Here are ten things to do in KC this Labor Day weekend, August 29-September 1, including: Irish Fest, SantaCaliGon Days and Renaissance Festival kicks off.
The Festival of Butterflies
The last few days to attend the Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens are upon us as summer winds down. But nature enthusiasts of all ages are still encouraged to celebrate butterflies—those fluttery creatures loved by all. Spend a day outdoors exploring tropical and native butterflies alongside stunning botanical displays.
July 18–August 4. Times vary. Powell Gardens.
Prairiefire Summer Music Series
Prairiefire has free live music concerts all summer long, for an evening of music, community and family fun. This week, Flashback performs live. Bonus: Alcohol can be taken from any restaurant or bar at Prairie Fire and into the street—grab a cocktail and feel free to roam.
August 29 (every Thursday from July 4 to September 5). 7–10 pm. Prairiefire.
Groove Gathering
KC’s DJ collective, the Queer House Collective presents the Groove Gathering—”a diverse collection of people coming together under one disco ball, moving to one groove.” Amanda from the Queer House Collective plays, along with special guest DJ, Saylor from Saint Louis, known for her high-energy house and disco sets.
August 30. 9pm. The Ship.
Irish Fest
In true Irish form, the Irish Fest promises a lot of spirited music and dancing (with stomping, clapping and hollering, of course) and, obviously, beer. This tribute to Irish culture and community features entertainment from The Elders, Gaelic Storm and more, as well as traditional shops (with lots of Celtic knot imagery), authentic cuisine (carbs), art in the park and other activities for the family that center around whiskey and Catholicism, obviously.
August 30–September 1. Times vary. Crown Center.
SantaCaliGon Days
Started 84 years ago, SantaCaliGon Days commemorates local history by celebrating the starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails in lil’ ole Independence. In its early days, the festival primarily had simple pioneer contests. Now, it includes goodies from artisan vendors, local entertainment—from solo artists to cover bands—carnival foods, the most fun, shoddily made festival rides you can imagine and, of course, lots of good people watching.
August 30–September 2. Times vary. Independence Square.
Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour
Screenland Armour Theatre is hosting the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour with a program of seven short films including fiction, documentary and animation projects from around the world. The premier showcase for short films, the festival has also become the launchpad for many now-prominent independent filmmakers by providing a platform.
August 30–September 4. Times vary. Screenland Armour.
Glass Animals
English pop-rock band Glass Animals has been on the scene for over a decade, filling airwaves with catchy indie-poppy hits like “Heat Waves.” They hit KC in support of their newest album I LOVE YOU SO F***ING MUCH, released this summer. Blondshell opens.
August 31. 8 pm. Azura Amphitheater.
Marco Antonio Solís
Singer-songwriter and producer, Mexican music icon Marco Antonio Solís is hitting KC for his Eternamente Agradecido World Tour, where he will be playing classic hits in his signature suavemente sound.
August 31. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Chalk and Walk
This two-day Chalk and Walk event takes place at City Market, which will showcase hundreds of professional and amateur artists as they create immersive chalk paintings in the cityscape. Bonus: kids can get in on the fun with the free chalk available.
August 31 & September 1. 10 am. City Market.
Renaissance Festival
Starting as a small benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977, the Renaissance Festival has blossomed into one of the city’s most-beloved events, drawing nearly a quarter of a million visitors each year willing to let their freak flag fly. Transport yourself into a long-bygone era with live jousting performances, giant turkey legs and men in tights.
August 31–October 13. Saturdays and Sundays. Times vary. 633 N. 130th Street, Bonner Springs.
