Here are eleven fun things to do in KC this summer weekend, August 8-11, including: PickleCon, Blink-182 and DJ DIESEL.
La Cage aux Folles
Jerry Herman’s heartwarming and ever-popular 1973 musical about family and love in the face of obstacles is widely considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. La Cage aux Folles tells the story of a gay couple and the silly adventures that ensue when their household dynamics intersect with an ultra-conservative politician.
August 1–18. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
Trouble in Mind
From acclaimed novelist, actress and playwright Alice Childress comes Trouble in Mind, co-directed for the stage by KCAT company members Teisha Bankston and Darren Sextro. This funny and moving dramedy follows an experienced Black stage actress through the first days of rehearsal for a new play about racism. This workplace-centered play looks at adversity, identity and the high-pressure world of ’50s Broadway.
August 7–25. Times vary. City Stage in Union Station.
Prairiefire Summer Music Series
Prairiefire has free live music concerts all summer long, for an evening of music, community and family fun. This week, The Suburbans perform live. Bonus: Alcohol can be taken from any restaurant or bar at Prairie Fire and into the street—grab a cocktail and feel free to roam.
August 8 (Every Thursday until September 5). 7–10 pm. Prairiefire.
Sapphira Cristál
Contestant on the 16th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, drag queen and entertainer Sapphira Cristál is hitting the road on her aptly-named Cristál Ball Tour. The classically trained opera singer, songwriter and creative powerhouse brings her creativity and personal story to life with funny anecdotes, audience interaction and unforgettable performance.
August 8. 8 pm. Madrid Theatre.
PickleCon
This all-inclusive pickleball experience is designed for people new to the sport to everyday amateur players to tournament-seasoned competitors. At PickleCon, there will be tournament play, camps and clinics, wheelchair and adaptive play, panel discussions, educational sessions and a variety of charity and community-based activities, ensuring there is truly something for everyone.
August 8–11. Times and places vary. Check picklecon.com for more information.
Sunflower Festival
Get a last bit of fun in the sun before summer turns to autumn with the Kansas City Sunflower Festival, hosted by the Kansas City Pumpkin Patch. In this family-friendly event, guests get access to an acre of bright, beautiful sunflowers and unlimited photo opportunities. There are also fall fun activities such as a mega slide, barn party and corn cob beach and more than 60 farm activities. Wine and beer, a cider bar, various festival foods and wine slushies are also available for noshing and imbibing.
August 9–25. Kansas City Pumpkin Patch.
Blink-182
Rock band Blink-182 became emblematic of the masculine, eff-the-establishment vibes that took over airways and the cultural zeitgeist of the late nighties and early aughts, a time filled with programs like Jackass and the now-infamously disastrous Woodstock ’99 festival. The middle-aged band has kept their boyish rebel vibes but mellowed out a bit. Now, they’re touring in support of their 2023 album One More Time… with openers Pierce the Veil and Astronoid.
August 9. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
DJ DIESEL
One of the best NBA players of all time, Shaquille O’Neal’s surprising hobby is djing—and this jack-of-all-trades is coming to Kauffman stadium for a special post-game party after the Royals vs. Cardinals game. After the game wraps up, join Shaq aka DIESEL on the field (or from your seat) for a high-energy EDM concert experience.
August 9. Concert post-game (game begins at 7:10 pm). Kauffman Stadium.
Raytown Live!
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, local favorite The Vincents will be playing.
August 10. 7 pm. Greenspace (in Town Center, Downtown Raytown).
Whitney Cummings
Comedian Whitney Cummings gained popularity with regular appearances on late-night’s Chelsea Lately and as a Comedy Central roaster. She got her big TV breakout as a creator of 2 Broke Girls and in her own short-lived sitcom, Whitney. After the birth of her first child, she’s going on her aptly named Big Baby comedy tour.
August 10. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
