Here are eleven things to do in KC this weekend, July 11-14, including: The Little Mermaid, Winnetka Bowling League and The Beach Boys.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Presented by KC Care Health Center as part of the 2024 AdventHealth Broadway Series, Disney’s beloved 1989 cartoon gets an adaptation for the stage. The Little Mermaid follows the beloved musical tale of Ariel the mermaid, who lives in the ocean but dreams of seeing the world above the water with friends like Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab.
July 9–14. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
KC Fringe Festival
The 20th annual KC Fringe Festival kicks off this weekend. The 16-day festival showcases local, national and international artists, showcasing film, live performance pieces and the visual arts. The various shows and activities are scattered throughout the downtown area across the two weeks.
July 12–July 28. 12–6 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Various locations.
Coffee Club At Central Park
Parents can take a break to caffeinate with Busy Bean Play Cafe, with an activity and photo opp for the family. There’s Sensible Play sensory fun and Macaroni KID activities. Families can enjoy the fresh air in Central Park while the kids play at the playground, splash fountain, along with the provided activities every Thursday morning during summer. Pop-ups and activities change weekly.
July 11. 9-11 am. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
Winnetka Bowling League
Los Angeles’ Winnetka Bowling League is heading to KC in support of their long-awaited debut album, Sha La La, released earlier this summer. Their newest album exemplifies their signature sound, with energetic and emotional pop songs focusing on youth and nostalgia with witty lyrics and infectious hooks.
July 11. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Eat Like Walt
This special Disney-themed evening is hosted by acclaimed Disney author Marcy Carriker Smothers and features a curated “Eat Like Walt” four-course dining experience. This special event is part of Union Station’s Disney 100: The Exhibition Speaker Series, where guests will enjoy a delicious “Eat Like Walt” inspired meal. Each course will be narrated by Marcy, who will provide unique and personal insights from her books while taking time to answer questions and provide personal insights into the life of Walt Disney.
July 12. 6 pm. Harvey’s Restaurant (Union Station).
Crown Center’s WeekEnder series
Crown Center’s free family event series kicks off this weekend with a live musical performance by Damien Gunn Band and an outdoor screening of The Addams Family. There will also be food trucks and beverages available for purchase (rotating weekly) and guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to watch the film under the stars.
July 12. 6 pm. Crown Center Square.
Friday Summer Concerts In Central Park
Enjoy live music with the free summer concerts in central park at Zona Rosa every Friday in summer. 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. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to snag the perfect spot to enjoy live music. This week, The Zeros will be performing.
July 12. 6:30 pm. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
Legends of Whiskey Summer Festival
Legends of Whiskey Summer Festival will take place at Children’s Mercy Park this Saturday, where folks will get the opportunity to meet the biggest names in the whiskey industry while sampling some of their highly-acclaimed whiskey and other specialty spirits. VIP levels also get a wearable jersey, exclusive speakeasy and food.
July 13. 5–7 pm. Children’s Mercy Park.
AnnaLee & The So & So’s
Throughout the summer, there is a free, family-friendly summer concert series in Raytown to encourage families and community members to join together and listen to great live music. This week at Raytown Live!, local favorite AnnaLee & The So & So’s will be playing jump Blues and swing era favorites.
July 13. 7 pm. Greenspace (in Town Center, Downtown Raytown).
Art Garden KC
Free family and pet-friendly Art Garden KC Sundays are back for the summer season. Now at a new location, there will be a new Healing Garden & Game Garden to accompany the local vendor market, which includes over seventy local artists and makers, as well as live music, food trucks, yoga classes, yard games and kids’ activities.
July 14. 11 am–4 pm. Berkley Riverfront.
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys may be one of the longest-enduring rock bands of all time, with a career spanning 50-plus years. Best known for their iconic 1966 album Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys have cemented themselves as icons in the music industry. The band is embarking on the Endless Summer Gold tour, which will be led by Mike Love with longtime member Bruce Johnston and a number of touring musicians playing their expansive, timeless catalog of hits.
July 14. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
