Here are thirteen things to do in KC this weekend, September 25—28 including Cinderella, 18th and Vine Arts Festival and Vintage Market Days.
Vintage Market Days
Vintage Market Days features over 100 vendors hawking vintage items, art, home decor, treats and more. Food and coffee will be available, along with live music and giveaways throughout the fall themed event.
September 26—28. Doors open at 10 am. American Royal Association.
Cinderella
The Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s Wes Anderson-inspired rendition of Cinderella isn’t Disney’s fairy tale. It’s Italian composer Gioachino Rossini’s quirky, irreverent twist, where magic takes a back seat to comedy, leaving out the carriage, Fairy Godmother and glass slipper. With grandiose set design and costuming, plus orchestral backing by the Kansas City Symphony, world-renowned mezzo-soprano Siphokazi Molteno stars as Cinderella.
September 27, October 3 & 5. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Hali Lee, The Big We & Julie Fingersh, Stay
This laid-back author meet-and-greet features two of KC’s own: Hali Lee and Julie Fingersh. Lee presents The Big We, which argues that the future of philanthropy lies not in exclusivity, but in community-driven giving circles. Fingersh shares her 2024 novel Stay: A Story of Family, Love, and Other Traumas—a candid look into family loyalty and the toll of mental and chronic illness.
September 27. 2 pm. Rainy Day Books.
Deathtrap
This long-running Broadway thriller comes to KC stages. Presented by Kansas City Actors Theatre, Deathtrap follows a Broadway playwright struggling to come up with his next concept—until a former student presents a gripping new script.
September 10—28. Times vary. City Stage at Union Station.
Lonely Mountain Town Tour
Country-folk singer Charles Wesley Godwin is headed to Grinders to perform songs from his latest album, Lonely Mountain Town. The West Virginia native, who is known for his powerful vocals and intimate, relatable songwriting, has become a prominent musician in the Appalachian music scene. Godwin has been touring the country promoting his latest album.
September 27. Grinders KC.
Overland Park Fall Festival
The Overland Park Fall Festival has plenty of autumn fun for the whole family. With more than 75 local and regional artisans, as well as live music and performers for both adults and children, visitors will have a lot to do. There will also be food trucks and vendors in addition to the nearby restaurants and OP Farmers’ Market at this free event.
September 26–27. 7935 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park.
KC Wine Co. Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch
Roam KC Wine Co.’s 40 acres at this all-ages extravaganza. The price of admission includes over 60 activities like corn pits, skee ball, mega slides and plenty of seasonal photo ops. Plus, the Olathe winery’s signature wine slushes will be available for purchase all day, every day.
September 27–October 26. KC Wine Co.
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Kansas Citians can play a part in the 2026 Academy Awards this fall. The Johnson County Library and the Lenexa Arts Council will host the 28th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. Audience members will be among the 500 other cities with short film festivals allowed to vote on the best film and the best actor from a top 10 short film list. Last year’s winner—Room Taken— was shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.
September 25. 6:30–9:30 pm. Lenexa Community Forum.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Don your finest flowy dresses, tunics and breeches for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. At this immersive step back in time, watch jousting tournaments, feast on gigantic turkey legs, listen to period music and shop the bustling artisan market. Each weekend brings a different theme, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
August 30–October 13. Times vary. 628 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs.
18th and Vine Arts Festival
This weekend of arts, fashion, film, food and music celebrates Black culture in Kansas City’s 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District. Each day will highlight a variety of local arts. On Friday, watch a runway fashion show and a local Black film showcase. Saturday features over 100 local artists and vendors with jazz and R&B tribute concerts throughout the day. On the festival’s final day, be sure to come with an empty stomach to enjoy culinary creations by local vendors and peruse the community marketplace.
September 26–28. Times vary. 18th and Vine Jazz District.
KC Live! Chiefs Watch Party
Power and Light is celebrating football season right with the city’s largest watch party. With live DJs, giveaways, trivia and more, doors open two hours before kickoff, amping up the excitement as the Chiefs face off against the Baltimore Ravens.
September 28. 3:25 pm. KC Live!
Alone Together
The bittersweet feeling of becoming empty nesters doesn’t last long in the Broadway comedy Alone Together. Just as all three kids finally move out, they slowly start trickling back in, returning home to mom and dad one by one. Starring The Brady Bunch’s Barry Williams and featuring Cathy Bennett, this show explores the chaos and joy of family life. At New Theatre & Restaurant in Overland Park, the play is a full dining and entertainment experience, complete with waitstaff, cocktails and a gourmet buffet.
September 10–November 16. Times vary. New Art Theatre & Restaurant.
ArtSalon: Biennial Alumni Exhibition
Head over to the Kansas City Art Institute’s 2025 alumni exhibition to see what former KCAI students are creating right now. Whether you’re collecting or just want to take a look, the annual exhibition is always a good show. There will also be an opening reception, bringing together alumni, faculty, collectors and patrons, that’s open to anyone who wants to meet the artists and celebrate this year’s exhibition.
Every piece in the show is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting both the artist and the KCAI Annual Fund, which supports student scholarships.
September 6–October 19. KCAI Gallery.
