Imagine — what if there was a magical world where the community came together in perfect harmony, celebrating life through music? (Cue Morpheus from “The Matrix”) What if I told you that world is real?
Make Music Day is a worldwide “live, free musical celebration” happening tomorrow, June 21, according to Kansas City Parks and Rec. The event celebrates the longest day of the year (aka the summer solstice) with “concerts on streets, sidewalks, venues, and parks across the city.”
Last year (KC’s inaugural year) featured 62 musical groups across 101 events at 30 different venues. This year will top that with 40 venues + 72 groups.
This interactive map includes the locations + times of each performance — from Colonial Gardens in Blue Springs to The Legends in KCK and Old Shawnee Pizza in Lenexa. Use the tabs to search the artists, and use filters to find what fits your schedule and proximity.
Would you look at that — it’s concert-o’clock. | Photo via Getty Images
🎶 Go play
Don’t just listen.Join the Hellacopters and sing, “I’m In The Band.” Five free musical workshops + demonstrations allow participants to join in the soundscape — no musical talent needed.
Hohner Harmonica Experience for Beginners | 12-1 p.m. | Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming St., KCMO | Register to reserve your harmonica and learn the basics from local musician Russ ‘KidMan’ Schenke.
Urban Bucket Brigade Boot Camp | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park | Register to discover cultural rhythms on recycled buckets from teaching artist Jaisson Taylor.
Musication Station | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Union Station | Pick up a mallet and explore sound + music creation using everyday objects, perfect for Mozarts of all ages.
Makey Makey Music Making | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | City Market | Start playing with your food — this experience turns vegetables and fruits into musical notes.
Extreme Music Bingo | Mon., June 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Bar K, 501 Berkely Pkwy., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | “No boring numbers here” — just an exciting combination of music trivia and the classic game of bingo. 🐕
Paint Night at Jake’s Place | Tues., June 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Jake’s Place, 12001 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS | $30 | Let your creativity flow with the guidance of local artist Beka Leininger. 🎨
Wednesday
Music of Motown | Wed., June 22 | 4 p.m. | PNC Plaza, 14th Street and Main Street, Kansas City, MO | Free | Experiences a special performance from Broadway’s “Ain’t Too Proud”cast members. 🎙️
Board Game Night | Wed., June 22 | 6-10 p.m. | Mission: Board Games, 5606 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS | Free | Bring your own board game or borrow one.
Thursday
Cody Johnson | Thurs., June 23 | 8 p.m. | Azura Amphitheater | $45+ | The country singer-songwriter with hits such as “Till You Can’t.” 🎶
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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Winner, winner. Patrick and Ali Brown — a married couple from the metro — are Special Olympics gold medalists. Patrick won the 200-meter dash, and Ali claimed victory in the 4×100 swim relay at the national competition in Orlando. Congratulations. 🥇 (Kansas City Star)
Biz
Dred Scott, former head of the KC Boys & Girls Clubs, is the new president of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. The nonprofit comprises leaders from the metro’s largest private companies. Dred was chosen for his strong local partnerships. He beat out 1,200 people. 💼 (Kansas City Business Journal)
There’s a new commercial real estate venture in town. Former JE Dunn Construction executive Michael Collins is the founder of the new Grayson Capital, a KC-area investment, development, and advisory company. Michael said his firm can help strengthen urban communities in part because they are minority owned. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Sports
Sporting KC beat Nashville this weekend, 2-1. The win snaps Nashville’s 25-home-match winning streak + lifts Kansas City out of last place in the Western Conference. Their next home game is the US Open Cup Quarterfinals against Union Omaha on Wed., June 22. ⚽
KC Current drew against Chicago Red Stars, 2-2. Kansas City is now tied with four other teams with the potential to move up to seventh in the division. Their next home game is Sun., July 17 against OL Reign — after the FIFA international break.
Go long… all the way up to St. Joseph. Open practices for the Chiefs Training Camp begin
Thurs., July 28 at Missouri Western State University. Most days start at 9:15 a.m., and Missouri Western will charge $5 admission on July 29, July 30, and Aug. 7. 🏈
Cause
A new fundraiser is sponsoring swimming lessons for local children through the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. The Shikha Memorial Foundation was started by Komal Hatti, who said she wanted to give back after she was welcomed as an immigrant. You can sponsor a childfor $50. (KSHB 41)
Outdoor
A new timed ticket may be the key to shorter lines at one of Worlds of Fun’s most popular rides. Thrill seekers will now pick up a Timed Entry card from MAMBA plaza, providing a 30-minute check-in window. Changes to the operating system reduced the coaster to one train. 🎢 (FOX4)
Film
A book-turned-staged musical about Kansas City Designer Nell Donnelly Reed is becoming a movie musical. Nell’s dress label, Nelly Don, became famous nationwide. Her company lasted from 1916 to 1978. Producer and director Terence O’Malley, Nell’s great-great nephew, recently filmed in KC’s Historic Stevens House. 🎥 (Northeast News)
Number
$1,000. That’s how much you could win when you take our brief survey. Tell us what you think about the KCtoday newsletter + be entered to win $1,000 cash. Take the survey.
Learn
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In preparation of GloWild, here’s a behind the scenes look at the construction of animal lanterns. Zigong Lantern Group is handcrafting sculptures that will radiate with light in what the KC Zoo is anticipating to be the “largest lantern festival of its kind in the Midwest.”
The nighttime event is flipping the switch on Sept. 1. Guests will navigate a pathway lit by massive steel + silk structures, featuring themes of local landmarks, botanicals, and Asian culture. Tickets start at $20.
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Editor’s pick: OK, we already know that Arrowhead is the best stadium in the world, but now the world gets to know it’s the best. I’m a BIG renderings guy, and I’m kind of obsessed with how the home of the Chiefs looks decked out for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hbu?
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