Here are eighteen things to do in KC this weekend, October 24-27, including: Sammy Rae & The Friends, Alan Jackson and Chelsea Handler.
Ghouls: a Halloween Pop-up Bar
KC favorite KC Wine Co is hosting a Halloween-themed pop-up bar throughout the fall with fun photo opps, signature themed cocktails like the Hallow-Rita or Caramel Apple Sangria. There will also be a selection of wines, hard ciders, beers, a wine flight and candy pairing, snacks like Pretzels, charcuterie and flatbread pizzas.
September 1–October 27. Hours vary. KC Wine Co., black barn (13875 S. Gardner Rd., Olathe).
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
Come experience the life and songs of Billie Holiday like never before in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, with songs like “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child” and scenes based off of many of her true life events.
October 8–27. Copaken Stage.
Goodnight Moon
Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, Goodnight Moon is adapted for the stage by Chad Henry. This family-friendly musical features favorite characters like the three bears sitting in chairs, the cow jumping over the moon and the tooth fairy.
October 8–November 2. Times vary. City Stage at Union Station.
Halloween Pop-Up Bar: gRAVEyard
This brand new, immersive pop-up experience at new KC tiki bar, Kon Tiki promises to be a festive good time. At this unique Halloween-themed pop-up, guests will get two free Halloween-themed cocktails and there will also be festive selfie stations, a disco-tiled skeleton and pulsating electronic Halloween music.
October 16–31. Kon Tiki.
The Heart Sellers
While the difficulties of immigration and integration are not new social themes, The Heart Sellers asks the question: Just how much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice for a new home? The play introduces new Americans Jane and Luna, who contemplate their American dreams while celebrating Thanksgiving without their husbands, who are at work. Hosted by the Unicorn Theatre, a venue that is no stranger to plays that tackle complicated and diverse social issues, The Heart Sellers will pull on your heartstrings.
October 23–November 10. 3828 Main St., KCMO.
Sharon McMahon
Author Sharon McMahon is a former high school government and law teacher who earned a reputation as “America’s Government Teacher” during the 2020 election for her efforts to educate the general public on political misinformation through social media. Through her simple mission to share non-partisan information about democracy, McMahon’s followers affectionately call themselves the “Governerds,” who look to her for truth and logic. McMahon is in KC discussing her new book, The Small and the Mighty.
October 24. 6 pm. Unity Temple (Plaza).
Fright Night
Park University is holding its free annual Halloween celebration, Fright Night. Children of all ages are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costume, and the evening will feature trick-or-treating throughout the residence hall, face painting, crafts and carnival-style games.
October 24. 6–8 pm. Copley Quad residence hall.
Sonia De Los Santos: A Celebration of Latin America
Sonia De Los Santos is coming to the Midwest Trust Center to bring smiles to all the families in the Kansas City area. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, De Los Santos sings heartbeat melodies in both English and Spanish that delight children of all ages. She began her musical career with the Grammy-winning Dan Zanes and Friends and recently performed with The Okee Dokee Brothers in their bilingual show, but she has also released three albums as a solo artist and been nominated for a Latin Grammy. Her event at Polsky Theatre will showcase her versatile talent as she incorporates various Latin American rhythms like huapango, cumbia, salsa and festejo and even North American folk styles into her songs.
October 25, 10 am. Midwest Trust Center.
Local Artists Go Miniature
Go mini or go home!This new exhibition at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures will feature miniature objects created by local artists within 60 miles of Kansas City, all selected by a group of jurors to be part of the exhibit. Their artwork can depict any real or imagined object but must be smaller than a foot all the way around. The exhibition’s opening reception on Oct. 25 will include food, drinks and entertainment, but don’t worry if you can’t make the special day. The art will be on display at the museum through June 9, 2025.
October 25, 6–8 pm. 5235 Oak St., KCMO.
Real Friends and Slow Joy
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, pop-punk band Real Friends is coming to The Granada in support of their recently released newest album, Blue Hour. Chicano music act Slow Joy opens, playing favorites from EP Mi Amigo Slow Joy, released this summer. In the EP, Slow Joy combines elements of grunge and emo with gritty guitar riffs to contrast his deeply personal and melancholic lyrics.
October 25th. 7 pm. The Granada.
Walking with Ghosts: Real Life Hauntings with Amy Bruni
Best known as a paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of shows Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters, Amy Bruni will share ghost stories from visits to America’s most haunted locations throughout her storied career. VIP tickets to this spooky night include a meet-and-greet with Bruni, a photo with her and priority access to the merchandise table.
October 25. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Porches and sweet93
Pleasantville, New York-based synth-pop band Porches has been on the scene for over a decade, exciting fans with their funky, genre-bending style. The band is hitting KC in support of their newest album, Shirt. Funky, fellow New York-based band sweet93 will be opening, playing their vibey sound, mixing hazy mystery and swirling reverb. The Same OK, sweet93’s debut album, is filled with lo-fi dreamscapes and lyrics about love and loss.
October 25. 8 pm. recordBar.
Sammy Rae & The Friends
Sammy Rae & The Friends formed about seven years ago in New York, born from a desire to connect to a community through music. Although they may be a band, this collective of dreamers and artists considers themselves a family first. Their unique sound is almost indescribable and needs to be experienced firsthand—a mix of the musicians’ inspirations of classic rock, folk and funk with soul and jazz elements. Sammy Rae & The Friends hit KC in support of their new (and first) record that tells the story of the band’s music, Something for Everybody, with Sir Woman opening. Read our full interview with front woman Sammy Rae ahead of their show at The Midland.
October 25. 8 pm. The Midland.
The Music Man
Your favorite traveling salesman is on his way to Overland Park. The Jewish Community Center presents The Music Man at the Lewis & Shirley White Theatre. The story of a con man with no musical knowledge convinces the people of River City, Iowa, he can organize a boys’ band. This Broadway classic will mark the beginning of the J’s 20th season.
Thursday, Saturdays, Sundays from October 26–November 17. 5801 W. 115 St., Overland Park.
Barks & Boos
Dress your furry friends in their best costumes for this Howl-a-ween party benefiting Great Plains SPCA at Meat Mitch Barbecue. At Barks & Boos, there will be BBQ Bites, drinks from Boulevard Brewing Company & J. Rieger Co., and festive activities like Pumpkin Paw Painting, a Pet Costume Contest and much more!
October 26. 2–6 pm. Meat Mitch Barbecue.
Alan Jackson
Legendary country musician Alan Jackson has been on the scene for three decades, beloved by many for his straightforward sensibilities and catchy lyrics. Jackson is stopping in KC for his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour, to prove he still knows “A Lot About Livin’ (and a Little ’bout Love).”
October 26. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Mariachi Herencia de México
Latin Grammy-nominated band Mariachi Herencia de México aims to honor traditional mariachi music while pushing boundaries. The historic tradition of mariachi music has its roots in Mexico, but as the genre’s influence spread, it reached Chicago, and Mariachi Herencia de México was born, helping to spread Mexican music and culture. They stop in KC on their La Nueva Generación Tour.
October 26. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
Chelsea Handler
Comedian Chelsea Handler gained widespread popularity as host of E!’s Chelsea Lately, during which she was the only female late-night talk show host on air. She’s since had shows on Netflix, penned six best-selling books, been the host of her own popular podcast, and more. Handler’s bringing her signature biting wit and self-deprecating humor on her comedy tour to KC.
October 27. 7 pm. Midland Theatre.
