Cue the Cannons
For many Kansas Citians, Celebration at the Station marks the unofficial start of summer.
Every year on the Sunday before Memorial Day, tens of thousands of attendees gather for a free, family-friendly commemoration honoring fallen soldiers through a program centered on live music, fireworks and food trucks galore. Patriotic anthems performed by military bands echo outside Union Station and the north lawn of the Liberty Memorial. The smell of barbeque drifts through the air, and fresh squeezed lemonades are sold by the quart.
Now in its 21st year, the rain-or-shine event is a collaboration between Kansas City PBS and the Kansas City Symphony. For those who can’t make it in person, the public television station broadcasts the event live beginning at 8 pm to bring the celebration to approximately one million viewers across the metro.
“The Kansas City Symphony takes great pride in presenting a free event that offers music to our city, remembrance of the sacrifices our military families have made for all of us and a chance to be together at the beginning of summer,” says Kate Breytspraak, the Symphony’s director of artistic administration.But the most anticipated moment of the evening comes at sunset: the Symphony’s grand finale performance of Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture, made complete with real cannon blasts. As the final notes ring out, a dazzling fireworks display brings the festivities to a close.
May 2
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.
May 2-3
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.
May 2-4
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.
May 6-25
Emma
Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma is a tale brimming with wit and charm. Set in Regency-era England, the story follows Emma Woodhouse, a clever but often erroneous matchmaker. As she meddles in others’ romances, she learns her own heart may be on the line. May 6–25. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.
May 9-11
NASCAR Spring Weekend
NASCAR is zooming to KC for a high-octane weekend of stock car racing. The action kicks off Friday with a semi-professional race, followed by pickup truck racing on Saturday. The weekend culminates with the highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Race on Sunday afternoon. May 9–11. Times vary. Kansas Speedway.
May 9
Kansas City Monarchs Home Opener
The Kansas City Monarchs carry a rich legacy in KC that dates back a century as the longest-running and best team in the Negro Leagues. Today, the team’s name has been revitalized to honor the tradition after previously competing as the T-Bones. Now a force in the American Association of Professional Baseball, the Monarchs’ home opener will feature a Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway, pre-game skydivers and a post-game fireworks display to celebrate the start of the season. May 9. 6:35 pm. Legends Field.
May 10
Samantha Fish
KC’s own Samantha Fish got her start performing regularly at the East Bottoms biker bar Knuckleheads as a teen. The now New Orleans-based blues guitarist and singer’s star has steadily risen ever since those formative years, with her 2023 album Death Wish Blues hitting number one on the Billboard blues chart. Her hometown performance is in support of Paper Doll, her latest Rounder Records release. May 10. 8 pm. The Truman.
May 15
Sierra Ferrell
Appalachian singer-songwriter Sierra Ferrell is the real deal. After years of busking, hitchhiking, and honing her craft on the road, her warbling voice and nimble guitar picking earned her a devoted following and a record deal. Last spring, the songstress packed The Midland with a sold-out crowd, and she’s returning to perform favorites like “In Dreams” and “Dollar Bill Bar.” May 15. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.
May 17
Alison Krauss and Union Station
It’s been nearly 40 years since teenage prodigy Alison Krauss released her debut Americana album, Too Late to Cry. Since then, the Nashville born and bred singer-songwriter and fiddler has released 15 albums and won a whopping 28 Grammy Awards. Krauss’ KC performance is a part of the tour for her recent release, Arcadia, with bluegrass band Union Station—her first album in 14 years. Willie Watson opens the show. May 17. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
May 20-25
Mean Girls The Musical
Starlight Theatre is kicking off its summertime Broadway series with Tina Fey’s beloved comedic brainchild Mean Girls. Although the 2004 cult classic never really faded, last year’s 20th anniversary movie-musical release revived its pop culture relevance and popularized the Broadway adaptation. The show brings popular clique “The Plastics”—Regina George, Gretchen Wieners, and Karen Smith—to the stage as newcomer Cady Heron shakes up the high school hierarchy for a fetch evening of drama, laughs and plenty of pink. May 20–25. Times vary. Starlight Theatre.
May 22-June 1
The Lion King The Musical
The wildly popular reimagining of Disney’s The Lion King made its Broadway debut in 1997 and remains a theatrical sensation, with more than 10,000 performances. Hailed not only for its music but also the mesmerizing, one-of-a-kind costuming, the national tour brings the spectacle to KC. May 22–June 1. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.
May 23
Orion Sun
Alternative R&B artist Orion Sun has captivated listeners with her fusion of acoustic instruments and entrancing electronic beats, amassing tens of millions of streams on hits like “Antidote” and “Mirage.” The singer-songwriter and producer’s upcoming performance at The Truman promotes her latest self-titled album, Orion, which dives deep into love and love lost. May 23. 8 pm. The Truman.
May 30
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Springfield, Missouri’s own Ozark Mountain Daredevils rose to popularity with their ’70s hit “If You Wanna Get to Heaven.” With a devoted regional following, their southern Missouri style melds country and rock with plenty of steel guitar, harmonica and bluegrass-esque harmonies. Their Kauffman Center performance is a part of their farewell tour. May 30. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
