This weekend in Kansas City: Opening weekend for the Symphony, Sporting vs. Dallas, Freedom Festival, the Games for Good and KC Beer Fest

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver

Thursday at Arrowhead Stadium

The initial home game of the regular season is always a celebratory occasion for Chiefs fans. The hullabaloo this season possesses even more mania than usual. The unusual circumstances — a nationally televised Thursday night game against a bitter division rival — heightens the contest’s significance. Inspired in part by what’s almost certainly going to be an exceptionally hearty pre-game tailgate party at Arrowhead Stadium, Chiefs fans will aim much of their energy at the Broncos’ veteran quarterback. Peyton Manning’s ability to overcome the hostile environment is likely to determine the outcome of the game. The crowd will also be eager to evaluate new acquisitions, including wide receiver and former Missouri Tiger Jeremy Maclin.

7:25 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17. Arrowhead Stadium. 816-920-9300. kcchiefs.com. $105-$450.

Martin City Third Thursday on the Tracks

Thursday in Martin City

Many residents of the Kansas City area associate Martin City with a famous barbecue restaurant: The regional empire of Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue began at 13341 Holmes Road. Civic boosters are providing another reason to visit the neighborhood on the south side of Kansas City. The monthly Third Thursday on the Tracks event is designed to heighten awareness of Martin City’s businesses. Most attendees are likely to purchase beer- or wine-tasting packages that include a tasting glass. The Martin City Sports Complex is offering a free round of miniature golf to all participants. Some attendees will adjourn to one of Martin City’s restaurants to watch the Chiefs and Royals games at the conclusion of the event.

5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17. Martin City. martincity.org/3rd-thursday-in-martin-city. Free. Optional beer tasting: $10, wine tasting: $20, combined beer and wine tasting: $25.

Nehemiah Festival

Friday through Sunday at Smith’s Fork Park in Smithville

People perusing the key numbers that help define the Nehemiah Festival might think the digits simply don’t add up. About 50 bands will perform on four stages in Smith’s Fork Park in Smithville. The most crucial number is zero. There’s no admission charge to the Christian-themed event. John Elefante, the biggest name among the festival’s entertainers, was a member of the classic rock band Kansas in the 1980s. His powerful but warm voice belted out the Kansas hit “Play the Game Tonight” and is ideally suited to interpret inspirational songs. Don’t Know Dorothy, a Kansas City rock band with a spiritual orientation, is among the dozens of lesser known performers. Camping options are available.

Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20. Smith’s Fork Park, Smithville. nehemiahfest.com. Admission is free. Camping fees range from $15 to $60.

Kansas City Symphony, “Ravel’s Boléro and Symphonic Soloists”

Friday through Sunday at Helzberg Hall

The Kansas City Symphony’s 2015-16 season opens with a splash of romance. Maurice Ravel’s scandalously suggestive “Bolero” is the centerpiece of this weekend’s concerts. The program also includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s stirring Festive Overture, Robert Schumann’s lively Konzertstück for Four Horns and Walter Piston’s lush “The Incredible Flutist.” Rather than relying on the contributions of guest performers, key instrumental passages will be rendered by Symphony members such as rising star violinist Noah Geller. In addition to overseeing the concerts, the Symphony’s music director will also be featured in a free program titled “Chamber Music With Michael Stern” at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in Helzberg Hall (RSVP recommended).

8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. 816-471-0400. kcsymphony.org. $28-$78.

Whirling Dervishes of Rumi

Saturday at the Music Hall and Sunday at the Lied Center

Many forms of dance convey a sense of joy among participants and induce a corresponding amount of pleasure in viewers. The movements of the Whirling Dervishes of Rumi, however, are particularly cathartic. A form of Islamic Sufi expression, whirling honors the wonders of creation. Rumi, the Persian poet and mystic, reportedly initiated the practice in the 13th century. Presentations at the Music Hall and the Lied Center will include transfixing dancing, performances of traditional Sufi music, calligraphy demonstrations and lectures by Ori Z Soltes, a professor of theology, philosophy and art history at Georgetown University. Soltes is slated to deliver a speech at the University of Kansas on Friday titled “Mysticism in Mind and Movement: Sufism, Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes.”

7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Music Hall. 913-894-6700. dialogueks.org. $22-$45.

6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Lied Center, Lawrence. 913-894-6700. lied.ku.edu. $15-$25.

Wylliams/Henry — Cyprus Avenue Concert

Saturday at Folly Theater

Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and rock music guru Bill Shapiro are teaming up once again for their annual Cyprus Avenue Concert to benefit the Folly Theater. The program this Saturday at the Folly will feature music by the Beatles, Bob Marley, Patsy Cline and other rock and country songs chosen by Shapiro set to dance by choreographers Mary Pat Henry, Paula Weber, William Whitener and many others.

8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th. $35-$50. wylliams-henry.org.

Freedom Festival

Saturday and Sunday in Osawatomie

The contentious political climate in Kansas wasn’t created in a vacuum. More than 150 years before proponents and detractors of Sam Brownback began debating the current governor’s controversial policies, Kansas was racked by political and social strife. The Battle of Osawatomie pitted pro-slavery combatants against abolitionists led by John Brown. The contentiousness of the Bleeding Kansas era has yet to be resolved. One of the panels at the Freedom Festival at the John Brown Museum State Historic Site is titled “John Brown, Saint or Sinner?” The two-day event also includes battle re-enactments and museum tours led by the great-great-granddaughter of the half-sister of Brown.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Osawatomie. 913-755-4384. kshs.org/john_brown. Free.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Dallas

Friday at Sporting Park

Sporting Kansas City and the club’s supporters are in the dubious position of being grateful that 12 of Major League Soccer’s 20 teams are eligible for the playoffs. While Sporting is in the midst of a relatively disappointing regular season, it doesn’t figure to be one of the four laggards in the Western Conference that won’t be a part of postseason play. A win against FC Dallas on Friday would go a long way toward preventing Sporting from slipping into the bottom 40 percent of the standings. The club has experienced uncharacteristic turmoil in the goalkeeper position this season, but the impressive recent play of Tim Melia has boosted Sporting’s prospects. The first 8,000 fans through the gates at Sporting Park on Friday will receive free seat cushions.

6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Sporting Park. 913-912-7600. sportingkc.com. $25-$275.

KC Games for Good

Saturday on the front lawn of the National World War I Museum and Memorial

The horrors of World War I were occasionally countered by surprising displays of humanity. During the unofficial 1914 Christmas truce, British and German soldiers temporarily set their weapons aside to play soccer. A similar generosity of spirit will be exhibited on the front lawn of the National World War I Museum and Memorial on Saturday. Designed to honor first responders, KC Games for Good offers two levels of participation. Casual observers can fly kites and listen to music. Athletically minded teams will pay to compete in a variety of emergency-themed games. Contests include a clean water relay, a relief aid race and a first responder scavenger hunt.

Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Liberty Memorial. kcgamesforgood.org. Free. Team registration is $250.

KC Beer Fest

Saturday in the Power & Light District

People in Kansas City who take beer seriously have never had it so good. The explosion of locally based craft breweries, bars and restaurants committed to serving specialty beers and a plethora of festivals dedicated to the beverage make these the good old days for thirsty beer aficionados. Founded in 2007, KC Beer Fest was one of the instigators of the current craze. More than 200 varieties of beer will be poured at this year’s festival. Attendees will receive tasting glasses that can be used to enjoy unlimited samples. Food trucks and live music will satisfy the needs of drinkers who intend to pace themselves.

3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Power & Light District. 816-842-1045. kc-beerfest.com. $35 in advance.

United Nations Peacekeepers Roundtable

Saturday at Union Station

Crises around the globe intensify the focus on the United Nations’ efforts to enhance stability in fragile areas and lessen the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable people. The organization doesn’t always succeed. Yet the actions of Ken Payumo, currently the United Nations’ chief of peacekeeping operations, provided a clear instance of the organization’s ability to successfully intervene in a dangerous situation. His bold actions in South Sudan in 2013 may have prevented thousands of refugees from being slaughtered. Payumo will participate in a roundtable discussion at Union Station on Saturday. He’ll be joined by speakers from officers from the International Military Student Division U.S. Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Union Station. 660-864-9366. una-kc.org. $10.

Taylor Swift

Monday and Tuesday at the Sprint Center

Taylor Swift, the undisputed doyenne of popular culture, will grace Kansas City with a pair of concerts. While she could have filled Arrowhead Stadium with the rabid disciples known as Swifties, Swift will instead perform at the relatively intimate Sprint Center. The media-savvy star has maintained her knack for staying in the news cycle during her current tour by inviting celebrities ranging from rapper Fetty Wap to actress Julia Roberts to join her on the stage each night. Vance Joy, the singer/songwriter responsible for the wispy hit “Riptide,” opens the concerts.

7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, and Tuesday, Sept. 22. Sprint Center. 816-949-7100. sprintcenter.com. The face value of tickets to the sold-out concerts ranged from $37.50 to $198.

Kansas City Royals vs. Seattle

Tuesday through Thursday at Kauffman Stadium

The Kansas City Royals’ single season attendance record was broken at a game on Sept. 9. More than 2.5 million people will have watched the team play at Kauffman Stadium this season. Time is running out for fans who would like to be a part of the record. The final home stand of the season opens with a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners. Canines will join humans for the Bark in the Park promotion on Tuesday. The rock band Me Like Bees will perform on the Outfield Experience stage prior to Wednesday’s game as part of Ink’s Student Night. People who prefer to focus on the action on the field can study the menacing plate appearances of Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz and the nifty play of the future Hall of Fame candidate Robinson Canó.

7:10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, through Thursday, Sept. 24. Kauffman Stadium. 816-921-8000. kansascity.royals.mlb.com. $11-$80.

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 5:00 AM with the headline "This weekend in Kansas City: Opening weekend for the Symphony, Sporting vs. Dallas, Freedom Festival, the Games for Good and KC Beer Fest."