15 things to do in kansas city this weekend

Ultimate Weekend Guide: 15 Kansas City Events, Aug 14–16

Looking for things to do in Kansas City this weekend? Let’s have some fun going to concerts, outdoor movies, family festivals and art events around Kansas City’s annual 816 Day celebration.

Here are 15 things to do in Kansas City this weekend: events to check out from Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Friday, August 14

1. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner: Double Trouble Double Vision Tour

Start the weekend with an outdoor concert featuring two legendary classic-rock bands. Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner are bringing their Double Trouble Double Vision Tour to Morton Amphitheater.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Morton Amphitheater, 3701 NW 50th St., Riverside, MO
More information: View concert details and purchase tickets

2. Light Up the Lawn: The Swallowtails

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic to this free outdoor concert on the Nerman Museum lawn. Food trucks will also be available during the evening.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS
Admission: Free
More information: Visit the event website

3. Summer Concert on the Lawn Featuring Brass Rewind

Enjoy an evening of live music on the beautiful lawn of the Museum of Kansas City. Brass Rewind will perform a lively selection of brass-driven favorites.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: The Museum of Kansas City, 3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO
More information: View the museum’s event calendar

4. Second Fridays Open Studios

Explore Kansas City’s creative community during Second Fridays at Zhou B Art Center. Visitors can meet local artists, tour their working studios and view current gallery exhibitions.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO
Admission: Free
More information: View event details

5. Book Bedazzle

Bring your favorite book and give its cover a sparkling makeover. This creative Westport event would be a fun outing for book lovers and groups of friends.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Two Sugars, 1412 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO
Cost: Free admission; supplies are $5
More information: View event details

6. Pottery & Pinot Wheel-Throwing Experience

Try something creative for date night with a guided pottery-wheel experience at House of Clay. Participants will learn the basics of wheel throwing while enjoying a relaxed evening together.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 7:00–9:30 p.m.
Location: House of Clay, 7811 Marty St., Overland Park, KS
Cost: $55
More information: View details and purchase tickets

7. Hot Girls Telling Lies Comedy Show

Head to the Crossroads for an evening of cocktails and live stand-up comedy at Lifted Spirits Distillery.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 8:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Lifted Spirits Distillery, 1734 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO
More information: View event details and tickets

Saturday, August 15

8. PNC kidFEST at Science City

PNC kidFEST is an entire day of hands-on activities, science demonstrations, creative projects and family fun. The event is designed especially for younger learners, but the whole family can participate.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: Science City at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO
Admission: Included with Science City admission; free for members
More information: Visit the official kidFEST website

9. Stratgazer’s Summer Jam

Spend Saturday listening to a full lineup of live performers at this all-day outdoor music festival in the Crossroads Arts District.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 1:30–11:00 p.m.
Location: Grinders KC Event Venue, 1826 Locust St., Kansas City, MO
More information: View the lineup and purchase tickets

10. Book Swap at Two Sugars

Refresh your reading list without spending anything. Bring a book you are finished with and exchange it for something new to read. Free black coffee will be provided to participants.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Two Sugars, 1412 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO
Admission: Free
More information: View event details

11. Backyard Movie: “Saved!”

Screenland Armour is taking movie night outside with a backyard screening of the 2004 comedy “Saved!” starring Mandy Moore and Jena Malone.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 8:45 p.m.
Location: Screenland Armour Theatre, 408 Armour Road, North Kansas City, MO
More information: View details and purchase tickets

12. Aqua Glow Zumba

Dance, exercise and cool off during this nighttime pool-based Zumba class. Colorful glowing lights turn the pool into an energetic outdoor dance party.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Summit Waves, 120 SW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO
Cost: $15 per person
More information: View event information and registration

Sunday, August 16

13. 816 Day Celebration at Kansas City Live!

Celebrate everything that makes Kansas City special during the city’s annual 816 Day celebration. This free, all-ages block party will feature live music, local vendors and food and drink specials in the Power & Light District.

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Location: KC Live! in the Power & Light District, 13 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO
Admission: Free
More information: Visit the official 816 Day event website

14. 816 Celebration at J. Rieger & Co.

J. Rieger & Co. is joining the citywide celebration with its own free 816 Day event in the historic Electric Park district.

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: Noon–8:00 p.m.
Location: J. Rieger & Co. Distillery, 2700 Guinotte Ave., Kansas City, MO
Admission: Free
More information: View event details

15. John Mulaney with Fred Armisen

Finish the weekend with an evening of comedy under the stars. John Mulaney will perform at Starlight Theatre with special guest Fred Armisen.

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO
More information: View event details and purchase tickets

Bonus Event: See “Wicked” at the Kansas City Music Hall

The Broadway sensation “Wicked” is in Kansas City this weekend. The musical tells the untold story of the witches of Oz and features memorable songs including “Popular,” “For Good” and “Defying Gravity.”

Friday, August 14: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 15: 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 16: 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.
Location: Kansas City Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO
More information: View official show information and tickets

Make the Most of Your Kansas City Weekend

Whether you want to see a concert, discover a new artist, enjoy a creative date night or celebrate 816 Day with the entire city, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore Kansas City this weekend.

Which event are you planning to attend? Follow @livelovekansascity for more Kansas City events, restaurants, date-night ideas and local discoveries.

Event details can change. Check the linked event website before leaving for updated schedules, availability and ticket information.

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