Here are eleven things to do in KC this weekend, February 5—8 including The Fantasticks, KC Carnival Ball and Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed.
Reclaiming the Canvas: A Tribute to 100 Years of Black History Month
This month marks 100 years since historian Dr. Carter Woodson first celebrated Black History Month. At Reclaiming the Canvas, a cast of local artists pay tribute to this centennial in a historic building. Zhou B Art Center, a creative hub in the 18th and Vine District, was formerly the campus of Crispus Attucks School, one of KC’s first schools for Black students. The event kicks off in the afternoon with a free art exhibit opening, followed by a ticketed performance of music, dance, spoken word and more at 6 pm. Performers include Kansas City poet laureate Melissa Ferrer Civil, multi-instrumentalist Calvin Arsenia, singer-songwriter Jamogi and more.
February 7. 2 pm. Zhou B Art Center.
The Fantasticks
In this witty, vaudeville-inspired musical, two fathers try to reverse psychology their respective children, Luisa and Matt, into falling for one another by pretending to feud. Much to their dismay, it doesn’t stick—the first time around, at least. Music Theater Heritage brings The Fantasticks to KC stages.
February 5—22. Times vary. Main Stage at Crown Center.
KC Carnival Ball
While members of KC’s Mardi Gras community like to keep the details of their celebrations elusive, the upcoming KC Carnival Ball—leading up to Fat Tuesday celebrations—is a free-for-all. The 26th annual celebration features a stacked line-up of bands, including Sunu, Back Alley Brass Band and Grand Marquis. Tickets to the West Bottoms masquerade include an open bar and cajun small bites.
February 7. 7 pm. The Ship.
The New Edition Way Tour with Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton
On The New Edition Way Tour, R&B royalty converges. Led by Bobby Brown and heavily inspired by the Jackson 5, New Edition helped define the modern boy band throughout the ’80s with hits like “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now.” A decade later, Boyz II Men carried on that legacy with smooth harmonies, meticulously coordinated outfits and chart-toppers like “On Bended Knee.” Joined by singer and MTV icon Toni Braxton, expect an evening of throwbacks.
February 5. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Edra Soto: the place of dwelling
Originally from Puerto Rico, artist Edra Soto is known for transforming utilitarian items—like plastic lawn furniture and wrought-iron screens—to commemorate the working class. Soto’s latest installation for the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the place of dwelling, does just that. The installation is a part of the museum’s Atrium Project, an initiative designed to support and amplify emerging Hispanic artists, and marks the program’s 10-year anniversary.
January 30—March 7. Times vary. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
On Stage with Leila Josefowicz
In 1994, acclaimed violinist Leila Josefowicz made her Carnegie Hall debut at 17 years old. She’s since gone on to perform alongside symphonies across the world, present countless recitals and earn a couple Grammy nominations along the way. A part of the Kansas City Symphony’s On Stage series, Josefowicz’s upcoming KC performance is a special chance to witness the virtuoso up close.
February 5. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
Trey Kennedy
Millennials will likely recognize comic Trey Kennedy from his popular videos on the now-defunct platform Vine. But Kennedy has moved beyond those six-second clips and into stand-up. He’s hitting the road with brand new material on “The Relatable Tour,” following the release of last year’s Hulu comedy special, Grow Up.
February 7. 7 pm. The Midland Theatre.
Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed
Best known for his work as a hairstylist in the makeover television series Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness (also known as JVN) is no stranger to Kansas City. The show’s cast enjoyed the city so much that they opted to film two consecutive seasons in the metro area. Now, the internet personality returns to the Midwest for his latest comedy tour, Hot & Healed.
February 7. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Snow Creek
No need to head to the mountains to go skiing––enjoy the slopes at Snow Creek. Located just outside of Weston on the scenic Missouri River bluffs, the 25-acre resort offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing throughout the season, or for as long as temps stay below freezing.
December 26—March. Times vary. 1 Snow Creek Dr, Weston, MO.
Songbird Sessions: Open Mic
At Songbird Sessions, non-profit organization Manor Records spotlights musicians from the local scene. Each second Sunday of the month, the concert series switches things up with an open mic night, welcoming seasoned songwriters and burgeoning artists alike.
February 8. 5 pm. ArtsKC.
Linda Lighton: “Love & War, A Fifty-Year Survey, 1975-2025”
Born into an affluent Kansas City family, Linda Lighton was expected to marry well and become a housewife. Instead, she became an artist, helped publish a leftist newspaper and joined a commune in Washington state. Now, Lighton presents her ceramics at the Nerman Museum. Her sculpture captures her story and the universal story of love and politics and social strife over the past 50 years of her career. The exhibition—which focuses on gun violence, gender inequality and environmental activism—is accompanied by a 208-page book, chronicling her boundary-pushing ceramic work.
December 13–May 3. Times vary. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.
