Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, October 3-6, including: Oktoberfest, Judah & the Lion and the Chicano Art Festival.
Renaissance Festival
Starting as a small benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977, the Renaissance Festival has blossomed into one of the city’s most-beloved events, drawing nearly a quarter of a million visitors each year willing to let their freak flag fly. Transport yourself into a long-bygone era with live jousting performances, giant turkey legs and men in tights.
August 31–October 13. Saturdays and Sundays. Times vary. 633 N. 130th Street, Bonner Springs.
Susan Moreno Live Painting
This fall, local artist Susan Moreno will be installing the last portion of her painting at the Union Station KC Streetcar shelter. In the last of four opportunities to see Moreno’s paintings grow, guests are welcome to come speak with Moreno, watch her work and learn about her artwork. As an Art of the Loop event, this live painting is one of many outdoor exhibitions and performances. The artists chosen for this honor are asked to create art inspired by the concept of convivencia, a Spanish word which means shared life, implying the joys and struggles of living in a world full of so many complex and distinct individuals.
October 4, 5–7 pm. 30 W. Pershing Road, KCMO.
The 16th Annual Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit and Sale
With artwork inspired by the largest tallgrass prairie in North America, the Visions of the Flint Hills Art Benefit and Sale is a juried exhibition that aims to celebrate the beauty of the region and raise money for its care. Half of all proceeds from sales will go to Friends of Konza Prairie, which supports research and educational experiences in the Konza Prairie Biological Station—one of the largest remaining areas of the Flint Hills. The exhibition at the Buttonwood Art Space will be open from Oct. 1 to Dec. 11, but come to the opening reception on Oct. 4 for live music and drinks.
Opening reception: October 4, 5–8 pm. 3013 Main St., KCMO.
Friday Fall Concerts In Central Park
Enjoy live music with the free concerts in central park at Zona Rosa every Friday in autumn. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to dine and unwind at a nearby restaurant or to grab a patio spot at Bravo Italian Kitchen, which overlooks the stage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to snag the perfect spot to enjoy live music. This week, Run With It will be performing.
October 4. 6:30 pm. Central Park (Zona Rosa).
KC Oktoberfest
If you’re looking for a taste of Munich in the Midwest, KC Oktoberfest, the largest Oktoberfest in the area, is the place to be. Hosted by hometown favorite Kansas City Bier Co. at the Crown Center, this festival features a variety of Bavarian-style food and plenty of fresh bier from the largest locally-owned brewery in the area. From Masskrugstemmen, a competition to see who can lift a liter of beer the longest, to performances from German-inspired bands like Die Schlauberger and ÜberCool, Oktoberfest provides a variety of contests, activities and performances modeled after the original Oktoberfest in Germany.
October 4–5. 2450 Grand Blvd., KCMO.
Greater Kansas City Japan Festival
This fall, the Heart of America Japan-America Society hosts the 26th Annual Greater Kansas City Japan Festival, a celebration and showcase of Japanese culture. Held at the Johnson County Community College, this year’s theme is Yōkai & Japanese Folklore, so don’t be surprised when Yōkai, ghost-like beings who haunt travelers and rural areas, sneak into some of the festivities, including a yōkai parade, yōkai history lecture and a yōkai-themed cosplay contest. The festival will also include traditional Japanese dance performances, origami and taiko drumming workshops, Japanese food and plenty of fun for all ages.
October 5. 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park.
Middle Daughter
Middle Daughter is the debut solo exhibition of Kansas City-based artist Jo Archuleta. This exhibition offers a unique, introspective look at femininity and identity. The pieces explore themes of identity, mythology, and the complexities of womanhood through symbolic imagery.
October 5. 5–8 pm. (Exhibition: October 5–November 30). Gallery Bogart.
Judah & the Lion
Nashville-based folk best friend duo Judah & the Lion is hitting KC in support of its fifth studio album The Process, which explores lead singer and songwriter Judah Akers’ personal journey with grief. This soul-baring album wrestles with and cycles through the five stages of grief, ultimately finding beauty and purpose through the pain. You won’t want to miss this emotional and moving show at the historic Uptown Theater in bustling Westport.
October 5. 8 pm. Uptown Theater.
Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music
The 48th Annual Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music provides the perfect wagon ride to the past. Inspired by 19th century celebrations during the harvest season and located in the Missouri Town Living History Museum in Lee’s Summit, which showcases over 25 historic buildings, furnishings and tools from 1820-1860, this festival features artists, musicians and even experts ready to explain historic events or play historic characters.
October 5–6. 8010 E. Park Road, Lee’s Summit.
Weston Applefest
For decades, this festival has been the apple of Weston’s eye. With food and craft vendors, live music, kids’ games, a parade and a variety of apple-themed events and treats, the Weston Applefest is a great opportunity to explore the surrounding restaurants, shops and attractions of historic Weston and try some famous apple dumplings.
October 5–6. 526 Main St., Weston, MO.
Midwest Soul Vegfest
Any festival can be fun, but not all of them can be healthy and sustainable, too. The Midwest Soul Vegfest’s mission is to provide eco-friendly education and celebrate the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, but there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy along the way. With delicious and healthy food, talented speakers, live music, yoga, cooking classes and more, this festival’s sixth year is sure to be a success.
October 5–6. 1103 Westport Road, KCMO.
Chicano Art Festival
The Chicano Art Festival is celebrating Chicano culture through art, music, food and other creative outlets that showcase the diversity of their community, with a special emphasis on lowrider cars. The festival is partnering and fundraising for Lowriding 2 Success, a program that understands the importance of the lowriding community and helps at-risk youth use the construction of lowrider bikes to improve their lives. Two of the highlights of the day will be the R/C Lowrider KC City, a display of remote-controlled lowrider cars, and the Lowrider HOP competition, which features hopping performances with the cars. The festival will even hold a recognition ceremony for a selected “lowrider legend” who has made a significant impact on the lowrider community.
October 6, 11 am–5 pm. Liberty Courtyard, West Bottoms, KCMO.
