Make Music Kansas City
Saturday, June 21
Kansas City joins cities around the world with a day of live music around town. This year’s event features several southside venues. makemusicday.org/kcmo
- Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes Rd
- Bandleader Oscar Polk’s front yard, 109th and Holmes
- St. John’s United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Parkway
- Park Place at 115th and Nall, Leawood
- Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 Gregory Blvd, has performances from 11 am to 4 pm.
- The tennis courts at Brookside, 6300 Brookside Blvd, hosts live music from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Fireworks at Evangel
Saturday, June 21
Evangel Church, 1414 E. 103rd St
Activities start at 5 pm with inflatables and water games for kids, concession stands and local vendors. At 9:30 pm the fireworks display starts. General admission and parking is free. Event is a partnership with Serve the World.
Chill n’ Churn at Gezer Park
Friday, June 27
133rd Street and Mission, Leawood
Adults and kids ages 8 and up can make ice cream from scratch using simple ingredients and processes. Cost is $15 for Leawood residents, $20 for non-residents. 11 am to noon.
http://www.leawood.org/Calendar
90’s Country Hoedown
Friday, June 27
The Martin Event Space, 13440 Holmes Rd
Local DJ Jacob Honecutt plays country hits at this free evening of fun and line dancing, including a live performance by Tim Pardee. Light snacks are provided with a cash bar. 7 to 11 pm.
themartineventspace.com
Pinnacle Winds Concert
Sunday, June 29
Enjoy an afternoon of music from Kansas City’s professional concert band, now in their fifth season. Location and time TBA.
http://www.pinnaclewinds.com
Four on the 4th Race
Friday, July 4
Ward Parkway
Soak in the spirit of independence day by running four miles along Ward Parkway. Race registration starts at $41. Little firecracker kids fun run is $17. https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/KansasCity/WardParkway4onthe4th
“Aquatic Frolic”: Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society 2025 Tour
Saturdays, August 2 & 9
Aug 2: Jackson County south tour sites
Aug 9: Cass County tour sites
The 32nd annual water garden tour spans five Saturdays with 50 stops around the metro. Southside stops are in August. Visitors can explore home water gardens and talk with experienced enthusiasts willing to share tips. Tickets are $15 (includes all tour sites and all five weeks). Tour proceeds support the society’s mission to install water gardens in community spaces. Children ages 14 and under are free.
kcwatergardens.com
David Koehner Live
The Comedy Club KC
1130 W. 103rd St
The Office series actor and comedian David Koechner, who co-hosts the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend, performs July 18-20 with an Office-themed trivia night on July 17.
http://www.thecomedyclubkc.com
Past events:
Kayak the Blue River
Saturday, May 24, 1 to 4 pm
Brown Athletic Field Boat Ramp, 944 E Blue Ridge Rd
Heartland Conservation Alliance is hosting a free kayaking workshop along the Blue River. No experience is necessary.
http://www.heartlandconservationalliance.org
Carry Nation Days
May 30-31
Downtown Belton Main Street
Now in its second year, this festival is named for the famous teetotaling Belton resident who brandished a hatchet at bars. Broken Hatchet Brewing sponsors the event which includes 80 vendors, beer garden, food trucks, live music from the All Stars Band (Friday) and Liverpool Legends (Saturday), kids foam party and pie-eating contest. Saturday’s grand finale is a 300-drone light show.
http://www.beltonparks.org
“Stronger Together”: Choral Spectrum in concert
Saturday, May 31: 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 1: 3 pm
Celebrate pride month with two musical performances of inclusivity and joy.
http://www.choralspectrumkc.org
Hector Anchando at BB’s BBQ
Saturday, May 31
1205 E. 85th Street
Award-winning Blues guitarist and singer Hector Anchando performs along with his band on Friday, May 31 ($8 cover).
bbslawnsidebbq.com
Marlborough 2.5 mile Fun Run/Walk
Thursday, June 5, 5:30 pm
81st and Troost Park
This first-time community fitness event weaves through the eclectic neighborhood, starting and ending at 81st and Troost Park and finishing with a picnic and top finisher awards. Race registration is $10 per person ($30 for families of up to four). Proceeds benefit the We Are Marlborough Community Coalition.
wearemarlborough.org
Waldo Brews Tour
Saturday, June 7, downtown Waldo
The Waldo pub crawl returns with a fresh spin, now including craft coffees and teas, along with cold beer. Transportation is provided to each stop, from noon to 6 pm. Early bird tickets are $17.35 through June 1.
http://www.waldokcevents.org
Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium’s Animal Art Safari
Wednesday, June 11
Blue Ridge Branch – Mid-Contintent Public Library, 9253 Blue Ridge Blvd
Explore how animals of all shapes and sizes are celebrated in art worldwide with the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. This interactive program will feature a story, live ambassador animals, activities, and animal artifacts to help us see what an amazing inspiration nature can be.
www.mymcpl.org/features/summer-mcpl
Tom Arnold Live
June 13-14
The Comedy Club KC
1130 W. 103rd St
Tom Arnold, best known for his roles on Roseanne (and former husband to Roseanne Barr), True Lies, Saturday Night Live and productions.
http://www.thecomedyclubkc.com
PatioFest
Friday, June 20 in Brookside
Brookside’s favorite shops and restaurants will stay open late and host live music from 5 to 10 pm, along with shopping specials. Artists play a variety of styles from mellow covers to old-timey four piece bands. Explore around!
http://www.brooksidekc.org