Here are 12 great things to do in Kansas City this weekend, May 23-26, including: Pete Davidson, Union Station Memorial Day Concert and Firework Show and The Cher Show.
The Lehman Trilogy
This 2022 Tony Award-winning play by Stefano Massini, adapted to English by Ben Power and directed by KCAT Company Member John Rensenhouse tells the century-plus-spanning story of ambition and a family company that changed the world. The Lehman Trilogy follows the Lehman Brothers and their descendants as they fight for the American dream, building their business empire in 1840s Alabama to early-2000s New York City.
May 22 –June 9. Times vary. City Stage in Union Station.
Southall
Often referred to as an integral part of the Oklahoma red dirt music scene, Oklahoma-based country rock band Southall is hitting KC in support of their newest self-titled album.
May 23. 8 pm. The Truman.
Disney100: The Exhibition
Featuring over 250 artifacts, props, and costumes, Disney100: The Exhibition gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Disney’s most popular characters, films and shows. KC is one of the first three cities to host the North American tour of this special, historic exhibit honoring a century of Disney.
May 24–November 30. Bank of America Gallery at Union Station.
Lawrence Busker Festival
The Lawrence Busker Festival is a celebration of street performance that started in 2008 and has been held every year except for 2020. The event is free, though attendees are encouraged to swing by the ATM and stock up on fives and tens for performers. The festival takes place in downtown Lawrence and attendees can drink beers while they watch, with the most prized seats at Sand Bar’s patio overlooking the festival.
May 24–26. Times vary. Downtown Lawrence.
Mutts & Merlot
Mutts & Merlot encourages wine lovers and their leashed furry friends to explore the vineyards at KC Wine Co. There will be wine tastings, yard games, food trucks, and more. Humans must be 21+ to participate.
May 24–26. Times vary. KC Wine Co.
Oceans of Fun Opening Day
Oceans of Fun opens for the season on May 25, three weeks after parent theme park Worlds of Fun. The 60 acres of water slides, aqua-themed rides and hangout spots are open from 11 am until 7 pm. Check out Coconut Cove, it’s the largest pool at Oceans of Fun with half a million gallons of water and is home to several slides, plus an obstacle course where swimmers can hop between lily pads and floating logs. Poolside luxury cabanas can also be rented.
May 25. 11 am. Worlds of Fun.
Dino & Vino
KC Pumpkin Patch is turning their farm into Dino & Vino, the collaboration we didn’t know we needed—with giant dinosaur replicas and local wines. Admission includes five wine or hard cider samples with a souvenir tasting glass, along with wine slushies, festival foods, beer, wine and hard ciders available for purchase. The whimsical event also features over 30 attractions, including farm skee ball, giant Plinko, slides and more.
May 25. 12–6 pm. KC Pumpkin Patch.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit
Based on the popular children’s TV show, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood exhibit touches on the show’s central themes, like community and emotions, and brings life to the world of Daniel Tiger and his friends. In the exhibit, children can play, sing, explore and make-believe in their favorite, familiar places from the Neighborhood.
May 25–September 2. Crown Center.
Pete Davidson
Staten Island native Pete Davidson made his mark as a crude stoner who doesn’t do impressions on SNL. Since his departure from the longtime comedy variety show, he has been in a few movies and commercials, but has been in the spotlight most for his high-profile relationships with celebrity A-listers.
May 26. 6 pm. Uptown Theater.
Bones Owens
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Bones Owens is making a stop in KC on his Harley Davidson on his solo Goin’ Back Where I Came From motorcycle tour in support of his new genre-bending album, Love Out Of Lemons, coming out in July.
May 26. 8 pm. Knuckleheads.
Union Station Memorial Day Concert and Firework Show
One of the largest free Memorial Day weekend concerts in the Midwest is held on the grounds of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial, drawing crowds of 50,000. The headliner is the Kansas City Symphony in concert with the rock band The Resilient, but other bands such as Drive On and the Back Alley Brass Band will also perform. There will also be food trucks and vendors. The evening concludes with KC’s largest fireworks display.
May 27. 5 p.m. Union Station grounds.
The Cher Show
Based on the incredible 50-plus year career of icon Cher, this 2018 Tony Award-winning jukebox musical by Rick Elice tells the life story of Cher through her songs. In The Cher Show, Cher is played by three actresses: the young hopeful of the ’50s and ’60s, the glam pop star of the ’70s and the icon of the ’80s and ’90s, proving that fads come and go, but Cher is forever.
May 28-31. 8 pm. June 1 & 2. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
