News Summary
Kansas City is set for an exciting weekend from May 1-4, featuring outdoor concerts, rodeos, art festivals, and cultural celebrations. Highlights include the Mobile Music Box Concert, the American Royal Rodeo, and a variety of art and fundraising events that promise to engage residents and visitors alike.
Kansas City is buzzing with a variety of events scheduled for the weekend of May 1-4, offering residents and visitors alike a rich selection of cultural, musical, and recreational activities. Highlights include outdoor concerts, rodeos, art festivals, and themed parties, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Outdoor Concerts
The Kansas City Symphony will kick off the weekend with the Mobile Music Box Concert on May 1 at 6 PM. This outdoor concert series will feature chamber music in the scenic English Landing Park located in Parkville, providing a perfect blend of nature and sound for attendees looking to unwind in a beautiful setting.
Annual Rodeo Event
From May 1 to May 3, the annual American Royal Rodeo will take place at the American Royal Arena in West Bottoms. This lively event includes thrilling activities such as bull riding and barrel racing, complemented by live music and themed parties. The rodeo is a popular event that brings communities together to celebrate this cherished tradition.
Opera Performance
The Lyric Opera of Kansas City will present the final performances of Puccini’s opera Turandot from May 2-4 at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre. This grand opera promises to deliver a night of stunning vocals and intricate storytelling, attracting both opera aficionados and newcomers to the genre.
Album Release and Concerts
On May 2, the music scene will shine with the The Freedom Affair Album Release Party, held at the Madrid Theatre at 8 PM. The soul band will be joined by opening acts Katy Guillen and the Drive and Julia Haile. Simultaneously, Making Movies, a KC-based Americana band, will perform at Warehouse on Broadway, also at 8 PM, offering additional musical options for fans that evening.
Art and Cultural Festivals
The Brookside Art Annual, now in its 39th year, will take place from May 2-4 at 63rd Street and Brookside Boulevard. This popular art festival will showcase the works of 180 artists, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore and purchase local art. Additionally, the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will be hosted at Guadalupe Centers on May 2-3, featuring authentic Latin American cuisine and entertainment, celebrating Hispanic culture and community.
Fundraising Events
On May 3, two fundraising events will occur simultaneously. The 10th Annual Derby Party at the Museum of Kansas City will commence at 3 PM, offering live music, southern food, and dancing for a charitable cause. Concurrently, a Kentucky Derby Watch Party will take place at Blanc Champagne Bar, featuring mint juleps and champagne served on a rooftop with views of Midtown, providing a festive atmosphere to celebrate the iconic horse race.
Immersive Art Exhibit
Art enthusiasts can also visit the Stan Douglas: Metronome Exhibit at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring major video works. This immersive exhibit, which runs until October 12, is designed to challenge perceptions and engage viewers in contemporary visual art.
This weekend in Kansas City not only showcases local talent but also brings together the community in appreciation of arts, culture, and entertainment. With such a diverse lineup, attendees are encouraged to participate and enjoy what the city has to offer, creating lasting memories.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heroic Rescue at Sea: USS Midway’s Legendary Evacuation
International Students Rally Against Visa Revocations at ASU
Kansas City Man Charged with 2nd Degree Murder in Hit and Run
Kansas City Welcomes WWE Fans for Monday Night Raw
Kansas City Unveils ProspectUS Plan for Community Revitalization
Chilean National Charged with Theft from Homeland Security Secretary
Tragic Accident Claims Four Lives in Chatham, Illinois
Kansas City Man Faces Serious Charges After Tragic Street Racing Incident
Riley Green Announces Kansas City Concert Date
Weather Alerts Update for Kansas City
Additional Resources
- Fox4KC: Things to Do This Weekend in Kansas City
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- KC Today: Plan Ahead Kansas City Events
- Google Search: Kansas City Events
- KCTV5: List of Events Happening This Weekend Around Kansas City
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Events
- In Kansas City: This Weekend in Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- Kansas City Star: Entertainment Events
- Google News: Kansas City Entertainment

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.

