Things to Do in Kansas City This Weekend: July 17–19, 2026
Looking for something fun to do in Kansas City this weekend? From professional soccer and outdoor concerts to butterflies, local shopping and the KC Fringe Festival, there is plenty happening throughout the metro.
Here are eight Kansas City events to check out this weekend.
KC Fringe Festival 2026
Dates: Friday, July 17–Sunday, July 19, 2026, with the full festival continuing through July 26
Times: Multiple performances throughout each day; showtimes vary
Locations: Multiple Kansas City venues, including the Unicorn Theatre, The Bird Comedy Theater, The Arts Asylum, Kansas City Public Library, Whim Space and others
Experience some of Kansas City’s most creative and unexpected live entertainment during the annual KC Fringe Festival. The festival features theater, comedy, dance, improv, circus, live music, storytelling, cabaret and other original performances from local and visiting artists.
Performances are held at several venues across Kansas City, and most shows are less than an hour long, making it easy to attend more than one. Individual productions carry age recommendations, so check each show’s description before bringing children. The 2026 festival runs from July 16 through July 26.
Browse KC Fringe shows, times, venues and tickets
Kansas City Current vs. San Diego Wave FC
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Start the weekend by cheering on the Kansas City Current as they face the San Diego Wave FC at CPKC Stadium. Arrive early to explore the restaurants, gathering spaces and other new additions around the Kansas City riverfront before kickoff.
View match information and tickets
Jon Batiste Live at Starlight Theatre
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, Missouri
Spend a summer evening under the stars with Jon Batiste at Starlight Theatre. The energetic singer, songwriter and musician brings his imaginative live show to one of Kansas City’s favorite outdoor concert venues.
View concert information and tickets
KantCon 2026
Dates and times:
Friday, July 17, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 18, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, July 19, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, Kansas
Board-game fans, card players and role-playing enthusiasts can spend the weekend at KantCon. The four-day tabletop gaming convention includes role-playing games, miniature games, card games and board games for both experienced players and curious newcomers.
View the KantCon schedule and registration information
Summer Fest at Zona Rosa
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Central Park and surrounding streets at Zona Rosa, Kansas City, Missouri
Zona Rosa’s Summer Fest combines a summer party with a large pop-up shopping event. Activities include carnival games, giant bubbles, a golf simulator, a DJ dance party, food trucks and more than 80 local vendors. Bring the family, grab something to eat and spend the afternoon exploring.
View Summer Fest event details
Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens
Dates: Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Powell Gardens, 1609 Northwest U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, Missouri
Powell Gardens is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Festival of Butterflies. Visitors can walk among free-flying tropical butterflies in the Conservatory, explore native butterfly habitats and learn about the plants and pollinators that support healthy ecosystems.
Saturday’s activities also include storytelling in the Conifer Room from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
View Festival of Butterflies information and tickets
The Head and the Heart at KC Live!
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: KC Live! in the Kansas City Power & Light District, 13th Street and Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri
Indie-folk band The Head and the Heart is bringing its 15th Anniversary Tour to KC Live! The outdoor concert will feature familiar favorites along with music from the band’s album Aperture.
This is an ages 18-and-older event, with certain premium areas limited to guests 21 and older.
View concert information and tickets
Kansas City’s Lawn Party
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Time: 4–8 p.m.
Location: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri
Finish the weekend at a massive free party on the Nelson-Atkins lawn. Kansas City’s Lawn Party features local food trucks, live music, art activities, lawn games, giant bubbles, a teen open mic, a dog-friendly activity area and plenty of room to relax outside.
Admission to both the festival and the museum is free, although advance registration can make check-in faster.
View the complete Lawn Party schedule
Make the Most of Your Kansas City Weekend
Whether you want to attend a concert, support a Kansas City sports team, shop from local vendors or spend a relaxed afternoon outside, this weekend offers something for nearly everyone.
Event schedules, ticket availability and outdoor activities may change, so check the official event website before leaving home.
