7 things to do in KC this weekend: October 22–24, 2021

Photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre
Van Gogh Alive | Saturday, October 23–Friday, December 31

The much-hyped show makes use of moving images, sounds, lights and fragrances to create a multi-sensory experience designed to transport you into the world of one of the most influential artists in history. This weekend is the opening weekend for the installation, and while it runs until the end of the year, don’t snooze on it—tickets are already selling out. 

Various times. Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, KCMO. $30–$60.

The Music of John Williams | Friday, October 22–Sunday, October 24 

Looking for a classy date-night excursion? The Kansas City Symphony will be playing the film scores of John Williams, one of the greatest film composers of all time. Williams is responsible for some of the most popular film scores in cinematic history, including Jaws, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan and the first Harry Potter.

Various times. The Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway Blvd., KCMO. $40–$88.

Fritz Hutchison / Lonnie Fisher & The Funeral / Big Dopes | Friday, October 22 

Lemonade Park is the hippest place to be in Kansas City right now, and this show features three fresh local bands under the stars. Multi-instrumentalist Fritz Hutchison is a longtime sideman, while Lonnie Fisher & The Funeral just released their new single “Wrong Way,” which heavily channels Interpol. Big Dopes are a Weezery pop-rock act, complete with Tommy Boy references in their lyrics. 

6 pm doors, 7 pm show. Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO. $10-$15.

Dark Forest | Friday, October 22-Sunday, October 24

As nightfall sweeps across an eerie Midwest sky, Dark Forest offers a magical and mysterious landscape with captivating music and innovative, creative technology. Local performance art collective Quixotic is working with Powell Gardens to create one of their signature immersive installations in the woods. 

7-11 pm. Powell Gardens. 1609 NW US Highway 50, Kingsville, MO. Tickets are $28, parking is $5. 

Women-Owned Weekend | Friday, October 22-Sunday, October 24

October is National Women’s Small Business Month, and Brookside is celebrating with pop-ups and special deals from local and women-owned businesses. 

10 am-6 pm. Brookside Neighborhood. 63rd and Brookside Blvd., KCMO. 

Dead Island Tiki Night | Friday, October 22

Parlor is hosting an underground, speakeasy event in their cellar this Friday night. It’ll feature fall tiki cocktails that celebrate Latin American culture. Edwyn Diaz is the cocktail curator, and Vivas y Muerto and Perilin Jewelry will be featured vendors. 

7 pm-1 am. Parlor. 1707 Locust St., KCMO. $10. 

Vaile Mansion Ghost Tours and Mini Ghost Hunt | Friday, October 22-Sunday, October 24

Take spooky season a step further with this one-hour ghost tour through the haunted Vaile Mansion. Apex Paranormal will lead visitors through the halls of the mansion while sharing stories of their own encounters with apparitions. After the tour, Apex will take small groups on a mini ghost hunt in an attempt to interact with the spirits of the mansion. 

Times vary. Vaile Mansion. 1500 N Liberty St., Independence. $30. 

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