Titanic exhibition | Opens Saturday

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1912 ship sinking that took the lives of more than 1,500 people. The exhibit, which runs through Labor Day at Union Station, examines everything from the building of the ship to recovery and conservation efforts. More than 300 artifacts from the ship will be displayed, along with room re-creations and a re-created staircase. A special gallery will show how the sinking resonated in Kansas City. Adult tickets start at $19.12; group rates are also available. Details at titanic.unionstation.org. The movie “Titanic” will sail back to theaters soon in 3-D. For more on that, see Page 10.

Irish celebration | Saturday

In connection with the Titanic exhibition opening, tenor Anthony Kearns, founding member of the Irish Tenors, will perform at a Celebration of Fine Irish Spirits and Irish Music at VooDoo Lounge in Harrah’s North Kansas City. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cash bar featuring Irish specialty drinks. Kearns will perform traditional songs at 6:45 p.m. with accompaniment by Dale Morehouse, associate professor of voice (opera) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Two Titanic historians will make appearances during intermission and after the concert at a VIP reception with Kearns. Tickets are $35-$60. Details, anthonykearnsmusic.com.

Drake | Thursday

One of the most appealing aspects of hip-hop is its democratic nature. With its low barrier of entry, the genre allows anyone who possesses a bit of gumption to give it a go. That’s why a Jewish former child actor from Canada has been universally hailed as one of hip-hop’s most distinctive voices. Far more than a protégé of Lil Wayne and a rumored paramour of Nikki Minaj, Drake is one of the savviest pop acts of the new millennium. Two critical favorites, Compton’s Kendrick Lamar and Harlem’s A$AP Rocky, serve as Drake’s compelling opening acts. Remaining tickets to the 8 p.m. concert at the Sprint Center are $58.75-$98.75.

Johnson County Home and Garden Show | Friday through Sunday

More than 250 contractors and retailers will have displays this weekend at Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. The promoter says the show “emphasizes higher quality products and services that meet the demands of contemporary-minded homeowners.” Featured speakers are HGTV designer Frank Fontana, garden expert Joe Lamp’l and faux-painting expert Kevin Rutan. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults; children 12 and younger are free. Details, www.patrihaproductions.com

KC Cakefest | Saturday and Sunday

It’s sort of like a rap battle, only with cake. Three-time “Ultimate Cake-Off” champ Mike Elder hosts the bake-off, which features more than 20 TV cake chefs whipping up Kansas City-inspired cakes in one of two celebrity cake-baking competitions throughout the weekend. Celebrity judges, including Tony Albanese from “Cake Boss” and Leigh Grode from TLC’s “Ultimate Cake-Off,” evaluate the work. You can check out demonstrations and displays from some of the nation’s top cake chefs. The event benefits the Whole Person charity, which helps people with disabilities in Kansas and Missouri. Tickets to the Saturday (6 p.m.) or Sunday (3 p.m.) cake battles are $40, but the demonstrations and the cake expo are free. Details at kccakefest.com.

Newhouse Shelter Showdown | Monday

The Newhouse Shelter for victims of domestic violence kicks off its 2012 fundraising series with a party at the Boulevard Brewery. Fans of KU, MU and K-State are invited to register on behalf of their schools. The two-hour event starts at 6 p.m. and features all-you-can-drink beer or wine, plus barbecue and a free-throw competition. Tickets are $25 at newhouseshelter.org/events.

‘Hungry’ | Opens Saturday

Princeton grad Lia Romeo’s play “Hungry” is the story of Amy, a teenage outcast whose budding friendship with a minotaur might just be the boost she needs to get her life back on track. The play makes its national premiere at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Unicorn Theatre as part of the Bold New Plays series. Preview performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday. The play runs through March 18, with no performances on Mondays. Tickets are at $25-$35 at unicorntheatre.org.