Here are ten things to do in KC this weekend, May 1—May 4, including American Royal Rodeo, The Freedom Affair Album Release Party and Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.
Mobile Music Box
The Kansas City Symphony’s free, metro-wide outdoor concert series, Mobile Music Box, is in full swing. This weekend, the portable stage will make a stop at Parkville’s riverfront English Landing Park as orchestra musicians deliver a chamber music performance.
May 1. 6 pm. English Landing Park.
American Royal Rodeo
Giddy up! The annual American Royal Rodeo returns to the West Bottoms. The tradition dates back to 1899, beginning as a purebred cattle show and evolving to a bustling rodeo that attracts cowhands from across the nation. As always, the weekend-long affair includes bull riding, barrel racing, and other customary rodeo events, as well as theme parties, live music and a beer garden.
May 1—3. Times vary. American Royal Arena.
Turandot
Lyric Opera of Kansas City wraps up their season with a one-weekend-only production of Turandot. Composer Giacomo Puccini’s final and most famous opera, the production follows Prince Calaf as he tries to win his hand in marriage to a standoffish Princess Turandot—or, if unsuccessful, face death.
May 2—4. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
The Freedom Affair Album Release Party
Soul band The Freedom Affair is a gem of KC’s music scene. Although their bluesy, sophomore album will officially release next week on May 9, they’re celebrating a bit early this weekend at the Madrid Theatre. The nine-piece ensemble is fronted by singers Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders and Shon Ruffin—or as they like to call themselves, “the threedom.” The evening will feature opening performances by Katy Guillen and the Drive and Julia Haile for a woman-led showcase of roots music.
May 2. 8 pm. Madrid Theatre.
Making Movies
KC-based band Making Movies classifies itself as an Americana band, but by that, they don’t just mean the United States—they’re referring to all of the Americas. Led by Panamanian brothers Enrique and Diego Chi, the group’s eclectic style weaves together distorted electric guitar, bilingual lyrics and Afro-Latin American rhythms. Because of their busy touring schedule, the band can only be found performing in their hometown a few times a year. This time, they’ll take the stage at Warehouse on Broadway, one of KC’s newest music venues.
May 2. 8 pm. Warehouse on Broadway.
Brookside Art Annual
Each year, around 1,000 artists from across the country apply to showcase their work at Brookside Art Annual. Now in its 39th year, the festival will feature 180 premier artists selected through the competitive process. Set in the heart of the quaint neighborhood, the event offers a vibrant display of fine art—rain or shine.
May 2–4. Times vary. 63rd Street and Brookside Boulevard.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Guadalupe Centers’ Cinco de Mayo Fiesta has been a Westside neighborhood tradition since 1922, making it KC’s longest-standing celebration of its kind. Across two days, the free, all-ages event features an abundance of authentic fare including homemade tamales, vendors from across Latin America, musical performances and more.
May 2–3. Times vary. Guadalupe Centers.
The Derby Party
Don your finest, big-brimmed hat and head to the Museum of Kansas City’s 10th annual Derby Party. A fundraiser in honor of the museum’s 85th anniversary, the event will feature live music by The Phantastics, southern bites and beverages, dancing and more.
May 3. 3 pm. Museum of Kansas City.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party
Celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports with style at Blanc Champagne Bar’s Kentucky Derby Watch Party. Held on their scenic 11th-floor rooftop overlooking Midtown, guests can sip mint juleps—and champagne, of course—while taking in the views and race-day excitement.
May 3. 3 pm. Blanc Champagne Bar.
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.
