Here are thirteen things to do in KC this weekend, August 21—24 including Spotlight: Charlie Parker Celebration Concert, Melissa Ethridge & Indigo Girls and Hawthorne Plaza’s Home Opener.
The Avett Brothers
Melding rock with North Carolinian bluegrass, the Avett Brothers have been a leading force in Americana since their breakout hit “I And Love And You” more than 15 years ago. Led by siblings Scott and Seth Avett, the band is known for their familial harmonies and introspective, heartfelt lyrics.
August 21. 7 pm. Azura Amphitheater.
Melissa Etheridge & Indigo Girls
Leavenworth-native and LGBTQ+ activist Melissa Etheridge brings her intensely personal lyrics, guitar-heavy rock and smoky vocals to KC for a homecoming performance. Sharing the stage with the Indigo Girls, the show is a part of the Yes We Are tour—a reference to Etheridge’s 1993 album Yes I Am that includes hit singles like “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One.”
August 21. 7:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Flutienastiness
Soul jazz flutist Amber Underwood, known as Flutienastiness, has been taking KC stages by storm since she was just eight years old. Grab a bite at The Ship’s Saturday matinee show as Flutienastiness and the Soul Patrol will deliver a tantalizing combination of smooth jazz, R&B and funk.
August 23. 6 pm. The Ship.
Candlelight: Tribute to Beyoncé
Candlelight’s performance series transforms beloved pop songs into elegant string quartet arrangements, akin to the soundtrack of Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton. This weekend, Fountain City String Quartet will highlight songs from Queen Bey’s extensive discography—from Dangerously in Love to Cowboy Carter.
August 23. 6:30 pm. Unity Temple on the Plaza.
Hawthorne Plaza’s Home Opener
Kick off football season at Hawthorne Plaza’s second annual Home Opener. The free event includes a meet and greet with former Chiefs All-Pro offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, appearances from KC Wolf and Chiefs Cheerleaders, pop-up vendors, family friendly activities and more.
August 23. 10 am. Hawthorne Plaza.
Wine Walk for Wildlife
The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium has the only event in town where you can enjoy a summer evening gazing at wildlife with a glass of vino in your hand. Guests can stroll through the topside of the zoo (excluding Africa) while sipping 40 different types of wine, enjoying a variety of musicians and talking with the zoo’s animal specialists. Food from Tuxedo Grill and a wide variety of treats from food trucks will be available to purchase.
August 22. 5:30 pm. The Kansas City Zoo.
Spotlight: Charlie Parker Celebration Concert
Bird lives! KC Jazz Alive celebrates bebop legend Charlie Parker’s 105th birthday with a performance by trumpeter and tap dancer Lonnie McFadden. Backed by the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, McFadden is part of a storied jazz lineage. His father, Jimmy, tapped alongside legends Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and even Parker himself. Aside from the concert, Spotlight: Charlie Parker hosts an array of events throughout the month in honor of Bird, including a walking tour, panel discussion and more.
August 23. 7 pm. Folly Theater.
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 8–24. Kansas City Pumpkin Patch.
Alabama Shakes
The band is back together: Alabama Shakes embarks on its first tour since 2018. The group’s eight-year hiatus followed frontwoman Brittany Howard’s decision to pursue a solo career—her powerful voice and mesmerizing stage presence were central to the band’s rise to fame. Now, the Southern blues-rock band relives hits like “Hold On” and “Gimme All Your Love.” Indie folk artist Y La Bamba opens.
August 24. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Cats The Musical
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s seven-time Tony Award-winning musical comes to Crown Center. The musical follows a clowder of cats—named the Jellicles—as they gather for the annual Jellicle Ball and choose which cat will be reborn. Presented by Music Theater Heritage, the production is originally based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.
August 7—31. Times vary. Grand Theatre.
Mini Golf At The Museum
It’s back! A summer highlight, Art Course offers an artist-designed mini-golf adventure within the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Every Thursday through Monday, you can play nine unique holes, each offering a creative spin on a masterpiece from the museum’s collection.
May 22–September 1. Regular museum hours Thursday–Monday. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
The Devil Wears Prada
Rooftop Cinema Club has officially arrived. Located at the corner of Broadway and 21st Street, the open-air movie theater—known for its skyline views in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, London and more—opened its Crossroads’ locale in July. Enjoy cocktails, mocktails and elevated bar-food bites alongside a showing of The Devil Wears Prada.
August 21. 8:35 pm. Rooftop Cinema Club.
Talya Groves
Former Broadway performer Talya Groves is a Kansas City music scene star. Singing anything and everything from showtunes to jazz standards to pop songs, Groves’ magnetic presence seems to always captivate the room. Nearly every Friday night, she commands the stage at The Phoenix.
August 22. 4:30—8:30 pm. The Phoenix.
