The Royals and Planet Comicon return to KC this week: How to go
Looking for something to do in the upcoming days? You’re in luck, there’s something for everyone that’s happening around Kansas City this weekend and beyond.
The sport known as America’s pastime opens its 2026 season, and don’t be alarmed by anyone you see in Batman, Superman or Monkey D. Luffy costumes hanging around downtown Kansas City. They’re here for one of the Midwest’s largest gatherings for pop culture.
I’m missing a lot, but here a few things you should keep your eye on in the days to come — even if your allergies are making your life a mess. If there’s something you have your eye on for next week that people should absolutely go to, email jhernandez@kcstar.com.
Opening Day with the Kansas City Royals
Extend your weekend with the Royals’ first game of the MLB season. They’ll host the Minnesota Twins at 3:10 p.m. Monday, March 31, at Kauffman Stadium.
The excitement is in the air after impressive performances from team members Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia in the World Baseball Classic. Unless you were camped out in Surprise, Arizona, watching them during spring training, this will be your first chance to see them live this year.
While there are 80 home games every year, there’s only one Opening Day. Limited tickets remain on the Royals’ website, starting at $153. Resale prices aren’t cheaper, with SeatGeek listing its cheapest available ticket for $118.
Don’t tell my boss if you see me out in the crowd.
Planet Comicon returns
Beloved celebrities from cult classics and iconic movie and television franchises make their way to Kansas City for the 27th edition of Planet Comicon. Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City hosts this pop culture convergence from March 27-29.
The annual festival has welcomed stars from popular television shows and movies, comic book writers and illustrators, cosplayers, and vendors to celebrate their favorite superheroes and characters.
Tickets for adults range from $42 for a day pass to $98 for three days, with cheaper prices for those under age 13. Each day brings new activities and costumes for visitors, which means what they see Friday might not be around Sunday.
It’s open from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 27; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 29. Again, don’t be surprised if you see me roaming the halls looking for the latest collectibles.
Asian Glow Fest
The first-ever Asian Glow Fest takes place at the City Market from Friday, March 27, to Saturday, March 28. The free event features Asian street food, retail vendors, live music, lion dance performances and an atmosphere inspired by Asian night markets.
It’ll celebrate Vietnamese and broader Southeast Asian food, creativity and community, bringing unique cultures and traditions to Kansas City.
It’s open from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Unfortunately, these are the two days when the temperatures are cooling down around the city, but that shouldn’t stop anyone visiting from having a good time.
One of the last Kansas City Mavericks’ home games
The ECHL regular season is coming to a close, and the Mavericks have already won their division and secured a playoff spot. They also have the best record in the league, and are looking to keep their momentum rolling with one of their last home games of the season Saturday, March 28.
The Mavericks welcome the Wichita Thunder to Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence at 6:05 p.m. After this, there are only two more home games scheduled, including an April 11 clash against Wichita.
Tickets start at $36, and make sure to bundle up. It is cold inside the building when the ice rink is on the floor.
The premiere of Moby Dick
“Moby-Dick” has spawned thousands of story retellings since it published 175 years ago. The latest adaptation by Kansas City’s Music Theater Heritage promises to bring a new flavor to the classic.
“Moby Dick: a Sea Shanty” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, and runs at the same time March 27-28 at the MTH Main Stage, located on the third floor inside Crown Center. If you miss it this weekend, it’ll be playing on select dates through Sunday, April 19.
MTH artistic director Tim Scott, who wrote the show and will direct it, told The Star that he is most excited about its music, transforming pieces of the story into sea shanties.
The story will be told through the eyes of Ishmael, the sole survivor of the clash with the great white whale. No whale will appear on the stage, so you’ll have to use your imagination as the live performers take you on a journey.
Tickets range from $49 to $67.
