Weekend Possibilities | Virtual Kansas City Zoo Run, SpraySeeMo Mural Fest and Renaissance Festival on Parade

Plenty of virtual and socially distanced events mark September’s final weekend, ranging from a fresh take on the Renaissance Festival to an online art fest where you can still chat face-to-face with creators.

Friday, Sept. 25

10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. There’s still time to join the virtual Kansas City Zoo Run. All you have to do is head to Garry Gribble’s Running Sports in Overland Park, 11908 119th St., on Thursday or Friday to register and pick up your race packet. Be sure to check online for running routes across the metro, or feel free to hop on the treadmill. Participants will receive a 2020 “Race for the Sloths” bib, t-shirt and a medal. Complete the race by Oct. 1 and don’t forget to publish your results.

4 – 10 p.m. It’s that time of the year at Transport Brewery, 11113 Johnson Drive in Shawnee. The brewery’s second annual Oktoberfest Block Party kicks off Friday at 4 p.m. This year’s socially distant celebration will feature the release of a new German pour “Festbier,” along with food from KC Pretzel Boy, Brownbag Popcorn Co., Werner’s Fine Sausages and McClain’s Bakery. Music will be courtesy of The Happy Wanderers. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair or blanket to spread out.

More than a dozen artists who specialize in street murals descended on Kansas City this week for the 2020 SpraySeeMo Mural Festival. While the majority of face-to-face elements of the festival have been cancelled due to COVID-19, you can still get out to see the art. Head to the festival website for an interactive map showing the best route for a walking tour of murals. When you find a mural, download the ARTIVIVE app, point your camera and watch the artwork come to life. Self-guided festival tours are free.

Saturday, Sept. 26

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Get the gang out of the house for Kansas City Community Gardens’ Fall Family Festival, 6917 Kensington Ave. The free event at the Leanna Flandermeyer Beanstalk Children’s Garden in Swope Park will have activities like face painting, garden crafts, horseback riding and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Right when you thought you’d stop spending money on that vinyl collection, round two of Record Store Day has arrived. Stop by Revolution Records in the Crossroads, 1830 Locust St., for new exclusive releases, plus plenty of recently shipped used records. No more than one title copy per customer. Revolution isn’t the only local spot participating in the RSD special releases. Josey Records, 1814 Oak St., also has plans to drop plenty of vinyl come Saturday. Be sure to check online for a complete list of what’s new.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you’re bummed about the cancellation of this year’s Plaza Art Fair and don’t feel like getting out to the staple event’s adjusted in-person activities this weekend, register for PeaceWorks KC Art Fair. The two-day online art fair will feature tons of pieces created across all mediums. You’ll be able to video chat with dozens of artists to learn more about each piece, just like a normal in-person fest or gallery. Registration is free.

8 – 11 p.m. Tickets to the in-person show at Lemonad(e) Park by Voltaire and recordBar are sold out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get down with Grand Marquis and Victor & Penny and their Loose Change Orchestra. Tickets to the accompanying livestream event are available for $10. 

Sunday, Sept. 27

10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Kansas Citians have the chance to experience the Renaissance Festival like never before in the age of COVID-19. Get your tickets for the first-ever Renaissance Festival on Parade, 633 N. 126th St. in Bonner Springs, a socially distant take on the annual gathering that will still fix your festival food cravings. Roll down the window and grab a turkey leg, and on your left, jousting! Each vehicle is $20.

2 – 3:30 p.m. Take a deep dive into “40 Thieves of Saipan,” the latest book from authors Joseph Tachovsky and Cynthia Kraack, with Write On, Door County’s upcoming Virtual Author Reading. The authors will discuss the true story of Tachovsky’s father’s time in the war in addition to a few personal stories contributed by Gold Star Mothers and Fathers. Registration for the online event is required. Donations are appreciated.