Here are sixteen great things to do in KC this weekend, September 7-10, including: Dancefestopia, Cyrano de Bergerac and KC native Janelle Monáe.
Renaissance Festival
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the KC Renaissance Festival. What started as a small benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977 has blossomed into one of the country’s most celebrated Renaissance events, drawing 200,000 visitors each year. This festival aims to transport attendees to a bygone era with live performances, unique merchandise, giant turkey legs and men in tights.
September 2–October 15. Times vary. 130th Street, Bonner Springs.
Dancefestopia Music & Camping Festival
Enter the enchanting world of Dancefestopia. Nestled in nature, this celebration of art, music and camping offers a refreshing escape in La Cygne’s Emerald City in Kansas. Experience the spirit of community and creativity while listening to headliners like Sullivan King and Subtronics.
September 4–10. Times vary. Wildwood Outdoor Education Center.
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.
September 5–24. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
It is Harry, Ron and Hermione’s last year at Hogwarts, but Voldemort is still looming, threatening to destroy the Wizarding World as they know it. Potterheads can unite at the Kansas City Symphony to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 with Justin Freer conducting Oscar Award-winner Alexandre Desplat’s score live.
September 6, 7, 8 & 10 Times vary. Kauffman Center.
conducted by Justin Freer. Courtesy image.
Chiefs Watch Party
KC Live! will be the home-away-from home for Chiefs watch parties this football season. This week, watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Detroit Lions on KC’s largest outdoor screen. This venue offers expansive outdoor seating, in-game entertainment and an array of beverage options.
September 7. 7:20 pm. KC Live!
Art Westport
For more than four decades, the open-air art show Art Westport has been supporting and celebrating local creators, who have a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry and more for sale at the show. Set in the charming historic Westport District, it’s a delightful opportunity to explore the region’s rich artistic heritage in a lively atmosphere full of local shops and restaurants.
September 8–10. Times vary. Westport.
Jesse James Festival
The fifty-second Jesse James Festival celebrating the life of the local legend and outlaw takes place in Kearney, Missouri—James’ birthplace, boyhood home and final resting place. Amid artifacts and DNA testing, the festival commemorates an era that shaped the nation.
September 8, 9 & 15–17. Times vary. Jesse James Park, Kearney.
Spinach Festival
Celebrate Lenexa’s spinach legacy at the family-friendly Spinach Festival. Family-oriented fun abounds, from the World’s Largest Spinach Salad to live music and crafts. Engage in hands-on activities, learn how Lenexa became the “Spinach Capital of the World” and savor the community spirit.
September 9. 9 am–4 pm. Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.
Oktoberfest KC
KC Wine Co. in Olathe will host Oktoberfest KC as their pumpkin patch is transformed into an Oktoberfest celebration with hard ciders, beers, festive drinks and nostalgic games. Tickets to this fall-fun event include a sampling of five beers and cider, live music from German bands and contests like the stein-hoisting competition. There will also be iconic German foods like brats and pretzels, along with farm fun like lawn games, a mega slide, human foosball and more.
September 9. 12–8 pm. KC Wine Co.
Opus 76 Quartet “Music of Regency”
The artist-in-residence quartet, Opus 76, will be performing works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert to transport audiences to the Regency era, made popular in contemporary culture by Jane Austen’s works and the Bridgerton series on Netflix. An optional high tea service is offered after each performance to complete the experience back to the past.
September 9. 2 & 5 pm. Polsky Theatre.
Dance in the Park
Celebrate the twenty-fourth year of a KC tradition, Dance in the Park, in beautiful North Roanoke Park. There will be a free youth dance demonstration and hula-hoop class for everybody, emceed by Magic 107.3 host, Darron Story. A variety of dance styles will be featured, including: Modern, West African, and Fire Hoop, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic supplies for a seat under the stars.
September 9. 6:30 pm. North Roanoke Park.
Janelle Monáe
KC native Janelle Monáe’s The Age of Pleasure Tour—named after her recently released album—is making a stop in Monae’s hometown as part of a twenty-six-city tour. She’ll showcase both new songs from the album and classic hits from her discography.
September 9. 8 pm. The Midland.
“Closure Is Not Justice” by Andrew Johnson
Local writer and multi-media artist Andrew Johnson is launching “Closure Is Not Justice,” a series of public art installations aimed at raising questions about the 1988 explosion that killed six Kansas City firefighters, and the role that the media, as well as the public’s hunger for closure, played into the government’s choices to frame, charge, and convict individuals who are potentially innocent of the crime. This project is funded and supported by a Rocket Grant from the Charlotte Street Foundation and the Andy Warhol Foundation. This public art project is on public at Vulpes Bastille art gallery in the Crossroads every Sunday in September, including a “Law, Media and Art” community panel on September 14, 6–7:30 pm.
Sundays, September 10-24. 1-4 pm. Vulpes Bastille.
Peter Pan
The Kansas City Theatre Pipe Organ club presents the 1925 silent film Peter Pan, which will be screened alongside live musical accompaniment from Dr. Marvin Faulwell playing the Robert- Morton Theatre Pipe Organ. Dr. Faulwell is known as a highly sought-after film accompanist and is sure to impress alongside this dazzling adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s beloved fantasy.
September 10. 2 pm. Kansas City Music Hall.
Gregory Porter
Singer and songwriter Gregory Porter has won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album twice—first in 2014 for Liquid Spirit and again in 2017 for Take Me to the Alley. Following his humble beginning singing in small jazz clubs on both coasts, Porter released his first album, earning him his first Grammy and the title of “America’s Next Great Jazz Singer” by NPR.
September 10. 7 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
RnB & Hip-Hop Showcase
Local live-music venue Tin Roof in Westport will be featuring local up-and-coming musicians in this RnB & Hip-Hop Showcase. Each bringing their unique style and energy to the stage, these KC-based musicians will be performing: Broderick Jones, Darrell Chism, LEE SAMSON, Bobby J and headliner Rarie, who has captivated the scene with a rapidly growing fan base.
September 10. 7 pm. Tin Roof.
