Embrace the rich tapestry of fall in the Kansas City region with these cultural arts offerings. Browse thoughtfully crafted works at local art fairs, experience thrilling theatrical and dance performances, explore unforgettable museums & art galleries and take in the sounds of world-class musicians. Secure your tickets now, invite your friends & family and celebrate the season through the arts.
Enjoy Art, Food and Music at Lawrence Art in the Park
Lawrence Art in the Park celebrates the fine arts on September 13 and 14. Stroll through the booths of this juried art fair in South Park, Lawrence, while enjoying food from the many food trucks, or bring a blanket or folding chairs to sit on the lawn and listen to the live music. Over 125 fine art booths will delight you, with art from local, regional, and national artists. Learn more at lawrenceartguild.org/art-in-the-park
THE COLOR PURPLE at KCRep’s Spencer Theatre NEXT WEEK
Performances for THE COLOR PURPLE at KCRep’s Spencer Theatre begin NEXT WEEK! Don’t miss your chance to follow the extraordinary journey of Celie, a young woman who discovers her voice and strength against all odds. Tickets are selling fast for this Tony Award-winning musical. Book now for the best seats at the best prices at kcrep.org.
Tilt! is a Circus Thrill Ride at Midwest Trust Center
Take a journey to the backlot of Cirque Mechanics’ inventive theme park in Tilt! at the Midwest Trust Center November 7. In the shadow of the roller coaster and under the lights of the Ferris wheel, you’ll meet the operators, carnies, and characters that keep the rides running and the thrills coming. Tickets start at $25.
Art, History and Heritage Await at Lindsborg’s Museums
Plan a fall trip to Lindsborg and explore five unforgettable museums & galleries: the Red Barn Studio Museum, Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, Smoky Valley Arts & Folklife Center, Clara Hatton Center and Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. From local art to folk traditions and endless history, each museum offers a unique way to experience the culture and heritage of the Smoky Valley.
DRACULA Coming to KCRep’s Copaken Stage This Fall
When the lines between predator and prey blur, the power of women’s strength rises from the shadows in this fearless adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic DRACULA. Created by the powerhouse duo of Vanessa Severo (Frida…A Self Portrait) and Joanie Schultz, the classic narrative is reclaimed, revealing a DRACULA you’ve never seen before. Performances begin October 14 at KCRep’s Copaken Stage! Secure your seats at kcrep.org.
An Evening in Italy: A Benefit Concert for KCYA
Join us for An Evening in Italy, a special night of music, culture, and community at Kansas City Young Audiences. Local musicians will take us on a tour of global artistry in a celebration that blends world-class talent with local heart. This unforgettable evening offers more than beautiful music, it’s an opportunity to invest in the next generation. All proceeds directly support KCYA’s programs, ensuring that young people across our community can explore, create, and grow through the arts. Join us!
Northland Symphony Orchestra, Celebrating Free Classical Music in Our Community!
Spend your afternoon with the Northland Symphony! Join us October 12, 3:00 p.m. at North Kansas City High School, as they kick-off the fall concert season. This concert will feature the Young Artist Competition winner, Michael Fang, performing the first movement of the Dvorák Cello Concerto in B Minor. Concerts are always free, casual and held in accessible venues with free parking.
Watkins Museum Hosting Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition from August 23 – October 5
Americans is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian and Humanities Kansas. The exhibit explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States. Special thanks to the Capitol Federal Foundation, Sean Williams, Footprints and Joe Pierron & Diana Carlin Pierron for their support. Visit watkinsmuseum.org for more information about special hours and programs for this exhibition.
Enjoy Youth Art Classes at the Nerman Museum This Fall
Young artists can unleash their imagination this fall with a variety of studio art classes offered at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park for children in grades K-2 and 3-5. These art classes cover everything from pop art, sewing, fashion, zines, illuminated art, and more. New this fall is a “Street Fashion” wearable art class for grades 6-9, where our expert fashion instructor will guide teens through sewing, painting and other techniques.
Harriman-Jewell Series presents Terence Blanchard with Fire Shut Up in My Bones October 12
The opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones premiered at Opera Theater of St. Louis in 2019. Blanchard and The E-Collective have teamed up with Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet and visual artist Andrew F. Scott to create a concert production that features excerpts from the opera performed by the composer, this incredible ensemble and two guest singers. The music and Scott’s video projections give the audience a look inside the mind of Blanchard and the world he created.