Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, July 24—27 including Ain’t Too Proud, Celebrate Ameri’kana and Legends Celebrity Softball Game.
Ain’t Too Proud
Set to the iconic hits of The Temptations, the musical Ain’t Too Proud follows the legendary Motown group from their early years in Detroit to superstardom against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring songs like “My Girl” and “Just My Imagination,” the Tony Award-winning musical brings the story of the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers to life with flawless choreography and harmonies. The touring production is a part of Starlight Theatre’s summertime Broadway series.
July 22–27. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
Talya Groves
Former Broadway performer Talya Groves is a Kansas City music scene star. Singing anything and everything from showtunes to jazz standards to pop songs, Groves’ magnetic presence seems to always captivate the room. Nearly every Friday night, she commands the stage at The Phoenix.
July 25. 4:30—8:30 pm. The Phoenix.
WeekEnder
Crown Center kicks off WeekEnder, a free, outdoor summer entertainment series. Now through August 1, each Friday night brings live music, food trucks and a movie screening after sunset. This week features cover band The Vincents and a screening of ‘90s comedy classic Clueless.
July 25 and August 1. 6 pm. Crown Center.
Celebrate Ameri’kana
Free music and arts festival Celebrate Ameri’kana returns to the Historic Northeast. This year’s headliners include two local favorites—Afro-Latino rock band Making Movies and local Congolese gospel group Salvation Choir—plus Latin Grammy Award-winning singer La Lulu from New York. Produced by local nonprofit Art as Mentorship, director (and Making Movies frontman) Enrique Chi describes the event as a “living love letter to the Black, indigenous, immigrant and Latino heroes of American music.” Plus, the community-centered festival will also feature an array of food trucks, an open air mercado, kid-friendly activities, a resource fair, soccer matches and more.
July 26. 12 pm. Concourse Park.
Legends Celebrity Softball Showdown
NBA star and KU alum Ochai Agbaji comes home to KC to host Legends Celebrity Softball Showdown. A collaboration with Kansas City Monarchs, the event raises funds for the Young Agbaji Foundation to support mentorship, athletic programs and youth development. Expect surprise celebrity participants, typical ballpark fare and a post-game performance from a DJ and rapper.
July 26. 7 pm. Legends Field.
KC Fringe Festival
Fringe sits at the cutting edge of theatrical creativity. You’re sure to see something interesting, something that will be shown in a traditional theater a few years down the line. And this year’s festival, running from July 17–27, is no exception. KC Fringe Festival will feature some 342 performances—63 productions with five performances each—with more than 600 local, national and international artists participating.
July 17—27. Times and locations vary.
Festival of Butterflies
Powell Gardens’ Festival of Butterflies returns to celebrate the striking pollinators. At the family-friendly event, the botanical gardens bring in butterflies from all over the world to hatch and flutter throughout the conservatory.
July 17–August 3. Times vary. Powell Gardens.
Jambeeree
Booze-infused jams meet local brews and BBQ at Jambeeree, a happy hour hosted by On The Rocks Gourmet Jams. Known for its cocktail-inspired preserves, the local business offers jam tastings alongside small bites, live music, raffle prizes and more.
July 25. 5 pm. Vine Street Brewing Co.
West Side Story
The Jets and Sharks duke it out in one of the most popular musicals of all time: West Side Story. Set in New York City, the tale of star-crossed lovers is composer Leonard Bernstein’s 20th century adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and features beloved selections like “Maria” and “Somewhere.” This weekend marks the opening of the production, a collaboration between The White Theatre at The J and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City.
July 5—27. Times vary. The White Theatre at The J.
Coffee Club At Central Park
Parents can take a break to caffeinate with Busy Bean Play Cafe, with an activity and photo opp for the family. There’s Sensible Play sensory fun and Macaroni KID activities. Families can enjoy the fresh air in Central Park while the kids play at the playground, splash fountain, along with the rotating pop-ups and activities every Thursday morning during summer.
July 24. 9 am. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
Lee Brice
Miller Light’s Hot Country Nights is back for the summer season, bringing renowned country artists every Thursday to KC Live! In P&L. This week’s performance features Grammy-award winning Lee Brice, known for hits like “Love Like Crazy” and “Parking Lot Party.”
July 24. 7 pm. KC Live!
Mini Golf At The Museum
It’s back! A summer highlight, Art Course offers an artist-designed mini-golf adventure within the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Every Thursday through Monday, you can play nine unique holes, each offering a creative spin on a masterpiece from the museum’s collection.
May 22–September 1. Regular museum hours Thursday–Monday. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
