Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, August 13—16 including Wicked, 816 Day and The Friendly Thieves.
Summer Concert on the Lawn: Brass Rewind
Savor the final days of summer on the Museum of Kansas City’s lawn. The final concert of this summer series features Brass Rewind, a soulful, horn-heavy band that covers the music of artists like Earth Wind & Fire, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder and more.
August 14. 7 pm. Museum of Kansas City.
Wicked
Since making its Broadway debut more than 20 years ago, Wicked has become one of the most popular musicals in history. In line with the stage production’s reputation, the recent film adaptations starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande brought the musical to new heights, shattering box office records. With selections like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” this Wizard of Oz spinoff tells the backstory of the misunderstood Wicked Witch, Elphaba, and the bubbly yet calculated Good Witch, Glinda. The national Broadway tour stops in Kansas City for 24 showings.
August 12–30. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.
Intimate Apparel
Set in New York City in the early 20th century, Intimate Apparel follows an overworked Black lingerie seamstress who is left with little time for romance. Written by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, this tale of forbidden love is based on the life of the author’s own great-grandmother. In this Kansas City Actors Theatre production, ensemble member Chioma Anyanwu stars as Esther.
August 8—23. Times vary. City Stage at Union Station.
816 Day Block Party
Though there are plenty of ways to enjoy 816 Day, this Power & Light block party is organized by the founder of the citywide holiday, Brian “Bizzy” Benton. This celebration is by far the largest in the metro. The main event features 100-plus vendor market, food trucks, a kids zone, dance competitions and live performances from Stranded in the City, Marcus Lewis Big Band with Brass and Boujee, Back Alley Brass Band and the Go Hard Band.
August 16. 11 am. Power & Light District.
816 Day Zona Rosa Block Party
The Northland celebrates 816 Day at Zona Rosa. This area code celebration include a meet and greet with local artist Theo Davis, photo opps with various KC mascots, a live DJ, kids activities and more.
August 16. 11 am. Zona Rosa.
Friendly Thieves
North Kansas City rounds out its summer performance series, Friday Night Concerts, with alternative funk-rock band Friendly Thieves. Gritty and groovy, the local band—fronted by powerhouse singer Sam Wells—delivers existential yet upbeat anthems like “Get It Yourself” and “Let the City Burn.” Pack a lawn chair or blanket and load up the cooler for this free show in Macken Park.
August 14. 6 pm. Macken Park.
Grand Marquis
KC roots and blues band Grand Marquis’ brassy and soulful style celebrates the region’s musical heritage while infusing their own 21st century sound. Grab a bite at The Ship’s Friday matinee show and listen to a band that is beloved for a reason.
August 15. 7 pm. The Ship.
Cross Threaded
Kansas City Artists Coalition’s new textile exhibit, Cross Threaded features works by 14 local artists. While the artists work with strikingly similar (and often recycled) materials, their approaches vary widely, from embroidery to soft sculpture to quilting and beyond.
July 17—September 4. Times vary. Kansas City Artists Coalition.
Art in the Loop 816 Day
In honor of 816 Day, Kansas City’s citywide celebration of itself, Art in the Loop brings a lineup of local artists to City Market for a free concert. Grab a bite from one of the several nearby eateries and enjoy performances from contemporary dance company The DynamitExperience, genre-traversing singer-songwriter BodaciousThang and open-format DJ FK Menace.
August 16. 6 pm. City Market.
Hot Country Nights: Tucker Wetmore
Hot Country Nights are back, bringing live music to the Power & Light District on Thursdays through August. This week, singer-songwriter Tucker Wetmore takes the stage to perform hits like “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You.”
August 13. 7 pm. KC Live!
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.
