Here are ten things to do in KC this weekend, April 24—27, including Ailey II, Parkville Microbrew Festival and Passport to India.
Spring Plant Sale
Offering over 250 varieties of perennials and annuals, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ annual plant sale is a must for those with a green thumb. The weekend-long event features locally grown native plants—many of them pollinator-friendly—with proceeds supporting the Arboretum.
April 25–27. 9 am. Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
Ailey II
The second company of the world-renowned and revered Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Ailey II is a leading force in the modern dance world and a cultural institution. Showcasing both newly choreographed works and classics, the program includes the company’s beloved signature work Revelations. The powerful piece—set to spirituals, blues and gospel—tells a resilient story of the Black experience in the United States.
April 25, 7:30 pm; April 26, 1 pm. Folly Theater.
Parkville Microbrew Festival
Parkville Microbrew Festival, the oldest and most beloved beer festival in the area, is celebrating its 21st birthday. Produced by the nonprofit Main Street Parkville Association along the bank of the Missouri River, the event will feature 60 breweries and homebrew clubs, food trucks and live music all afternoon long.
April 26. 1 pm. English Landing Park.
Joywave
Indie-rock meets synthpop at Joywave’s upcoming tour stop at The Truman. Hailing from Upstate New York, the band is know for hits like “It’s a Trip!” and “Tongues.” Dallas-based trio Little Image will open.
April 26. 8 pm. The Truman.
Connor Wood Presents: Fibs & Friends Featuring Maggie Winters
Known as @fibula on TikTok and Instagram, Connor Wood went viral for his comedy sketches during the pandemic, ranting about his relatable struggles as an unemployed, quarantined 20-something. Wood has since branched out into stand-up, delivering clever observational quips. He will be joined by Chicago-based comedian Maggie Winters.
April 26 & 27. Times vary. Funny Bone Comedy Club.
Carousel
Of the many musicals composed by Richard Rodgers—including classics like Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music—Carousel goes down in history as the composer’s personal favorite. Based on Ferenc Molnár’s 1909 play Liliom, the plot follows carnival barker Billy Bigelow’s turbulent romance with millworker Julie Jordan for a tale of love, tragedy and redemption. Music Theater Heritage’s production marks the musical’s 80th anniversary.
April 3–27. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
Passport to India
Celebrate South and Southeast Asian culture at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s Passport to India. The free cultural festival features traditional dance performances, a vibrant Rangoli art activity and interactive learning stations throughout the Asian art galleries. Traditional cuisine will also be available for purchase.
April 27. 10 am. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Wanderfest
Explore the small businesses of Midtown’s Tower East neighborhood and shop goods from local makers at Wanderfest. Now in its sixth year, the family-friendly event will also feature live performances organized by music collective Acoustic Alchemists, including singer-songwriter Laura Boat.
April 27. 10 am. East 31st St. & Gillham Rd.
Stan Douglas: Metronome
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s latest exhibit Stan Douglas: Metronome uses music as a metaphor for the social climate. Douglas, a former DJ and self-proclaimed audiophile, presents three major video works in the immersive installation.
March 27–October 12. Times vary. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Sensatia
Kansas City-born and internationally renowned performance art collective Quixotic brings an interactive multimedia performance this winter. Blending acrobatics, futuristic visuals, live music, and perfumery, Sensatia promises a wildly unique sensory experience. This weekend marks the final weekend of the original production.
January 24—April 26. Times vary. The Grand Theater (at Crown Center).
