Boulevardia is back: Here are five new things to check out at the festival this weekend
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, beloved Kansas City music festival Boulevardia is back this weekend with a selection of bands, beer, local vendors and other entertainment.
Whether it’s your first Boulevardia or you’re a seasoned veteran, this year’s event promises to offer an array of brand-new attractions. Here are a few to check out.
1. The new Podcaster Stage
Festival organizers recently announced a sixth stage on the festival grounds featuring local podcasters and special guests. Stop by the stage in Washington Square Park to hear favorites including the “First Issue Club Podcast,” Jenny Vergara, “KC Weedblog,” “Neandertalk Podcast,” “Startup Hustle Podcast,” “StreetWave Podcast,” “The Pitch,” “Wednesday Night Drinking Practice,” “The KC Morning Show,” “The Bridge” and “Technically Drinking Podcast.”
The stage will be accessible to all ticket holders at no extra cost.
2. Free samples of food & drinks
While festival goers will be able to purchase food and beverages from over 15 establishments, everybody loves a free sample. Hunt down the Big Green Egg grilling station for some bites of local pork and steak, and stop by Hy-Vee’s grill for bratwurst samples made with Space Camper IPA.
If you aren’t energized enough, you can also score free full-sized Monster energy drinks near the Pershing and Main gate festival exits. And if you’re a craft brewery lover willing to spend extra on unlimited free sips and bites, tickets to the festival’s “Taps & Tastes” event are available here.
3. The very first Silent Disco Skating Party
Frequent attendees will already know about Boulevardia’s beloved Silent Disco experience. But organizers are kicking this year’s event up a notch by offering its first ever Silent Disco Skating Party in Crown Center. The festival has partnered with Kansas City’s own Legacy Skates to organize this free-spirited event. Reserve skates online here.
4. A jam-packed Makers’ Market
This year’s festival will feature more than 50 makers from around the Kansas City area selling clothing, art prints, self care products and other handmade goods. Some beloved local brick-and-mortar stores will be popping up at the event, including Fetch with clothing, EB & Co. with jewelry and the Soap Refill Station with eco-friendly bath products.
Browse the full list of makers here so you know who to keep an eye out for in Washington Square Park.
5. Family fun activities
From lawn games to tarot readings, the entertainment options at Boulevardia will expand beyond its musical performances. Enjoy glow-in-the-dark cornhole and a paint-by-numbers mural at Boulevard Brewing Company’s picnic area or get a glimpse into your future with 7-minute tarot card readings. If you’re looking for more of a county fair atmosphere, you can also ride the ferris wheel with friends or decorate a sun hat to help stay cool.
With all these attractions, it’s easy to forget about the mainstage musical acts– but you won’t want to. Check out the festival’s lineup here.
Do you have more questions about having fun this summer in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
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