Kansas City PBS’ Reel Black Film Festival is back for its second year, and it’s bigger than before.
Last year’s inaugural festival included three feature-length films, all produced in-house by the local PBS affiliate. This year, the festival expanded to an open call, welcoming submissions from Black filmmakers across the Midwest. “[The first year] was more of a showcase,” says Tori Foushee, KC PBS’ manager of content and programming. “With the overall support the city showed us, we wanted to grow the festival and make it a yearly thing.”
In honor of Black History Month, the free festival will take place in the 18th and Vine Jazz District on February 20–21. The event is a partnership with popstar and KC-native Janelle Monáe’s nonprofit Fem the Future.
Presenting works by directors from Chicago, Milwaukee and more, the lineup includes over 10 short and feature-length films. “We wanted to cast a wider net creatively,” says Latavia Young, a filmmaker and Kansas City PBS’ communications and engagement manager.
The festival is set to kick off with a premiere screening of Aunt Sister: The Legacy of Sarah Rector, directed by Jacob Handy—the filmmaker behind last year’s Emmy-nominated Kansas City PBS production The Potato King. The docudrama recounts the life of the Oklahoma-born Rector, who ultimately became known as KC’s first Black woman millionaire. After receiving a federal land allotment, she became an oil magnate at just 11 years old, making headlines across the country.
In addition to screenings, the event will feature panel discussions from participating filmmakers and a marketplace of local Black-owned businesses. KC PBS members receive access to the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as entry to the VIP lounge.
Above all, organizers say representation is at the program’s core. “This is a real honor to be able to help put on a festival reflective of my experience,” Foushee says.
GO: February 20 & 21. Times vary. The Gem Theater & American Jazz Museum. For more details, visit kansascitypbs.org/reelblack.
What you want to do this month in KC: February 2026
5
The New Edition Way Tour with Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton
On The New Edition Way Tour, R&B royalty converges. Led by Bobby Brown and heavily inspired by the Jackson 5, New Edition helped define the modern boy band throughout the ’80s with hits like “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now.” A decade later, Boyz II Men carried on that legacy with smooth harmonies, meticulously coordinated outfits and chart-toppers like “On Bended Knee.” Joined by singer and MTV icon Toni Braxton, expect an evening of throwbacks. February 5. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
5
On Stage with Leila Josefowicz
In 1994, acclaimed violinist Leila Josefowicz made her Carnegie Hall debut at 17 years old. She’s since gone on to perform alongside symphonies across the world, present countless recitals and earn a couple Grammy nominations along the way. A part of the Kansas City Symphony’s On Stage series, Josefowicz’s upcoming KC performance is a special chance to witness the virtuoso up close. February 5. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
7
Trey Kennedy
Millennials will likely recognize comic Trey Kennedy from his popular videos on the now-defunct platform Vine. But Kennedy has moved beyond those six-second clips and into stand-up. He’s hitting the road with brand new material on “The Relatable Tour,” following the release of last year’s Hulu comedy special, Grow Up. February 7. 7 pm. The Midland Theatre.
7
Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed
Best known for his work as a hairstylist in the makeover television series Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness (also known as JVN) is no stranger to Kansas City. The show’s cast enjoyed the city so much that they opted to film two consecutive seasons in the metro area. Now, the internet personality returns to the Midwest for his latest comedy tour, Hot & Healed. February 7. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
12
Galentine’s Day: A Bestie’s Night Out
Galentine’s Day may have begun as a fictional celebration of female friendship by Leslie Knope on television series Parks and Recreation, but it’s now a widely recognized pop-culture holiday. At this Strang Reserve event, tickets include a mini bouquet-making station, candy bar, photo-op stations, a live DJ and a pop-up market. February 12. 5 pm. Strang Reserve.
13–15
She’s Got Soul
The Kansas City Symphony welcomes Broadway performer and powerhouse vocalist Capathia Jenkins to KC for this soulful pops concert. Performing the music of Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Adele and more, Jenkins and a trio of background singers will bring the Helzberg Hall house down. February 13–15. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
17
Mardi Gras Dawn Parade
Each year, a group of raucous and reliable revelers celebrate Fat Tuesday bright and early in KC’s Westside neighborhood. Musicians, dancers and more don their colorful attire, rain or shine, to march at dawn. While you won’t find an official parade route or website for these grassroots krewes, you’ll be sure to find (and hear) the festivities if you hang around Summit Street. February 17. Sunrise. Westside.
18
Matt Dinniman presents Operation Bounce House
Rainy Day Books brings Matt Dinniman—the number one New York Times bestselling author of Dungeon Crawler Carl—to KC to present his latest release, Operation Bounce House. The action-packed sci-fi novel follows colonist and rancher Oliver Lewis. At risk of being evicted from planet Earth, Lewis and friends race to save themselves and their home planet, New Sonora. February 18. 7 pm. Unity Temple on the Plaza.
18–March 1
Hamilton
When Hamilton made its off-Broadway premiere just over a decade ago, the hip-hop musical quickly took the world by storm. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterwork tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton (and those in close proximity to him) with a modern twist. With catchy songs like “My Shot” and “Aaron Burr, Sir,” Miranda describes the musical as “America then, as told by America now.” We recommend getting your tickets sooner rather than later, as tickets are typically in high demand for this wildly popular production. February 18–March 1. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.
20
Eric Church
Over the past two decades, singer-songwriter Eric Church has been cranking out country hits like “Springsteen” and “How ‘Bout You.” In support of his latest and eighth studio album Evangeline vs. The Machine, Church’s Free The Machine Tour brings new favorites and tried-and-true picks to the T-Mobile Center stage. Appalachian soul band 49 Winchester opens. February 20. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
21
Kansas City Brew Fest
Featuring 120 beers from over 45 craft breweries primarily from the Midwest, Kansas City Brew Fest returns. Among the list of participating beerhouses are KC’s own Stockyards Brewing Company, St. Louis’ 4 Hands Brewing Company and Columbia’s Logboat Brewing Company. Sample away while enjoying local music, and be sure to grab a bite from one of the many food trucks—like Korean barbecue from Smoke ‘n’ Seoul or Indian food from Sri’s Kitchen—to sop up the brews. Plus, guests with early admission tickets are privy to sampling limited-release beers an hour before general admission doors open. February 21. 1 pm. Union Station.
22
Lunar New Year
Ring in the Year of the Fire Horse at Lenexa Public Market’s Lunar New Year celebration. A partnership with the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City, the event includes rotating dance performances and workshops, as well as children’s art activities like paper cutting and origami. Plus, feast on specials from the merchants at the food hall, including mochi donuts from Mr. D’s Coffee and egg rolls from Saap Saap Noodles. February 22. 10 am. Lenexa Public Market.
26
Tango After Dark
At Tango After Dark, celebrated tango dancer Germán Cornejo pays tribute to this popular Argentine art form and the music of composer Astor Piazzolla. Named the World Champion of Tango in 2005, Cornejo will be joined by a troupe of 10 dancers from his dance company, a robust band and two vocalists for a lively showcase. February 26. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
27–Mar 1
Snow White
The Kansas City Ballet’s family series reimagines this classic fairytale on pointe. A whimsical introduction to ballet for all ages, the production follows Snow White and her seven dwarves as they prance and pirouette across the Folly Theater stage. February 27–March 1. Times vary. Folly Theater.
28–Mar 8
Porgy and Bess
An adaptation of DuBose Heyward’s 1925 novel Porgy, George Gershwin’s folk opera Porgy and Bess features one of the composer’s most enduring songs, jazz standard “Summertime.” Set in 1920s Charleston, South Carolina, this tale of love and turmoil centers on Bess, freshly abandoned by her violent lover, and Porgy—an impoverished, disabled street beggar—who offers her compassion and devotion. Blending opera with spirituals and jazz, this Lyric Opera of Kansas City production stars Grammy Award-winning baritone Eric Greene and acclaimed soprano Michelle Bradley. February 28–March 8. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
