The best things to do this month in KC: August 2025

Skyline Showings: An open-air rooftop movie theater
just opened in KC

Rooftop Cinema Club has officially arrived.

Located at the corner of Broadway and 21st Street, the open-air movie theater—known for its skyline views in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, London and more—opened its Crossroads’ locale in July. 

“The idea is to revitalize the movie experience and have a chance to show curated films—not all new showings,” says Rooftop Cinema Club publicist Priscilla Gonzalez. “We have some fan favorites, cult classics and family-friendly options. There’s really something for everyone.” Upcoming screenings include beloved flicks like The Princess Bride, La La Land and The Devil Wears Prada.

To keep the experience immersive (and to drown out the sounds of the city), each guest is provided with a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones—so you get the view without the distraction.

The rooftop also includes a full bar and a vintage Airstream-turned-kitchen serving what Gonzalez describes as “elevated bar food.” The menu includes walking tacos, chicken tenders and, of course, plenty of popcorn and boxed candy.

In addition to primetime and late-night showings, Rooftop Cinema Club also hosts special events. August 8 brings a sing-along screening of Grease, and later in the month, on August 24, the theater takes advantage of its green space with a pet-friendly showing of Ratatouille.

Open seven days a week, the open-air theater’s season is expected to run through the end of October, but if weather permits, they’ll keep the movies rolling into November. 

GO: Rooftop Cinema Club, 2101 Broadway Blvd., KCMO. For a full list of showings, visit rooftopcinemaclub.com/kansas-city.

8

The Freedom Affair

Each second Friday of the month, North Kansas City’s Summer Concert Series brings a free show to Macken Park. This month, local soul powerhouse The Freedom Affair takes over the pavilion. Make it an evening and swing by the Iron District for a quick bite before dancing the night away. August 8. 6 pm. Macken Park. 

9

Cyndi Lauper

Superstar Cyndi Lauper pays tribute to her hit single on her farewell Girls Just Wanna Have Fun tour. With a passion for fine art (Lauper was an art major at Vermont’s Johnson State College), the colorful, quirky ’80s icon teams up with Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama to fuse design with music in arenas across North America. As for merch? Beyond T-shirts, wigs of Lauper’s signature pink ’do are on the market. August 9. 7:30 pm. Azura Amphitheater.

9 

Heart of America Hot Dog Festival

Hot dogs are a fixture of America’s Pastime, making them the perfect centerpiece for the Negro Leauges Baseball Museum’s annual fundraiser. For over a decade, the Heart of America Hot Dog Festival has brought together food, live music and community down on the Vine. This year’s lineup features jazz and R&B icons from around the country, including Silk and Eric Benét, Tom Browne, Rose Royce and more. August 9. 3 pm. 18th and Vine Jazz District.

15–17

Ethnic Enrichment Festival

In a tradition that dates back nearly 50 years, Ethnic Enrichment Festival returns to Swope Park for one of the region’s largest multicultural events. Each third weekend of August, over 60 countries and cultures are represented to celebrate Kansas Citians’ wide-spanning traditions. In addition to a robust lineup of dance performances and live music, the three-day event offers an abundance of hand-crafted goods and traditional foods for sale. Snack on everything from feijoada, a Brazilian black bean stew, to Cameroonian soya, a charred skewered meat that’s a popular Central African street food. Admission is just $5 for adults. Children’s admission and parking are free. August 15–17. Times vary. Swope Park.

21

The Avett Brothers

Melding rock with North Carolinian bluegrass, the Avett Brothers have been a leading force in Americana since their breakout hit “I And Love And You” more than 15 years ago. Led by siblings Scott and Seth Avett, the band is known for their familial harmonies and introspective, heartfelt lyrics. August 21. 7 pm. Azura Amphitheater.

22 

Wine Walk for Wildlife

The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium has the only event in town where you can enjoy a summer evening gazing at wildlife with a glass of vino in your hand. Guests can stroll through the topside of the zoo (excluding Africa) while sipping 40 different types of wine, enjoying a variety of musicians and talking with the zoo’s animal specialists. Food from Tuxedo Grill and a wide variety of treats from food trucks will be available to purchase. August 22. 5:30 pm. The Kansas City Zoo.

23

Spotlight: Charlie Parker Celebration Concert

Bird lives! KC Jazz Alive celebrates bebop legend Charlie Parker’s 105th birthday with a performance by trumpeter and tap dancer Lonnie McFadden. Backed by the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, McFadden is part of a storied jazz lineage. His father, Jimmy, tapped alongside legends Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and even Parker himself. Aside from the concert, Spotlight: Charlie Parker hosts an array of events throughout the month in honor of Bird, including a walking tour, panel discussion and more. August 23. 7 pm. Folly Theater.

24

Alabama Shakes

The band is back together: Alabama Shakes embarks on its first tour since 2018. The group’s eight-year hiatus followed frontwoman Brittany Howard’s decision to pursue a solo career—her powerful voice and mesmerizing stage presence were central to the band’s rise to fame. Now, the Southern blues-rock band relives hits like “Hold On” and “Gimme All Your Love.” Indie folk artist Y La Bamba opens. August 24. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.

26

Swiftynomics

In honor of  Women’s Equality Day, KU professor Misty Heggeness presents her forthcoming book, Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy. Drawing on the careers of megastars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, Heggeness takes a close look at how women are rewriting the economic blueprint. “It’s the style of iterative, reinventive, look-what-you-made-me-do feminism that has everything to do with how we interpret and understand the economic actions of women today,” Heggeness says. August 26. 6 pm. Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch.

27

Jon Batiste

Multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste does it all. The generational talent is the Oscar-winning composer behind Pixar blockbuster Soul and a former The Late Show musical director, and earlier this year, he graced TV screens across the nation at the Super Bowl with a moving rendition of the national anthem. Known for blending classical music with American styles like jazz, blues and R&B—exemplified in his most recent album, Beethoven Blues—Batiste kicks off his two-month-long Big Money tour right in KC. August 27. 8 pm. The Midland.

30–Oct.  13

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.

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