Here are nine great things to do in KC this weekend, August 10-13, including: Blues Traveler, Ben Folds and a KC Sunflower Festival.
Blues Traveler
Ultimate “Dad” jam band Blues Traveler is coming to KC with Big Head Todd. New Jersey-based blues-rock band Blues Traveler has been around for over thirty-five years, with hits from the nineties like “Run-Around” and “Hook.” They are also known for their long segues during live performances and are often considered a major figure in the re-emergence and subsequent popularity of jam bands during the nineties.
August 10. 7 pm. Grinders.
Ben Folds
The frontman and pianist of alt-rock trio Ben Folds Five is returning solo on his What Matters Most Tour, following his 2023 album of the same name—his first studio album in eight years. On the tour, Folds will be playing old and new favorites like “The Luckiest” and “Exhausting Lover.”
August 10. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
KC Wine Co. Sunflower Fest
KC Wine Co. in Olathe is ready to rep the Sunflower State with pride as they eagerly await the stunning blooms this summer, giving guests the opportunity for close-up pictures and family-fun activities when they host the KC Sunflower Festival for three consecutive weekends this August. The boutique winery invites visitors to celebrate Kansas agriculture while enjoying all the fun the farm has to offer—access to the sunflower field, photo opps, lawn games, a giant slide and live music, along with wine, cider, beer and festival food available for purchase.
Weekends during August 11–27. KC Pumpkin Patch.
Dusty Slay
Nashville-based comedian Dusty Slay has been quietly in the spotlight for years, with appearances on a half-hour Netflix special and the Late-night Jimmys, as well as boasting the title of the youngest comedian to ever perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
August 11. 7 & 9:45 pm. August 12. 7 & 9:45 pm. Improv Comedy Club.
Pool Kids
Tallahassee-based math-rock emo-band Pool Kids is making a stop in NKC in support of their self-titled album released earlier this year. Although their debut album went largely unrecognized, it wasn’t until Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams posted an Instagram story about the album, leading Pool Kids to receiving more widespread recognition and popularity in the years since.
August 11. 8 pm. The Rino.
Hip Hop 50 KC
Produced by 18th and Vine Lives with journalist Shawn Edwards, Hip Hop 50 KC is a celebration in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of hip-hop. Celebrate the genre that changed the world with local rappers, DJs, graffiti artists and dancers who have helped put KC’s hip hop scene on the map.
August 12. 6 pm. Gem Theater.
Maddie & Tae
Country music duo Maddie & Tae are both singers, songwriters and guitarists who got signed to a record deal before they were twenty years old. Their newest album Through the Madness, Vol. 1, muses on themes of falling in love, heartbreak, and growing up.
August 12. 6:30 pm. Uptown Theater.
The Nadas
Iowa-based Americana band The Nadas have captured audiences’ attention for nearly three decades with their distinctive 70s-meets-90s sound by blending twangy, Stones-era “country honk” with alt-rock energy and folk-leaning melodies. The Nadas will be performing at Knuckleheads to kick off their US tour in support of their new album Come Along For The Ride.
August 12. 8 pm. Knuckleheads Saloon.
Community Movie Night: Encanto
For the fourth year in a row, Starlight and Community Builders of Kansas City are partnering to present a movie night under the stars with a free, outdoor screening of hit Encanto for the whole family. Before the movie, guests are encouraged to join the “Urban Bucket Brigade” which uses recycled buckets for an interactive drumming workshop led by teaching artist Jaisson Taylor. There will also be free water and soda for guests, a resource fair and live music from Pablo Sanhueza and the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra.
August 13. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
