Here are fourteen things to do in KC this weekend, September 26-29, including: Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Two Door Cinema Club and Dionne Warwick.
Renaissance Festival
Starting as a small benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977, the Renaissance Festival has blossomed into one of the city’s most-beloved events, drawing nearly a quarter of a million visitors each year willing to let their freak flag fly. Transport yourself into a long-bygone era with live jousting performances, giant turkey legs and men in tights.
August 31–October 13. Saturdays and Sundays. Times vary. 633 N. 130th Street, Bonner Springs.
Dial M for Murder
If you’re looking for a live murder-mystery with plenty of tension and twists, just pick up your phone and Dial M for Murder. Originally written by Frederick Knott, the show was adapted by Jeffery Hatcher to provide a more modern and fast-paced energy to this thrilling story. Presented by Kansas City Actors Theatre, which is committed to employing and supporting the local professional theater community, the performance will come to City Stage in Union Station this fall.
September 11-29, 30. City Stage in Union Station.
Kansas City Fashion Week
Each year, Kansas City Fashion Week features local and international designers showcasing their work in runway shows and networking across avenues in the fashion industry, including makeup, photography and modeling. Folks can also order the runway looks, and the KCFW Vendor Market on Saturday provides a diverse collection of vendors selling their unique fashion and lifestyle goods.
Runway shows: September 25–28. Times vary. Union Station.
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Ready for a Manhattan movie night? This fall, Johnson County Library and the Lenexa Arts Council are hosting the 27th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival at the Lenexa Civic Center. Film lovers from over 500 cities around the world will watch the top 10 entries and vote for Best Film and Best Actor. The films chosen will qualify for the 2025 Oscars.
September 26, 6:30–9 pm. 17101 W. 87th St. Parkway, Lenexa.
Malevo
Performance group Malevo specializes in Malambo, a traditional Argentine folk dance—but with a contemporary twist. Created by director, choreographer and dancer Matías Jaime, the group goes beyond traditional limits with a modern, avant-garde twist to create a hybrid performance with other styles like flamenco and urban percussion. After being named an official “Cultural Ambassador to the National Identity of Argentina” and performing with Cirque du Soleil and Latin pop star Ricky Martin, Malevo presents their brand new touring performance.
September 26. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
Nick Swardson
Perhaps best known for his role on Reno 911!, actor-comedian Nick Swardson has become one of those recognizable but not big-name comedic actors that you have to Google. Most notably, he has been a part of Adam Sandler’s production company and is now touring the U.S. with his ironically named (or aptly titled?) Toilet Head tour.
September 27. 6:30 pm. Uptown Theater.
The Brightness of Light
Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents this show by Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts. Based on letters between artist Georgia O’Keeffe and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz, this innovative new work plays Puts’ songs while showing projections of O’Keefe’s floral figments and the couples’ letters. The correspondences paint the shifting shape of their decades-spanning relationship. The second half of The Brightness of Light will consist of opera and Broadway hits specially selected and sung by Renée Fleming and Rod Gilfry for Lyric Opera audiences.
September 27, 7:30 pm; September 29, 2 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Alternative rock indie band Rainbow Kitten Surprise is hitting KC on tour in support of their recently released fourth full-length album, Love Hate Music Box, which explores life’s ups and downs and traces the turbulent trajectory of relationships through their electronic, rock and hip-hop sound.
September 27. 7:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Overland Park Fall Festival
The Overland Park Fall Festival has plenty of autumn fun for the whole family. With more than 75 local and regional artisans and live music and performers for both adults and children, visitors will be able to appreciate all the best local talent. There will also be food trucks and vendors in addition to the nearby restaurants and OP Farmers’ Market at this free event.
September 27–28. 7935 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park.
Liberty Fall Festival
Liberty Fall Festival is celebrating 47 years of autumn entertainment. With over 200 artists and vendors selling everything from jewelry and pottery to funnel cakes and turkey legs, the event provides plenty of choices for all interests. One of the festival’s highlights is the carnival, which will open on Friday at 5 pm and continue throughout the weekend. A parade, live performers and various games and contests add even more excitement.
September 27–29. 1 Courthouse Square, Liberty.
Local Motive Showcase
The first annual Local Motive Showcase, a non-profit festival, will feature live entertainment hosted by Flare tha Rebel, music by Kadesh Flow and DJ LeoNightus, along with food from The Brick, Disco Burger and more. There will also be activities like prize wheels, pumpkin decorating, adoptable dogs and more. The Local Motive campaign empowers charities to further their mission and this showcase event is the perfect opportunity for Kansas Citians and organizations to come together, enjoy local brews, food and music, while making a difference.
September 28. 12-4 pm. Casual Animal Brewing Company.
Two Door Cinema Club
Northern Ireland pop-rock band Two Door Cinema Club has been a favorite in the indie scene since their debut album was released a decade ago. With a poppy vibe and consistently catchy tunes, Two Door Cinema Club has proven to have enduring popularity. You can still hear their massive 2010 radio hit “What You Know” at least once an hour on 96.5 Not-the-Buzz.
September 28. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Greg & Dana Newkirk’s Haunted Objects Live!
Paranormal investigators Greg and Dana Newkirk have a passion for collecting and caring for cursed objects, possessed dolls and other supernatural artifacts. In their show, the Newkirks share the history, folklore and real accounts of encounters with haunted objects, including the untold truth about famous cursed objects like the Crying Boy painting or the supposedly demon-possessed Dybbuk Box.
September 28. 7:30 pm. Polsky Theatre.
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick established herself as a music icon whose career spans decades. She recorded 18 consecutive top 100 singles, including “Walk on By” and “Say a Little Prayer.” Warwick joins the Kansas City Symphony for a celebratory collaboration of this groundbreaking artist.
September 28. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
