It’s about this time of year that Kansas City starts firing off event after event. Sports here, entertainment there, and food everywhere. It can be hard to digest—but no need to down it all at once. Let’s focus on what’s going on this first weekend of August.
Kevin Hart: Acting My Age Tour
August 2
Why not start your weekend sending your laughter into the stars over Swope Park? Kevin Hart’s nationwide tour stops at the Starlight Theatre this Friday.
Tickets at the plaza, box, and orchestra level are nearly sold out, but at publish time, several were available at the terrace level. You can start your ticket search on Starlight’s website before upping the ante on the secondary market.
Something Rotten!
August 2-4
Remember the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival earlier this summer? We loved it, but for something a little different—but still free!—go see Something Rotten! at the Gladstone Amphitheater in Oak Grove Park.
At 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, the team at Gladstone Theatre in the Park will perform the Tony-nominated musical comedy about two desperate rivals of William Shakespeare. Bring something to sit on and money for concessions and donations.
Heart of America Hot Dog Festival
August 3
The Heart of America Hot Dog Festival isn’t a hard sell. Go listen to music and eat hot dogs all afternoon in the jazz district. Musical acts include Stokely, Brownstone, and Midnight Star.
The Heart of American Hot Dog Festival is put on by the hot dog’s natural ally, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Adults pay $50 in general admission, and chaperoned kids pay $10.
Kansas City Brew Festival
August 3
Just an eight-minute drive away, Kansas City Brew Festival at Union Station goes from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. General admission ($50) gets you unlimited samples from 45 local and national breweries. The festival is promising 120 different beers and food trucks galore.
VIPs (and you can be one for $65) get in at noon and get access to special pours.
Beginner Clinic at Chicken N Pickle
August 3
We like pickleball here. Next weekend, PickleCon takes over the Kansas City Convention Center, and two major tournaments—one amateur and one pro—come to Overland Park. (If you’re interested in attending or playing, we broke down PPA Tour weekend.)
That all sounds a little intense. If you just want to dip your toe into the game, Chicken N Pickle in North Kansas City is hosting a beginner’s clinic at 9 a.m. on Saturday. It costs 10 bucks, and it’s for people brand new to the game.