Whether you’re a Doja Cat superfan or know nearly every lyric to The Phantom of the Opera, Kansas City’s fall arts season offers something for everyone.

In this issue, Kansas City magazine has compiled more than 50 ways to experience art this fall, from film screenings and puppet shows to cultural festivals and immersive live art shows. Our editors’ picks spotlight the season’s must-see moments—like 98-year old cabaret legend Marilyn Maye’s performance at the Folly Theater—along with recommendations for where to eat, drink or keep the evening going. Plus, we’ve included some events beyond the metro that are worth the drive.

Fall Arts Preview

Music

Editors Pick: Marilyn Maye

Singer Marilyn Maye is Kansas City royalty. In the 1950s, the glamorous performer sang five nights a week at KC’s Colony Steakhouse, a residency she held for a decade. That gig also served as the launch pad into the national entertainment circuit—many may remember her as a frequent guest performer on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. Dubbed by the host as a “super singer,” Maye broke the late-night program’s record as the vocalist with the most appearances.

Now 98 years old, Maye spends much of her time in New York City, so seeing her perform in KC is a rare treat. Often donned in sequins, the cabaret performer still high kicks while singing show tunes, jazz standards and more. Her upcoming performance at the Folly Theater follows the release of her first solo album in over a decade, The Magic of Marilyn Maye: Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Before witnessing this living legend in action, round up the girls for a pre-show happy hour on the patio of Mediterranean restaurant Extra Virgin and share a spread of small plates (the smoked trout dip is a must). Located just steps away from the Crossroads streetcar stop, we recommend boarding the tram and exiting at the Metro Center stop for a quick stroll down 12th Street.

For those looking to party like the marvelous Marilyn Maye, the Folly will be serving up the singer’s post-concert drink of choice: apple martinis. –NC

September 25. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater. follytheater.org.

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton rose to stardom in the 1960s as lead guitarist and singer for several influential bands including The Yardbirds and Cream. Following his success in rock ‘n’ roll bands, Clapton led a massive solo career as an 18-time Grammy Award winner and three-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member. Although he continues to release new music, Clapton will also be performing a few of his greatest hits on this tour, performing classics like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”

September 16. T-Mobile Center

Robert Plant

The former Led Zeppelin lead singer, famous for such iconic songs as “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love,” will perform alongside Suzi Dian in a band called Saving Grace. While Plant gained success through his rock and roll lyricism and performance style, his new music is inspired by traditional folk music. On tour, Saving Grace will be performing its debut self-titled album, featuring hits like “Everybody’s Song” and “Gospel Plough.” 

September 19. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents La bohéme 

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City will open its season with the intimately tragic tale of La bohème. Composed by Giacomo Puccini, this Italian opera tells a story of love and loss on the streets of Paris in the 1830s. Mimi, a young seamstress, falls in love with Rodolfo the poet, and amid their tumultuous circumstances they are set for a devastating end.   

September 19, 25 & 27. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Kacey Musgraves

Breakout artist Kacey Musgraves has been a performer all of her life, but she got her breakthrough after her first major-label debut album, Same Trailer Different Park, in 2013. Since then, Musgraves has released six albums and earned eight Grammys throughout her career. Now, Musgraves tours her most recent album, Middle of Nowhere. The album meshes together traditional country sounds with pop music and features her lead single “Dry Spell.” 

September 23. T-Mobile Center.

Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma’s upcoming performance with the Kansas City Symphony opens the 2026-27 classical season. The world-famous cellist is known for not only his foundational classical ability but also his performances in other genres such as jazz. This fall at the Kauffman Center, he will be performing Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, a famous piece first performed in 1896. 

September 30. Helzberg Hall. 

Doja Cat

Grammy Award-winning performer Doja Cat is en route to KC for her Tour Ma Vie World Tour, celebrating her fifth album release in seven years. The hip-hop superstar will bring hit songs from Vie to the stage, such as “Jealous Type” and “AAAHH MEN!”, mixing different genres seamlessly in her set lists. 

October 6. T-Mobile Center

Chris Stapleton

The All-American Road Show reaches its final destination in KC this fall. Singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton performs two nights, playing his biggest hits throughout his career, including “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Starting Over.” The country star got his start after moving to Nashville in 1996, and has since won 12 Grammy Awards and released five albums. Special guest Nikki Lane joins the lineup.

October 9–10. Morton Amphitheater 

Sombr

Celebrating his 2025 breakout album, I Barely Know Her, Sombr is set to tour internationally. The up-and-coming star performs in KC for one night as part of the You Are the Reason Tour, singing fan-favorites including “Back to friends” and “Undressed.”

October 31. T-Mobile Center

Lyric Opera of Kansas City Presents The Marriage of Figaro

This continuation of Beaumarchais’ Barber of Seville tells the comical yet witty tale of Figaro, the barber, and his newfound love Susanna. The couple’s roles in society interfere with their plans of getting married, and together they must outsmart the Nobleman Count Almaviva. Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart alongside librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte in 1786, The Marriage of Figaro remains one of the most influential operas for its intricate plots and complex ensembles.

November 7–15. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Lupita Infante

Mexican-American artist Lupita Infante’s latest album, Aunque Me Duela, adds a contemporary twist to traditional music. The album contains notable mariachi, norteño and ranchera influences in her music while maintaining her unique and personal sound. The singer-songwriter was a semifinalist on The Voice (La Voz Mexico) and received a Grammy nomination for her debut studio album, La Serenata.

December 6. 8 pm. The Truman.

Theater

Beetlejuice

Starlight Theatre presents a night of mischief and fun with its production of Beetlejuice. This musical adaptation of the original Tim Burton film follows the ghostly couple Adam and Barbara Maitland and the melancholic teenager Lydia Deetz as she copes with the death of her mother. Shortly after uncovering the neighborly spirits, a peculiar demon named Beetlejuice attempts to trick Lydia into bringing him into the living world. The show features a touring cast, brilliantly telling the classic tale of Lydia and her fantastical friends. 

October 2–4. Starlight Theatre.

Frankenschtick or It’s Not Easy Being Green

Just in time for Halloween, this theatrical production presented by Englewoods Arts is the perfect family event to get in the spooky spirit. The musical takes a silly twist on the original Frankenstein story, featuring a live “Monster Mash.”

October 2–11. Englewood Arts.

John Proctor Is the Villain

In Kimberly Belflower’s John Proctor Is the Villain, students at a rural Georgia high school examine the literary heroes of The Crucible. The students remove the 1953 play from its original setting and instead dissect it through a contemporary lens. Their critique of the play leads to the revelation of John Proctor’s flawed character. 

October 6–25. Spencer Theater.

The Who’s Tommy The Musical

Based on The Who’s 1969 rock opera Tommy, this musical interweaves stories of trauma and healing as Tommy experiences life-altering events. Tommy Walker, a young boy who becomes deaf and blind, discovers his natural talent for playing pinball. His remarkable skill leads him to worldwide fame as he becomes a person of awe and wonder. However, as his attention reaches toward toxic, cult-like appraisal, he realizes the danger of power and misguidedance. 

October 14. Midwest Trust Center.

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear

Adapted from David MacGregor’s 2021 mystery novel Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear, this play of the same name follows Holmes on a new adventure, where he helps the deeply troubled painter Vincent Van Gogh. It’s a comedy and mystery that blends the investigation of a classic detective story with witty dialogue and fast-paced banter. MacGregor’s play will be performed at the Unicorn Theatre this season.

November 11–29. Unicorn Theatre

The Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is a haunting romance between an unexpected pair that stirs up chaos through a dramatic love triangle throughout the Paris Opera House. The PNC Broadway production will be coming to Kansas City this winter under the direction of Harold Prince and musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The iconic masked phantom along with numerous powerful ballads come together to create one of light opera’s more memorable shows.

December 2–13. Kansas City Music Hall.

A Christmas Carol

KCRep’s annual A Christmas Carol is a Kansas City favorite. Adapted from the Charles Dickens novel, this play follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the consequences of his selfishness and the power and value of loving relationships. 

December 4–6. Spencer Theater.

Dance

Dance in the Park

Dance in the Park, presented by City in Motion Dance Theatre, will feature both local youth and professional dance performances. This free outdoor event includes a wide variety of dance styles including contemporary and cultural dance.

September 12. Roanoke Park.

New Dance Partners: The Ultimate Collaboration

New Dance Partners features four exciting world-premiere performances driven by the artistic synergy of choreographers all over KC. The Kansas City Ballet, Owen/Cox Dance Group, Störling Dance Theater and Regina Klenjoski Dance Company all come together in this annual two-day show featuring modern and contemporary performances. 

September 18–19. Yardley Hall

Kansas City Ballet: The Wizard of Oz

This year, the Kansas City Ballet will be starting off its season with a special nod to home, performing Septime Webre’s ballet adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. The ballet will follow Dorothy, Toto and her peculiar friends’ journey on the yellow brick road to meet the wise Wizard. Accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony, this performance will transport the audience from Kansas to the glamorous city of Oz.

October 16–25. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Presented by Owen/Cox Dance Group, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King brings to life Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffman’s 1816 Nutcracker story. This contemporary jazz adaptation tells the tale of the Nutcracker and young Marie, featuring Kansas City dancers from diverse dance backgrounds and live music.

December 10–13. Yardley Hall

The Nutcracker

Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker is an essential part of the community’s holiday tradition. After Clara is gifted her beloved Nutcracker by her mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer, her Christmas Eve transforms into a magical adventure with a prince to the Land of Sweets. Reimagined and choreographed by the company’s artistic director Devon Carney, the classical ballet is brought to life through the extraordinary company dancers and the eye-catching sets and costumes. After the event, guests are offered the opportunity to take photos with the memorable characters, including The Nutcracker and Clara herself. 

November 28–December 24. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Visual Arts

Editors Pick: Between Image and Sound: Farhad Ostovani

At Between Image and Sound, art, music and nature converge. Centered around the Nelson-Atkins’ current exhibition, Farhad Ostovani: Goldberg Variations, the museum welcomes the Paris-based Iranian artist to KC.

If you haven’t yet seen Goldberg Variations (which opened in March), be sure to arrive with ample time to peruse the exhibition before the event begins. A visual interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach’s compositions of the same name, Ostovani put ink and watercolor to paper for this collection, using botanical imagery of roses, Iran’s national flower.

The multidisciplinary event kicks off with a performance by pianist Dr. Yi-Yang Chen, premiering a new work from local composer Yunfei Lei written just for the occasion. Following the performance, Ostovani will appear alongside his editor, Robert Bemis, and the Nelson-Atkins’ director and CEO, Julián Zugazagoitia. Together, they’ll discuss the artist’s life, career and his fascination with the intersection between art, harmony and the natural world.

For an art-filled evening, end the night with dinner for two at another Southmoreland museum: The Kemper. Serendipitously, Thursdays are one of only two nights that the museum’s restaurant, Oil on Linen, is open for dinner service. Led by chef Ted Habiger, the rotating menu is inspired by the contemporary institution’s current exhibitions and draws heavily on traditional Mexican cuisine. Although the food menu changes monthly, the house martini—which starts with a fennel and orange-infused vodka and finishes with the proper garnish of a buttery castelvetrano olive—is a reliable mainstay of the cocktail menu. —NC

October 29. 6 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. nelson-atkins.org.

Snap Space: The Distance Between

In Matthew Willie Garcia’s mixed media print installation The Distance Between at the Kansas City Artists Coalition, he explores what it means to live alongside the unknown. Garcia draws from science, science fiction and personal identity to explore space and invites viewers to reflect on their place within a universe that has been expanding for 13.8 billion years. As a printmaker, Garcia has worked throughout the Kansas City area and has had his work featured abroad in the “Sumi-Fusion” Mokuhanga exhibition in Nara, Japan. 

September 18-November 6. 3200 Gillham Road.

Plaza Art Fair

The Plaza Art Fair returns for its 95th year. Spanning over nine city blocks, the festival features 250 national and local artists, displaying a variety of works including sculptures, canvases and jewelry. This year’s highlights include 2025 Plaza Art Fair artist award winners Leah Evans, Nolan Prohaska, Andy Rogers and many more. There will be three stages for live performances throughout the fair, as well as food and drink vendors. 

September 25-27. Country Club Plaza.

Crossroads First Fridays

The Crossroads First Fridays’ tradition where the neighborhood’s art galleries and retail shops stay open late continues this fall, inviting locals to experience the area’s dynamic arts scene. Along with galleries and retail shops remaining open late into the night, numerous street vendors and live music performers dot the streets for the evening.

October 2 & November 6. Crossroads Arts District.

Barbara Takenaga: Awestruck

New York City-based artist Barbara Takenaga, known for her abstract and meticulous dot paintings and print work, will have her first career retrospective, Awestruck, at the Kemper Museum. Her work is held at institutions across the nation including the The Museum of Modern Art in New York and The Broad in Los Angeles. The Awestruck exhibit will feature the past 25 years of Takenaga’s work. 

October 9–April 11, 2027. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

Festivals

KC Renaissance Festival

Take a step back in time at Kansas City’s Renaissance Festival. The annual fair transports visitors to the Renaissance with cosplay, costumes and live entertainment such as jousting matches and folk music. There will be food and drinks, handmade goods and immersive activities throughout the festival, enhancing the creative and playful atmosphere.   

September 5–October 18 (Saturdays and Sundays only). 633 N. 130th Street. Bonner Springs.

Deaf Cultural Festival

Kansas City’s Deaf Cultural Festival celebrates the history of art in the deaf and hard of hearing communities. For more than a decade, this annual festival has featured hands-on art activities, art from deaf and hard of hearing perspectives, and American Sign Language interpretations throughout museum areas. 

September 19. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

18th and Vine Arts Festival

This festival honors KC’s historic and influential 18th & Vine Jazz District with music, art and food. Along with unique interactive art installations and a fashion show, this year’s event will feature 12 finalists from the “Live on the Vine” music competition, including Jor Don, Ayeha Mahmud, Naabi and Jeremiah NA. The annual event is meant for all ages and celebrates the distinct culture and community of the district.

September 27. 18th and Vine District.

Crossroads Music Festival 

The 22nd annual Crossroads Music Festival in the West Bottoms—yes, you read that right—will feature more than 25 performances from local artists. From spinning DJs and jazz trios to indie-rock and folk singers, there is something for everyone. A few of the headliners include Danny McGaw and Kat King. There will also be kid-friendly activities and treats such as face painting and snowcones.

September 12. Historic West Bottoms.

Kansas City Japan Festival 

Kansas City Japan Festival, presented by the Heart of AmericanJapan-America Society, offers a wide variety of traditional performances including live music, martial arts, cultural exhibits and workshops. This year’s theme, “Sumo,” includes a wrestling event featuring sumo wrestler Asabenkei and the Shogeki Sumo Team. 

October 3. Johnson County Community College.

KC Oktoberfest

Kick off October with this notorious beer festival. KC’s Oktoberfest offers a German-style experience with a Kansas City twist, featuring traditional Bavarian food and drink alongside Kansas City craft brews. The festival has activities for all ages, including a variety of games, family activities and live music.

October 2 & 3. Crown Center.

Dia de los Muertos Festival

The Nelson-Atkins celebrates Die de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, with a festival showcasing Latin traditions, art and music. Local cultural performances including traditional dances accompanied by live music and interactive activities will be offered at the museum.

November 1. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Weston Applefest

To commemorate the autumn season, the popular Weston Applefest celebrates all things apple with a plethora of fall and apple-themed food, entertainment and vendors. Before sampling the many apple-flavored treats and checking out the various demonstrations, such as how to make apple butter, be sure to kick off the weekend of events by watching the apple-themed parade.

October 3 & 4. Downtown Weston.

Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony

This beloved holiday tradition is held annually on Thanksgiving night. The 15-block event encompasses the entire Country Club Plaza and features live music, festive performances and a switch-flipping moment at 7:55 pm that illuminates more than 200,000 jewel-colored lights across the Spanish-inspired district. The Plaza’s illumination is followed by a fireworks display.

November 26. Country Club Plaza.

Family

Editors Pick: Kansas City Jazz Orchestra Presents A Charlie Brown Christmas

Whether you’re eight or 80, A Charlie Brown Christmas evokes holiday magic for all ages. Underdog Charlie Brown, his drooping pine tree and quirky group of friends are plenty lovable on their own, but it’s the music of jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi that helped make the Peanuts special the charming classic it is. 

At this Kansas City Jazz Orchestra production, the score is brought to life with big band arrangements. With selections like “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Linus and Lucy,” Guaraldi’s music also makes for a great first introduction into jazz, regardless of age. Performed alongside projected clips from the animated special, this immersive show is a relatively new family tradition in the making, now returning for its fourth year.

For a quick and casual bite beforehand, grab a pie at Buffalo State Pizza Co., located just a couple blocks from the Kauffman Center. You can’t go wrong with Le Royale, the restaurant’s take on a supreme pizza that includes locally made sausage from Scimeca’s. –NC

December 8. 7 pm. Helzberg Hall. kauffmancenter.org

Tiny Explorers Stroller Adventures 

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers a free monthly program for children under two and their guardians, allowing them to explore and discover art at an early age. The program includes guided gallery tours and hands-on activities that are meant to spark kids’ curiosity and creativity. 

September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11. 10:30 am. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Free Weekend Fun: Mini to Monumental

This family-friendly drop-in event includes an arts and crafts activity inspired by the iconic Shuttlecocks sculpture outside of the Nelson-Atkins. The event also includes a comparison of sculptures and small art to understand how scale affects art’s meaning. 

September 26. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

MTC Kids Jam: Joanie Leeds

The Midwest Trust Center’s Kids Jam offers a family-friendly concert, beginning with arts and crafts followed by a performance by Joanie Leeds. Best known for her work as a children’s musical artist, Leeds is a Grammy Award winner and a John Lennon Songwriting Award finalist. She received a Gold Parents’ Choice Award for her 2010 children’s music album I’m a Rock Star. Leeds has since continued to release music, including two new singles this year titled “Breathe Deep” and “My Seder Plate.” 

September 26. Polsky Theatre.

What if Puppets Presents “How to Snag a Sea Monster”

This colorful and award-winning puppet show follows the life of an adopted village baby who ultimately saves the day. The show teaches valuable lessons about accepting differences and overcoming one’s fears while also creating a unique visual experience. 

October 7–10. Polsky Theatre.

Kansas City Symphony: The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert

Kick off the holiday season with Kansas City Symphony’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert, where the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is reimagined through The Muppets ensemble. This concert includes a side-by-side screening of the film and the musical score performed live by the symphony orchestra with guest conductor Jason Seber. 

November 27–29. Helzberg Hall.

Film

Kansas City Underground Film Festival

The Kansas City Underground Film Festival showcases new, independent movies from both local and international filmmakers. The films come from all genres and are chosen for their thoughtful perspectives. Along with free screenings, the festival organizes Q&As and other educational programming. 

September 11–19. Charlotte Street Foundation.

Kansas City Public Library Presents Twilight

View the vampire cult classic Twilight at this KC Public Library screening. The movie follows protagonist Bella Swan’s move to the Northwest to live with her father, where she learns about the secretive world of vampires and werewolves. There vampire Edward Cullen and werewolf Jacob Black fight for Swan’s mortal heart while a supernatural threat unfolds, putting Bella’s life in danger.  

September 18. Kansas City Public Library — Central Library.

Tivol Cinema Presents Meet Me In St. Louis

As part of the Nelson-Atkins’ Tivoli cinema series, the museum screens the iconic film Meet Me in St. Louis. Starring Judy Garland, the film follows the Smith family as they experience sudden change, struggle and excitement in the early 1900s. The movie also features the first aired performance of the classic song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” sung by Garland.

September 25. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Boulevard Drive-In Presents Practical Magic 2

Take a trip down memory lane at Boulevard Drive-in’s screening of Practical Magic 2. The original film followed witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens as they overcame an ancient family curse with the help of their mystical aunts. The sequel features members from the original cast, but will focus on a new generation of the Owens family as they discover the 300 year old curse was not entirely broken. The drive-in offers a comfortable outdoor movie experience, offering classic theater snacks for viewers to enjoy as they watch and reminisce. 

September 11 & 12. Boulevard Drive-In.

Outlander in Concert

In honor of the final season of the hit show, Outlander will be brought to life through a live concert experience. The show tells the story of Claire Randall, a nurse from 1945 who falls in love with a Highlander, Jamie Fraser, in 1743 Scotland. The show is a tale of romance, drama and time-travel accompanied by Bear McCreary’s rich orchestral score influenced by Scottish folk music. 

October 23. Yardley Hall.

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