GloWild at the Zoo
Going on its third year, the GloWild Lantern Festival is set to light up the night at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium with steel and fabric sculptures lit from within—hence the term lantern.
The large handmade sculptures dot a mile-long path that meanders through the zoo. After hours, visitors walk the path to take in the art. This year’s theme, “Legends and Lore,” features dinosaurs, legends such as Atlantis, an enchanted forest and a fairy garden. The dozens of sculptures are handmade by more than 150 artists. Thirty-four tons of steel make up the frames, and 89,000 feet of fabric cover them. The sculptures are provided through the zoo’s partnership with Lektrik Art. The walk takes about an hour
and a half and is open in the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday. On Wednesdays, the aquarium is also open and included in the ticket price.
GO: GloWild Lantern Festival, Wednesday–Sundays, September 6–December 29, 6 to 9 pm weekdays and 6 to 10 pm weekends.
5
Chiefs Opener
Celebrate the start of the 2024 NFL season with the Super Bowl LVIII champs on kickoff night. The Chiefs will be on their home turf, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, against the Baltimore Ravens in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game. September 5. 7:20 pm. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
6–8
PBR KC Outlaw Days
The third season of the groundbreaking Professional Bull Riders Team Series returns to T-Mobile Center. The Outlaws are KC’s first professional bull riding team, and they will be competing in the PBR Team Series, which takes bull riding from an individual sport to a team competition. This season features the number one bull rider in the world, Cassio Dias, and there are now 10 teams competing in riding games held across a dozen events. September 6 & 7, 7:45 pm; September 8, 1:45 pm. T-Mobile Center.
11
Grupo Frontera
Six-member Texas-based Mexican cumbia group Grupo Frontera came up playing and recording locally in border towns in Texas, but their collaboration with global superstar Bad Bunny last year landed them on the coveted Coachella stage. The band’s success is considered to be integral in the recent mainstream popularity of the regional Mexican genre. They’re hitting KC in support of their most recent album, Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada. September 11. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.
13–15
Stravinsky’s Firebird, Alisa Weilerstein Plays Dvořák
This special classical concert series marks the beginning of Matthias Pintscher’s tenure as the new music director of the Kansas City Symphony. Cello virtuosa and MacArthur “genius grant” recipient Alisa Weilerstein breathes renewed life into Dvořák’s beloved Cello Concerto. This concert also provides a rare opportunity to hear Stravinsky’s celebrated ballet, The Firebird, in its entirety. September 13 & 14; 8 pm; September 15, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
14
Cage The Elephant
Formed in Kentucky in 2006, rock band Cage The Elephant moved across the pond and made it their home shortly before their debut self-titled album was released. The British influence can be heard in their poppy, often upbeat indie-pop songs, like ever-popular radio hits “Cigarette Daydreams” and “Come a Little Closer.” They’re coming to KC on the Neon Pill Tour, named after their newest album released in May of this year. September 14. 6:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.
17–22
Peter Pan
The classic adventure by J.M. Barrie, a favorite for nearly 70 years, is reimagined for the stage in this new adaptation by playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price, with choreography by Lorin Latarro. Reexperience the magic of Peter Pan with old favorites like the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell and Captain Hook as Peter Pan convinces the children—and audience—to join him on an unforgettable adventure to the enchanted Neverland. September 17–22. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.
19
Joe Pera
Standup comedian, writer and filmmaker Joe Pera developed a cult-like following after his unassuming series on Adult Swim, Joe Pera Talks with You, gained surprising uber-popularity. In the show, Pera plays a fictionalized version of himself and talks directly to the viewer about ordinary subjects like breakfast and sleeping. His stand-up, The PERAS Tour, follows suit by gaining laughs with a quiet awkwardness and surprising, wholesome simplicity. September 19. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.
20–22
Jurassic Park in Concert
Part of the wildly popular film with live orchestra series, the Kansas City Symphony presents Jurassic Park in concert. Guest conductor Jason Seber leads the symphony playing John Williams’ iconic score as Steven Spielberg’s legendary 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park plays. This now-iconic action-adventure becomes an all-out battle between prehistoric dinosaurs and modern scientists for a true test of survival of the fittest—because “life finds a way,” always. September 20 & 21, 8 pm; September 22, 2 pm. Helzberg Hall.
22, 25–28
Kansas City Fashion Week
Each year, Kansas City Fashion Week features local and international designers showcasing their work in runway shows and networking across avenues in the fashion industry, including makeup, photography and modeling. Folks can also order the runway looks, and the KCFW Vendor Market on Saturday provides a diverse collection of vendors selling their unique fashion and lifestyle goods. Designer Collections Gallery opening: September 22. 2 pm. Hotel Kansas City. Runway shows: September 25–28. Times vary. Union Station.
26
Malevo
Performance group Malevo specializes in Malambo, a traditional Argentine folk dance—but with a contemporary twist. Created by director, choreographer and dancer Matías Jaime, the group goes beyond traditional limits with a modern, avant-garde twist to create a hybrid performance with other styles like flamenco and urban percussion. After being named an official “Cultural Ambassador to the National Identity of Argentina” and performing with Cirque du Soleil and Latin pop star Ricky Martin, Malevo presents their brand new touring performance. September 26. 7:30 pm. Yardley Hall.
27
Nick Swardson
Perhaps best known for his role on Reno 911!, actor-comedian Nick Swardson has become one of those recognizable but not big-name comedic actors that you have to Google. Most notably, he has been a part of Adam Sandler’s production company and is now touring the U.S. with his ironically named (or aptly titled?) Toilet Head tour. September 27. 6:30 pm. Uptown Theater.
27 & 29
The Brightness of Light
Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents this show by Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts. Based on letters between artist Georgia O’Keeffe and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz, this innovative new work plays Puts’ songs while showing projections of O’Keefe’s floral figments and the couples’ letters. The correspondences paint the shifting shape of their decades-spanning relationship. The second half of The Brightness of Light will consist of opera and Broadway hits specially selected and sung by Renée Fleming and Rod Gilfry for Lyric Opera audiences. September 27, 7:30 pm; September 29, 2 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
28
Two Door Cinema Club
Northern Ireland pop-rock band Two Door Cinema Club has been a favorite in the indie scene since their debut album was released a decade ago. With a poppy vibe and consistently catchy tunes, Two Door Cinema Club has proven to have enduring popularity. You can still hear their massive 2010 radio hit “What You Know” at least once an hour on 96.5 Not-the-Buzz. September 28. 7 pm. Starlight Theatre.
28
Greg & Dana Newkirk’s Haunted Objects Live!
Paranormal investigators Greg and Dana Newkirk have a passion for collecting and caring for cursed objects, possessed dolls and other supernatural artifacts. In their show, the Newkirks share the history, folklore and real accounts of encounters with haunted objects, including the untold truth about famous cursed objects like the Crying Boy painting or the supposedly demon-possessed Dybbuk Box. September 28. 7:30 pm. Polsky Theatre.
28
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick established herself as a music icon whose career spans decades. She recorded 18 consecutive top 100 singles, including “Walk on By” and “Say a Little Prayer.” Warwick joins the Kansas City Symphony for a celebratory collaboration of this groundbreaking artist. September 28. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.
