Parkville Microbrew Festival brings an afternoon of beer tastings to English Landing Park
Set along scenic English Landing Park, Parkville Microbrew Festival has been celebrating the best of KC’s beer scene for more than 20 years.
On April 25, the event returns to the Missouri Riverfront with more than 60 participating breweries and over 200 brews to taste. From hefty stouts to crisp kölsches, the roster includes local favorites like Brewery Emperial, Casual Animal Brewing Company, Free State Beer and Boulevard Brewing Company.
But what sets the event apart is the inclusion of homebrew clubs. This year, approximately five clubs from around the region will sample their creations, giving eager hobbyists a chance to showcase their craft and gain feedback while attendees expand their palates. “You never know what you’re going to get,” says Kristin Crouse, co-founder and co-chair of Parkville Microbrew Festival. “We have everything from non-alcoholic beers to ciders to sours and IPAs.”
Aside from an abundance of beer, admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and live performances from three local bands: Parkville Alley Cats, Brendan MacNaughton and Accidental Moguls. A makers market will feature handcrafted goods from 10 local artisans, and a variety of food trucks will be on site to make sure you have something tasty to go along with your favorite brew.
Tickets are available for purchase at the gate, if available, but the event has sold out the past five years, so organizers recommend purchasing in advance. Unlike many beer festivals, the event prides itself on welcoming designated drivers to attend without purchasing a ticket.
“But what makes it so special is English Landing Park,” says Kelly Putnam, community engagement manager of Main Street Parkville Association. “It’s just a beautiful afternoon along the river.”
GO: April 25. 1 pm. English Landing Park. Visit parkvillemicrobrewfest.com for tickets and more information.
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Spring Fest
Spring has sprung at Zona Rosa’s family-friendly festival. Enjoy crafts and a petting zoo with bunnies and chicks, and snap a free photo with the Easter Bunny. Plus, browse a lively vendor market and grab a bite at food trucks throughout Central Park. April 4. 11am. Zona Rosa.
4
Pat Metheny, Side-Eye III+
By the time jazz guitarist Pat Metheny was 15, the Kansas Citian had already made a name for himself by regularly playing in clubs across the city alongside seasoned musicians. It didn’t take long for Metheny to spread his wings: At 21, he released his breakthrough album, Bright Sized Life, and he’s since gone on to release more than 30 albums and garner 20 Grammy Awards in the past five decades. Known for his fluid jazz fusion style, the guitarist returns to KC for a homecoming performance. April 4. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Center.
7–12
Stereophonic
Set in a recording studio in 1976, Tony Award-winning play Stereophonic follows a rising rock band on the precipice of stardom. As they record their sophomore album, tensions run high during the make-or-break moment—and it doesn’t help that the band is romantically intertwined. What begins as a straightforward process stretches into a dramatic year-long affair. April 7–12. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
10
Ruth Moody Band
Best known for her work as a founding member of The Wailin’ Jennys, Ruth Moody’s soaring soprano vocals reawakened traditional folk songs like “Long Time Traveller” and “The Old Churchyard.” But beyond the folk trio, Moody performs as a solo artist. Whether she’s plucking a banjo, strumming a guitar or seated at the piano, the multi-instrumentalist commands the room. Moody’s Folly Theater performance follows the release of Wanderer, her first solo recording since 2013. April 10. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
10–12
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
From a young age, German composer Felix Mendelssohn was captivated by Shakespeare—so much so that he wrote accompaniment for the playwright’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 17 years old. Although one of his early compositions, the piece’s overture remains one of his best-known works. The Kansas City Symphony performs this Mendelssohn selection, as well as Toshio Hosokawa’s trumpet concerto Im Nebel and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s aptly timed Spring. April 10–12. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
11
Seth Meyers
Comedian Seth Meyers’ career blossomed in the Netherlands, of all places. While performing with Amsterdam improv troupe Boom Chicago, Meyers workshopped sketches and honed the writing skills that ultimately made an impression onSaturday Night Liveproducers. In a tenure he held for 13 years, the comic served as SNL’s head writer before succeeding David Letterman as host of NBC’s Late Nighttalk show. Following the release of his HBO comedy Dad Man Walking,Meyers comes to KC for an evening of back-to-back shows. April 11. 4 pm & 7:30 pm. The Midland Theatre.
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Gov’t Mule with Larkin Poe
This double bill brings an energetic night of blues and rock and roll to Midtown’s Uptown Theater. Formed as an offshoot of The Allman Brothers, power trio and jam band Gov’t Mule began by filling in the gaps between tours and ultimately built a devoted following of its own. Larkin Poe, a Southern roots-rock duo led by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, opens the night with their gravely, down-to-earth style. April 14. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
15
Cory Wong
Although guitarist Cory Wong started his career playing at jazz clubs throughout the Twin Cities, the musician rose to popularity a decade ago while holding down rhythm guitar with funk band Vulfpeck. But aside from collaborating with Vulfpeck and artists like Ben Rector and Jon Batiste, the versatile songwriter and producer recently released his own record, Lost in the Wonder. Joined by soul singers Devon Gilfillian and Stephen Day, Wong comes to KC in support of the retro pop-inspired album. April 15. 8:30 pm. The Truman.
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Terri Lyne Carrington: We Insist!
Trailblazing drummer Terri Lyne Carrington is taking her new band, Social Science, on the road. Carrington has shared the stage with legends from Dizzy Gillespie to Joni Mitchell and also served as the longtime drummer for jazz fusion icon Herbie Hancock. Expect selections from her latest album, Waiting Game. April 18. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.
19
Earth Day at Lakeside Nature Center
Swope Park’s Lakeside Nature Center celebrates Earth Day with an all-ages wildlife event. The morning kicks off with a hike led by a naturalist—where walkers will explore the surrounding gardens, ponds and marshes—followed by puppet shows from the environmentally sustainable StoneLion Puppet Theatre, plus a chance to meet a North American opossum up close. April 19. 10 am. Lakeside Nature Center.
19
Passport to India
At this free celebration of South and Southeast Asian culture, roam various stations throughout the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Activities include live music, dance and storytelling performances, artmaking for all ages, and interactive learning hubs tied to the museum’s expansive collection. April 19. 10 am. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
23–26
Midwest Game Fest
Card game fanatics, board game lovers and Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts will convene at Midwest Game Fest. Celebrating what the hobby tabletop game convention calls “nerd culture,” expect a jam-packed weekend of gameplay, cosplay costume contests, workshops and more. Plus, browse the marketplace of vendors selling new games, playing cards, attire and more. April 23–26. Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center.
24–26
Spring Plant Sale
Get your green thumb on at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ annual Spring Plant Sale. With proceeds benefiting the botanical gardens, the sale primarily focuses on pollinator-friendly native varieties to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and more to your backyard oasis. Find your favorite florals, herbs and more. April 24–26. 9 am. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
24
Michelle Buteau
You may recognize comedian Michelle Buteau as the star of the heartfelt yet chaotic comedy Babes or from stand-up specials like Welcome to Buteaupia. Relatable and unfiltered, Buteau pokes fun at the very real triumphs and challenges of motherhood, marriage and more on “The Surviving and Thriving Tour.” April 24. 7:30 pm. The Midland Theatre.
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WNBA Preseason: Minnesota Lynx vs. Nigerian Women’s National Team
The WNBA returns to Kansas City for the first time in more than 20 years as the league approaches its 30th season. In this preseason matchup, the Minnesota Lynx face off against the Nigerian Women’s National Team, also known as D’Tigress. Although KC was ultimately outbid for its own franchise last year, we know the city has a reputation to show up and out for women’s sports. April 27. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
