Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, June 12—15, including the Nelson-Atkins’ Juneteenth Celebration, Boulevardia and Arts in the Park.
Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth KC is partnering with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to commemorate Freedom Day, as well as honor and educate people on African American culture and history. The free event includes live music and dancing, film screenings, storytelling and interactive educational guides throughout museum galleries.
June 12. 10 am. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Jazz Only: Re/GEN
In The Lowest Ferns’ monthly Jazz Only series aims to reflect the times. Redefining what jazz is in the 21st century, Re/GEN is led by pianist Eddie Moore, vibraphonist Isaiah Petrie, saxophonist Henry Scamurra and hip-hop artist The Royal Chief. The West Bottoms hi-fi lounge will also feature curated lighting design and video projections for an immersive experience.
June 12. 7 pm. In The Lowest Ferns.
Natalia Lafourcade
With 17 Latin Grammy Awards, Natalia Lafourcade makes history as the most decorated artist in the organization’s history. Hailing from Veracruz, Mexico, the legendary singer-songwriter and guitarist’s characteristic style weaves Mexican folklore with jazz and pop. Her Kauffman Center performance is in support of her latest album, Cancionera.
June 12. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Mobile Music Box
The Kansas City Symphony’s free, metro-wide outdoor concert series, Mobile Music Box, is in full swing. This weekend, the portable stage will make a stop at Overland Park shopping center BluHawk as orchestra musicians deliver a chamber music performance.
June 13. 6:30 pm. BluHawk.
Boulevardia
Kansas City’s favorite festival, Boulevardia, returns to celebrate 10 years. Although festivities are pared down to a single day, the emphasis is still on showcasing KC’s finest bands—and, as always, plenty of craft beer and concessions. This year, the highly anticipated headliner is a homecoming performance by hip-hop icon Tech N9ne. To commemorate the occasion, Boulevard Brewing Company is bringing back the limited-release brew Bou Lou—a tropical wheat beer created in collaboration with the rapper—for the first time since 2018.
June 14. 12 pm. Crown Center.
The Nace Brothers
Celebrate Father’s Day with a performance from a longtime local favorite, The Nace Brothers. Honoring their family’s four generations of performers, the roots band’s Knuckleheads performance is a tribute to their own father, honky tonk musician Johnny Nace.
June 15. 7 pm. Knuckleheads.
Arts in the Park
North Kansas City’s Arts in the Park returns to Macken Park to feature over 60 makers and artists from the region. In addition to handcrafted goods and fine art, the free two-day event includes a beer garden and plenty of kid-friendly activities like a petting zoo and bounce house. Plus, the art festival features live performances from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Enrique Chi of Making Movies, folk artist Jack Summers and more.
June 13 at 5 pm. June 14 at 10 am. Macken Park.
M Kart Live
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind gaming experience at KCGameOn’s M Kart Live. Located in the basement of Midtown’s Post Coffee Company, the MarioKart tournament is accompanied by a live jazz band rendition of the video game’s iconic music.
June 13. 7 pm. Arts on Broadway.
Guys and Dolls
Step into the bustling streets of 1950s New York City at Guys and Dolls, a beloved Broadway classic brimming with charm, wit, and show-stopping tunes. The production follows high-rolling gamblers, showgirls and straight-laced missionaries as unlikely romances bloom. This timeless comedy’s score is full of musical theatre favorites like “Luck Be A Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck” and more.
June 5—29. Times vary. Grand Theater.
Painted Garden
Powell Gardens’ current exhibit Painted Garden invites patrons to see the botanical garden as a gallery. A new work from KC artist Tyler Kimball (of Monarch Glass Studio), titled Growth, features blown glass wisteria vines among spring blooms in the cascading sunlight of the glass domed Conservatory.
April 26—June 15. Times vary. Powell Gardens.
High School Musical
Summer movie nights are in full swing at Legends and this weekend’s feature is teen dramedy High School Musical. Each Saturday night through October, the shopping center hosts an outdoor screening of a fan-favorite film. Pack a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy drinks from Dave & Buster’s mobile bar on the lawn.
June 7. 7 pm. Legends Outlets.
