August PlanAhead: Your Kansas City events calendar

Table of Contents

Happy August, Kansas City. ☀️ If you’re anything like us, you’re ecstatic about the sunny days, food trucks, and festivals on the horizon — and with all that excitement, you’re also looking for fun local events to attend. Read on for all the top events happening this month in the metro.

Monday, August 9-Sunday August 15

Monday | August 9

WaterCooler

  • Royals vs. Yankees | Mon., Aug. 9 | 7:10 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $10+ | The Royals take on the New York Yankees for a home-field series opener. ⚾

Show

Cause

  • JFS Community Food Drive | Mon., Aug. 9 | 5-6 p.m. | JFS Brookside East, 425 E. 63rd St. | Free | Jewish Family Services is collecting items to stock a food pantry for families in need. 🥫

ForKids

  • Stitch Camp | Mon., Aug. 9-Fri., Aug. 13 | Times vary | The Sewing Labs, 526 Campbell, Kansas City | $75+ | Kids 8-15 explore hand and machine sewing + survival stitching.

Tuesday | August 10

Show

  • The Naughty Pines | Tues., Aug. 10 | 7-10 p.m. | The Ship, 1221 Union Ave. | Free | Authentic honky tonk music in the West Bottoms.
  • Lee’s Summit Symphony | Tues., Aug. 10 | 7-9 p.m. | Bridge Space, 210 SW. Market St. | Free | The Symphony provides live music in conjunction with the celebration of the Missouri Bicentennial. 🎻

WaterCooler

  • Sporting KC vs. Club Leon | Tues., Aug. 10 | 7 p.m. | Children’s Mercy Park | $29+ | Sporting Kansas City hosts Mexican team Club Leon in the quarterfinals of the international 2021 tournament, Leagues Cup.
  • Royals vs. Yankees | Tues., Aug. 10 | 7:10 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $34.10+ | The Royals take on the New York Yankees for a home-field evening game, celebrating Star Wars Night. ⚾

ForKids

  • Summer Fun 2021 | Tues., Aug. 10 | 6 p.m. | Calvary Assembly of God, 9320 Elm Ave. | Free | A back-to-school blast with inflatables, water games, and giveaways.

Arts

  • Sunset on the Dunes | Tues., Aug. 10 | 7-9 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette, 4817 W. 117th St. | $32 | Paint + sip in this guided class, creating a painting of sand dunes at sunset. 🎨

Learn

  • Train Day in Science City | Tues., Aug. 10 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Union Station | $14 | See the world’s largest operating steam locomotive + participate in activities and live performances. 🚂

Wednesday | August 11

Show

  • Dropkick Murphys + Rancid | Wed., Aug. 11 | Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. | Grinders KC, 1826 Locust St. | $45+ | Two punk rock bands from opposite sides of the US converge on this Crossroads outdoor venue. 🤘

ForKids

  • Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove | Wed., Aug. 11 | 10-11 a.m. | Olathe Community Center | Free | Bring the family to come sing + dance along with this high-energy, interactive show.

Cause

  • Family Fun Night | Wed., Aug. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Chicken N Pickle, 1761 Burlington St., North Kansas City | Free | Come for free apps, drinks + pickleball, hosted by the Police Athletic League. 🏓

TryThis

  • KC Singles Mixer Happy Hour | Wed., Aug. 11 | 5-7 p.m. | County Road Ice House, 100 East 14th Street, #2919 | $5 | Meet new people, network + find love, all with the help of a relationship coach. ❤️

Thursday | August 12

Show

  • Jimmie Allen | Thurs., Aug. 12 | 7 p.m. | KC Live! | Free | Hot Country Nights welcomes rising country music singer Jimmie Allen. 🎤
  • UMKC Jazz Quartet | Thurs., Aug. 12 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grill, 1903 Victory Dr., Liberty, MO | $10 minimum at live music tables | Live jazz from some of KC’s finest student musicians. 🎵

Network

  • KC Business Alliance Network Lunch | Thurs. Aug. 12 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Brass Onion, 5501 W 135th St., Overland Park, KS | Free | Meet and build relationships with like-minded metro business people. 🤝

Friday | August 13

Show

  • All Time Low | Fri., Aug. 13 | Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. | KC Live! | $20+ | Alt-rock band with an early-2000s flare. 🎸

ForKids

  • Kids Night Out | Fri., Aug. 13 | 5-10 p.m. | Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS | $500 | Maren Morris headlines the Boys & Girls Clubs’ charity Kids Night Out event.

Arts

  • Carnival of Ink | Aug. 13-15 | Fri., 2-10 p.m., Sat. + Sun. 12-10 p.m. | KCI Expo Center, 11730 N Ambassador Dr. | $10+ | Expert artists and ink fans all under the same roof.

Saturday | August 14

Cause

  • Crank Out Hunger | Sat., Aug. 14 | 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | 777 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO | $40 | Bike ride benefiting Coldwater’s food pantry. Get a T-shirt, lunch and ride 20-68 miles. 🚴

Show

  • The Floozies | Sat., Aug. 14 | Doors at 4 p.m., show at 5 p.m. | Grinders, 419 E 18th St. | $27.50+ | Electro-funk in the Crossroads.

Arts

  • Origins Collecting to Create the Nelson-Atkins | Sat., Aug. 14 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | $18 | Learn about the beginnings of Nelson-Atkins + how the museum’s collection came to life at this new exhibit. 🖼️

WaterCooler

  • KC NWSL vs. OL Reign | Sat., Aug. 14 | 7 p.m. | Legends Field | $20+ | Kansas City’s pro women’s soccer team. ⚽

Sunday | August 15

TryThis

  • 816 Day | Sun., Aug. 15 | 9 a.m.-10 p.m. | 18th and Vine, Kansas City, MO | Free | Weekend block party celebrating Kansas City, including brunch, bounce houses + bands.

Cause

  • Kansas City Superhero Heart Run | Sun., Aug. 15 | Check-in at 9 a.m. | Swope Park, 3999 Swope Pkwy &, 3999 E Meyer Blvd. | $30 for adults, $15 kids 2-12 | Run to fundraise and raise awareness for Congenital Heart Disease. ❤️
  • JFS Community Food Drive | Sun., Aug. 15 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | JFS Brookside East, 425 E. 63rd St. | Free | Jewish Family Services is collecting items to stock a food pantry for families in need. 🥫

Monday, August 16-Sunday August 22

Monday | August 16

TryThis

  • Big 8.16 Summer Party | Mon., Aug. 16 | Open to close | John’s Big Deck, Drunken Worm, MO Brew, The Levee | Free+ | Each Krown Concept bar will offer specials. VIP ticket holders get transportation + a drink at each place.
  • Karaoke Monday with Vanessa Davis | Mon., Aug. 16 | Bar opens at 8:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m. | THE BLACK BOX, 1060 Union Ave. | Free | Sing and lounge in Kansas City’s West Bottoms. 🎤

Tuesday | August 17

Water Cooler

Show

  • Brewery Comedy Tour | Tues., Aug. 17 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Crane Brewing, 6515 Railroad St, Raytown, MO | $12 | Part of a nationwide tour of New York + LA comedians.

Wednesday | August 18

WaterCooler

TryThis

  • Joy Of Breathing | Wed., Aug. 18 | 12-12:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Connect your body, mind, heart and spirit with this quick pranayama breath-work class.

Thursday | August 19

Show

  • Rich Wheeler Quartet | Thurs., Aug. 19 | 7-10 p.m. | The Ship, 1221 Union Ave. | Free | Jazz in Kansas City’s West Bottoms.

Outdoors

  • Tee It Up Fore The Kids | Thurs., Aug. 19 | 5-8 p.m. | Topgolf, 10611 Nall Ave., Overland Park, KS | $500+ | A Top Golf competition benefitting Cornerstones of Care. ⛳

Cause

  • 21st Annual Gala and Auction | Thurs., Aug. 19 | 6:00-8:30 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium | $175+ | Silent and live auctions, gourmet food + drink, and entertainment.

Friday | August 20

Show

TryThis

  • Planet Comicon | Fri., Aug 20-Sun., Aug. 22 | Times vary | Kansas City Convention Center | $28.99+ for adults, $9.99+ for kids 8-12 | See TV and movie actors + creators at this big 3-day event.
  • Laser Stranger Things | Fri. + Sat., Aug. 20-21 | 6 p.m. | Union Station Planetarium | $4 for members, $8 general | Take a trip to the upside-down + experience the ‘80s soundscapes from the show reinterpreted in vibrant laser light.

WaterCooler

Arts

  • Parkville Days Festival | Fri., Aug. 20-Sun., Aug. 22 | Times Vary | Historic Downtown Parkville | Free | Listen to live music, ride carnival rides, and visit various vendor booths. 🎡

Saturday | August 21

Outdoors

  • Butterfly Festival | Sat., Aug. 21 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Colonial Gardens, 27610 E. Wyatt Rd. | $8+ | Explore local vendors, learn about pollinators + watch a butterfly release. 🦋

WaterCooler

  • Kansas City Monarchs vs Milwaukee Milkmen | Sat. Aug. 21 | 7 p.m. | Legends Field | $5+ | KU Night means fans can get reserved infield seating, a Monarchs and KU T-shirt, and food + drink deals. ProTip: Use promo code KU21.

TryThis

  • Dinner Detective | Sat., Aug. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Crowne Plaza | $69.95+ tax | America’s largest interactive comedy, murder-mystery dinner show. 🔎
  • Kansas City Pride Festival | Sat., Aug. 21-Sun., Aug. 22 | All Day | Theis Park, 4701 Oak St. | Free | Local acts, vendors, food trucks, and a parade. 🌈

Sunday | August 22

Show

  • Fiddler on the Roof | Sun., Aug. 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Municipal Auditorium, 301 W. 13th St. | $163+ | ProTip: Tickets are selling fast. 🎟️

Arts

  • Art Garden | Sun., Aug. 22 | 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Pendleton Heights, 2233 Lexington Ave. | Free | 20+ vendors, art classes, food trucks, and music.

TheBuy

  • Kansas City Bridal Show | Sun., Aug. 22 | 1-5 p.m. | 28 Event Space, 1300 W. 28th St. | $12 | A boutique, interactive bridal show experience for engaged couples planning a wedding. 👰

Monday, August 23-Sunday August 29

Monday | August 23

Show

  • The Claudettes | Mon., Aug. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester Ave. | $10 | Chicago piano blues fused with punk, this will be the band’s only KC show of the year.

Cause

  • HopeKids Charity Golf Classic | Mon., Aug. 23 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Shoal Creek Golf Course, 8905 Shoal Creek Pkwy. | $250+ | A half-day scramble intended to help families who have a child with a medical condition.

Network

  • Fashion Mingle | Mon., Aug. 23 | 6:30-9:00 p.m. | Verdigris Bar, 5245 W. 116th Pl., Leawood, KS | Happy Hour Specials Provided | Mix + mingle with those in the fashion industry — from photographers, designers, stylists, and influencers.

Tuesday | August 24

Dish

  • Hands On: Dinner With Chef Bruce Campbell | Tues., Aug. 24 | 6:30-9:00 p.m. | Culinary Center of Kansas City, 7920 Santa Fe Dr. | $65 | Take part in an interactive cooking class where you’ll learn to make homemade egg pasta. 🍽️

Network

  • Career Fair | Tues., Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. | Free | Meet + network with top hiring recruiters and companies. 💼

TryThis

  • QVKC Step Aerobics | Tues., August 24 | 5-6 p.m. | The Nelle, 1818 McGee St. | $15 | Step-up your workout with this high-intensity cardio class.

Wednesday | August 25

WaterCooler

Drink

  • Mocktail Class | Wed., Aug. 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Beehive Studios, 1317 W. 13th Terrace | $30 | Become your own mixologist with this mocktail creation class. 🍹

TryThis

  • KC Singles Mixer Happy Hour | Wed., Aug. 25 | 5-7 p.m. | County Road Ice House, 100 E. 14th St. | Free | Join relationship coach Timmy Gibson to network with other singles in the area.

Thursday | August 26

Show

  • Parmalee | Thurs., Aug. 26 | 7 p.m. | KC Live! | Free | Hot Country Nights continues in Power and Light with this pop country group.

Arts

  • Paint and Sip | Thurs., Aug. 26 | 7-9 p.m. | Happy Trees Painting, 1219 Union Ave. | $25 | Paint a floral bouquet in this guided class. ProTip: BYOB.

Cause

  • Blood Drive | Thurs., Aug. 26 | 12-5 p.m. | Gladstone Community Center, 6901 N. Holmes | Free | While appointments are recommended, they are not required to donate. 🩸
  • Friends of the Family, JFS | Thurs., Aug. 26 | 12 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Learn about Jewish Family Services’ partnership initiatives and goals + hear from guest speaker Ryan Lefebvre, announcer for the Royals and published author.

Friday | August 27

WaterCooler

  • Chiefs vs. Vikings | Fri., Aug. 27 | 7 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium | $20+ | A preseason matchup two weeks before the first home game. 🏈

Show

  • Off the Wall Film Series: Harry & The Hendersons | Fri., Aug. 27 | 8:45 p.m. | Top floor of Community Bookshelf Parking Garage, 114 W 10th St. | Free | Watch a movie under the stars, courtesy of the Kansas City Public Library.
  • Rags to Riches Fashion Show | Fri., Aug. 27 | 6:30-11:30 p.m. | Swope Park | $25+ | A fashion show featuring various designers, vendors, and special performances. 👗

TryThis

  • Stand-Up Comedy Showcase Night | Fri., Aug. 27 | 7 p.m. | Apex Aleworks Brewery & Taproom, 4356 S. Noland Rd. | Free | Features a dedicated lineup of comedians from Kansas City + beyond.

Saturday | August 28

Show

  • KFKF’S Throwback Throwdown | Sat., Aug. 28 | Doors at 6 p.m. show at 7 p.m. | Azura Amphitheater, 633 N 130th St., Bonner Springs, KS | $25+ | Country music artists Clint Black, Tracy Byrd and Neal McCoy.

WaterCooler

  • Sporting KC vs. Colorado Rapids | Sat., Aug. 28 | 8 p.m. | Children’s Mercy Park | $30+ | Sporting KC heads a match against the Colorado Rapids with a home-field advantage. ⚽

ForKids

  • 2021 KC Take Kids Fishing | Sat., Aug. 28 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Spring Valley Park Lake, 2116 E. 29th St. | Free | Each registered child will be gifted a fishing pole to practice with. 🎣
  • Back-to-School Party | Sat., Aug. 28 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ward Parkway Center, 8600 Ward Pkwy. | Free | Family-fun games + a special performance by Mr. Stinky Feet.

Sunday | August 29

Show

  • Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Cheap Trick | Sun., Aug. 29 | Doors at 6:30 p.m. show at 7:30 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | $19.75+ | Enjoy a night of two rock-n-roll musical acts. 🎸
  • Martina McBride | Sun., Aug. 29 | 7-9 p.m. | Kauffman Center for Performing Arts | $46+ | A rescheduled performance for country artist and multiple GRAMMY-award nominee.

Monday, August 30-Sunday September 5

Monday | August 30

Show

  • Louis The Child | Mon., Aug. 30 | Show at 8 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $34+ | North-shore DJ duo at a historic downtown venue. 🎛️

TryThis

Tuesday | August 31

WaterCooler

  • Royals vs. Indians | Tues., Aug. 31 | 7:10 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $33+ | The Kansas City Royals face the Cleveland Indians for a home game.

Outside

  • 2021 Crime Stoppers TIPS Golf Classic | Mon., Aug. 31 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Tiffany Greens Golf Club, 5900 NW. Tiffany Springs Pkwy. | $100+ | team-up for a 4-person scramble + fundraise for the Kansas City Crime Stoppers. 🏌️
  • 2021 Charity Golf Scramble | Mon., Aug. 31 | 8 a.m. | The Deuce at The National, 6415 N. National Dr. | $100+ | Play on this 18-hole Tom Watson-designed course for charity.

Learn

Wednesday | September 1

WaterCooler

Arts

  • Paint + Sip Class | Wed., Sept. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette, 4165 N. Mulberry Dr. | $36 | Release your creative side with this guided ‘magic carpet ride’ paint class. 🖌️

Thursday | September 2

Show

  • Clay Walker | Thurs., Sept. 2 | 7 p.m. | KC Live! | Free | Enjoy a night of live music in the heart of downtown with this country musician.

WaterCooler

  • Royals vs. Indians | Thurs., Sept. 2 | 1:05 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $34.10+ | The Kansas City Royals face the Cleveland Indians for an afternoon game.

ForKids

  • Picasso & The Frog | Thurs., Sept. 2 | 12-1 p.m. | Cupcakin Bakery, 212 Nichols Rd. | Free | Get creative with this paint class. Bonus: Cupcakin will display your child’s art in their window in September.

Friday | September 3

Arts

  • Kansas City Irish Fest | Fri., Sept. 3-Sun., Sept. 5 | 5-11 p.m. | Crown Center | $8+ | Experience Ireland in the heart of Missouri with live performances, interactive heritage, workshops, and more. 🇮🇪
  • Missouri Life Market Fair | Fri., Sept. 3-Sat., Sept. 4 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Kansas City West Bottoms | Free | Support Missouri-made artworks from artists, artisans, and producers.

Outside

  • Friday in the Park | Fri., Sept. 3 | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Macken Park, 1002 Clark Ferguson Dr. | Free | Watch KC Swing Band perform.

Saturday | September 4

Drink

  • Uncorked: KC Wine Festival | Sat., Sept. 4 | 1-9 p.m. | Union Station | $55+ | Enjoy 100+ global wines and champagnes, food trucks, a DJ, and photo booth. 🍷

TryThis

  • Hatch Chile Fest | Sat., Sept. 4 | 9 a.m. | Port Fonda, 4141 Pennsylvania Ave. | Free | A block party in Westport featuring games, drink specials, and live music.
  • The Derby Party | Sat., Sept. 4 | 3 p.m. | Kansas City Museum | $75 | Learn about Kansas City’s vibrant history while enjoying southern food, fashion, and beverages.

Sunday | September 5

WaterCooler

  • Royals vs. White Sox | Sun., Sept. 5 | 1:10 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $34.10+ | The Kansas City Royals take on the Chicago White Sox for a home-field advantage game.
  • KC NWSL vs. NC Courage | Sun., Sept. 5 | 6-10 p.m. | Legends Field | $33+ | Kansas City’s own women’s soccer league takes on its North Carolina competitors.

Outside

  • Labor Day Dash 5K & 10K | Sun., Sept. 5 | 8-10 a.m. | Berkley Riverfront, 1298 River Front Dr. | $10+ | Join in on the fun run both in-person, and virtually. 👟
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