Here are fifteen things to do in KC this weekend, October 2—5 including Chappell Roan, Chicano Art Festival and KC Oktoberfest.
The Life Of An Indie Showgirl: Midnight Release Party
It’s a busy weekend for Swifties. Taylor Swift’s album, The Life of a Showgirl, drops this Friday, and themed events are plentiful throughout KC. Mills Record Company, a locally-owned Westport staple, hosts a listening session and vinyl drop as the clock strikes midnight. Entry is free, but RSVPs are required.
October 2. 11:30 pm. Mills Record Company.
Chappell Roan
The Midwest Princess stays true to her title: KC is one of just three stops (in good company with New York City and Los Angeles) on her Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things pop-up tour. Returning to her home state of Missouri, the pop star’s show follows the release of her long-awaited single, “The Subway.” Her last KC performance was in April 2024, just weeks before her meteoric rise. Best of luck getting your hands on the coveted tickets.
October 3 & 4. 6:30 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial.
ArtSmash
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s party of the year returns. A fusion of fashion and music, ArtSmash features a curated menu from Ted Habiger, the museum’s chef partner and the chef and owner of Room 39.
October 4. 7 pm. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Pete Escovedo and His Orchestra
Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo marks his 90th birthday with a celebratory tour alongside his orchestra for a powerful start to the Folly Theater’s 44th Jazz Series. The percussionist has toured and recorded with a laundry list of artists like Carlos Santana, Prince and Herbie Hancock. Expect a vibrant fusion of smooth jazz and salsa.
October 4. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
Cinderella
This Lyric Opera of Kansas City production isn’t Disney’s fairy tale. It’s Italian composer Gioachino Rossini’s quirky, irreverent twist, where magic takes a back seat to comedy, leaving out the carriage, Fairy Godmother and glass slipper. With grandiose set design and costuming, plus orchestral backing by the Kansas City Symphony, world-renowned mezzo-soprano Siphokazi Molteno stars as Cinderella.
September 27, October 3 & 5. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
KC Oktoberfest
The region’s largest Oktoberfest returns to Crown Center for two days of authentic German food, drink and music. Hosted by KC Bier Co., this year’s lineup includes touring Alpine rock band Die Schlauberger and local polka favorites like The Happy Wanderers. The festival’s highlight competition? A Masskrugstemmen, a beer steinholding contest that tests endurance and perfect form.
October 3 & 4. Times vary. Crown Center.
Chicano Art Festival
At this celebration of Chicano culture, art isn’t the only thing on display. The event also features folkloric dance performances, traditional cuisine, music and poetry. And if you’re a motorhead, this festival is home to KC’s largest lowrider show.
October 5. 11 am. Liberty Courtyard, West Bottoms.
Weston Applefest
Take a drive to Weston’s quaint historic square for Applefest. Now in its 35th year, festivities kick off Saturday morning with a parade, and the rest of the weekend offers live music, artisan makers and an abundance of warm apple dumplings.
We recommend taking a quick detour (just a block from Main Street’s festival action) and grabbing a round at O’Malley’s 1847 Pub. The historic underground bar, nearly 60 feet below street level, was formerly home to one of the country’s first breweries.
October 4 & 5. Times vary. Main Street, Weston.
Visions of the Flint Hills
At this annual art benefit and sale, celebrate the beautiful plains of Kansas, portrayed through art pieces inspired by the Flint Hills’ landscapes—the largest tallgrass prairie in North America. Artists from around the country find themselves inspired by the region and present their pieces at the Buttonwood Art Space this fall. Half of the proceeds go to the artists themselves, while the other half benefit the Friends of Konza Prairie, which promotes education and research in the Flint Hills. Although the sale is open from October through November 10, a First Friday reception with live music and refreshments will be held on October 4.
October 1–November 10. Times vary. Buttonwood Art Space.
RENT
While the struggles of living with HIV/AIDS may be hard to fully understand, RENT gives us a window in. Jonathan Larson’s iconic Tony Award-winning musical follows a group of artists in 1990s New York as they search for love and meaning while facing poverty amid the AIDS crisis. Presented by Music Theater Heritage, this show, which first opened on Broadway in 1996, is one of just 10 musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and its message still rings true.
October 2–26. Times vary. Main Stage at Crown Center.
Meet Me in the Car Tour
Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, an Australian indie-rock duo performing under the name Royel Otis, will be performing at Grinders in October. The pair are on their Meet Me in the Car Tour, which included performances at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Known for having a calm stage presence, the pair met while working in Australia and formed their band in 2019.
October 3. 7 pm. Uptown Theatre.
KC Wine Co. Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch
Roam KC Wine Co.’s 40 acres at this all-ages extravaganza. The price of admission includes over 60 activities like corn pits, skee ball, mega slides and plenty of seasonal photo ops. Plus, the Olathe winery’s signature wine slushes will be available for purchase all day, every day.
September 27–October 26. KC Wine Co.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Don your finest flowy dresses, tunics and breeches for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. At this immersive step back in time, watch jousting tournaments, feast on gigantic turkey legs, listen to period music and shop the bustling artisan market. Each weekend brings a different theme, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
August 30–October 13. Times vary. 628 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs.
Alone Together
The bittersweet feeling of becoming empty nesters doesn’t last long in the Broadway comedy Alone Together. Just as all three kids finally move out, they slowly start trickling back in, returning home to mom and dad one by one. Starring The Brady Bunch’s Barry Williams and featuring Cathy Bennett, this show explores the chaos and joy of family life. At New Theatre & Restaurant in Overland Park, the play is a full dining and entertainment experience, complete with waitstaff, cocktails and a gourmet buffet.
September 10–November 16. Times vary. New Art Theatre & Restaurant.
ArtSalon: Biennial Alumni Exhibition
Head over to the Kansas City Art Institute’s 2025 alumni exhibition to see what former KCAI students are creating right now. Whether you’re collecting or just want to take a look, the annual exhibition is always a good show. There will also be an opening reception, bringing together alumni, faculty, collectors and patrons, that’s open to anyone who wants to meet the artists and celebrate this year’s exhibition.
Every piece in the show is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting both the artist and the KCAI Annual Fund, which supports student scholarships.
September 6–October 19. KCAI Gallery.
