Here are fourteen things to do in KC this weekend, February 19—22 including Reel Black Film Fest, Hamilton and Kansas City Brew Fest.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert
Transport yourself to the wizarding world with a visit to the symphony. At Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert, the Kansas City Symphony will perform John Williams’ iconic soundtrack in tandem with a live screening of the series’ second film. Year after year, the Harry Potter movie screenings have become one of the orchestra’s most popular performances, enchanting audiences of all ages.
February 19—22. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
Reel Black FIlm Fest
Kansas City PBS’ Reel Black Film Festival is back for its second year, and it’s bigger than before. A partnership with popstar and KC-native Janelle Monáe’s nonprofit Fem the Future, the free festival presents works by directors from Chicago, Milwaukee and more. In addition to over 10 short and feature-length films, the event will feature panel discussions from participating filmmakers and a marketplace of local Black-owned businesses.
February 20 & 21. Times vary. The Gem Theater & American Jazz Museum.
Hamilton
When Hamilton made its off-Broadway premiere just over a decade ago, the hip-hop musical quickly took the world by storm. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterwork tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton (and those in close proximity to him) with a modern twist. With catchy songs like “My Shot” and “Aaron Burr, Sir,” Miranda describes the musical as “America then, as told by America now.” We recommend getting your tickets sooner rather than later, as tickets are typically in high demand for this wildly popular production.
February 18–March 1. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.
Kansas City Comets: Retro Night
KC’s professional indoor soccer club hosts this blast from the past as they face off against Utica City FC. The Comets will sport retro 1989–90 jerseys as current players join alums—like goalkeeper coach and former U.S. National Team competitor Alan Mayer—for a post-game autograph session. Plus, bid on autographed vintage jerseys in an online auction.
February 22. 4:05 pm. Cable Dahmer Arena.
Boulevard Beach Club
Boulevard Brewing Co. brings the beach to Kansas City at this vintage tiki bar-inspired pop-up. Transport yourself to sandy shores and warmer weather as Boulevard serves up themed small bites, tropical cocktails and debuts four Quirk flavors inspired by “ice cream truck nostalgia.”
February 18—March 1. Times vary. Boulevard Tours & Rec 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.
Cowtown Vintage & Art Exchange
Every third Thursday of the month, this grassroots market brings a curated pop-up to Midtown’s El Torreon. Set to the soundtrack of local bands and DJs, shoppers can browse everything from trendy Y2K pieces to handmade goods to books. The event series, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, pays homage to the venue once known as the Cowtown Ballroom, a hall that hosted artists like Frank Zappa and Van Morrison throughout the ’70s.
February 19. 6 pm. El Torreon.
Eric Church
Over the past two decades, singer-songwriter Eric Church has been cranking out country hits like “Springsteen” and “How ‘Bout You.” In support of his latest and eighth studio album Evangeline vs. The Machine, Church’s Free The Machine Tour brings new favorites and tried-and-true picks to the T-Mobile Center stage. Appalachian soul band 49 Winchester opens.
February 20. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Kansas City Brew Fest
Featuring 120 beers from over 45 craft breweries primarily from the Midwest, Kansas City Brew Fest returns. Among the list of participating beerhouses are KC’s own Stockyards Brewing Company, St. Louis’ 4 Hands Brewing Company and Columbia’s Logboat Brewing Company. Sample away while enjoying local music, and be sure to grab a bite from one of the many food trucks—like Korean barbecue from Smoke ‘n’ Seoul or Indian food from Sri’s Kitchen—to sop up the brews. Plus, guests with early admission tickets are privy to sampling limited-release beers an hour before general admission doors open.
February 21. 1 pm. Union Station.
Lunar New Year
Ring in the Year of the Fire Horse at Lenexa Public Market’s Lunar New Year celebration. A partnership with the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City, the event includes rotating dance performances and workshops, as well as children’s art activities like paper cutting and origami. Plus, feast on specials from the merchants at the food hall, including mochi donuts from Mr. D’s Coffee and egg rolls from Saap Saap Noodles.
February 22. 10 am. Lenexa Public Market.
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.
Whiskey Dynamite
The electrifying show Whiskey Dynamite returns and is set to captivate audiences once again with explosive performances and an engaging cast. This interactive multimedia performance—self described as a “nonsensical neowestern cabaret”—blends acrobatics, immersive visuals and live music. The event is produced by KC’s own innovative performance art collective, Quixotic, to bring audiences a unique multi-sensory celebratory experience.
January 16—April 18. Times vary. The Grand Theater (at Crown Center).
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: Kissin
Every Sunday evening, non-profit organization Manor Records spotlights KC musicians with concert series Songbird Sessions. This week, the record label collabs with 90.9 The Bridge’s The Z Show—a program featuring emerging, unsigned artists—to feature Lawrence-based singer-songwriter Kissin.
February 22. 5 pm. ArtsKC.
