Weekend Possibilities | KC Ballet at Starlight, Children’s Urban Book Fair, Buds and Suds

On-stage events like KC Ballet at Starlight and Freight Train Rabbit Killer at Lemonad(e) Park, plus local maker experiences like The Park Place Farmer’s Market or Queer & Bazaar in Westport should make for a busy weekend outdoors.

Bring an umbrella, just in case.

Friday, May 21

6 p.m. Originally a response to social distancing requirements and the upside of outdoor venues due to COVID-19, Lemonad(e) Park in the West Bottoms, 1628 Wyoming St., has become one of the city’s most intimate music venues. Fans of live music can check out Friday night’s lineup featuring Freight Train Rabbit Killer, The Almighty Trouble Brothers and Sopchoppy. Enjoy dinner from Voltaire while you’re at it. Tickets start at $15.

7:10 p.m. The Royals will take the field and face off against the Detroit Tigers this weekend at Kauffman Stadium, 1 Royal Way, with sights set on battling back to a .500 record. To make a night at “The K” even sweeter, Friday night’s promotions include dollar hot dogs for Buck Night, plus Summer Fireworks. Ticket prices vary.

8 p.m. Kansas City Ballet is bringing a refreshing live dance performance to the stage this weekend at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road. The 70-minute performance designed to inspire a sense of adventure will feature new choreography from KC Ballet artistic director Devon Carney and his team. Can’t make it Friday? On Saturday, essential workers and front-line workers can enjoy a show free of charge. Tickets are $35.

Saturday, May 22

7:30 a.m. – Noon The Park Place Farmer’s Market is in full swing Saturday mornings, May 1 through October 16 in Leawood, 116th Place between Ash and Rosewood Streets. Vendors for the 2021 season include more than 15 local farmers and makers such as A&G Granola in the Raw, Alma Creamery, Wild Alive Ferments, Donutology, Heartland Honey, PawsAbilities and more as the list continues to grow. The market will happen rain or shine. Free covered parking is available in the two Park Place parking garages.

10 a.m. – Noon Raining cats takes on a whole different meaning Saturday morning at the Great Plains SPCA Kitten Shower, 5424 Antioch Road. Swing by the shelter to snuggle with kittens, get in on some “kitten shower” games, enter a raffle giveaway and more. Great Plains is asking for in-kind items or monetary donations to help get through kitten season. The group is asking for a $10 donation per family at the door.

1 – 5 p.m. The Urban Lit Collab and American Jazz Museum are joining forces to put on The KC Children’s Urban Book Fair Saturday afternoon at the American Jazz Museum, 1616 E. 18th St. Children of all ages are welcome to stop by and shop around for books by local Kansas City authors. There will also be a live entertainment stage and plenty of activities. Attending the book fair is free.

1:30 – 4:30 p.m. The fourth Saturday of the month means Kansas City Center for Inclusion’s Queer & Bazaar will spotlight local queer artists and their products at 3911 Main St. Jewelry, ceramics, paintings, prints and more will be on display all afternoon. Organizers ask that patrons wear a mask or face covering.

Sunday, May 23

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Take your motion-sickness meds, it’s opening weekend at Worlds of Fun, 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave. More than 236 acres of thrill rides, water slides, carnival games, theater performances and go-karts await adventure seekers of all ages as the theme park enters its 48th season in Kansas City. Tickets start at $35.

Noon – 5 p.m. Whether you’re ready to tie the knot, or just obsessed with planning a dream wedding for when that certain someone comes along, the Kansas City Bridal and Wedding Expo should check some boxes when it comes to getting ready for the big day. The two-day event at the Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W. 13th St., will have more than 40 wedding professionals on hand, with products and services on display related to bachelor/bachelorette parties, hair and makeup, cakes, marriage counseling and so much more. Event passes are free, but signing up in advance is required.

Noon – 5 p.m. The historic Wornall/Majors House Museums, 6115 Wornall Road, has plans to celebrate the first planting seasons of the new Wornall Learning Landscape Sunday afternoon with Buds & Suds. The event will provide information on the planting, plus plenty of local brews. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for “suds” from Martin City Brewing Co., Crane Brewing and Torn Label, plus music from the Charles Williams Jazz Trio. Tickets start at $30.