Here are ten things to do in KC this weekend, January 9–12, including Chicago the musical, KC Restaurant Week and Monster Jam.
Chicago
Paint the town and all that jazz at Chicago the musical. The Broadway classic follows Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart—two rival murderesses in Cook County Jail—as they vie for media attention for the homicides of their respective lovers. The cabaret-style performance, which includes a big band on stage, tells a tale of ambition, fame and betrayal.
January 7–12. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theater.
Celebrating the Steptoe Neighborhood Opening Reception
After the Civil War, KC’s Steptoe neighborhood soon became home to many formerly enslaved people looking to purchase property. Located just south of Westport, the Midtown community also became home to the Penn School, the first Black school west of the Mississippi. While few buildings remain, the legacy endures. In anticipation of Martin Luther King Day, Celebrating the Steptoe Neighborhood is an exhibit of photographs from the area’s rich history. The opening reception will include music and storytelling from former residents.
January 10. 6 pm. Westport Presbyterian Church.
Snow Creek
No need to head to the mountains to go skiing—enjoy the slopes at Snow Creek. Located just outside of Weston on the scenic Missouri River bluffs, the 25-acre resort offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing throughout the season, or for as long as temps stay below freezing.
January 9–March. Times vary. 1 Snow Creek Dr, Weston, MO.
KC Restaurant Week
The annual dining event KC Restaurant Week returns this weekend for the sixteenth year. Featuring hundreds of restaurants around the city, the event offers special multi-course menus across ten days.
January 10–19. Times and locations vary.
Night at the Arboretum
Brave the cold and explore the wonders of nature under the moonlight at Night at the Arboretum. Admission to the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens event includes stargazing through large telescopes, family-friendly activities and insights into constellations and the garden’s nocturnal inhabitants.
January 10. 5–9 pm. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Monster Jam
Sometimes you want to go to the opera. Sometimes you just need to watch oversized Matchbox cars tumble over each other in the dirt. And that’s okay. Life is about balance.
January 11 & 12. 1 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Paper Marbling Workshop
Led by printmaker Angela Brown, Englewood Arts Center’s Paper Marbling Workshop introduces participants to ancient Japanese technique Suminagashi. The three-hour class guides participants through creating one of a kind greeting cards and provides tips to continue the fun at home. Open to crafters ages 8 and up, the workshop is perfect for nearly all skill levels.
January 11. 11 am. Englewood Arts Center.
Disney’s The Sound of Magic
The Kansas City Symphony’s exceptionally popular film series presents Disney’s The Sound of Magic. The family-friendly concert will showcase a compilation of songs from beloved Disney films such as Cinderella, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, performed in tandem with projected film footage.
January 10–12. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
KC Remodel and Garden Show
KC Remodel and Garden Show is a dream for do-it-yourself homeowners. Outside of home improvement vendors, highlights include appearances by Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, hosts of HGTV’s Unsellable Houses, on Friday and Saturday. Plus, Kansas City’s own world champion pitmaster, Richard “Fergie” Fergola—founder of Fergolicious BBQ and a featured guest on Food Network’s Chopped—will lead BBQ demos all three days of the expo.
January 10–12. Times vary. American Royal Center.
Erin Keller with the James Ward Band
Jazz singer Erin Keller is a gem of KC’s scene. Joined by the James Ward Band, the vocalist will perform a night of standards, originals and free improvisations.
January 9. 9 pm. The Ship.
