Fourteen Things To Do In KC This Weekend, October 16—19
Here are fourteen things to do in KC this weekend, October 16—19 including Swan Lake, Fred Armisen and Kemet Coleman & The Phantastics.
Dracula
Celebrate Halloween with a provocative and chilling take on Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic novel. This stage adaptation was written by KC’s own Vanessa Severo (in collaboration with Joanie Schultz), who stars as the gender-bent protagonist Van Helsing. With top-notch special effects, it’s a must-see for horror fans and thrill seekers alike.
October 14–November 2. Times vary. Copaken Stage.
Swan Lake
The iconic ballet Swan Lake—originally composed by Pytor I. Tchaikovsky in 1875—returns this fall to the Kansas City Ballet. The classic performance of tragedy, passion, love and betrayal takes flight at the Kauffman Center this October.
Tchaikovsky’s music is performed by the Kansas City Symphony, and the ballet is choreographed by KC Ballet’s artistic director Devon Carney, who is modeling the choreography after Russian ballet masters and choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.
All ticketholders have access to a free pre-show talk given by Carney to hear how the magic is created. Arrive an hour before curtain for this rare behind-the-scenes look at the show.
October 17–19 & 23–26. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theater.
Fred Armisen: Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome
Although you may recognize comedian Fred Armisen from the sketch comedy series Portlandia or his 11-season run on Saturday Night Live, he’s equally accomplished as a musician. A drummer and guitarist, Armisen began his career in punk band Trenchmouth, has filled in for the B-52s and spent a decade leading the Late Night Show with Seth Myers’ house band. Two worlds collide on his tour “Comedy for Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome” as he blends anecdotes and music from his storied career.
October 17. 7 pm. The Midland Theatre.
Family Fun Day
Power and Light transforms into a fall festival at the inaugural Family Fun Day. With live entertainment and hands-on activities, highlights include Science City’s mobile lab, an interactive performance with Drum Safari and meet and greets with Sesame Street’s Elmo. Entry to the street party is free, with VIP upgrades available.
October 18. 10 am. Power and Light District.
Kemet Coleman & The Phantastics
Beloved rapper and singer Kemet Coleman will bring down the house at The Blue Room with his band, The Phantastics. The local musician is best known for his Kansas City streetcar song, “Get Out”—the funky, Bruno Mars-esque track amassed hundreds of thousands of streams when the tram launched in 2016.
October 18. 7 pm. The Blue Room.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Candlelight’s performance series transforms beloved pop songs into elegant string quartet arrangements, akin to the soundtrack of Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton. This weekend, Fountain City String Quartet will perform spooky selections like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Time Warp.”
October 18. 6:30 & 8:45 pm. Unity Temple on the Plaza.
Botanical Brewfest
Enjoy the fall foliage with a beer in hand—and for a good cause. Admission includes samples of craft beers (over a hundred various pours will be available) to support Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
October 18. Noon. Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
RENT
While the struggles of living with HIV/AIDS may be hard to fully understand, RENT gives us a window in. Jonathan Larson’s iconic Tony Award-winning musical follows a group of artists in 1990s New York as they search for love and meaning while facing poverty amid the AIDS crisis. Presented by Music Theater Heritage, this show, which first opened on Broadway in 1996, is one of just 10 musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and its message still rings true.
October 2–26. Times vary. Main Stage at Crown Center.
Night of the Living Farm
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead gets a spooky makeover for this after-dark Halloween celebration. Enjoy performances from StoneLion Puppet Theater, hands-on science fun with Mad Science and seasonal staples like hay rides, mazes and marshmallow roasting. Costumes are welcome for all ages.
October 18, 19, 25 & 26. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
Visions of the Flint Hills
At this annual art benefit and sale, celebrate the beautiful plains of Kansas, portrayed through art pieces inspired by the Flint Hills’ landscapes—the largest tallgrass prairie in North America. Artists from around the country find themselves inspired by the region and present their pieces at the Buttonwood Art Space this fall. Half of the proceeds go to the artists themselves, while the other half benefit the Friends of Konza Prairie, which promotes education and research in the Flint Hills. Although the sale is open from October through November 10, a First Friday reception with live music and refreshments will be held on October 4.
October 1–November 10. Times vary. Buttonwood Art Space.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Don your finest flowy dresses, tunics and breeches for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. At this immersive step back in time, watch jousting tournaments, feast on gigantic turkey legs, listen to period music and shop the bustling artisan market. Each weekend brings a different theme, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
August 30–October 13. Times vary. 628 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs.
KC Wine Co. Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch
Roam KC Wine Co.’s 40 acres at this all-ages extravaganza. The price of admission includes over 60 activities like corn pits, skee ball, mega slides and plenty of seasonal photo ops. Plus, the Olathe winery’s signature wine slushes will be available for purchase all day, every day.
September 27–October 26. KC Wine Co.
Alone Together
The bittersweet feeling of becoming empty nesters doesn’t last long in the Broadway comedy Alone Together. Just as all three kids finally move out, they slowly start trickling back in, returning home to mom and dad one by one. Starring The Brady Bunch’s Barry Williams and featuring Cathy Bennett, this show explores the chaos and joy of family life. At New Theatre & Restaurant in Overland Park, the play is a full dining and entertainment experience, complete with waitstaff, cocktails and a gourmet buffet.
September 10–November 16. Times vary. New Art Theatre & Restaurant.
ArtSalon: Biennial Alumni Exhibition
Head over to the Kansas City Art Institute’s 2025 alumni exhibition to see what former KCAI students are creating right now. Whether you’re collecting or just want to take a look, the annual exhibition is always a good show. There will also be an opening reception, bringing together alumni, faculty, collectors and patrons, that’s open to anyone who wants to meet the artists and celebrate this year’s exhibition.
Every piece in the show is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting both the artist and the KCAI Annual Fund, which supports student scholarships.
September 6–October 19. KCAI Gallery.
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