As summer winds down and kids head back to school, Kansas Citians looking for outdoor fun and festivities will have plenty of options this weekend. There are a slew of family-friendly events before the school season kicks off.
Here’s a weekend roundup of what to expect.
Ethnic Enrichment Festival
Hosted by the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City and the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department, the 47th annual festival celebrates the city’s “rich multicultural tapestry,” representing more than 40 countries.
The festival features stage performances, international crafts and lots (and lots) of food. It’s a sensory explosion of sights, smells and especially taste. Bring your family, friends and an empty stomach to take in this vibrant event.
- When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23
- Where: Swope Park, 4177 Pavilion Road
- Admission: $5 for adults, kids under 12 are free
Art Walk
The Strawberry Hill neighborhood offers family-friendly fun at the Downtown KCK Third Friday Art Walk, a monthly event from May 15 to Oct. 15.
Walk through EPIC Arts to take in their live performances, local art galleries and food trucks.
- When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
- Where: EPIC Arts, 609 North 6th Street
- Admission: Free
Heart of America Hot Dog Festival
Baseball fans and hot dog enthusiasts can relish their Saturday at the Heart of America Hot Dog Festival. Created by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in 2013, this event celebrates the beloved connection between baseball and the All-America hot dog.
This year, they’re taking the festival from the Historic 18th and Vine district to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The festival will also bring out live performances featuring Zapp, Con Funk Shun, and more.
Proceeds will benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
- When: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22
- Where: National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Drive
- Admission: General admission is $50 for adults, kids between 6 to 12 are $10
Mutts and Movies
If your pets are wanting a night out, the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City is hosting their 24th Mutts and Movies, with all proceeds going towards their resource center.
The event will showcase an “Animal WelFair” filled with carnival games, pet caricatures and more. The night ends under the stars alongside a double feature of "Scooby-Doo" and "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed!"
- When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.
- Where: Boulevard Drive-In Theatre, 1051 Merriam Lane
- Admission: General admission is $25 for ages 10 and up, and children between 3 to 9 are $10. Children under 2 as well as pets are free.
Parkville Days
Parkville brings out the carnival as the historic town celebrates their annual Parkville Days festival. With a full schedule of live music and local vendors, they also offer helicopter rides located on the baseball field in Platte Landing Park.
On Saturday, the town will host a 10 a.m. parade that stretches from 63rd Street and Hwy 9 to downtown Parkville on Main Street.
- When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug 22; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday Aug. 23; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24
- Where: Downtown Parkville, 100 Main Street, Parkville, Mo.
- Admission: Free
To keep a tab on upcoming events in Kansas City, view Visit KC.
