, 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
