Here are thirteen things to do in KC this weekend, May 28—31 including Kevin Morby: Little Wide Open, Big Slick and Kansas City Folk Festival.
Carín León
Carín León brings the sounds of Mexico’s Sonoran desert to Kansas City. Weaving regional styles like ranchera and norteño with rock and roll and country, the nine-time Latin Grammy Award winner is best known for songs like “Según Quién” and “Primera Cita.” Leon’s North American tour precedes a September residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere, where the musician will make history as the first Latin artist to headline the mega-venue.
May 28. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
Kevin Morby: Little Wide Open
Singer-songwriter Kevin Morby’s latest record, Little Wide Open, sentimentalizes the less-pined after landscapes of the Midwest—most notably, the sweeping plains of Kansas. “It’s a highway album,” he says. Shaped by the indie-rocker’s frequent and often arbitrary travels, much of the hour-long record was written in the in-between moments of his busy touring schedule. Now touring the album, the KC-based artist brings his music home to the Uptown Theater. Liam Cazar opens.
May 29. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Soft Clubbing at Elixir with DJ hunni bunni
Clubbing at a museum may be an unlikely pairing, but the Museum of Kansas City knows how to throw a party. On the last Thursday of the month, DJ hunni bunni spins an eclectic R&B, house, funk and more in the museum’s cafe, Elixir. Sip a cocktail, enjoy ice cream from Fairway Creamery, or grab a coffee or soda while dancing the early evening away. Admission is free.
May 28. 6 pm. Museum of Kansas City.
Big Slick
KC’s favorite fundraiser, Big Slick, returns. For 17 years, this benefit for Children’s Mercy Hospital has brought homegrown celebrities (and their friends) back to their hometown. This year, hosts include Paul Rudd, Saturday Night Live alums Heidi Gardner and Jason Sudeikis, Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and more. The celebrity weekend kicks off with a VIP party at The K, where attendees have an opportunity to mingle with the stars, and culminates in a Saturday-night performance at T-Mobile Center.
May 29 & 30. Times and locations vary.
Boston Legacy FC vs. KC Current
Though KC Current has consistently made waves and beat records the past two years, this season—with a new coach, forward Temwa Chawinga’s adductor injury and the trading of star midfielder Claire Hutton—had a rocky start. Now, with Chawinga back on the field alongside standout players like Debinha and Lo’eau LaBonta, the KC club is gradually moving up the table. Last weekend, the Current broke yet another NWSL record with nine consecutive home wins, the longest streak in the league’s 14 year history. This weekend’s face off against the Boston Legacy brings an opportunity to take the streak to double digits. KC, baby!
May 30. 12:30 pm. CPKC Stadium.
Ed Bassmaster
It’s been 20 years since Ed Bassmaster launched his YouTube channel, building a following for public pranks and quirky character sketches. After a long string of viral videos, he’s sharpened his stand-up chops, delivering observational humor and energetic crowdwork.
May 29–31. Times vary. The Comedy Club of Kansas City.
Festa Italiana
KC’s annual celebration of Italian-American culture returns to Zona Rosa. Across the three days of festivities, enjoy an Italian motorsports show, bocce ball, cooking demonstrations, live performances and more. The music lineup is headlined by KC’s own Kate Cosentino, a former contestant on The Voice now based in Nashville. And of course, food is an integral part of the festivities. Vendors will be serving up everything from arancini to lasagna to tiramisu.
May 29–31. Times vary. Zona Rosa.
Kansas City Folk Festival
Kansas City Folk Festival returns to Washington Square Park for a full day of free music. This year’s headliner is nine-piece soul powerhouse The Freedom Affair, along with performances from R&B singer Adeta Marie, Flutienastiness and The Soul Patrol, clawhammer banjo player Kaïa Kater and more. Plus, attendees can browse the craft market and grab a bite from food trucks.
May 30. 11 am. Washington Square Park.
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.
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 kicks off with a giveaway and a visit from Mid-Continent Library’s book mobile.
May 28—July 30. 9 am. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
Hot Country Nights: Billy Currington
Hot Country Nights are back, bringing live music to the Power & Light District every Thursday through August. This week, crooner Billy Currington performs hits like “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” and “Good Direction” at the summertime series.
May 28. 7 pm. Kansas City Live!
“The World in Kansas City”
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art prepares for this summer’s World Cup matches with its latest exhibition, “The World in Kansas City.” Representative not only of the global event but also of KC as a multicultural hub, the exhibit features a diverse array of artists with ties to the region. Curator Jessica S. Hong says the display aims to showcase “how we all belong to a shared, complicated and nuanced social and cultural fabric.”
March 6–August 9. Times vary. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Pulp Fiction
Rooftop Cinema Club has officially reopened. Located at the corner of Broadway and 21st Street, the open-air movie theater is known for its skyline views in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, London and more. Enjoy cocktails, mocktails and elevated bar-food bites alongside a showing of cult-classic Pulp Fiction.
May 31. 9:05 pm. Rooftop Cinema Club.
