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

3

Kesha

With electropop hits like “Tik Tok” and “Die Young,” Kesha once dominated the charts with  party-girl anthems. Still true to her pop roots, the artist has since turned a new leaf, often writing about self-love and independence (instead of all-nighters), and her signature bold, grungy and glittery style remains intact. Her performance marks the first concert at Morton Amphitheater, with special guests Chromeo and Sizzy Rocket joining the lineup. June 3. 7 pm. Morton Amphitheater.

5

Shakey Graves

Austin-born indie-rocker Shakey Graves is known for his vulnerable and often understated songwriting. Blending blues, rock, country and more, the musician’s tour follows the recent release of his fifth studio album, Fondness, Etc. Singer-songwriter Wes Parker opens. June 5. 8 pm. The Truman. 

5–7

KC PrideFest

Pride Month is here, and the metro is celebrating at KC PrideFest. Located at Frank A. Theis Park, just across the street from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the three-day festival features a robust lineup of local bands, drag queens, informational sessions, a vendor fair and more. On Saturday morning, the festival’s colorful, annual parade kicks off in Westport at 11 am, marching south toward the festival grounds. June 5–7. Times vary. Frank A. Theis Park.

6

The Rainmakers

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, rock band The Rainmakers painted a portrait of what life in middle America looked like—and it made for a string of hits. Originally from KC, the group’s debut self-titled album held a spot on Billboard’s Hot 200 chart for five months and became even more popular throughout Europe, especially in the United Kingdom and Norway. Although The Rainmakers have broken up and reformed a couple of times over the past four decades, the band is back together, set to perform hits like “Let My People Go-Go” at the East Bottoms institution Knuckleheads. June 6. 8 pm. Knuckleheads.

9–14

Hadestown

This Tony and Grammy Award-winning hit musical comes to Starlight Theatre. Created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown tells the tragic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to a rather upbeat (and catchy) tune. The brass-heavy folkloric score is inspired by the music of New Orleans, blending Dixieland jazz, ragtime, gospel and beyond with songs like “Wait For Me” and “Way Down Hadestown.” June 9–14. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre.

11–July 5

The Wiz

Ease on down the road to Music Theater Heritage’s production of The Wiz. When this interpretation of The Wizard of Oz made its Broadway debut in 1974, it took home seven Tony awards and was soon followed by a film adaptation starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Reimagined through the lens of the Black American experience, The Wiz follows Dorothy—a teacher in Harlem—as she’s transported into a fantastical, urbanized Oz. With hits like “You Can’t Win” and “Home,” she picks up a few friends on her journey back to Manhattan. June 11–July 5. Times vary. Grand Theater at Crown Center.

11–July 11

FIFA Fan Festival

After months of buzz (and construction), the World Cup has finally arrived in Kansas City. If you couldn’t get your hands on tickets to a match, FIFA Fan Festival is hosting watch parties across the month-long festivities—complete with live music, food and drink. Held downtown on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, headliners include Flo Rida, Cimafunk and KC’s own Tech N9ne, as well as an extensive lineup of local talents like Brass and Boujee, Making Movies and Hembree. Admission is free, but passes must be reserved ahead of time. Times and dates vary. National WWI Museum and Memorial.

13 

Tacos & Tequila Festival

There will be plenty of fiery salsas and margaritas to go around at this festival, but the event’s main draw is throwback hip-hop and R&B. An all-day party, this year’s headliners include Three 6 Mafia, Busta Rhymes, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy and more. June 13. 1:30 pm. Legends Field.

16

Paul Simon: “A Quiet Celebration”

Folk rock legend Paul Simon, best known for his work with Art Garfunkel, brings a musical legacy more than six decades in the making to KC. The two-act performance opens with an approximately half-hour set from his latest release, Seven Psalms, followed by a set of hits—like “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and “The Sound of Silence”—and deep cuts alike. June 16. 8 pm. Starlight Theatre. 

16–July 5

Heart of America Shakespeare Festival

Since 1990, Heart of American Shakespeare Festival has brought the Bard’s work to KC audiences for free on the lawn of Southmoreland Park. This year, the festival presents one of the playwright’s most famous and frequently adapted works, Macbeth. Pack a blanket or lawn chairs for this five-act tragedy, which is Shakespeare’s shortest. June 16–July 5, Tuesdays–Sundays. 8 pm. Southmoreland Park.

17

KC Diamonds Home Opener

Kansas City’s first professional softball team makes its debut. A part of the newly formed Professional Softball League, the KC Diamonds are among seven teams—like the New York Rise, Atlanta Smoke and Chattanooga Chill—to join the association’s inaugural season. The Diamonds’ roster of standout players includes pitcher Taylor Pannell (a Mizzou alum and Lee’s Summit native) and catcher Leah Boggs. June 17. 6:35 pm. Legends Field.

19 & 20

JuneteenthKC Heritage Festival

JuneteenthKC commemorates Freedom Day with a weekend of history, music, food, local artists and more in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. This year, which marks 15 years since the Heritage Festival’s inception, the lineup is headlined by hip-hop legend Common and also includes local talents like The Royal Chief and Roblo DaStar. June 19 & 20. 12 pm. 18th and Vine Jazz District. 

19–21

Rhapsody in Blue and Dvořák’s New World Symphony

The Kansas City Symphony closes out its season with two monumental orchestral works: George Gershwin’s iconic jazz concerto Rhapsody in Blue and Antonín Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, the Czech composer’s tribute to the sounds and scenery of America. Led by guest conductor Peter Oundjian, featured pianist Michelle Cann joins the orchestra, also performing Florence Price’s sweeping, single movement Piano Concerto. June 19–21. Times vary. Helzberg Hall.

21

Make Music Day

In 1982, a grassroots celebration of music—Fête de la Musique—made its debut in Paris. Now, over 1,000 communities across the world participate in this event, also known as Make Music Day, each year on the summer solstice—including KC. Organized by Kansas City Parks and Recreation, the festivities bring free live performances from area performers to parks, local businesses, community centers and more across the metro. June 21. Times and locations vary. Visit makemusicday.org/kcmo for more information.

26 & 27

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle

The designated Kansas State Championship returns to Lenexa for its 42nd annual cook-off. From backyard hobbyists to professional pitmasters, this competition features approximately 150 teams smoking ribs, briskets and more. Friday night is open to the public as a festival with music, plenty of barbecue and kids activities. On Saturday, the focus shifts to the competition, but visitors are still welcome to stroll the park to take in the sights and smells of the contest. June 26 & 27. Times vary. Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

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