Here are thirteen things to do in KC this weekend, August 15-18, including: Luke Bryan, Jason Isbell and the Ethnic Enrichment Festival.
La Cage aux Folles
Jerry Herman’s heartwarming and ever-popular 1973 musical about family and love in the face of obstacles is widely considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. La Cage aux Folles tells the story of a gay couple and the silly adventures that ensue when their household dynamics intersect with an ultra-conservative politician.
August 1–18. Times vary. Music Theater Heritage.
Trouble in Mind
From acclaimed novelist, actress and playwright Alice Childress comes Trouble in Mind, co-directed for the stage by KCAT company members Teisha Bankston and Darren Sextro. This funny and moving dramedy follows an experienced Black stage actress through the first days of rehearsal for a new play about racism. This workplace-centered play looks at racism, identity and the high-pressure world of ’50s Broadway.
August 7–25. Times vary. City Stage in Union Station.
Sunflower Festival
Get a last bit of fun in the sun before summer turns to autumn with the Kansas City Sunflower Festival, hosted by the Kansas City Pumpkin Patch. In this family-friendly event, guests get access to an acre of bright, beautiful sunflowers and unlimited photo opportunities. There are also fall fun activities such as a mega slide, barn party and corn cob beach and more than 60 farm activities. Wine and beer, a cider bar, various festival foods and wine slushies are also available for noshing and imbibing.
August 9–25. Kansas City Pumpkin Patch.
Kadesh Flow and Lucy and Bram Wijnands
Each year, KC Jazz Alive presents the event series Spotlight: Charlie Parker. Now in its 11th year, this year’s programming includes a well-rounded cast of musicians. “This month is a huge opportunity for Kansas City to celebrate Parker—somebody who’s known on the world stage but may or may not be known in Kansas City,” Jansen says. “But we also want to spotlight what a great music scene we have in Kansas City.” Father-daughter duo Bram and Lucy Wijnands are always a thrill to watch. They collaborate in a very special way that only a biological bond can provide. Lucy, who resides in Brooklyn, and Bram, a Kansas City-based pianist, often play classic, swinging standards. Kadesh Flow, on the other hand, represents a more contemporary style, melding hip-hop and jazz. The artist is a clever improviser, whether he’s spitting bars or blowing changes on trombone.
August 15. 5 pm. KC Bier Co.
Luke Bryan
Country musician Luke Bryan has followed what seems to be a successful blueprint for many contemporary mainstream artists by becoming more recognizable as a reality TV judge on American Idol in recent years. He’s hitting KC on his Mind of a Country Boy Tour, in support of his recently released single of the same name, with Alana Springsteen, Chase Matthew and Chayce Beckham opening.
August 15. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.
816 Day
This 11 hour event invites you to celebrate all things KC with 816 Day at Power and Light. There will be an all-day vendor market with Art Garden KC, KC Night Market and G.I.F.T. There’s also a brunch bash, multiple DJs, fashion show, kidz zone for children, photo opps, dance battle, live performances and even a commencement from Mayor Q! Come celebrate what makes our city great with this all-day event.
August 16. 10 am–9 pm. Power and Light District.
Turnpike Troubadours & Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Oklahoma-based country music band The Turnpike Troubadours join with uber-popular singer-songwriter Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit in support of his newest album released earlier this summer, Weathervanes. Charles Wesley Godwin and Tyler Halverson open for the bands.
August 16. 6 pm. Azura Amphitheater.
Pearls of the Baroque: Concert III
As part of the 15th anniversary of their inaugural concert, the KC Baroque Consortium is holding a three-part celebration across the summer featuring talented musicians playing classical music. The final performance of the run features concertmaster and violinist Daniel S. Lee and Trevor Stewart on the recorder. They’ll play Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 by Bach and selected music from favorites Vivaldi, Corelli and Handel.
August 16. 7:30 pm. Visitation Catholic Church.
BFKC Fight Night
KC native singer, actor and performer Jesse Pringle will be making his fighter debut at the BFKC Fight Night in the main event of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s Cruiserweight division, along with welterweight contenders Jake “The Gypsy” Lindsey and Elvin “El Bandido” Brito for an exciting event that is not to be missed.
August 16. 8 pm. Memorial Hall.
Mariachi Estrella
The Midwest Trust Center and Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art collaborate for the Light Up the Lawn Concert Series, featuring live music from local musicians. For these free, family-friendly events, guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Composed of six musicians, KC-based mariachi band Mariachi Estrella KC brings the joy of traditional Mexican music to events across the Midwest—including a Chiefs halftime performance in 2021.
August 16. 8:30 pm. Nerman Museum lawn.
Off the Wall
The Library’s annual summer film series continues this summer with free movies to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the library and the 20th anniversary of the Central Library branch. Co-presented by Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, the 2024 Off the Wall series on Central Library’s Rooftop Terrace continues with fan favorite, Crazy Rich Asians.
August 16. 8:45 pm. Rooftop terrace on the Central Library.
Ethnic Enrichment Festival
Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City presents one of the largest gatherings celebrating multiculturalism in KC, the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. The festival presents different foods, crafts and other homemade goods from cultures across the world, along with live performances of music, dance and a fashion show to celebrate all that makes us unique. Bonus: Parking is free, and kids under 12 get in free.
August 16–18. Times vary. Swope Park.
Bluey’s Big Play
The award-winning, feel-good, animated kids’ series hits the road for fans of all ages to see the Heeler family as they’ve never seen them before in Bluey’s Big Play, the stage show. Based on an original story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, with new music by composer Joff Bush, this spectacular stage show also features puppetry, live actors and iconic sets based on the beloved series.
August 17 & 18. 12:30 and 3:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
