Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, July 23—26 including Sarah McLachlan with Allison Russell, Dragonfly Days and Brass & Boujee.
Silent Concert: Sound & Nature
Experience a one-of-a-kind silent concert in celebration of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s current exhibition, Second Nature: Photography in the Age of the Anthropocene (on view until September 13). With a jazz fusion soundtrack, the immersive event invites guests to explore the experimental photography exhibit. Admission is free, but registration is required.
July 23. 6 pm. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
“living room” by Hailes
Hailes—an R&B artist and Broadway performer who splits her time between NYC and her hometown of Kansas City—hosts an artist-led residency at one of the city’s hottest clubs: In The Lowest Ferns. At “living Room,” Hailes opens and closes the night as the host, and brings a special guest to KC to headline each installment. The series’ inaugural performance features special guests A.G. Sully, and Era Aura.
July 23. 8 pm. In The Lowest Ferns.
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.
Sarah McLachlan with Allison Russell
Odds are, the heart-wrenching ASPCA commercial set to the tune of “Angel” is the the first thing that comes to mind when you think of singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan. But there’s far more to her discography than that tear-jerker ballad. In support of her tenth studio album, McLachlan stops in KC on her Better Broken Tour. Allison Russell opens.
July 24. 7:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Dragonfly Days
With the summer heat comes an influx of dragonflies—and Missouri is home to 65 different varieties. Held at Independence’s sprawling George Owens Nature Park, Dragonfly Days allows children and adults alike to catch, observe and identify the insects with an on-site naturalist. Be sure to bring a net.
July 24. 9 am. George Owens Nature Park.
Brass and Boujee
Brass and Boujee is pushing the mold—and not just in Kansas City. The 20-piece ensemble, led by trombonist and arranger Marcus Lewis, is the first group to record big band jazz and hip-hop. Dance the night away as the band brings a high-energy set to the West Bottoms.
July 24. 10 pm. The Ship.
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, Mid-Continent Library brings the book mobile to the shopping center for a storytime.
May 28—July 30. 9 am. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
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.
The Blondies Battle
Broadway and television actor Daxton Bloomquist, who is originally from Kansas, comes home for this Children’s Mercy benefit. Welcoming local celebrity guests Chase Higgenz, Tina Rojas, and Tajma Stetson and audience members to the stage, this chaotic live comedy show consists of “unpredictable games and ridiculous challenges.” Stick around after the show for a dance party with DJ Sir Queen.
July 24. 8 pm. Nighthawk.
KC Diamonds vs. Atlanta Smoke
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, Florida Vibe 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 Atlanta Smoke.
July 23—26. 6:35 pm. Legends Field.
Hot Country Nights: Dylan Scott
Hot Country Nights are back, bringing live music to the Power & Light District on Thursdays through August. This week, singer-songwriter Dylan Scott, hailing from Louisiana, performs hits like “My Girl” and “Hooked.”
July 23. 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.
