Events and Entertainment

January

Kansas City Sportshow 
Held early January
Location: Bartle Hall, 301 W. 13th, Kansas City
800-777-4766
Enormous boat and sport show.

Mid-America Train & Toy Show 
Held Late November – early February
Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street
913-651-5864

Admission Charged, children under 12 free
Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.

February

African-American History Month - Saturday Musical Entertainment 
Held on Saturdays during the month of February
Location: Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand Ave
813-274-8444

Admission Free
Enjoy music each Saturday during February from local entertainers. Past performers have included Angela Hagenbach and The Elder Statesmen.

Jan Kraybill, Community of Christ Principal organist/director of music 
Held on Super Bowl Sunday
Location: Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 Walnut, Independence, Mo.
816-833-1000

Admission Free
Dr. Kraybill’s annual Super Bowl Sunday organ recital is held under the massive dome of the Auditorium.

Mid-America Train & Toy Show 
Held Late November – early February
Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street
913-651-5864

Admission Charged, children under 12 free
Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.

Lithuanian Heritage Month  
Held the month of  February
Location: Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St, Kansas City, Kans.
913-371-3264
Lithuanian Heritage is highlighted at the museum with an exhibit of costumes, artifacts, photographs, musical instruments, and many other items relating to Lithuanian culture.

Western Farm Show 
Held end of February
Location: Hale Arena, 1800 Genessee
816-561-5323

Known as the Midwest's largest indoor farm equipment/agricultural products exhibition.

March

Annual Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade

Held March 17

Parade route - 2450 Grand Ave (Pershing Road and Grand Avenue)
816-931-7373

Covering a 30-block corridor from Crown Center into the heart of the downtown district, Kansas City's St. Patrick's Parade has grown since 1973 into one of the country's largest displays of Irish pride. In recent years, more than 400,000 spectators have lined the parade route, so you may want to arrive early to get the best possible vantage point.

April

April Magic Shows

Held the month of April

Location: Crown Center Shops Atrium

816-274-8444

Admission Free
Enjoy magic shows from magicians like David Sandy, Tom Burgoon, as well as Eric and Amanda Vaughn, each Saturday in April. Great fun for all ages!

Greater Kansas City International Auto Show

Held early April

Location:  Bartle Exposition Hall, 301 W. 13th St. 
816-513-5000

Greater KC Home Show & KC Flower, Lawn & Garden Show

Held mid March

Location:  Bartle Exposition Hall. 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO

816-942-8800

Admission Charged

Spring is in the air as the Kansas City Home Show and the Flower, Lawn and Garden Show bloom on nearly eight football fields of exhibit space.

June

Carondelet Heart Institute Hospital Hill Run

Held early June

Location: Race begins and ends at Crown Center Square

816-274-3635

This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by Runner's World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 12K race and 5K run/walk.

Crown Center Antique Festival

Held end of June

Location: Crown Center Square

816-274-8444

Admission Free

Ranked the #2 antique show in the Midwest by Discover Mid-America, the annual Crown Center Antique Festival features more than 150 dealers showcasing pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more.

 

July

Spirit Festival

Held July 4

Location: Penn Valley Park Pershing Rd & Main St
816-221-4444

Dancing shoes are required at this huge party in downtown's Penn Valley Park. More than 200,000 music lovers converge on the Lincoln Memorial to soak in the sun and fun at this annual event. Four entertainment stages host more than 30 bands, playing everything from jazz and funk to Cajun and children's music. The main stage features national acts ranging from classic rock favorites and alternative up-and-comers to big time blues artists. The event also boasts the largest carnival midway in the Midwest.

July Puppet Show Series

Held early July

Location:  Crown Center Shops Atrium

816-274-8444

Admission Free

Two puppet shows every Saturday during July, featuring such local puppeteers as Piccadilly Productions, Paul Mesner Puppets, the StoneLion Puppet Theatre and the Clement McCrae Puppets.

September

American Royal Barbecue Contest

Held late September-early October

Location: American Royal Center
816-221-9800

In 1981 the Kansas City Barbecue Society founded the event that now kicks off the venerable (founded 1899) and huge American Royal Livestock, Horse Show & Rodeo. Each Fall, more than 600 judges choose the barbecue winners of both the Invitational contest, restricted to winners of other cook-offs worldwide, and the Open contest, which welcomes all who wish to participate. Another 400 judges choose the best barbecue sauce, side dishes and bone art. The world's third-largest clogging contest, a barbecue equipment expo and live music are also on the menu.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Held Labor Day weekend through October

Location: 207 Westport Rd

816-548-8005

Savor the sights and sounds of yester-year in this 16th century English village. Fifteen minutes and 500 years west of KC on I-70 to Bonner Springs exit. Seven spectacular weekends beginning Labor Day weekend,

Plaza Art Fair

Held end of September

Location:  Country Club Plaza, 4745 Central

816-753-0100

Over 200 artists showcase their finest works during the annual Plaza Art Fair. Visit the Plaza to view an amazing display of paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, metal, wood, jewelry and more, along with four stages of live music and delicious food from two dozen Plaza restaurants. For kids, there will be hands-on activities, young artist demonstrations, and free prizes.

October

American Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo

Held late October and November

Location:  American Royal, 1701 American Royal Ct.

816-221-9800

Admission Charged

The American Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo is among the largest of nearly two dozen non-fair expositions in North America.  Seven events are performed: barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and team roping. In addition, spectators enjoy specialty acts and the humor of top rodeo bullfighters.

Heart of America Quilt Festival
Held late September through early October

Location: Crown Center, 2450 Grand Boulevard

816-274-8444 

Admission Free

The exhibit includes hand-crafted quilts, wall hangings & decorative items, as well as a quilting demonstration. Some quilts are for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund. There will be special children's activities on Thursday nights, Saturdays & Sundays, and many other special events are planned during the two-week festival.

November

Marillac's Enchanted Forest 
Held mid November – early December
Location: Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd.
816-460-2020

Admission Free
Kick off the holiday season inside Union Station with Marillac's Enchanted Forest. More than 100 decorated trees and wreaths are on display throughout the Station. The trees and wreaths each have their own theme and are decorated by local organizations and businesses. The public can place a bid on one to take home. Auction proceeds benefit Marillac's special programs and therapies for children and adolescents.

Christmas In The Park 
Held end of November – the end of December
Location: Longview Lake Campground, Longview Lake Park, Blue Springs, Mo.
816-795-8200

Donations are accepted
Christmas in the Park is one of Jackson County Parks and Recreation's most celebrated events of the year. Three hundred thousand lights and 175 animated figures and splashed of Christmas color transform Longview Lake Park into an enchanting winter wonderland. The entire family will delight in the warmth of this fun-filled, holiday display.

Crayola Christmas Land 
Held end of November – the end of December
Location: Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1, 2450 Grand Blvd.
816-274-8444

Admission Free
Children can jump, romp and play on super sized Crayola products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. The Crayola Christmas Land play area remains open through December 31.

Holiday Choirs 
Held late November through late December
Location: Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1, 2450 Grand Blvd.

Hours:  Weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings.

816-274-8444

Admission Free
Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. Brass quintets and the Dickens carolers will entertain on the weekends.

Crown Center Ice Terrace

Held late November – March

Location:  Ice Terrace

Looking for something cool to do this winter? Then strap on some skates and glide around the Ice Terrace -- Kansas City's only outdoor ice skating rink. The Ice Terrace is located across from the Crown Center Shops, where you'll find some of the best shopping and most delightful restaurants in the city.

Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony and Season of Lights

Held Thanksgiving evening, lights remain through mid-January

Location: The Country Club Plaza, 4745 Central
816-753-0100

The famous lighting ceremony takes place on the night of Thanksgiving followed by a fireworks display above the stage as well as at The Fairmont Hotel following the ceremony. With more than 250,000 colorful ceramic and transparent bulbs, 75 miles of electric wiring and a national reputation for sheer ''wow'' factor, The Plaza's Season of Lights is a legendary holiday landmark for local residents and out-of-town visitors.

Mid-America Train & Toy Show 
Held Late November – early February
Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street
913-651-5864

Admission Charged, children under 12 free
Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.

December

Kansas City World Holiday Market 
Held early December
Location: City Market, 20 East 5th Street
816-421-2341
A family-friendly holiday destination for shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment. Visitors are tempted with treats and treasures as they soak in the holiday aroma! The Holiday Mart features dozens of vendors displaying their wares in heated stalls, holiday décor & entertainment, specialty food & drinks, warming tents, petting zoo, carousel, strolling carolers and visits from Santa.

Kansas City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker 
Held the month of December
Location: Midland Theater, 1228 Main
816-931-2232

Call for performance schedule

Admission Charged

Christmas Candlelight Tours 
Held early December
Location: John Wornall House Museum, 6115 Wornall Rd.
816-444-1858

Admission Charged
Celebrate a traditional nineteenth century Christmas with the Worrall family.

Heart of America Barbershop Chorus with the Kansas City Chorus of Sweet Adelines present: Holiday Harmony Spectacular 
Held early December
Location: Unity Village, 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, Mo. (approx. 17 miles SE of Kansas City)
913-814-8268

17th Annual Westport Children's Tree Lighting Party 
Held early December
Location: Triangle Park, Southwest Trafficway & Westport Rd.
816-753-6719

Admission Free
Help foster the spirit of togetherness by brining an ornament and decorating Westport's "living holiday tree." Children and youth are invited to bring a homemade ornament to decorate the tree -- a blue spruce planted 17 years ago for the annual lighting celebration. Santa Claus is also expected to attend with treats for all participants.

City Hall Holiday Concert Series

Held early December

Location:  City Hall Rotunda, 414 East 12^th Street
Admission Free

Hours:  Noon to 1pm
The concerts feature performances by a talented variety of elementary, middle and high school concert bands, orchestras, chorales and performing ensembles from the Kansas City area.

 

Kansas City Southern's Holiday Express 
Held mid December
Location: West Yards, Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd.
816-460-2020

Admission Free
Watch Santa and friends arrive at Union Station on a magically decorated six-car freight train featuring 10,000 holiday lights. The train includes a smiling tank car, gingerbread box car, flat car carrying Santa's sleigh, reindeer and miniature village, the elves' workshop, and a little red caboose.

Mid-America Train & Toy Show 
Held Late November – early February
Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street
913-651-5864

Admission Charged, children under 12 free
Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.

Entertainment

Kansas City Symphony

1020 Central, Ste. 300  

Kansas City, MO 64105

816-471-1100

Call for performance schedule

Founded in 1982 and recognized as "The Sound of Kansas City." The 78-person orchestra performs more than 100 concerts annually including masterworks classical, star-studded pops, hour-long family and community concerts.

Kansas City Ballet

1601 Broadway 

Kansas City, MO 64108 

816-931-2232

Call for performance schedule

A professional company with 25 artists who perform world-class ballet and the best of American dance.

American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center

2450 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64108

816-842-0202 

This theatre hosts six Broadway and off-Broadway-style productions yearly, including comedies, dramas and musicals. Open year round

Folly Theater

300 West 12^th St

Kansas City, MO 64105

816-474-4444

Call for performance schedule

Kansas City's oldest theater, it opened in 1900 as a vaudeville/burlesque house and now hosts world-class jazz and family programming. Open year-round

Gem Theater Cultural and Performing Arts Center

1601 E. 18^th

Kansas City, MO 64108

816-474-8463

Call for performance schedule

The Gem regularly presents professional and community theater productions, musical performances, and multimedia events. The annual "Jammin' at the Gem Series" runs October through May. Open year-round.

H & R Block City Stage

Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd.

Kansas City, MO 64108

816-460-2020

Call for performance schedule

Enjoy dramas, comedies and musicals.  Both day and nighttime performances are for young theater lovers -- of all ages.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre

4949 Cherry  

Kansas City, MO 64110

816-235-2727

Call for performance schedule

Fully professional theater company produces six plays from September through June in an intimate, state-of-the-art facility located near the Plaza.

Little Theatre

301 W 13th St Ste 100  

Kansas City, MO 64105

816-513-5000

Call for performance3 schedule

Part of the beautiful 1936 art deco Municipal Auditorium complex, octagonally shaped in a gleaming marble facade with exterior promenade, a balcony and permanent stage.

Lyric Opera of Kansas City

1029 Central  

Kansas City, MO 64105

816-471-7344

Call for performance schedule

Oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City, presents five performances of four works each year in September, November, March and May.

Midland Theatre

1228 Main St.  

Kansas City, MO 64105

816-471-9703

Call for performance schedule

Grand theater on National Register of Historic Places.

Music Hall - Municipal Auditorium

201 W 13th St  

Kansas City, MO 64105

816-513-5000

Call for performance schedule

Beautiful 1936 art deco theater seats 2,402 and features a spectacular foyer and a grand staircase.

Paul Mesner Puppets

1006 Linwood Blvd.  

Kansas City, MO 64109

816-756-3500

Call for performance schedule

Presenting shows during the year at Unity on the Plaza. The company also tours to schools and special events. Puppet making workshops for children of all ages are available at the Paul Mesner Puppets Studio on Linwood.

Starlight Theatre

4600 Starlight Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64132

816-363-7827

This outdoor theater seats approximately 8,000 people and is located on 14 acres in Swope Park next to the Kansas City Zoo. Starlight Theatre was founded in 1950 and presents Broadway musicals such as the National Tours of Les Misérables, Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA, Miss Saigon, as well as touring self-produced or co-produced productions of such beloved musicals as The Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady, Annie, The Sound of Music, and others. Starlight is recognized as a premier concert venue featuring recording artists such as Don Henley, REM, Al Jarreau, Neil Young, Tony Bennett, and others. The multi-use facility features a 10-story, 12,000-square-foot climate controlled enclosed main stage.

Theater League

1310 Wyandotte St  

Kansas City, MO 64105

816-421-1801

Call for performance schedule

The best of touring Broadway musicals, presented in the historic Music Hall on KC's downtown Avenue of the Arts.

Unicorn Theatre

3828 Main St.

Kansas City, MO 64111

816-531-7529

Call for performance schedule

Live, off-Broadway style theatre featuring thought provoking, contemporary plays in an intimate setting.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

633 N. 130th St.  

Bonner Springs, KS 66012

913-721-3400

Call for performance schedule

Natural amphitheatre with 6,700 permanent seats and terraced lawns for an additional 11,000 seats. From May-Sept. top recording acts perform under the stars. I-70 west to Bonner Springs exit.

Sports

Kansas Speedway – Auto Racing

400 Speedway Blvd.

Kansas City, KS 66111

913-328-3300

913-328-7223 for tickets

Season runs June through October. NASCAR action returns in October with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Kansas 400.

Kansas City Wizards

Major League Soccer

Arrowhead Stadium

One Arrowhead Drive

Kansas City, MO 64129

816-920-9300 for tickets

Season runs April - November

Kansas City Chiefs

Profession Football - NFL

Arrowhead Stadium

One Arrowhead Drive
Kansas City, MO 64129
816-920-9300

Season runs September – January

Kansas City Royals

Professional Baseball – MLB

Kauffman Stadium

I-70 & Blue Ridge Cutoff

Kansas City, MO 64129

816-921-8000

Season runs April – September