Events and Entertainment

January

Kansas City Sportshow  Held early January Location: Bartle Hall, 301 W. 13th, Kansas City 800-777-4766 Enormous boat and sport show.

Mid-America Train & Toy Show  Held Late November – early February Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street 913-651-5864

Admission Charged, children under 12 free Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.

February

African-American History Month - Saturday Musical Entertainment  Held on Saturdays during the month of February Location: Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand Ave 813-274-8444

Admission Free Enjoy music each Saturday during February from local entertainers. Past performers have included Angela Hagenbach and The Elder Statesmen.

Jan Kraybill, Community of Christ Principal organist/director of music  Held on Super Bowl Sunday Location: Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 Walnut, Independence, Mo. 816-833-1000

Admission Free Dr. Kraybill’s annual Super Bowl Sunday organ recital is held under the massive dome of the Auditorium.

Mid-America Train & Toy Show  Held Late November – early February Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street 913-651-5864

Admission Charged, children under 12 free Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.

Lithuanian Heritage Month   Held the month of  February Location: Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St, Kansas City, Kans. 913-371-3264 Lithuanian Heritage is highlighted at the museum with an exhibit of costumes, artifacts, photographs, musical instruments, and many other items relating to Lithuanian culture.

Western Farm Show  Held end of February Location: Hale Arena, 1800 Genessee 816-561-5323

Known as the Midwest's largest indoor farm equipment/agricultural products exhibition.

March

Annual Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade

Held March 17

Parade route - 2450 Grand Ave (Pershing Road and Grand Avenue) 816-931-7373

Covering a 30-block corridor from Crown Center into the heart of the downtown district, Kansas City's St. Patrick's Parade has grown since 1973 into one of the country's largest displays of Irish pride. In recent years, more than 400,000 spectators have lined the parade route, so you may want to arrive early to get the best possible vantage point.

April

April Magic Shows

Held the month of April

Location: Crown Center Shops Atrium

816-274-8444

Admission Free Enjoy magic shows from magicians like David Sandy, Tom Burgoon, as well as Eric and Amanda Vaughn, each Saturday in April. Great fun for all ages!

Greater Kansas City International Auto Show

Held early April

Location:  Bartle Exposition Hall, 301 W. 13th St.  816-513-5000

Greater KC Home Show & KC Flower, Lawn & Garden Show

Held mid March

Location:  Bartle Exposition Hall. 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO

816-942-8800

Admission Charged

Spring is in the air as the Kansas City Home Show and the Flower, Lawn and Garden Show bloom on nearly eight football fields of exhibit space.

June

Carondelet Heart Institute Hospital Hill Run

Held early June

Location: Race begins and ends at Crown Center Square

816-274-3635

This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by Runner's World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 12K race and 5K run/walk.

Crown Center Antique Festival

Held end of June

Location: Crown Center Square

816-274-8444

Admission Free

Ranked the #2 antique show in the Midwest by Discover Mid-America, the annual Crown Center Antique Festival features more than 150 dealers showcasing pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more.  

July

Spirit Festival

Held July 4

Location: Penn Valley Park Pershing Rd & Main St 816-221-4444

Dancing shoes are required at this huge party in downtown's Penn Valley Park. More than 200,000 music lovers converge on the Lincoln Memorial to soak in the sun and fun at this annual event. Four entertainment stages host more than 30 bands, playing everything from jazz and funk to Cajun and children's music. The main stage features national acts ranging from classic rock favorites and alternative up-and-comers to big time blues artists. The event also boasts the largest carnival midway in the Midwest.

July Puppet Show Series

Held early July

Location:  Crown Center Shops Atrium

816-274-8444

Admission Free

Two puppet shows every Saturday during July, featuring such local puppeteers as Piccadilly Productions, Paul Mesner Puppets, the StoneLion Puppet Theatre and the Clement McCrae Puppets.

September

American Royal Barbecue Contest

Held late September-early October

Location: American Royal Center 816-221-9800

In 1981 the Kansas City Barbecue Society founded the event that now kicks off the venerable (founded 1899) and huge American Royal Livestock, Horse Show & Rodeo. Each Fall, more than 600 judges choose the barbecue winners of both the Invitational contest, restricted to winners of other cook-offs worldwide, and the Open contest, which welcomes all who wish to participate. Another 400 judges choose the best barbecue sauce, side dishes and bone art. The world's third-largest clogging contest, a barbecue equipment expo and live music are also on the menu.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Held Labor Day weekend through October

Location: 207 Westport Rd

816-548-8005

Savor the sights and sounds of yester-year in this 16th century English village. Fifteen minutes and 500 years west of KC on I-70 to Bonner Springs exit. Seven spectacular weekends beginning Labor Day weekend,

Plaza Art Fair

Held end of September

Location:  Country Club Plaza, 4745 Central

816-753-0100

Over 200 artists showcase their finest works during the annual Plaza Art Fair. Visit the Plaza to view an amazing display of paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, metal, wood, jewelry and more, along with four stages of live music and delicious food from two dozen Plaza restaurants. For kids, there will be hands-on activities, young artist demonstrations, and free prizes.

October

American Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo

Held late October and November

Location:  American Royal, 1701 American Royal Ct.

816-221-9800

Admission Charged

The American Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo is among the largest of nearly two dozen non-fair expositions in North America.  Seven events are performed: barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and team roping. In addition, spectators enjoy specialty acts and the humor of top rodeo bullfighters.

Heart of America Quilt Festival Held late September through early October

Location: Crown Center, 2450 Grand Boulevard

816-274-8444 

Admission Free

The exhibit includes hand-crafted quilts, wall hangings & decorative items, as well as a quilting demonstration. Some quilts are for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund. There will be special children's activities on Thursday nights, Saturdays & Sundays, and many other special events are planned during the two-week festival.

November

Marillac's Enchanted Forest  Held mid November – early December Location: Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd. 816-460-2020

Admission Free Kick off the holiday season inside Union Station with Marillac's Enchanted Forest. More than 100 decorated trees and wreaths are on display throughout the Station. The trees and wreaths each have their own theme and are decorated by local organizations and businesses. The public can place a bid on one to take home. Auction proceeds benefit Marillac's special programs and therapies for children and adolescents.

Christmas In The Park  Held end of November – the end of December Location: Longview Lake Campground, Longview Lake Park, Blue Springs, Mo. 816-795-8200

Donations are accepted Christmas in the Park is one of Jackson County Parks and Recreation's most celebrated events of the year. Three hundred thousand lights and 175 animated figures and splashed of Christmas color transform Longview Lake Park into an enchanting winter wonderland. The entire family will delight in the warmth of this fun-filled, holiday display.

Crayola Christmas Land  Held end of November – the end of December Location: Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1, 2450 Grand Blvd. 816-274-8444

Admission Free Children can jump, romp and play on super sized Crayola products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. The Crayola Christmas Land play area remains open through December 31.

Holiday Choirs  Held late November through late December Location: Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1, 2450 Grand Blvd.

Hours:  Weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings.

816-274-8444

Admission Free Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. Brass quintets and the Dickens carolers will entertain on the weekends.

Crown Center Ice Terrace

Held late November – March

Location:  Ice Terrace

Looking for something cool to do this winter? Then strap on some skates and glide around the Ice Terrace -- Kansas City's only outdoor ice skating rink. The Ice Terrace is located across from the Crown Center Shops, where you'll find some of the best shopping and most delightful restaurants in the city.

Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony and Season of Lights

Held Thanksgiving evening, lights remain through mid-January

Location: The Country Club Plaza, 4745 Central 816-753-0100

The famous lighting ceremony takes place on the night of Thanksgiving followed by a fireworks display above the stage as well as at The Fairmont Hotel following the ceremony. With more than 250,000 colorful ceramic and transparent bulbs, 75 miles of electric wiring and a national reputation for sheer ''wow'' factor, The Plaza's Season of Lights is a legendary holiday landmark for local residents and out-of-town visitors.

Mid-America Train & Toy Show  Held Late November – early February Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street 913-651-5864

Admission Charged, children under 12 free Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.

December

Kansas City World Holiday Market  Held early December Location: City Market, 20 East 5th Street 816-421-2341 A family-friendly holiday destination for shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment. Visitors are tempted with treats and treasures as they soak in the holiday aroma! The Holiday Mart features dozens of vendors displaying their wares in heated stalls, holiday décor & entertainment, specialty food & drinks, warming tents, petting zoo, carousel, strolling carolers and visits from Santa.

Kansas City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker  Held the month of December Location: Midland Theater, 1228 Main 816-931-2232

Call for performance schedule

Admission Charged

Christmas Candlelight Tours  Held early December Location: John Wornall House Museum, 6115 Wornall Rd. 816-444-1858

Admission Charged Celebrate a traditional nineteenth century Christmas with the Worrall family.

Heart of America Barbershop Chorus with the Kansas City Chorus of Sweet Adelines present: Holiday Harmony Spectacular  Held early December Location: Unity Village, 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, Mo. (approx. 17 miles SE of Kansas City) 913-814-8268

17th Annual Westport Children's Tree Lighting Party  Held early December Location: Triangle Park, Southwest Trafficway & Westport Rd. 816-753-6719

Admission Free Help foster the spirit of togetherness by brining an ornament and decorating Westport's "living holiday tree." Children and youth are invited to bring a homemade ornament to decorate the tree -- a blue spruce planted 17 years ago for the annual lighting celebration. Santa Claus is also expected to attend with treats for all participants.

City Hall Holiday Concert Series

Held early December

Location:  City Hall Rotunda, 414 East 12th Street Admission Free

Hours:  Noon to 1pm The concerts feature performances by a talented variety of elementary, middle and high school concert bands, orchestras, chorales and performing ensembles from the Kansas City area.  

Kansas City Southern's Holiday Express  Held mid December Location: West Yards, Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd. 816-460-2020

Admission Free Watch Santa and friends arrive at Union Station on a magically decorated six-car freight train featuring 10,000 holiday lights. The train includes a smiling tank car, gingerbread box car, flat car carrying Santa's sleigh, reindeer and miniature village, the elves' workshop, and a little red caboose.

Mid-America Train & Toy Show  Held Late November – early February Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street 913-651-5864

Admission Charged, children under 12 free Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.

Entertainment

Kansas City Symphony

1020 Central, Ste. 300  

Kansas City, MO 64105

816-471-1100

Call for performance schedule

Founded in 1982 and recognized as "The Sound of Kansas City." The 78-person orchestra performs more than 100 concerts annually including masterworks classical, star-studded pops, hour-long f