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

Dark Forest offers an eerie, immersive experience at Powell Gardens

This October, take a night hike through Powell Gardens at Dark Forest. A collaboration with performance art group Quixotic, the immersive after-hours installation transforms the woods into a surreal celebration of the supernatural.

“A lot of times when we think of spooky things, we think of haunted houses,” says Laina Burdette, marketing specialist for Powell Gardens. “Those are great, but being outdoors with the stars and moon above and hearing the wind through the trees—that really adds this element you can’t get anywhere else.”

Returning for its fourth year, the one-mile multimedia walk winds through the forest and is animated with live music, ethereal lighting and performers in extravagant costumes. According to Burdette, the botanical garden serves as more than just a backdrop. “The wooded landscape becomes a character in itself,” she says. “It’s magical. It’s eerie, but not spooky or gory.”

Before hitting the trail, visitors can reserve a spot at Fire Feast—an outdoor dinner cooked over an open flame—and explore the seasonally rotating garden gallery. Burdette says the Halloween-inspired display currently features “poisonous plants, creepy crawlers and carnivorous species.” 

To cap the evening off, occultists and curious wanderers can enjoy perusing the Mystic Faire. The fair brings together an entertaining mix of local artists selling their wares, along with oddities such as taxidermy displays, tattoo artists and piercers. 

GO: Dark Forest. October 17–November 1. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Powell Gardens. Visit powellgardens.org for tickets and more information.

3 & 4

Chappell Roan

The Midwest Princess stays true to her title: KC is one of just three stops (in good company with New York City and Los Angeles) on her Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things pop-up tour. Returning to her home state of Missouri, the pop star’s show follows the release of her long-awaited single, “The Subway.” Her last KC performance was in April 2024, just weeks before her meteoric rise. Best of luck getting your hands on the coveted tickets. October 3 & 4. 6:30 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial.

4

Pete Escovedo and His Orchestra

Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo marks his 90th birthday with a celebratory tour alongside his orchestra for a powerful start to the Folly Theater’s 44th Jazz Series. The percussionist has toured and recorded with a laundry list of artists like Carlos Santana, Prince and Herbie Hancock. Expect a vibrant fusion of smooth jazz and salsa. October 4. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.

10 & 11

Heartland Book Festival

Regional and national literary voices gather for this two-day festival. Friday night features Pulitzer Prize winner Percival Everett in the Northland, followed by a downtown celebration at the Kansas City Public Library on Saturday, headlined by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo presents her latest novel, Atmosphere, alongside KC’s own best-selling author Adib Khorram. October 10 & 11. Times vary. Mid-Continent Public Library Woodneath Library Center & Central Branch, Kansas City Public Library. 

10–12

Copland’s Appalachian Spring

Spanning from Americana to French impressionism, the Kansas City Symphony presents an evening of contrast (though both masterworks were originally composed for ballets). The program opens with Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, a Pulitzer Prize-winning score with folksy melodies. Maurice Ravel’s lush and romantic Daphnis et Chloê—nearly an hour-long magnum opus—closes out the evening. October 10–12. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.

11

Waldo Fall Fest

A day of family fun ensues as Waldo Fall Fest returns for its 33rd year. The neighborhood’s autumn event includes pop-up shops featuring small businesses, food trucks like Taco Cacao and El Café Cubano, a live DJ and ample kids’ activities. October 11. 10 am. Gregory Boulevard & Wornall Road.

11

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra: British Invasion

At British Invasion, rock and roll from across the pond meets big band jazz. Backed by the 18-piece Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the program includes fresh arrangements of hits from English bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and more. October 11. 7 pm. Yardley Hall.

14–Nov 2

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.

17

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.

18

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.

25

Sugar Skull

This bilingual children’s musical brings Día de los Muertos to life. With traditional music and dance from Mexico, the story follows 12-year-old Vita Flores. Initially a skeptic of her family’s party planning, she changes her tune when a candy skeleton comes to life. Although the production is fun for all ages, it’s catered to ages 5 to 9. October 25. 11 am. & 2 pm. Starlight Theatre.

30

Steve Hofstetter 

Youtube-viral comic and podcaster Steve Hofstetter comes to KC for a night of laughs. Known for his frank, observational style, Hofstetter’s Zona Rosa performance follows the release of Kill the Butterflies—a documentary and comedy special that takes a vulnerable look into how he (and other comedians) navigate mental health. October 30. 7pm. Funny Bone Comedy Club.

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