Here are eleven great things to do in KC this weekend, June 15-18, including: Phase Fest, Boulevardia and Disney Pride in Concert at Kauffman Theatre.
The Tempest
The Tempest features exotic creatures, comedy, romance and live music in one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays in an outdoor summer setting. Along with the show, there will be food and drink vendors, pre-show parodies performed by Team Shakespeare and a pre-show talk.
June 13–July 2. (No shows Monday evenings.) 6 pm. Southmoreland Park.
Pat Metheny
Lee’s Summit native jazz-guitarist Pat Metheny has received twenty Grammy Awards and cemented himself as a legend of the genre, constantly expanding his repertoire and pushing limits. Now performing in his Side-Eye project—an ongoing showcase featuring a rotating cast of musicians—Metheny will showcase two rising stars: pianist Chris Fishman and drummer Joe Dyson.
June 15. 7:30 pm. Kauffman Theatre.
Phase Fest
Named after the phrase, “It’s not just a phase, mom!” This millennial nostalgic night of music features live performances from emo bands of the early aughts like Dashboard Confessional and All-American Rejects, along with cocktail, beer and wine bars, food and retail vendors, a throwback video game lounge, outdoor games, art installations and more.
June 16. 5 pm. Legends Field.
Boulevardia
The KC-centric block party returns for its ninth year this summer. Along with several stages, dozens of musicians, food trucks and festival bars, this year also includes additional special events like the Taps & Tastes Experience, Proper Cannabis VIP Experience, Beer Dinner at The American, Ride to Boulevardia bike tour and more.
June 16–17. Times vary. Grand Boulevard at Crown Center.
The Rite of Spring, Ax Plays Beethoven
Kansas City Symphony presents Michael Stern conducting Carlos Simon’s lively homage to his family’s experience in the Pentecostal church in “AMEN!”; world-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax playing Beethoven’s exciting “Piano Concerto No. 3”; and Stravinksy’s enduring masterpiece, “The Rite of Spring.”
June 16–17, 8 pm; June 18, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
Flutter Festival
Colonial Gardens is holding the annual Flutter Festival, a celebration in honor of National Pollinators Month. The festival aims to raise awareness for pollinators and inspire people to protect these important insects. Visitors will be able to interact with pollinator experts, engage in live demonstrations and get pollinator-friendly plants and seeds to cultivate havens in their own gardens. Guests can release live butterflies and there will also be activities for children like face painting, jump pillow and the opportunity to design their own wings.
June 17–18. 12–5 pm. Colonial Gardens.
Tacos & Tequila Festival
This lively festival is back for its third year, bringing performances by hip-hop artists like Flo Rida and Lil Jon, hand-crafted margaritas, KC’s best taco chefs, Lucha Libre wrestling, a car showcase, a Chihuahua beauty pageant, a salsa and queso competition, art installations, photo opps and more.
June 17th. 2 pm. Legends Field.
Impractical Jokers
Creators and stars of hit prank show Impractical Jokers are on the road for their first new live comedy tour in three years, the DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE tour. Season nine of the show recently returned in a new celebrity format, and jokesters Q, Murr and Sal are ready to showcase their new viral videos and jokes across the U.S.
June 17. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Disney Pride in Concert
The Heartland Men’s Chorus performs this new multimedia musical celebration of LGBTQ+ love, family and perseverance. This unique family-friendly show draws inspiration from favorite Disney films like The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins. The musical extravaganza will feature the chorus and the orchestra as they perform new musical arrangements accompanied by animation from Disney and Pixar films.
June 17, 7:30 pm; June 18, 3:30 pm. Kauffman Theatre.
Bourbon and BBQ
Celebrate Dad at J. Rieger & Co. with whiskey, bbq and live music by DJ Smallz. There will be special signature cocktails like mint juleps and old fashions, food truck bbq specials, limited edition Father’s Day gifts from J. Rieger, as well as a special vinyl set by DJ Smallz where folks can bring their favorite record to spin.
June 18. 11am—8 pm. Electric Park Garden Bar and Tasting Room.
International Master Gardener Conference
Over forty speakers, horticulture and botanical experts and authors gather for the conference with educational sessions, tours and workshops to “Celebrate, Educate, and Grow.” Along with the programming, there will be a self-guided tour of six of the private gardens in KC and a Garden Thyme Marketplace, a trade show featuring more than ninety local artists and craftsmen offering nature-inspired creations.
June 18–22. Times vary. Overland Park Convention Center.
