Labor Day is coming up soon, but there’s still time to make plans for the weekend. Here are just a few things going on in Kansas City this coming weekend.
Labor Day weekend is the first day of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. If you love Renaissance fairs, you’ll love this huge festival. It covers more than 16 acres and includes shops, artists, rides, games, great food, and, of course, many people in costumes.
The Kansas City Royals are planning against Detroit Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re a sports fan, here’s your Labor Day weekend activity!
Irish Fest is also taking place this weekend. Centered around the Crown Center, the event features three stages with many different performers and other Irish-themed activities. Food, of course, will also play a huge part!
Another Labor Day tradition is Santa-Cali-Gon Days, an event held at Historic Square in Independence, Missouri. This huge festival lasts all weekend and features many different games and live entertainment. Admission to Santa-Cali-Gon Days is free.
If you’re a doll collector, you’re going to want to be at Oak Park Mall this Labor Day. American Girl is going to open, and this store has everything doll lovers want. There might even be a few free giveaways if you get there early enough!
Summer is almost over, but there are still a few more weeks left to squeeze in some fun in Kansas City. The weather is cooling off a bit, so it’s a great time to head outdoors and enjoy a walk in the park. Many farmers’ markets are also still open, so you can still pick up fresh vegetables and fruit.
What else is there to do in Kansas City? The Kansas City Zoo has a great number of animals for the kids to see, and there’s even a petting zoo area where they can meet some of these animals up close and personal. You can even get a coupon for a free child’s admission when you purchase an adult admission.
For those who don’t want to spend the day in the heat, there’s the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. The museum includes many different interesting exhibits, including the Memories of Korea special exhibit. Exhibits highlighting Truman’s life and his presidency shouldn’t be missed. Two for one admission coupons are available up through December 31.
For those with young children, the Wonderscope Children’s Museum may be of more interest. Here, kids can explore the world via a number of different hands-on exhibits. One of the most popular is the LEGO Ocean Adventure that gives kids the chance to learn about the ocean while playing with large LEGO bricks.
Finally, the Toy & Miniature Museum has 38 rooms showing off a large number of marbles, miniatures, and nostalgic toys. Some of these toys will bring back memories of childhood. The museum has everything from steam engine trains to vintage games and some one of a kind toys, too.
Wondering what to do this Fourth of July in Kansas City? Well, the people of KC certainly know how to celebrate our nation’s day of independence. They have a number of different events you can attend and, of course, many of them feature fireworks.
More than 20,000 people attend the annual Parkville Fourth of July Fireworks and Festival every year. Things start on Tuesday morning with a parade followed by an all-day carnival at English Landing Park. At 9:30 p.m., fireworks are shot off over the Missouri River.
Berkley Riverfront Park is host to the KC Riverfest, one of the most popular fireworks shows in the KC Metro. There are a number of things to do before the fireworks show, but you don’t want to miss the grand finale. This fireworks display is actually choreographed to live music!
Worlds of Fun, one of Kansas City’s popular theme parks, will be hosting its own Fourth of July celebration. This event is one of the longest running annual fireworks show in Kansas City, and it all starts around 10 p.m.
For those wanting to spend a little time with nature before watching fireworks, the Booms and Blooms Fest at Powell Gardens is exactly what you want. Stroll through the beautiful gardens, maybe even take a picnic dinner, before settling near the lake to watch the fireworks. This event is actually held on the third, not the fourth, so you can attend it and then plan to see another fireworks display on Independence Day.
Finally, Corporate Woods Star Spangled Spectacular is another amazing Fourth of July event full of funnel cakes, a free concert, and a huge fireworks display that is one of the biggest in the area. It all starts at 4:00 p.m. and lasts until 11. Note that parking is a concern with this event, so be ready to walk.
Ready for some springtime fun in Kansas City? There are many great attractions in the city for you and your family to enjoy. Here are just a few of the best attractions for you to enjoy this spring.
The Crown Center in the heart of Kansas City is a great place to start your springtime adventure. They have a great number of different dining options, plus the center features three live theatres and a huge movie complex. Next door to the Crown Center is Union Station, a historic landmark that houses Science City. This attraction is a hands-on science center that kids will enjoy.
If you’d rather go outdoors, the Overland Park Arboretum features 300 acres of trees, flowers, and nature. More than 80 percent of the park is natural ecosystem, while the remaining part of the garden features botanical gardens, a visitor’s center, and a conservatory. You can wander through the Erickson Water Garden, the Monet Garden, and a learning arboretum. The arboretum also features many different hiking and walking trails.
A visit to the Kansas City zoo can also be a great springtime activity for families. The zoo has more than 200 acres and over 1,000 animals, including elephants, kangaroos, camels, and more. Several new additions, including an indoor rainforest, new viewing decks, and a lion viewing area are now open, and a polar bear exhibit is planned for 2010.
If you need to cool down on a hot spring day, Oceans of Fun is a great destination. This water theme park features a 72 foot super slide, a water funhouse with cannons and rope bridges, and a 2,000 square foot spray ground for the kids. For a more relaxing time, you can float down the Caribbean Cooler or visit the Castaway Cove and its swim-up cabana.
Planning a Romantic Date Night in Kansas City Planning a romantic date night for you and your special someone? If you’re living in Kansas City and looking for something that will impress him or her, here are a few ideas for creating that special night.
There are a number of great romantic restaurants in Kansas City. If you want to really impress your significant other, you might want to go with Le Fou Frog, a French bistro located near the downtown river market. The cozy tables are lit by candles, and the menu is constantly changing as the chef creates great new dishes.
Californos is another popular romantic restaurant. It offers a great view and a nice, warm fireplace that warms up those chilly winter nights. Some tables are recessed into small nooks so you can enjoy a romantic dinner in almost near-privacy. The restaurant also features a very extensive wine list.
Attending an event at the Starlight Theatre in Swope Park can also be a great romantic opportunity. They bring in a number of different types of entertainment thorugh the summer, including great concerts. Before or after the show, you can also take a stroll through the park. In fact, strolling through any park in Kansas City can be a great romantic date. You could pack a picnic dinner, then watch the sun set and the stars come out.
Of course, no date night is complete without a few surprises. Pick up a nice bouquet of flowers to give her at the beginning of the date, especially if you are picking her up. Don’t forget to dress to impress, too. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit, but take a bit of time to make sure you look good. Remember, too, to make this date night personal. Any little personal touch such as going to a favorite restaurant or surprising him or her with tickets to a favorite musician is a sure way of making your romantic date night a success.
If you live in Kansas City or are going to be visiting the area around March 17, you might enjoy getting in on some of the great St. Patrick’s Day events going on in the city. There are a variety of different traditions that KC has for celebrating this Irish holiday, and while some of them do include drinking green beer, there are activities for the entire family as well. Just don’t forget to wear your green or you might get pinched!
The biggest event, of course, is the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. It takes place on the day itself, March 17, and it starts around 11:00 a.m. It’s scheduled to last until 1:00 p.m. or so, depending on how quickly the various floats and such move. The parade follows the traditional route down Broadway from 33rd Street to 43rd Street. This year’s Grand Marshal is Irishman Ian Byrne, the lead singer for The Elders and the owner of Byrne Custom Woodworking.
There are a number of different pubs and bars holding St. Patrick’s Day events, of course. One of the most popular is Kelly’s Westport Inn. Their traditional celebration is full of live music and other fun entertainment. You can enjoy a pint at the bar or go out on Randal’s Rooftop, a large open deck that provides quite a view. Other places to hang out include O’dowd’s Little Dublin, Mike Kelly’s, the Gaf, and Lew’s. All feature live music and other entertainment.
For those who really want to party, the Martini Corner’s Street Party offers up five different bars and music all day long. It’s held at 31st and Oak and promises a great time for anyone who loves dancing. Likewise, the Power and Light District will be holding their Shamrocks and Shenanigans party starting at 6:00 a.m. with their Kegs and Eggs event.
Indoor Fun
Here are a few great activities in Kansas City to help you get through the bitter cold!
Dates: Jan. 28-31 | Location: Downtown/Conv Center Area | Venue: Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends! It’s as easy as counting “1-2-3 … Imagine! This high-energy musical will transport audiences to far away places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. It’s a story of adventure and fun that teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination.
Admission: $13, $18, $23, $33, $65
Type: Major Events,Music & Dance
Dates: Thu., Feb. 4 | Location: Downtown/Conv Center Area | Venue: Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
Tour audiences will experience multiple new songs from the award-winning band’s chart-topping new album “Until The Whole World Hears”. Fans can expect a fresh and powerful God-centered message from lead singer and Pastor Mark Hall.
Admission: $15, $25, $30, $50, $75
Type: Concerts,Major Events,Music & Dance
Participants will receive a Polar Bear card and a free t-shirt, and will seek out stamps from each of participating six venues, which include Shark Bar, McFadden’s Sports Saloon, Raglan Road Irish Pub, Living Room, Tengo Sed Cantina and PBR Big Sky. Once completed, cards are entered into a drawing for the opportunity to win the grand prize of $1,000 in free gasoline. Second place wins $600 in gift certificates to Power & Light District venues. Participants are also encouraged to dress creatively in “winter” costumes. The guest who best uses their imagination and is voted on by others as having the “Best Dressed Winter Costume” wins $250 in cash.
Admission: $5
Related Organization: Kansas City Power & Light District
Where: Downtown/Conv Center Area
Address: Kansas City Power & Light District, 13th & Walnut Sts., Kansas City, Mo.
Phone: 816-842-1045
When: Jan. 8
Time: 8-11pm
An exhibition of Kansas City’s finest culinary talents, Kansas City Restaurant Week will offer a variety of mouth-watering foods from top chefs across the metro area, demonstrating why the KC dining scene is among the nation’s best–and up until now, one of the best-kept foodie secrets (the Zagat Survey has called Kansas City the No. 1 dining bargain of all the major cities it reviews). Restaurant Week features an array of restaurant participants so that diners can visit old favorites and also try the many new restaurants that have opened recently in the Kansas City metro area.
Admission: $15-$30
Where: Downtown Convention Center Area
When: Jan. 22-31
Time Square Flair in Kansas City!
NEW YEAR’S EVE ICE SKATING: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 31. Line Creek Ice Arena and Community Center, 5940 N.W. Waukomis. $5 coupon books. (816-359-6215)
NEW YEAR’S EVE: Includes live music and champagne toast at 6 p.m. and midnight. 5 p.m. Dec. 31. O’Dowd’s on the Plaza, 4742 Pennsylvania. (816-561-2700)
NEW YEARS EVE DINNER: Reservations required. 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Bluestem Lounge, 900 Westport. $130 per person, $65 for wine parings, $20 for the DJ Performance. www.bluestemkc.com (816-561-1101)
NEW YEAR’S EVE ROLLER SKATING: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 31. River Roll Skate Center, 4720 N.W. Gateway, Riverside. $5 coupon books. www.riverroll.com (816-359-6215)
NEW YEARS EVE FAMILY PARTY: Includes karaoke and games. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 31. Denny’s, 9471 Lenexa Dr., Lenexa. (913-492-8733)
FAMILY FRIENDLY DINNER & DANCE: Live music with BlueMartini. 7-10 p.m. Dec. 31. Denny’s, 10480 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. $27 Adult tickets. www.dennys7events.webs.com (913-341-7005)
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: Live music with Wayne the Train Hancock w/ Phantom of the Opry & The Camptown Ladies. 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester. $35, $55 for dinner, show and midnight snacks. www.knuckleheadskc.com (816-483-1456)
THE ROOFTOP NYE PARTY: Includes dinner and late night buffet and live entertainment. 7 p.m. Dec. 31. The Well Bar & Grill, 7421 Broadway. $75. www.waldowell.com (816-361-1700)
NYE 2010: Includes open call bar, appetizer buffet, champagne toast and party favors. 7-10 p.m. Dec. 31. Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge, 1370 Grand. $60, $100 per couple. www.bowlluckystrike.com (816-471-2316)
NEW YEAR’S EVE: Includes live music, party favors and champagne toast. 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Fuel Bar & Grill, 7300 W. 119th, Overland Park. (913-451-0444)
NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH: 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway. $80. www.uptowntheater.com (1-800-745-3000)
NEW YEARS EVE EXTRAVAGANZA: With Parliament Funkadelic and ConFunkShun. Includes show, dance, Champagne toast, party favors, balloon drop and more. 7 p.m. Dec. 31. KCI Expo Center, 11730 N. Ambassador. $130. (816-891-7694)
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: Includes live entertainment, balloon drop, laser light show and pyrotechnic display. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. Hyatt Regency Crown Center, 2345 McGee. $75 and up. crowncenter.hyatt.com (816-421-1234)
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY: Includes Hors d’oeuvres and drinks, a three course dinner, music, dancing, door prizes, party favors, balloon drop and Champagne toast. 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Hilton Garden Inn, 19677 E. Jackson, Independence. $125 per couple. (816-350-3000)
SUBSTANCE-FREE FAMILY NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION: Includes hot dogs, chips, pop, prizes and DJ. 7:30-11 p.m. Dec. 31. Congress Middle School, 8150 N. Congress. (816-359-6215)
NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH MURDER MYSTERY PLAYERS, INC.: Includes a three-course meal, live theatrical performance, champagne toast at midnight and more. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Dave & Busters, 1843 Village West Parkway, Suite 201, Kansas City, Kan. $79.50. www.mysteryplayers.com (913-981-6815)
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION: Includes buffet dinner, champagne toast, balloon drop at midnight with dancing and live music. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13th. $89. (816-513-5000)
TEEN NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION: For seventh-12th graders. Includes music, drawings, a video, Wii games and snacks. 8-11 p.m. Dec. 31. Platte County Community Center South, 8875 Clark, Parkville. www.ymca-kc.org (816-505-2622)
And many more from KansasCity.com!
Spending your Christmas in Kansas City? There’s plenty to do this holiday season in KC, including some great traditional events and some new activities as well. Here are just a few of the holiday events going on this winter in Kansas City.
Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake is a great activity that involves little cost and a lot of fun. Load up the car and head out to Longview Lake, where you’ll see over 300,000 Christmas lights and more than 175 animated figures. It may take you a couple of hours to drive through the park due to the slow moving traffic, but it’s well worth it. Bring along some hot chocolate and some snacks for the kids to really make the trip fun. Don’t forget the holiday music, either!
Want to go ice skating this holiday season? Head over to Crown Center Ice Terrace, while offers ice skating from November through March. The terrace also offers a great view of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. Admission is $6, but those under 5 or over 60 get in for free. Skate rental is only $3, but you can bring your own if you like. For those who get up early, admission is free between 6:00 am and 9:00 am.
While you’re at the Crown Center, you might want to visit Santa’s Gingerbread Village. This entire village is made out of edible gingerbread and features a reindeer stable, Santa’s sleigh, the elves dorm, and Santa’s home. You can even take one of three trains through the village to see it all.
For those looking for a holiday show in Kansas City, the Kansas City Repertory Theatre is performing A Christmas Story: The Musical until January 3rd. This holiday comedy is based on the movie A Christmas Story and follows the tale of Ralphie, a young boy who just wants a BB-gun for Christmas.
Another great show is The Nutcracker, a traditional Christmas story performed by the Kansas City Ballet. It runs from December 16 to the 27th at the Music Hall. For an extra treat, you and your children can have their pictures taken with members of the cast an hour before and after each show
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