Here are nine great things to do in Kansas City this weekend, August 31-September 3, including: Irish Fest, SantaCaliGon Days and KC Renaissance Festival.
Grand Horizons
Grand Horizons is a funny and touching play by Bess Wohl and directed by Dennis D. Hennessy. This 2020 Tony Award nominee for Best Play depicts the surprisingly amicable and hilarious end of Nancy and Bill’s fifty-year marriage and the fallout it causes within their family and retirement community.
August 31–September 3. Times vary. City Stage in Union Station.
“Closure Is Not Justice” by Andrew Johnson
Local writer and multi-media artist Andrew Johnson is launching “Closure Is Not Justice,” a series of public art installations aimed at raising questions about the 1988 explosion that killed six Kansas City firefighters, and the role that the media, as well as the public’s hunger for closure, played into the government’s choices to frame, charge, and convict individuals who are potentially innocent of the crime. This project is funded and supported by a Rocket Grant from the Charlotte Street Foundation and the Andy Warhol Foundation. This public art project will culminate in a public exhibition at Vulpes Bastille art gallery in the Crossroads from September 1–24, including a “Law, Media and Art” community panel on September 14, 6–7:30 pm.
September 1. 5–8 pm. Vulpes Bastille.
Irish Fest
Irish Fest is a tribute to Irish culture, music, history and community. Enjoy entertainment, traditional shops and authentic cuisine, and participate in activities inspired by Irish themes and customs during this celebration of Ireland’s charm.
September 1–3. Times vary. Crown Center.
SantaCaliGon Days
SantaCaliGon Days commemorates Independence’s trailblazing history. Started in 1940, it celebrates the starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails. In its early days, the festival primarily had simple pioneer contests. Now it includes artisan vendors, entertainment, a vibrant live music lineup and a medallion treasure hunt contest where clues are released in The Examiner newspaper each week leading up to the festival.
September 1–4. Times vary. Independence Square.
Michael Blackson
Dubbed “The African King of Comedy,” Ghanaian-Liberian comedian Michael Blackson has been getting laughs since the early ’90s. Inspired by the stand-up comedy of Eddie Murphy, Blackson began doing stand-up himself and eventually landed roles in classic comedy sequels such as Next Friday and Coming 2 America.
September 1. 7:30 & 10:15 pm. September 2. 7 & 10 pm. Improv Comedy Club.
Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival
Just one of many free fall festivals throughout KC, this family-friendly event aims to celebrate creativity and fill outdoor spaces with vibrant art. Along with artists creating sidewalk works with chalk, there will also be street performers, childrens’ activities, live entertainment, art workshops and other hands-on activities.
September 2. 10 am—5 pm. September 3. 10 am—3 pm. City Market.
Live Polka with Bram Wijnands
KC fave, KC Bier Co., is serving up authentic German-style bier, Bavarian pretzels and sausages in their Biergarten while Bram Wijands and other special guests play live polka and German drinking songs to transport guests to the old country.
September 2. 3–5 pm. KC Bier Co. Bierhalle.
Renaissance Festival
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the KC Renaissance Festival. What started as a small benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977 has blossomed into one of the country’s most celebrated Renaissance events, drawing 200,000 visitors each year. This festival aims to transport attendees to a bygone era with live performances, unique merchandise, giant turkey legs and men in tights.
September 2–October 15. Times vary. 130th Street, Bonner Springs.
Art Garden KC
Free family and pet-friendly Art Garden KC Sundays are still going strong before the summer ends. At their new location, there is a Healing Garden & Game Garden to accompany the local vendor market, which includes over seventy local artists and makers, as well as live music, food trucks, yoga classes, yard games and kids’ activities.
September 3. 11 am– 4pm. Berkley Riverfront.
