Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, March 12—15 including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, KC Current Season Opener and Snake Saturday.
Book Social: A Reading Party
The Spencer Art Reference Library teams up with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to put on a bookworm’s ideal (and low-key) Friday night. Come with a novel in tow, grab a drink and kick off the evening with half an hour of independent reading time. Participants are then invited to mingle in small groups with guided prompts—and then the process repeats.
March 13. 6 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Over three decades after choreographer, dancer and activist Alvin Ailey’s death, his company remains one of the most popular modern troupes. This tour marks the inaugural season under artistic director Alicia Graf Mack, formerly a longtime dancer for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Ushering in the new era with five world premieres, the company will also perform its signature work, Revelations. Set to spirituals, blues and gospel, Ailey’s landmark piece—choregraphed in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement—chronicles African-American faith, deeply inspired by his rural Texas upbringing.
March 13 & 14. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Lucas Zelnick
Comedian Lucas Zelnick doesn’t shy away from his reputation as a nepo baby. Instead, he leans into his rather cushy upbringing (as the son of CBS’ former chairman) in his stand-up routines. Are his experiences relatable for the vast majority of his audience? No, but it does make for good fodder.
March 13—15. Times vary. The Comedy Club of Kansas City.
KC Current Season Opener
KC Current kicks off the 2026 season with a home game against the Utah Royals, welcoming new head coach Chris Armas, a former midfielder for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. One of the top-ranked teams in the National Women’s Soccer League, the KC club has consistently made waves and beat records over the past two seasons thanks in part to two-time NWSL MVP and star forward Temwa Chawinga. KC, baby!
March 14. 3 pm. CPKC Stadium.
Snake Saturday
Beloved Northland tradition Snake Saturday celebrates St. Patrick’s day a little early. The annual parade kicks off at 11 am with 120 extravagantly decorated floats and marching bands from area high schools. Afterwards, attendees can enjoy a family-friendly carnival featuring a petting zoo, a bicycle giveaway, a car show, concessions and more.
This year, festivalgoers will notice a small change: The parade route kicks off at 16th and Swift streets instead of 14th Street. Televised by KCTV5 for the second year, this year’s theme “Kicks and Kilts” pays homage to the nearing World Cup matches.
March 14. 11 am. Downtown North Kansas City.
Chris Hazelton Quartet
Jazz organist Chris Hazelton lugs his Hammond B-3 down to the West Bottoms for a night of soulful groove. Joined by some of KC’s best, vibraphonist Peter Schlamb, saxophonist Brett Jackson and drummer John Kizilarmut, the quartet promises a “fresh yet authentic take on the city’s rich jazz tradition.” Admission is free.
March 12. 7 pm. The Ship.
Orchid Delirium
A stunning and vibrant display awaits at Powell Gardens’ Orchid Delirium. Originally launched in 2022, the annual indoor exhibit showcases hundreds of alternating blooms from the garden’s extensive collection. This year’s exhibit is inspired by the United States’ 250th anniversary,
March 5—April 19. Times vary. Powell Gardens.
“The World in Kansas City”
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art prepares for this summer’s World Cup matches with its latest exhibition, “The World in Kansas City.” Representative not only of the global event but also of KC as a multicultural hub, the exhibit features a diverse array of artists with ties to the region. Curator Jessica S. Hong says the display aims to showcase “how we all belong to a shared, complicated and nuanced social and cultural fabric.”
March 6–August 9. Times vary. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me
In honor of Women’s History Month, jazz singer Eboni Fondren pays tribute to her musical idols. Celebrating the contributions of artists like Bessie Smith, Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday and more, the captivating storyteller and entertainer brings this cabaret-style performance to Quality Hill Playhouse.
March 4—15. Times vary. Quality Hill Playhouse.
Petite Performance: Woodwinds
The Kansas City Symphony’s Petite Performance series offers an engaging introduction to classical music for budding listeners. Designed for children under the age of 6, this springtime-themed educational concert invites curious concertgoers to explore and groove to the various sounds of the woodwind section up close on the Helzberg Hall stage.
March 14. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.
Big 12 Basketball Tournament
March Madness is officially here. For over a decade, T-Mobile Center has been home to the Big 12 Basketball Tournament, welcoming collegiate ballers from Kansas, Texas, Arizona and beyond. The women’s tournament tips off on March 4, followed by the men’s tournament, which kicks off March 10.
March 4–14. Times vary. T-Mobile Center.
Whiskey Dynamite
The electrifying show Whiskey Dynamite returns and is set to captivate audiences once again with explosive performances and an engaging cast. This interactive multimedia performance—self described as a “nonsensical neowestern cabaret”—blends acrobatics, immersive visuals and live music. The event is produced by KC’s own innovative performance art collective, Quixotic, to bring audiences a unique multi-sensory celebratory experience.
January 16—April 18. Times vary. The Grand Theater (at Crown Center).
