Here are seventeen things to do in KC this weekend, September 21-24, including performances by Queens of the Stone Age, Carin León, Ringo Starr and Guns N’ Roses. To check more great things to do in KC this fall in KC’s magazine’s fall arts preview.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Kicking off KCRep’s sixtieth anniversary season is Cyrano de Bergerac. Based on the 1897 play of the same name written by Edmond Rostand, it has been adapted by Martin Crimp and directed by Nelson T. Eusebio III. The play follows the timeless tale of the protagonist Cyrano, who involves himself in a touching and hilarious love triangle as he is torn between physical attraction and the power of prose. Catch it for its final weekend!
September 5–24. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
Skeleton Crew
Kansas City Actors Theatre presents Skeleton Crew, a powerful drama written by 2018 MacArthur Fellow Dominique Morisseau. Set during the 2008 recession, the play delves into the lives of Detroit auto plant workers facing uncertain futures. With echoes of Arthur Miller, Morisseau’s deeply moral storytelling offers a poignant exploration of resilience and community in the face of adversity.
September 12–October 1. Times vary. City Stage Theatre at Union Station.
Queens of the Stone Age
Seattle-based rock band Queens of the Stone Age formed in the mid-’90s and quickly gained a cult-like following with their rock ‘n’ roll sound, commanding stage performances and hits like “No One Knows” and “Go with the Flow.” After releasing their most recent album In Times New Roman… this summer, they are making a stop in KC during their extensive The End Is Nero Tour, which will include performances across North America followed by a European leg of the tour.
September 20. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Three Days Grace
Fusing heavy rock ‘n’ roll and metal, Ontario-based band Three Days Grace formed in the late ’90s but didn’t reach commercial success until their 2006 album, One-X. Now, they are co-headlining a U.S. tour with Chevelle in support of their 2022 album, Explosions. Fans can expect a rowdy and energizing show where they will perform both new and old hits like “I Hate Everything About You” and “Pain.”
September 21. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Avi Loeb Lecture
Harvard professor and author of Extraterrestrial Avi Loeb will discuss how humans can prepare for interaction with extraterrestrials in the lecture, “Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars.” In his book, Loeb argues that an unidentified object dubbed “Oumuamua” astronomers saw through telescopes in 2017 was our first contact with an artifact of extraterrestrial intelligence.
September 21. 7 pm. Linda Hall Library.
Herb Alpert & Lani Hall
Two legendary performers and music icons Herb Alpert and Lani Hall join together for a special celebration of their decades in the music business—and their decades in love. Hall, the former singer of Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66, will perform classics like “Más Que Nada” and “The Fool on the Hill.” Alpert is celebrating his sixtieth year since recording his first hit song, “The Lonely Bull.” Together, their band will play an eclectic mix of American standards, Brazilian jazz, Beatles covers and more.
September 21. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall.
Carin León
Carin León makes his KC debut on his North American tour in support of his latest album, Colmillo de Leche. which has gained widespread critical praise. The expansive eighteen-track record spans various musical genres, showcasing León’s maturity and versatility as an artist. León’s quick rise in the regional Mexican music scene has helped to elevate the genre onto a global stage, helping to raise international perception of Mexican music with hits such as “Me La Aventé” and his rendition of Estefano’s “Tú.”
September 22. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert combines the universally beloved animated film with live orchestral music and a DJ playing turntables on the stage. The hip-hop-based score is seamlessly woven into the film, reflecting universal themes of resilience and heroism.
September 22. 8 pm. Yardley Hall.
The Music of Led Zeppelin
Guest conductor Brent Havens will lead the Kansas City Symphony in a tribute to legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. With the help of a band, vocals by Randy Jackson and a spectacular accompanying light show, the symphony will put a spin on Led Zeppelin classics such as “Whole Lotta Love” and “Stairway to Heaven.”
Sept. 22. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band are bringing Ringo’s iconic music and joyful energy to KC. The legendary artist, known for his role in The Beatles and a dynamic solo career, promises a night of timeless hits and connections with audiences new and old.
September 22. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Liberty Fall Festival
This iconic festival is celebrating its forty-sixth anniversary with over two hundred vendors, artists and musicians and, of course, the annual festival parade. This year’s theme is “History in the Making” to celebrate where the festival came from and where it’s going next.
September 22–24. Times vary. Liberty Square, Liberty.
Latino Arts Festival
The Latino Arts Festival celebrates the rich history and culture of Chicanos and Latinos. The day-long festival will highlight artists of all experiences, artisans, food vendors, poetry readings, musical performances, folkloric and cultural dance and, of course, the largest lowrider show in KC.
September 23. 11 am–5 pm. Hy-Vee Arena.
Guns N’ Roses
As part of their expansive 2023 world tour, Guns N’ Roses storms Kauffman later this month. Following the rockers’ previous North American stint in 2021, Axl Rose and the gang are set to deliver an electrifying performance with their classic hits.
September 23. 6 pm. Kauffman Stadium.
Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci
Kicking off The Lyric Opera’s second full season since the beginning of the pandemic is Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci, composed by Pietro Mascagni and Ruggero Leoncavallo. Both operas will be conducted by Roberto Kalb with English-language translations displayed above the stage so the audience can enjoy every note.
September 23, 29 & October 1 7:30 pm. Kauffman Theatre.
Louisburg Cider Fest
The temperature is dropping and the leaves are beginning to crunch underneath your feet. That’s your sign that Ciderfest is just around the corner. Louisburg Cider Mill becomes a fall-lover’s dream for just two weekends in the fall, where guests of all ages can enjoy pony rides, live music and, of course, a hot cup of cider.
Sept. 23, 24, 30 & Oct. 1. Times vary. Louisburg Cider Mill.
Deaf Culture Festival
The Deaf Culture Festival celebrates the vibrant heritage of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Explore the rich tapestry of Deaf and hard-of-hearing art, identity and empowerment while engaging in hands-on art activities and enjoying entertainment from Deaf perspectives. Accessibility measures ensure a truly inclusive experience.
September 24. 10 am–4 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Plaza Art Fair
The top-ranked national art event is returning to KC for its ninety-second year this September. The fair welcomes over two hundred and fifty vendors selling everything from jewelry and pottery to sculptures and paintings. Not only is there unique art on display, but there are also three different musical stages and more than twenty restaurant booths.
September 22–24. Times vary. Country Club Plaza.
