The best things to do in KC this month: August 2026

5

Jesse Welles

Often compared to Bob Dylan or Woody Guthrie, singer-songwriter Jesse Welles has amassed millions of views for his original protest folk songs filmed in the woods of his native Arkansas. His performance at East Crossroads’ Grinders follows the release of Masks Off, his sixth studio album that made its debut in June. Australian guitarist Steph Strings opens. August 5. 7 pm. Grinders KC.

6 

Herbie Hancock

Jazz-fusion pioneer and living legend Herbie Hancock comes to KC. With a career spanning six decades, the pianist and composer got his start gigging in Chicago before joining trumpeter Miles Davis’ band. With a whopping discography of over 40 studio albums as a bandleader (not including the hundreds of albums he’s appeared on), Hancock helped introduce electric instruments like synthesizers and clavinets to jazz. Coupled with funky, danceable grooves, his innovations helped bring the genre back into the mainstream in the ’70s with his band Head Hunters, spawning classics like “Chameleon” and “Butterfly.” August 6. 7:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

7 

Cross Threaded Opening Reception 

Kansas City Artists Coalition’s new textile exhibit, Cross Threaded, makes its debut, featuring works by 14 local artists. While the artists work with strikingly similar (and often recycled) materials, their approaches vary widely, from embroidery to soft sculpture to quilting and beyond. August 7. 5 pm. Kansas CIty Artists Coalition.

8

A Living Score: Searching for Charlie Parker

Kansas City’s legacy of legendary alto saxophonists starts with Charlie Parker, and renowned musician Logan Richardson is carrying it forward. Ahead of Bird’s birthday, Richardson pays tribute to the bebop legend—and other influential figures in the city’s jazz history—with this new, original production that “transforms the theater into a living composition where the score is written in real time.” August 8. 7:30 pm. Gem Theater.

9

R&B and Ribs

This touring block party and cookout rolls into KC for an afternoon of R&B, barbecue and cold beverages. Tickets include one drink ticket and access to the full day of live entertainment for a dance-filled day party in the Power & Light District. August 9. 3 pm. KC Live! 

12–30

Wicked

Since making its Broadway debut more than 20 years ago, Wicked has become one of the most popular musicals in history. In line with the stage production’s reputation, the recent film adaptations starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande brought the musical to new heights, shattering box office records. With selections like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” this Wizard of Oz spinoff tells the backstory of the misunderstood Wicked Witch, Elphaba, and the bubbly yet calculated Good Witch, Glinda. The national Broadway tour stops in Kansas City for 24 showings. August 12–30. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall. 

14

Friendly Thieves

North Kansas City rounds out its summer performance series, Friday Night Concerts, with alternative funk-rock band Friendly Thieves. Gritty and groovy, the local band—fronted by powerhouse singer Sam Wells—delivers existential yet upbeat anthems like “Get It Yourself” and “Let the City Burn.” Pack a lawn chair or blanket and load up the cooler for this free show in Macken Park. August 14. 6 pm. Macken Park.

16

Art in the Loop 816 Day

In honor of 816 Day, Kansas City’s citywide celebration of itself, Art in the Loop brings a lineup of local artists to City Market for a free concert. Grab a bite from one of the several nearby eateries and enjoy performances from contemporary dance company The DynamitExperience, genre-traversing singer-songwriter BodaciousThang and open-format DJ FK Menace. August 16. 6 pm. City Market.

16

John Mulaney

Known for his self-aware and dry humor, comedian John Mulaney brings his stand-up tour to Starlight Theatre. The former Saturday Night Live writer has lent his voice to several animated series, released four acclaimed Netflix stand-up specials and, more recently, hosted the platform’s variety talk show Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney. Comic Mike Birbiglia joins the lineup. August 16. 7:30 pm. Starlight Theatre.

21–23

Bluey’s Big Play

There’s a reason why Bluey has been the most streamed show in the United States for the past two years. Following the adventures of an energetic and curious blue heeler, the cleverly written series is just as much for parents as it is for kids. This stage adaptation brings Bluey, Bingo and the Heeler family to life with puppetry. August 21–23. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

21–23

Ethnic Enrichment Festival

This longstanding cultural exchange and celebration of diversity returns to Swope Park. Held each third weekend of August, the Ethnic Enrichment Festival has become one of the area’s largest multicultural events since its inception in 1979—last year, the event drew nearly 40,000 attendees. Across three days, enjoy live music and dance performances, global cuisine and a fashion show, and shop handmade goods. August 21–23. Times vary. Swope Park.

21–23

Parkville Days

This annual festival celebrates historic, picturesque Parkville with three days of family-friendly fun. Ride a ferris wheel with a view of the Missouri River, sip on craft brews in the beer garden, browse the art fair and explore downtown’s boutiques and restaurants. August 21–23. Times vary. Downtown Parkville.

22

Heart of America Hot Dog Festival

Heart of America Hot Dog Festival—an annual fundraiser for Negro Leagues Baseball Museum—is firing up the grill to celebrate the history of America’s pastime, made complete with ballpark cuisine and live music. Headliners include funk bands Zapp and Con Funk Shun and ’90s R&B heartthrob Christopher Williams. August 22. 3 pm. National WWI Museum and Memorial

29

Spotlight: Charlie Parker 

Bird lives! Each year, nonprofit KC Jazz ALIVE celebrates bebop legend Charlie Parker’s birthday and lasting legacy with a concert. At Spotlight: Charlie Parker, the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra pays homage to Parker alongside guest saxophonists Bobby Watson, Matt Otto, Stephen Martin and emerging artists on the scene. August 29. 7 pm. Folly Theater.

31

Benson Boone

Pop star Benson Boone comes to KC. After launching his career on American Idol in 2021, Boone’s popularity spiked in 2024 following his breakout single, “Beautiful Things.” Embarking on his Wanted Man Tour, the performance follows the release of his latest single “The Time of My Life,” a heartbreak anthem. Indie-rock singer-songwriter Luna Li opens. August 31. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.

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