Art, food, drinks, culture, and outdoors—if the Chiefs opened their season this Sunday rather than Thursday, this weekend would’ve been almost too Kansas City.
This one’s going to be fun. Here’s what’s going down.
Kansas City Greek Festival
September 6-8
Between the food, the pride, and the vibes, Kansas City Greek Festival is one of our favorite cultural festivals in Kansas City. Set in the cozy confines of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church courtyard, it feels like a family reunion where anyone’s welcome. Entry is free, and the event is full of dance performances, wine tastings, and baklava and kabobs galore.
It goes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 on Saturday, and noon to 4 on Sunday. Here’s the full schedule.
Art Westport
September 6-8
Art Westport is back for its 44th year. It’s a familiar scene for any KC art festival goer—rows of artist booths, food and drink vendors, and live music—but what makes it special is that, despite its size, it’s as local as it gets. At the Plaza Art Fair, you’ll see artists from all over; Art Westport, meanwhile, exclusively showcases artists from within 80 miles of Kansas City. Every piece you buy, from paintings to ceramics, benefits a local artist.
En Plein Air
September 7
Want to take a hack at art yourself? Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the John Wornall House Museum is hosting an outdoor painting competition that anyone can join or spectate. Participants will create paintings en plein air, French for “in the open air,” inspired by the museum grounds. Entry is free, prizes go up to $200, and youth participants will have access to free painting supplies.
If you’d rather watch, you can bring a blanket or a chair and watch the paintings come into being. The museum, which tells a fascinating story of a home once at the battle lines of slavery, will provide water, light snacks, and free self-guided tours of the house.
Oktoberfest at KC Pumpkin Patch
September 7
KC Pumpkin Patch continues its sweet schedule of events with Oktoberfest this Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Since it’s centered on what the breweries are stirring up, only ages 21 and up are permitted.
If you’ve been, you know how lovely KC Pumpkin Patch is. It’s on a spacious plot of earth next to its sister spot, KC Wine Co., and it’s a great place to enjoy food, beer, music, and games that bring out the kid in you.
Tickets are around $25 after taxes and fees. That’s a decent price considering you get a KC Wine Co. stein, a free beer inside, and access to relaxing fields.
Bark in the Sculpture Park
September 7
Your dog deserves a fun weekend, too. Bring them to Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park just outside Nelson-Atkins for a free gathering with other dogs and their people. Humans (21 and up) can sample drinks from City Barrel Brewery, Vine Street Brewing Co., and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. They can buy snacks and more drinks, too. Assuming the temperature cooperates, KC Pet Project will be there with adoptable dogs.
Bark in the Sculpture Park is free, but if you want to enter a raffle, registering online puts your name in the hat.
Have fun!