Here are thirteen things to do in KC this weekend, July 16—19 including Kansas City Fringe Festival, The Head & The Heart and KC Current vs. San Diego Wave.
Summer in the City
The event series Summer in the City is bringing free performances to downtown audiences each third Thursday of the month from May through September. Held at Oppenstein Park, this month’s installment kicks off at noon with a performance by JaySol, followed by food trucks, yard games, a makers mart and more throughout the afternoon. At 6 pm, the day culminates in a performance by eclectic folk band, KC Bear Fighters.
July 16. 12 pm. Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park.
Kansas City Fringe Festival
Started nearly 80 years ago in Edinburgh, Scotland, as an act of artistic rebellion on the “fringe,” this theatrical movement now spans cities worldwide—including KC. Across ten days, Kansas City Fringe Festival will showcase dozens of boundary-pushing productions at venues across the metro, from Bird Comedy Theater to Union Station’s City Stage Theatre.
July 16–26. Times and locations vary.
Jon Batiste
Multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste does it all. The generational talent is the Oscar-winning composer behind Pixar blockbuster Soul and a former The Late Show musical director. Known for blending a myriad of American styles like jazz, soul and R&B—exemplified in his most recent, Grammy-award winning album, BIG MONEY—Batiste stops in KC on his “Live: A Fantastical Musical Journey” tour.
July 17. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
The Head & The Heart
Indie band The Head & The Heart rose to popularity on the Seattle music scene when self-burned copies of their debut, self-titled album began flying off shelves at local record stores. That caught the eye of numerous labels, too. Now, the band hits the road to celebrate the 15 year anniversary of that breakthrough album, which remains one of their best-known with hits like ”Rivers and Roads” and “Lost in My Mind.” Although founding member and frontman Josiah Johnson amicably left the group in 2018, the band has maintained a loyal following. Alternative rock band Houndmouth opens.
July 18. 6 pm. KC Live!
KC Current vs. San Diego Wave
Although Kansas City has wrapped up its hosting obligations for the World Cup, there’s no shortage of futbol in the metro. KC Current currently holds an unbeaten home streak of 23 games, an NWSL record, and hopes to add to that run with this weekend’s match against San Diego Wave, a club that stands at the top of the league’s table.
July 17. 7 pm. CPKC Stadium.
Christina Lauren presents The Romance Revival
Bestselling (and best friend) author duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings—who publish under the pen name Christina Lauren—present their latest release, The Romance Revival, at this Rainy Day Books event. The new second-chance novel follows a scientist who turns to her own research after an accident erases her husband’s memory. Authors Ali Hazelwood, Julie Soto and Susan Lee also take the stage for discussion and a Q&A at this event curated for romance fanatics.
July 17. 7 pm. Unity Temple on the Plaza.
Festival of Butterflies
Powell Gardens’ annual Festival of Butterflies returns to celebrate these striking pollinators. From native butterflies like monarchs and giant swallowtails to rainforest dwellers like blue morphos, the festival includes approximately 50 varieties of the insect throughout the course of the colorful botanical exhibit.
July 16–August 2. Times vary. Powell Gardens.
Zona Rosa Summer Fest
This Northland festival returns for its fourth year, transforming Zona Rosa’s Central Park into a block party. The all-day affair includes a pop-up maker market featuring approximately 80 local vendors, food trucks, DJs, carnival games and more.
July 18. 11 am. Central Park at Zona Rosa.
KC Diamonds vs. Florida Vibe
Kansas City’s first professional softball team is in full swing. A part of the newly formed Professional Softball League, the KC Diamonds are among seven teams—like the New York Rise, Atlanta Smoke and Chattanooga Chill—to join the association’s inaugural season. The Diamonds’ roster of standout players includes pitcher Taylor Pannell (a Mizzou alum and Lee’s Summit native) and catcher Leah Boggs. This weekend, the team faces off against Florida Vibe.
July 19—21. Times vary. Legends Field.
Mini Golf At The Museum
It’s back! Art Course offers an artist-designed mini-golf adventure within the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Play nine unique holes, each offering a creative spin on a masterpiece from the museum’s collection.
April 10—October 25. Times vary. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Secret Rhythm Society
Set in an underground speakeasy, this new Quixotic production transports audiences to KC’s Jazz Age. Secret Rhythm Society’s multifaceted cast includes jazz singers, tap dancers, aerialists and more for an immersive show at a fitting venue—the Folly Theater. Also known as the Grand Lady of 12th Street, this historic venue got its start as a burlesque house over a century ago.
June 26—July 18. Times Vary. Folly Theater.
Hot Country Nights: Blake Whiten
Hot Country Nights are back, bringing live music to the Power & Light District on Thursdays through August. This week, singer-songwriter Blake Whiten, best known for his hit “Rollin’ Stone”, will perform selections from his debut album Something to Say.
July 16. 7 pm. KC Live!
Coffee Club At Central Park
Each Thursday morning throughout the summer, families can enjoy the fresh air in Zona Rosa’s Central Park while the kids play at the playground and splash fountain, along with rotating pop-ups and activities. This week, the series hosts a petting zoo with chicks and bunnies.
May 28—July 30. 9 am. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
