Here are nine things to do in KC this weekend, May 15—18, including Sierra Ferrell, Kansas City Mavericks Western Conference Finals and Emma.
KC Folk Fest
KC Folk Fest returns for its fourth year as a free, all-ages event. The grassroots effort—billed as a “people’s fest”—showcases a dynamic line-up of local talent, from finger-picking, old-time band Rural Grit to the theatrical storytelling of singer Dalima Kapten. With performances across four stages, the day also features workshops and demos, a craft market, food trucks and more.
May 17. 11 am. Washington Square Park.

Sierra Ferrell
Appalachian singer-songwriter Sierra Ferrell is the real deal. After years of busking, hitchhiking, and honing her craft on the road, her warbling voice and nimble guitar picking earned her a devoted following and a record deal. Last spring, the songstress packed The Midland with a sold-out crowd, and she’s returning to perform favorites like “In Dreams” and “Dollar Bill Bar.”
May 15. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
Arboretum Summer Movie Night: Wicked
Spend an evening under the stars at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens’ showing of Wicked. Pack a lawn chair or blanket as the garden kicks off its summer movie night series with last year’s beloved, blockbuster adaptation of the Broadway musical. The evening also includes yard games, pre-show Wicked trivia and concessions for sale from Melt Box Ice Cream and Korean-American fast food truck GOCHEW Burger & Sandwich.
May 16. 7 pm. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Kansas City Mavericks Western Conference Finals
The Kansas City Mavericks hit the ice for two high-stakes home games against Toledo Walleye, fighting for a back-to-back ECHL Western Conference championship. Last season, the Mavericks advanced to the Kelly Cup finals for the first time in club history, and this season is another outstanding and promising one.
May 15 at 7:05 pm. May 17 at 6:05 pm. Cable Dahmer Arena.

Sailing: Soft Rock Hits of the 70s and 80s
The Kansas City Symphony is reliving chart toppers of decades past at Sailing: Soft Rock Hits of the 70s and 80s. Featuring music from favorites like Toto, Hall & Oates and more, the performance will be led by special guest Jason Seber, the orchestra’s former associate conductor.
May 16—18. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.

KC Crawfish Festival
Enjoy all you can eat crawfish and other Cajun cuisine, Zydeco music and specialty drinks—all for a good cause—at KC Crawfish Festival. Now in its 24th year, the collaboration between Overland Park Rotary and Secret Order of the Crawdaddies raises funds for Overland Park’s Growing Futures Early Education Center.
May 17. 6 pm. St Pius X Church.

Alison Krauss and Union Station
It’s been nearly 40 years since teenage prodigy Alison Krauss released her debut Americana album, Too Late to Cry. Since then, the Nashville born and bred singer-songwriter and fiddler has released 15 albums and won a whopping 28 Grammy Awards. Krauss’ KC performance is a part of the tour for her recent release, Arcadia, with bluegrass band Union Station—her first album in 14 years. Willie Watson opens the show.
May 17. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.

Emma
Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma is a tale brimming with wit and charm. Set in Regency-era England, the story follows Emma Woodhouse, a clever but often erroneous matchmaker. As she meddles in others’ romances, she learns her own heart may be on the line.
May 6–25. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.

Fusion
Kansas City Ballet celebrates the finale of their 2024—2025 season with Fusion, a collection of short dance works. The performance of contemporary pieces features the world premiere of hold on tight, choreographed by KC’s own Caroline Dahm.
May 9–18. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
