Take in jazz music, classic cars and fireworks with 5 weekend things to do in KC
The Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City and the Kansas City Current all play at home this weekend, making for a sports-filled Memorial Day weekend. If you’re looking for something non-sports related to do, there’s plenty else happening around town for the holiday.
Threats of rain don’t seem the stop at this time of year, but that won’t prevent the show from rolling on at the West Bottoms’ monthly celebration. The rain should also stop in time for a beloved annual event at Union Station.
Here’s what’s happening around Kansas City this weekend.
Fourth Friday Kick Back
The 12th annual Heritage Days celebration starts at the Fourth Friday Kick Back in the West Bottoms. The free event is set to bring a night full of lowriders, classic cars, local vendors, food and music to all who stop by.
The event celebrating the Latino culture and community runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 22 at the Liberty Courtyard, 1447 Liberty St., in the neighborhood. It’s hosted by nonprofit arts organizations Chicano Center for the Arts.
“Bring your ride, bring your people, and come celebrate the beauty of our culture and community,” the nonprofit said in a statement.
Celebration at the Station
The biggest Memorial Day celebration in Kansas City is Celebration at the Station. It regularly draws crowds of over 30,000, and visitors can expect a full patriotic display for its 22nd year at Union Station.
The festival runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 24, and it’s free to attend. Visitors can gather at the South Plaza of Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, and North Lawn of National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Drive, to watch the display.
Highlights of the show include a performance from the Kansas City Symphony concert at 8 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Pre-concert performances by the Air Force Academy Band’s Stellar Brass Quintet and the Air Force Heartland of America band Raptor also start at 5 p.m.
American Jazz Walk of Fame
Legendary musician Herbie Hancock will be inducted into The American Jazz Walk of Fame at a ceremony Saturday, May 23. The free public induction ceremony begins at 6 p.m. between the Blue Room and the American Jazz Museum, 1616 E. 18th St
The 86-year-old icon’s name will be immortalized in a 30-inch bronze medallion embedded in the sidewalk. Following the induction ceremony, guests can enjoy performances from jazz musician Kim Waters and R&B singer and American Idol season two winner Ruben Studdard at the Gem Theater, 1615 E. 18th St.
The concert costs $50 per ticket before fees and starts around 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite.
KC Pet Project’s Patio Party
A benefit concert for KC Pet Project, the Patio Party returns Friday, May 22. From 6 to 10 p.m. at KC Pet Project’s main campus, 7077 Elmwood Ave., enjoy live music and access to a beer garden hosted by local distilleries.
The headlining act for the fundraiser is Post Sex Nachos, an indie band based out of Columbia, Missouri, with additional performances by Big Fat Cow and Jillian Riscoe. Tickets cost $50 for general admission and $75 for VIP, which includes meet-and-greets with the performers and access to an exclusive space inside the shelter.
Tickets can be purchased online, and KC Pet Project says all proceeds will go toward the shelter.
Images in Time
A photography exhibit featuring artworks by local photographer Jason Piggie titled “Images in Time” is hosted by the Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E. 17th Terrace, and enters its final week in Kansas City.
“Renowned for his ability to capture the essence of everyday life, objects, and individuals, Piggie’s work is characterized by its thought-provoking nature and commitment to authenticity,” the Black Archives of Mid-America said in a statement.
It’s free for all to visit, and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, May 22. If you miss it then, it’ll reopen from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 25 to 29.
