Here are fourteen things to do in KC this weekend, October 23—26 including Brass and Booojee, Cuco and Sugar Skull.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Do the “Time Warp” at this showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Enjoy the crisp, autumn air at Crossroads’ open-air theatre, Rooftop Cinema Club. Dressing in costume is optional, but always encouraged.
October 23. 9:40 pm. Rooftop Cinema Club.
Brass and Booojee
Brass and Boujee is pushing the mold—and not just in Kansas City. The 20-piece ensemble, led by trombonist and arranger Marcus Lewis, is the first group to record big band jazz and hip-hop. This Halloween-themed concert doubles as a costume party, so dress to impress.
October 25. 5 pm. Vine Street Brewing Co.
Cuco
Indie-pop singer Cuco—the artist behind the hit song “Lover Is a Day”—is coming to KC. Cuco, otherwise known as Omar Banos, has been playing instruments since he was eight. The California artist, who plays the trumpet and piano, also writes his own music.
October 24. 8 pm. The Truman.
BOOlevard Halloween Pop-Up
Boulevard Brewing Company is celebrating Halloween with an aptly named pop-up bar, BOOlevard. Returning for its third year, the eerie event features themed cocktails like witches brew, small bites, games and a haunted happy hour.
October 22—November 1. 5 pm daily. Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center.
Sugar Skull
This bilingual children’s musical brings Día de los Muertos to life. With traditional music and dance from Mexico, the story follows 12-year-old Vita Flores. Initially a skeptic of her family’s party planning, she changes her tune when a candy skeleton comes to life. Although the production is fun for all ages, it’s catered to ages 5 to 9.
October 25. 11 am. & 2 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Swan Lake
The iconic ballet Swan Lake—originally composed by Pytor I. Tchaikovsky in 1875—returns this fall to the Kansas City Ballet. The classic performance of tragedy, passion, love and betrayal takes flight at the Kauffman Center this October.
Tchaikovsky’s music is performed by the Kansas City Symphony, and the ballet is choreographed by KC Ballet’s artistic director Devon Carney, who is modeling the choreography after Russian ballet masters and choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.
All ticketholders have access to a free pre-show talk given by Carney to hear how the magic is created. Arrive an hour before curtain for this rare behind-the-scenes look at the show.
October 17–19 & 23–26. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theater.
Terror at Electric Park
Historic distillery J. Rieger & Co. transforms the Electric Park Garden Bar into a haunted carnival with live beats from DJ cQuence and DJ Baby Boi, face painting, tarot readings and more. It’s the perfect spooky setting to sip on drink specials while being entertained by clowns, fire eaters, stilt walkers and contortionists.
October 25. 8 pm. J. Rieger & Co.
Night of the Living Farm
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead gets a spooky makeover for this after-dark Halloween celebration. Enjoy performances from StoneLion Puppet Theater, hands-on science fun with Mad Science and seasonal staples like hay rides, mazes and marshmallow roasting. Costumes are welcome for all ages.
October 18, 19, 25 & 26. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
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.
Dracula
Celebrate Halloween with a provocative and chilling take on Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic novel. This stage adaptation was written by KC’s own Vanessa Severo (in collaboration with Joanie Schultz), who stars as the gender-bent protagonist Van Helsing. With top-notch special effects, it’s a must-see for horror fans and thrill seekers alike.
October 14–November 2. Times vary. Copaken Stage.
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.
Taylor Swift Night
Swifties will continue to celebrate the release of The Life of a Showgirl at Taylor Swift Night. The Activate Kansas City event features a live DJ, merch giveaways, a photobooth, food trucks and gameplay discounts.
October 23. 5 pm. Activate Kansas City.
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.
