Here are eleven things to do in KC this weekend, June 19—22, including Love’s Labour Lost, Make Music Day and The Flavors of Central Tour.
Perfume Genius
Singer-songwriter Perfume Genius brings his indie-pop stylings to KC in support of his seventh studio album, Glory. Recently featured on The Tonight Show, the singer-songwriter describes his latest release as “most directly confessional,” tackling everything from a fear of success to aging.
June 19. 8 pm. The Truman.
Love’s Labour’s Lost
Enjoy a summer evening of free live theater under the stars. Each year, Heart of Shakespeare Festival brings one of the Bard’s classics to life in Midtown’s Southmoreland Park. This summer’s production is Love’s Labour’s Lost, an early comedy that follows four young men who vow to avoid the company of women—only to find themselves falling in love. Food trucks and concessions will be available on site.
June 17—July 6. Times vary. Southmoreland Park.
Confluence Opening Reception
Independence’s Englewood Arts Center welcomes its second cohort of resident artists with a new exhibit, Confluence (June 20—September 20). Featuring works by eight artists of varying mediums and backgrounds, this weekend marks the opening reception of the exhibit. Although the reception is free and open to the public, reservations are strongly encouraged.
June 20. 5:30 pm. Englewood Arts Center.
Flutienastiness and the Soul Patrol
Soul jazz flutist Amber Underwood, known as Flutienastiness, has been taking KC stages by storm since she was just eight years old. Flutienastiness and the Soul Patrol delivers a tantalizing combination of smooth jazz, R&B and funk as the Kemper celebrates Juneteenth with a free performance.
June 20. 6 pm. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
International Dragon Boat Festival
Cheer on rowers along Brush Creek at the International Dragon Boat Festival. Hosted by Kansas City-Xi’an Sister City Committee and the Society for Friendship with China, rowing teams warm up bright and early on the Plaza at 8 am, and a traditional dragon dance precedes the races at a quarter till 10.
June 21. 9:45 am. Brush Creek, Country Club Plaza.
Kansas City’s Juneteenth Heritage Festival
Kansas City’s Juneteenth Heritage Festival is the largest freedom day celebration in the metro, and this year’s live line-up is one to remember. In the heart of the Jazz District, the mainstage features Brass and Boujee––a fusion of big band jazz and hip-hop led by trombonist Marcus Lewis—followed by a headline performance by ‘90s R&B icon Joe. In addition to live music, the festival also includes dance performances, local vendors and a kids zone with activities like a petting zoo and face painting station.
June 21. 12 pm. 18th and Vine.
Make Music Day
Over a thousand municipalities across the globe participate in Fête de la Musique—also known as Make Music Day—on the longest day of the year: June 21. Kansas City is among the participating cities. Organized by Kansas City Parks and Recreation, the grassroots celebration stretches across the entire metro. This year’s highlights include R & B singer Jass, internationally touring singer-songwriter and guitarist David Luther, family ensemble Barton Street Band and steel pan player Chill Phil.
June 21. Times and locations vary.
The Flavors of Central Tour
Indulge in The Flavors of Central Tour, an all-day affair that highlights the culinary scene of KCK’s Central Avenue corridor. The walkable tour features over 30 neighborhood restaurants serving cuisine from Mexico and Central America—everything from Aguas Frescas Arandas’ refreshing beverages to to pollo asado with all the fixings from El Pollo Guasave.
June 21. 9:30 am. Central Avenue, KCK.
Mobile Music Box
It’s a busy weekend for Kansas City Symphony’s free, metro-wide outdoor concert series, Mobile Music Box. On Thursday, the portable stage will make a stop at Downtown Blue Springs’ Third Thursday, followed by a performance at Belton’s Smoot Peace Park on Friday night and a Sunday evening show in Baldwin City’s Sullivan Square.
June 19, 21 & 22. Times and locations vary.
Guys and Dolls
Step into the bustling streets of 1950s New York City at Guys and Dolls, a beloved Broadway classic brimming with charm, wit, and show-stopping tunes. The production follows high-rolling gamblers, showgirls and straight-laced missionaries as unlikely romances bloom. This timeless comedy’s score is full of musical theatre favorites like “Luck Be A Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck” and more.
June 5—29. Times vary. Grand Theater.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Summer movie nights are in full swing at Legends and this weekend’s feature is action film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Each Saturday night through October, the shopping center hosts an outdoor screening of a fan-favorite film. Pack a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy drinks from Dave & Buster’s mobile bar on the lawn.
June 21. 7 pm. Legends Outlets.
