Plan Ahead: Don’t miss Kansas City’s biggest events in May | A new month is here, and it’s time to fill in those calendars. Whether you’re in the mood for sports games, live music, active-minded activities, or seasonal fun, we rounded up the best of the action.
The best ways to spend rainy days in Kansas City | Drizzles don’t have to mean staying under the covers. If you’re the type of Kansas Citian who would rather chase a new adventure than watch the day drip away, here’s your storm-proof guide to making the most of a rainy forecast.
Midwest GameFest 2025 | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, Independence | $10+ | From card games and cosplay to gently used sales and workshops, there’s something for everyone at this annual four-day tabletop hobby game convention.
Brookside Art Annual | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Brookside | Free | Kick off KC’s outdoor art show season with this nationally ranked festival featuring the country’s top artists and local restaurant booths serving a range of goodies.
KC Clay Guild Spring Sale | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | 7850 Holmes Rd., KCMO | Free | Bring Mom to pick out a Mother’s Day gift from one of 45+ local artists and Guild members selling treasures like functional pottery and jewelry.
Alton Brown | 6:30 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $40+ | The famed foodie reflects on his decades-long career, shares favorite culinary mega-hacks, and sings some of his funny food songs in this culinary variety show.
American Royal Rodeo | Friday, May 2-Saturday, May 3 | American Royal Complex | $32+ | Cowboys and cowgirls compete in fan-favorite events like bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton busting.
Saturday, May 3
Wings Over Weston | 6:30 a.m. | 16600 State Route 45 N., Weston | Free with reservation | Experience the luscious greenery of a Missouri state park with this bird migration celebration featuring hands-on feeder workshops, a monarch butterfly program, native plant sales, and guided birding walks.
9th Annual Weston WineFest | 12-7 p.m. | Pirtle Winery | $35+ | Bring your buddies to sip selections from 10 local wineries while enjoying live music and food truck fare.
10th Annual Kansas City Museum Derby Party 2025 | 3-7 p.m. | Kansas City Museum | $125 | Dress in your best silver, black, and white Derby duds for all-you-can-eat Southern bites, dancing, and race day escapades supporting the museum’s educational programs.
Overnight Fishing | 11 p.m.-5 a.m. | Shawnee Mission Park | Free | The first overnight fishing opportunity of the season is here — make sure you’ve got a valid Kansas fishing license and JCPRD boat permits, if applicable.
Sunday, May 4
Sunday Funday: Bottomless Bubbles | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Parlor | $30 | Treat yourself to bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and beermosas before taking the party upstairs to the covered patio.
Brews & Bonsai | 2-4 p.m. | The Border Brewing Company | $75 | Get ready for an afternoon of beer and branch-bending as you learn about the ancient art of bonsai — the first one’s on the house.
Pro tip: Sponsorships include exclusive perks, including a limited-edition print for top-tier supporters. | Photo provided by Nerman Museum
Mark your calendars: Pop culture takes center stage at the A Match Made in Heaven Gala, happening next Saturday, May 10 at the Nerman Museum.
Kansas Citians can enjoy an evening of art, fashion + fun, celebrating the bold works of artist Katherine Bernhardt and fashion designer Jeremy Scott. Expect:
Tomorrow is National Fitness Day, celebrated each year on the first Saturday of May. Get your sweat on at one of these local gyms. If fitness isn’t your thing, it’s also one of our favorite holidays of the year — National Lumpy Rug Day.
Eat
Chicken + waffles are back at KFC. The popular combo hasn’t been on the menu in over five years — well, at least not at the fast food chain. We know quite a few local brunch spots where you can find the sweet and savory dish.
Holiday
May the fourth be with you. Sunday, May 4, is “Star Wars” Day — a celebration of the beloved space opera. In addition to watching the films, you can observe the occasion by avoiding the Dark Side and being a force for good by performing a local random act of kindness.
Listen
Explore soundscapes around the world with this interactive map. The map features over 7,000 sounds from 130 countries and territories. For Kansas City, someone uploaded the sound of a local train rolling by.
Shop
Tired of smells that linger? This plug-in air purifier boasts a 99.99% deodorization rate that conquers unpleasant pet, toilet, and kitchen odors.*
City Guide
City Guide
Savory savings to savor
We count an order of fries as a serving of vegetables. | Photo by Baba’s Pantry
Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Kansas City. Check out this list of 15 places where a lunch for one costs $10 or less.
Sandwiches and wraps
The Milwaukee Delicatessen Company, KCMO
Sure, there’s pizza and salad, but when we’re here, we’re hungry for marinated tomato-stuffed grilled cheese or classic meatball sub.
Vegan and vegetarian options
Baba’s Pantry, KCMO
Named to Bon Appétit’s “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America 2022,” Baba’s Palestinian-American grab and go menu is entirely vegetarian + features items from $1.99 to $9.99.
Pizza
Pizza 51, KCMO
If it’s the go-to spot for students on a budget, you’re bound to find some pretty sweet deals, like a slice of pizza for $4.99 or calzones for $9.99.
Sushi and noodles
Sushi Mido, 6010 Nieman Rd., Shawnee
Grab any one roll and take your pick of crab rangoon, harumaki + salad, or soup for $7.95.
A lone gorilla vs. 100 men. Where do you land on the viral debate that’s taking over the internet?
If you’re feeling like doing some in-field research of your own, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has five gorillas at its facility. Let’s hope the glass is strong.
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