It’s almost Labor Day weekend, baby. A lot of us get three days off—and to the Kansas Citians that don’t, we hope you still get to enjoy some of what this weekend has to offer. It’s a fun one.
Kansas City Irish Fest
August 30-September 1
It turns out that Kansas City is very Irish—13% of the metro being so lucky—so it makes sense that Kansas City Irish Fest is gigantic. The fountain at Crown Center will flow green from Friday to Sunday, with eight stages for Irish entertainment and over 70 vendors. There will be movie screenings, whiskey tastings, and, of course, mass Sunday morning. Folk-rock band The Elders play everyone home on Sunday night.
Friday evening tickets are $25, Saturday and Sunday single day admission tickets cost $30, and there are several special packages with extra bells and whistles. At the very least, grab the weekend pass for $70 if you know you’ll go every day.
Mimosas in the Park
August 31
Mimosas in the Park is free (unless you want VIP perks—then it’s $30), has a “boho vibe,” and fills Theis Park on Saturday. It’s the first of its kind, but the organizers have been working at it for months and promise vendors, music, memories, and mimosas. Shoot, we’re in.
Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival
August 31-September 1
Artist Steve Johnson’s sidewalk chalk demonstration on 816 Day was just a preview for this weekend’s explosion of color in the City Market. At the Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival, you’ll see hundreds of artists, from kids to pros, livening up the streets with their art. You can expect street performers and all the usual City Market charms, as well.
Some sections of the pavement are reserved for affiliated artists (and you’re encouraged to watch their works develop throughout the weekend). Other sections are for kids, and others are for anyone. Chalk will be provided.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
August 31-September 2 (and ongoing)
A renaissance festival, most of all, is an escape—a little town away from town set hundreds of years back. Kansas City Renaissance Festival, which starts this Saturday and runs every weekend until October 13, is a shining example. Head to a wooded section of Bonner Springs, walk through King’s or Queen’s gate, and emerge somewhere different.
Veterans know what to expect: dozens of artisan booths, novel food vendors, old-timey games, and dedicated performers all around the wooded park. But this weekend, pirates have taken over the town. You’re welcome to dress as one, as well. Grab tickets here.
Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour
August 31-September 2
The 2024 Sundance Film Festival took place in January, and it’s taking seven of its short films on the road. Documentary, drama, comedy, animation—you’ll see a lot in 110 minutes.
Head to Screenland Armour on Saturday for the first Kansas City showings of this diverse set of shorts. There are showings every day through Wednesday, as well, but Saturday gets you the matinee price ($8).
If you can’t make a weekend showtime and love a bargain, try going Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The tickets are even less expensive, at $5. That’s quite cheap for a set of world-renowned short films. Here’s the full list of showtimes.