Sample some of the best cultural arts experiences of the summer right here in the Kansas City region – world-renowned museums, outdoor attractions, music and theatrical performances and more. Enjoy the best our area has to offer this summer!
Resilience Story – On view through Oct. 15, 2023
Emotions and memories inspire the mixed media installation and sound exhibition Resilience Story. “In the space, viewers encounter drawings on paño, which are works on fabric traditionally created by Chicano prisoners from the south and southwestern United States,” says artist Andrew Mcilvaine. “These works express feelings of loss, progress, hope, love and highlight stories of resilience. This show is about redemption through imprisonment and generational movement.”
Experience new collection galleries at the Spencer Museum of Art
The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas welcomes visitors to explore its recently renovated collection galleries that feature diverse artwork from all over the world in four new exhibitions. You can also pop into the Museum’s new Lee Study Center for up-close views of objects. Make sure to stop at the welcome desk for free family guides and activities for all ages. Admission is always free!
Art Course 2023 at the Nelson-Atkins
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s unique artist-designed, mini golf experience is now open weekends and will be open every day the museum is open starting May 19! Each hole on this nine-hole course presents a creative interpretation of a work of art in the museum’s collection with a new hole debuting for 2023! Reserve your tickets online!
Summerfest Concerts returns in July for its 31st Season!
Summerfest Concerts, a professional chamber music ensemble, celebrates its 31st season this July with a four week series of concerts. Saturday evening concerts are held at UMKC’s White Recital Hall, and Sunday afternoon performances are held at the historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church downtown. Join Summerfest this year as we celebrate how important it is to come together, experience music, and leave enriched and transformed.
Free State Festival: Chris Estrada, Boots Riley and more!
The Lawrence Arts Center’s Free State Festival is back June 26 – July 2, 2023. This annual event upholds the rich cultural heritage of activism in Kansas through independent films, live music, comedy and art to challenge, inspire and entertain. Don’t miss the chance to catch discussions and performances by Janet Murguía, Chris Estrada, Boots Riley, BLKBOK, Kevin Wilmott, DJ Spooky and many more! See the full lineup and purchase tickets at freestatefestival.org.
Taste Award-Winning Wines at TerraVox
TerraVox Winery was founded in 1996 by Jerry Eisterhold, a Missouri native. The winery’s mission is to resurrect and champion wines made from grapes native to North America. More than 50 different types of grapes are cultivated at TerraVox Winery! Consumers and wine lovers are welcome to visit TerraVox and taste through their lineup of bottlings. For more information, please visit www.terravox.wine.
KCAT Presents an Exciting New Adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN
Kicking off Kansas City Actors Theatre’s Season 19 is Kate Hamill’s LITTLE WOMEN, from May 24th to June 11th at the City Stage in Union Station! You get all the touchstones of Louisa May Alcott’s original novel, while adapting it for a modern audience, as the March Sisters grow up during the Civil War and strive to be brave, intelligent, and imaginative young women. Starring Chioma Anyanwu, Teisha Bankston, Hillary Clemens, and Christina Schafer.
Summer Events on Kansas City’s Front Porch
Kick off summer with Memorial Day Weekend at the National WWI Museum and Memorial: free admission for veterans and active-duty, half-price for the public, plus free activities and ceremonies. On July 4, enjoy Kansas City’s official Independence Day fireworks display at the Stars and Stripes Picnic. In August, marvel at hot air balloons and giant puppets glowing into the night at Kansas City’s Great Balloon and Puppet Glow. Want more? Check out our Events Calendar.
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s, The Tempest, June 13 – July 2
The Tempest comes to Southmoreland Park for the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s 31st Season! This story features exotic creatures, conjuring, comedy, a love story, LIVE MUSIC and beautiful language all set on a deserted island. Performances June 13 – July 2, Tuesday – Sunday, 8:00 p.m. Admission is FREE, with reserved seating purchase options and open seating on the lawn. Food and drink available onsite. Learn more and plan your Festival visit at kschakes.org.
KCAT Presents GRAND HORIZONS a Provocative, Honest Comedy of Aging
Kansas City Actors Theatre brings the hilarious Tony® Award Nominated comedy GRAND HORIZONS to stage from August 16th to September 3rd at the City Stage in Union Station! Depicting the surprisingly amicable end of Nancy and Bill’s 50-year marriage, their ensuing sexual escapades, and the fallout it causes with their family and their retirement community. Directed by Dennis D. Hennessy and featuring Victor Raider-Wexler, Peggy Friesen, Craig Benton, and Jan Rogge.