Celebrate summer heating up with Lionel Richie, Jazzoo, KC Pride, Juneteenth Film Festival, Tim McGraw and more.
Mini Golf At The Museum
It’s back! A summer highlight, Art Course offers an artist-designed mini-golf adventure within the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Every Friday through Sunday, you can play nine unique holes, each offering a creative spin on a masterpiece from the museum’s collection.
May 16–August 25. Regular museum hours Thursday–Monday. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
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-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.
Juneteenth Film Festival
The 2nd annual Juneteenth Film Festival, curated by award-winning Fox 4 News film critic and Kansas City magazine contributor Shawn Edwards, will showcase films, documentaries and shorts written, directed and produced by mostly Kansas Citians—including Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Willmott. All films will be screened at Screenland Armour.
June 4, 5, 9, 12, 19, 26. Times vary. Screenland Armour.
Kansas City Charity Softball Game
Chiefs safety Justin Reid and offensive tackle Trey Smith are hosting this year’s Kansas City Charity Softball Game at the home of the Kansas City Monarchs, Legends Field. The duo are taking over for former wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who started the event last year. In last year’s charity ball game, over 50 Chiefs teammates played a friendly softball game to raise money for Valdes-Scantling’s charity, Humble Beginnings Foundation. The foundation aims to help individuals in economically disadvantaged areas receive aid and resources to help them achieve a sustainable and functional lifestyle. This year, there will be a pre-game tailgate and VIP passes available for purchase, which include an on-field meet and greet, photo opportunities, an exclusive softball and more.
June 6. 6:30 pm. Legends Field.
Kevin Fedarko in discussion with David Von Drehle
In partnership with Rainy Day books, Kevin Fedarko will be discussing his new book, A Walk In The Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon with David Von Drehle. Fedarko, the author of the beloved bestseller The Emerald Mile, pens a poignant account of the misadventure of two friends, zero preparation and a dream—to hike a 750-mile trek through the heart of the Grand Canyon.
June 6. 7 pm. The Unity Temple on The Plaza.
Yo-Yo Ma
The Kansas City Symphony presents “An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma.” World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma has become one of the most famous classical instrumentalists in the world, continuously proving his talent and musicality for over four decades. For one night only, he joins the Kansas City symphony to honor his friend, conductor Michael Stern, in Stern’s final season as music director of the Kansas City Symphony.
June 6. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.
Lionel Richie
Alabama-born legendary singer-songwriter Lionel Richie has been making waves in the music scene for over half a century, making a stop in KC for his Sing A Song All Night Long Tour, where he will be playing classics like “Endless Love” and “All Night Long.” He is joined by iconic soul-funk band Earth, Wind & Fire.
June 6. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Shawnee Days 2024
This weekend-long celebration in Shawnee features a carnival, complete with rides and games, live music, crafts, souvenirs, food and drinks. Saturday morning holds one of the largest parades in the state, with this year’s theme “A Day in Shawnee” to commemorate the beloved town.
June 6–9. Times vary. Shawnee Town.
Sugar Creek Slavic Festival
Celebrate Slavic heritage with polka, Polish sausage, other Eastern European foods and more at the Sugar Creek Slavic Festival, just 10 miles northeast of downtown KCMO. Last year, there was even a traditional Croatian wedding. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Bonus: there’s an annual cabbage rolling contest that you have to see.
June 7. 5–11 pm. June 8. 12–11 pm. William Henry Harrison Park.
Jazzooo
Mix it up with food, drinks, music and wild animals at Jazzoo. This is an annual “creative black tie” (no jeans) fundraiser for the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium, and the $250 ticket price includes unlimited food and drinks from dozens of participating local restaurants. Walk around the zoo and check out a plethora of food and drink vendors while listening to a variety of musical performances. Proceeds go toward the care of the zoo’s 10,000 animals. Attendees must be 21 with ID.
June 7. VIP 6:30 pm, GA 7:30 pm. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
Friday Summer Concerts In Central Park
Enjoy live music with the free summer concerts in central park at Zona Rosa every Friday in June and July (minus Fourth of July weekend). Guests are encouraged to arrive early to dine and unwind at a nearby restaurant or to grab a patio spot at Bravo Italian Kitchen, which overlooks the stage. Come early and bring a lawn chair or blanket to snag the perfect spot to enjoy live music. This week, The Suburbans will be performing.
June 7. 6:30 pm. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
Arts in the Park
This two-day, wheelchair accessible art festival features over 70 local artists and makers, live music and performances, a beer garden, local food trucks, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and more. Arts in the Park also provides an opportunity for young artists to showcase their work through the Youth Artist and Entrepreneurship program.
June 7 & 8. Times vary. Macken Park (North Kansas City).
KC PrideFest 2024
The city’s biggest LGBTQ+ festival is back at Frank A. Theis Park, across Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. KC PrideFest features three days of food, live music, pageants and more. On Saturday, June 8, the festival will move to Broadway Boulevard in Westport, where the KC Pride Parade will kick off.
June 7–9. Times vary. Locations vary.
Tim McGraw
Louisiana-born country singer-songwriter Tim McGraw’s career spans 30 years, becoming famous with his 1994 breakthrough album Not a Moment Too Soon and highly publicized marriage to fellow country powerhouse Faith Hill. On the Standing Room Only tour, McGraw is joined by country-pop singer-songwriter Carly Pearce opening the show.
June 8. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Future Stages Festival
The 11th annual Future Stages Festival will continue to provide community engagement by giving local youth and arts organizations the opportunity to perform on world-class stages while celebrating their passion for the arts. These young artists will be featured on stages in Helzberg Hall, Muriel Kauffman Theatre and on the Saint Luke’s Outdoor Stage. Additional festival activities will take place throughout Brandmeyer Great Hall, on the south lawn and in the PNC PlaySpace located in the PNC Grow Up Great Gallery area.
June 9. 12–5 pm. Kauffman Center.
Sarah McLachlan
“Angel” and “I Will Remember You” singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan rose to prominence with her now-iconic album Fumbling Toward Ecstasy. McLachlan is on tour for that very album, commemorating its 30th anniversary with early-aughts indie singer Feist opening.
June 9. 7:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.
