Kansas City entertainment reopens from COVID-19: First Friday, Science City and more
After going dormant for two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, First Friday activities will return to the area for June — both live and online.
In addition, several major Kansas City attractions are reopening, including Science City, the Overland Park Arboretum and all area casinos, but with restrictions.
The biggest event will be the Festival of the Full Moon Weekend in the West Bottoms, running June 5-7, with shops opening at 8:30 a.m. each day. Businesses in the historic warehouse buildings will follow social distancing and occupancy regulations.
In the Crossroads Arts District, several galleries will be open June 5 for First Friday, many with new exhibitions. Among the galleries and exhibitions: Belger Crane Yard Studios (2011 Tracy), “N/Residence” by Amanda Bury, Elaine Buss, Saj Issa, Lilly Powell and Kate Schroeder; Bredin-Lee Gallery (1729 McGee), “Organic Function” by Brian Morgenlander and “Backstitch” by Kimberly Chambers; Hilliard Gallery (1820 McGee), Contemporary Figurative Art Show; Jones Gallery (1717 Walnut), group show; and Kansas City Artists Coalition (3200 Gillham), “Invisible Victims” by Kathryne Grimm.
Meanwhile, Buttonwood Art Space will provide a Virtual First Friday Happy Hour celebrating “Kansas City,” which consists of 140 works by 66 artists and benefits Kansas City Parks and Recreation, 3:30-5 p.m. June 5 at zoom.us.
Also, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey will offer a Virtual First Friday Experience featuring classes on jazz and urban contemporary dance, at 6 p.m. June 5 at zoom.us and us02web.zoom.us.
Here are five more in-person activities to consider for the next week:
▪ With the reopening of the 7th Street Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, on June 4, all area casinos — 7th Street, Ameristar, Argosy, Harrah’s, Hollywood and Isle of Capri — now are operating again, although at limited capacity.
▪ Auto racing has returned at Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, where this week’s competition will begin at 8 p.m. June 5 ($6-$20; gates open at 6 p.m.). lakesidespeedway.net.
▪ The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will reopen to members June 10, with temporary hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. (Memberships range from $35 for individual to $75 for family.) artsandrec-op.org.
▪ Science City ($14) and the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium ($8) at Union Station will reopen for members beginning June 10, with timed sessions and 10% occupancy. Tickets sold online only. unionstation.org.
▪ The Exit Room, which offers escape-room experiences in downtown Lee’s Summit, is accepting limited bookings ($25). theexitroomkc.com.
Here are five more online ways you and your family can spend your coronavirus-induced stay-at-home time:
▪ Local author Mia Mercado will discuss her recently published humorous essay collection, “Weird But Normal,” 7 p.m. June 4 at crowdcast.io.
▪ Livestream an Argentine tango concert featuring Cristian Fatu (violin) and Beau Bledsoe (guitar), 8 p.m. June 5 ($15) at eventbrite.com.
▪ The traditional Hospital Hill Run half-marathon, 10K and 5K, originally scheduled for June 6, have gone virtual, with participants allowed to run or walk their distances wherever they want, including on treadmills. Submit results by July 1 ($15-$85) at virtual.hospitalhillrun.com.
▪ The Bach Aria Soloists will perform their first Facebook Live Neighborhood Hausmusik Concert, featuring music from Bach, Monteverdi, Kreisler and more, 11 a.m. June 6 at facebook.com.
▪ The Opus 76 Quartet, consisting of four musicians from the Kinnor Philharmonic, will stream a live concert focusing on Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart, 3 p.m. June 7 (donations accepted) at thejkc.org.
