Here are eleven things to do in KC this weekend, July 30—August 2 including Celebrate Ameri’kana, Mumford & Sons and Kansas City Invitational Black Rodeo.
Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker launched his career as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of roots rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, ultimately reaching number one on Billboard’s Top 40 chart with the 1995 hit “Only Wanna Be With You.” But after more than 20 years leading the group, Rucker struck out on his own and made a successful shift to country music. Evan Honer and Austin Williams join him on the Songs of Summer Tour.
July 31. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Celebrate Ameri’kana
Free music and arts festival Celebrate Ameri’kana returns to the Historic Northeast. This year’s headliners include local favorites like Afro-Latino rock band Making Movies, local Congolese gospel group Salvation Choir and punk-rock band Radkey. Produced by local nonprofit Art as Mentorship, director (and Making Movies frontman) Enrique Chi describes the event as a “living love letter to the Black, indigenous, immigrant and Latino heroes of American music.” Plus, the community-centered festival will also feature an array of food trucks, an open air mercado, kid-friendly activities, soccer matches and more.
August 1. 3 pm. Concourse Park.
Mumford & Sons
English rock band Mumford & Sons entranced audiences and dominated airwaves in the 2010s with folksy, stomp-and-clap hits like “I Will Wait” and “Little Lion Man.” Now, the group hits the road to promote its sixth studio album, Prizefighter, performing new songs alongside better-known hits from earlier records like Sigh No More and Babel. Singer-songwriter Medium Build opens.
August 2. 7:30 pm. Morton Amphitheater.
Kansas City Invitational Black Rodeo
Following the Civil War, cattle drives relocated millions of Texas Longhorns to northward railheads. Of the cowboys leading the charge, it’s estimated that roughly a quarter were Black Americans, often tasked with some of the most treacherous jobs. Yet as mainstream rodeo circuits emerged across the West in the decades following, Black riders and ropers were frequently prohibited from participating. The Kansas City Invitational Black Rodeo honors that history and continuing legacy across two days of barrel racing, bull riding, bulldogging and more.
July 31 & August 1. Times vary. Hale Arena.
MR340
The world’s longest nonstop river race returns for its 20th year. Spanning 340 miles of the Missouri’s muddy waters, 600 daring paddlers departed from Kaw Point on Tuesday morning, heading Eastward to the race’s finish line in St. Charles. This Missouri River Relief competition draws paddlers from across the country.
July 28—July 31. Missouri River.
Coffee Club At Central Park
Each Thursday morning throughout the summer, families can enjoy the fresh air in Zona Rosa’s Central Park while the kids play at the playground and splash fountain, along with rotating pop-ups and activities. This week, the series will offer hands-on, sensory activities from Busy Bean Play Cafe and Sensible Play.
May 28—July 30. 9 am. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
Max Amini
Comedian and actor Max Amini stops in KC on his world tour. With extensive acting credits, Amini has appeared in television shows like Heroes and Mind of Mencia, but is better known for his viral crowdwork clips.
July 30. 8 pm. The Midland.
Festival of Butterflies
Powell Gardens’ annual Festival of Butterflies returns to celebrate these striking pollinators. From native butterflies like monarchs and giant swallowtails to rainforest dwellers like blue morphos, the festival includes approximately 50 varieties of the insect throughout the course of the colorful botanical exhibit.
July 16–August 2. Times vary. Powell Gardens.
KC Current vs. Angel City FC
Although Kansas City has wrapped up its hosting obligations for the World Cup, there’s no shortage of futbol in the metro this summer—this weekend, KC Current faces off against Angel City FC. Although the Current lost when it last played the Los Angeles club, the KC team has an impressive reputation when playing on its own turf, holding the NWSL’s unbeaten home streak record. KC baby!
August 1. 5:30 pm. CPKC Stadium.
Hot Country Nights: Redferrin
Hot Country Nights are back, bringing live music to the Power & Light District on Thursdays through August. This week, singer-songwriter Redferrin performs selections from his EPs Old No. 7 and Some City, Somewhere.
July 30. 7 pm. KC Live!
Mini Golf At The Museum
It’s back! Art Course offers an artist-designed mini-golf adventure within the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Play nine unique holes, each offering a creative spin on a masterpiece from the museum’s collection.
April 10—October 25. Times vary. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
