Here are eleven great things to do in KC this weekend, April 27-30, including Kelce Jam and watch parties in celebration of the NFL Draft in KC.
A Horizon of Poppies to Light the Kansas City Night Sky
As thousands of people travel to KC for the NFL Draft, the National WWI Museum and Memorial will light up the KC skyline each night. The Museum’s special ephemeral art installation, “Horizons,” uses projection mapping technology to illuminate the tower over five nights in tribute to the nation’s veterans.
April 25–29. Liberty Memorial Tower.
The Coca-Cola Fan Zone
The Kansas City Live! block in P&L is KC’s one-stop spot for all things NFL Draft. Featuring live entertainment from Tech N9ne and others, player interviews, live paintings by local artist DINKC with a mural giveaway, photo ops and more, along with the biggest outdoor screen in KC—this is where you want to be to celebrate the draft in KC.
April 27—29. Times vary. KC Live! block in the Kansas City Power & Light District.
Draft Fest
Outlaw Cigar & Brewery will be hosting a weekend full of food, drinks and live entertainment to celebrate draft weekend. Along with draft-pick watch parties, there will also be NFL player signings, live music, food trucks and whiskey tastings.
April 27—29. Times vary. Outlaw Cigar & Brewery.
Black Flag
Probably one of the most iconic punk bands of all time, Black Flag rose to fame in the early eighties with their no-nonsense attitude and anarchist mentality. As one of the pioneers of post-hardcore, the short-lived band went on to influence generations of rock rebels after them. Although frontman Henry Rollins and the rest of the band disbanded in the mid-eighties, founder Greg Ginn is touring under the band’s name, performing the album My War as well as their greatest hits.
April 27. 7 pm. recordBar.
Illiterate Light
Alternative-indie rock duo Illiterate Light joins Mo Lowda & The Humble at the Uptown’s Encore, in celebration of their acclaimed new album, Sunburned.
April 27. 9:30 pm. Encore.
iBuild Showcase
This annual event provides middle and high school students from across the region with a meaningful introduction to careers in the construction industry. This showcase offers students the opportunity to meet with local tradesmen, contractors, and the like to try their hand at multiple hands-on, real-world challenges and learn about local employment programs.
April 28. 8:30 am—1:30 pm. Bartle Hall.
Brian Selznick
#1 New York Times Bestselling author Brian Selznick is coming to KC to celebrate the release of his newest book, Big Tree. What began as an original idea by film legend Steven Spielberg, Selznick’s newest book is a love letter to the natural world through an epic adventure and a breathtaking visual journey through time, nature and love.
April 28. 4:30 pm. The Rabbit Hole.
American Lustre: Images From Music and Life – works by Shawn Brackbill
Cider Gallery hosts the opening of Brooklyn-based photographer Shawn Brackbill’s latest art exhibition which focuses on music and culture in the zeitgeist. Along with the art exhibition, Final Friday at the gallery will include tacos from Jordan Beber of JB’s Tacos/JB’s Cali Fusion, and a specialty drink from the Bon Bon Cocktail Club along with a live music performance from Sweeping Promises.
April 28. 5–9 pm. The Cider Gallery.
Kelce Jam
Two-time Super Bowl champ and KC’s favorite, Travis Kelce is bringing the inaugural “Kelce Jam” along with the NFL draft festivities this weekend. With entertainment, food and fun, this unique event has turned into a mini-festival, featuring performances by Machine Gun Kelly, Rick Ross and Tech N9ne.
April 28. 6 pm. Azura Amphitheater.
Blippi
Blippi, the way-too-caffeinated adult man who has captured the attention of bouncy tots everywhere, is coming to KC, bringing his chaotic energy with a “musical party.” The event features monster trucks and excavators, along with song, dance and the opportunity for your child’s very own picture with Blippi—for an extra price, of course.
April 29. 2 pm. Cable Dahmer Arena.
The Root
KC Jazz Orchestra presents The Root, a celebration of the root of jazz in another great Black art form: the blues. Honoring various Kansas City musicians who have embodied the blues in many forms, such as Charlie Parker and Bobby Watson, this show is a celebration of the deep ties between blues and jazz.
April 29. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
