Go outside and play.
Those are your weekend marching orders, whether you actually march (which would be impressive), meander or just look for a mellow place to plop down and ponder your alfresco options.
Choices for exterior fun encompass open-air art contests, bicycling events, canine carryings-on, craft beer drinking and assorted live music possibilities, along with the intrinsic value of freely mingling with your fellow humans – marching or otherwise – rain or shine.
1. Sunset in the Park & Plein Air Fest
Landscape artists will participate in three “quick paint” contests Thursday through Saturday in Penn Valley Park. The picnicking public is encouraged to watch the creative process and see which two-hour masterpieces most please the judges. Friday evening’s post-painting festivities include a less-rushed community sunset watch at the intersection of Memorial Drive, Kessler Road and Wyandotte Street, and music from roots rock trio Katy Guillen & the Girls. Quick paint contests: Thursday (around Just Off Broadway Theatre) and Friday (around Liberty Memorial), 5-7 p.m.; Saturday (around the lake), 7-9 a.m.; concert by Katy Guillen & the Girls: Friday, 7 p.m.; Penn Valley Park, 2698 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free.
2. Cycle in the City
Bicyclers, skaters, joggers, walkers and others are invited to this family-oriented cycle party and street fest on a stretch of Ward Parkway that will be closed to motor traffic – which may be a first. Organizers point out that there will be no start or finish lines, just lots of opportunities for face to face (rather than bumper to bumper) encounters on the boulevard. The afternoon event includes musical entertainment, games, a yoga area, a rock climbing wall and a BMX bike show. Saturday, 2-5 p.m.; on Ward Parkway closed to traffic from Meyer Circle to Gregory Boulevard (71st Street); admission: free.
3. Merriam Turkey Creek Festival
Gobble up an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, check out arts & crafts booths and let country and pop bands Southern Vixen and Twice on Sunday provide the peppy soundtrack at this 30th annual neighborhood jamboree. Kids can peruse the A-Z Petting Zoo, take a pedal boat ride or be engaged by roving performers from StoneLion Puppet Theatre. Do puppets take pedal boat rides? We’ll see. Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Rd., Merriam, Kan.; admission: free.
4. HopFest Craft Beer Festival
Unlimited sampling. It’s a concept that can set a consumer’s mind reeling, especially when alcohol is involved. So you’ll want to keep your head – along with your souvenir tasting glasses – when more than 50 craft breweries offer limited-edition liquid creations at HopFest. Or you can go ahead and try different beers with abandon, as long as there’s a cab or a designated driver in your plan. And you don’t mind the hangover. Heh. Saturday, 1-6 p.m.; Waldo Outdoor Pavilion, 75th Street and Wornall Road, Kansas City, Mo.; admission: $40, $60 (VIP).
5. Tour de Bier KC
Limited sampling. It’s the rule for cyclists taking part in the Tour de Bier KC, a point-to-point tour of local breweries and brewing landmarks, which includes limited beer sampling with food during rest stops. There are three different routes for riders to pick from – 17, 35 and 65 miles – but each begins and ends at Knuckleheads Saloon with a concluding lunch that comes with two complimentary beverages. Soda pop, anyone? Sunday, cycling start times at 7, 9 and 10 a.m.; Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester St., Kansas City, Mo.; same-day registration: $60.
6. Woofstock
The Northland’s yearly 1-mile walk/5K run for dogs and their people is back with pooch-centric vendors and contests. Afterward, stick around with your furry friend for the Yappy Happy Hour at 2:30 p.m. on the Herford House patio. Woof! Bow-wow! And my favorite: Arf! Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Zona Rosa Town Center, 8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free (walk/run registration of $30 benefits the Northland Animal Welfare Society).
7. Alligator Fest
The Bon Ton Soul Accordion Band is the headliner, which means the time-tested Kansas City Zydeco music outfit will have its way with you under the stars. Anyway, these dudes pack a partying wallop that should have you seeing a few. Because that’s what they do. Saturday, 8 p.m.; Crossroads KC, 417 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $11.50-$31.50.
8. Beck and Willie Nelson
Unpredictable pop music master Beck – whose“Morning Phase” surprisingly won best album in addition to best rock album at this year's Grammys – and dependable country music institution Willie Nelson may seem an unlikely twosome to share a concert bill. But they’re both mavericks at heart and each is a great songwriter. Not that Beck has written a song as moving as Wilson’s “Crazy,” but it’s not as if he’s done yet. Then again, neither is Willie. Ooh, this could be a good one. Friday, 8 p.m.; Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $45.