Make the most of your remaining summer days. Kansas City has something to offer everyone, from art shows and festivals to music events and special exhibits. And there's a smorgasbord of new eateries if all that activity leaves you hungry! Here are a few items of special note.
Spotlight 2021: Charlie Parker. All of you jazz aficionados can be-bop to various venues in August as Kansas City celebrates Charlie "Bird" Parker's 101st birthday. KC Jazz Alive, University of Missouri Kansas City, the American Jazz Museum, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Mutual Musicians Foundation, Bruce Watkins Cultural Center and numerous other cultural and civic organizations will host jam sessions, tours, lectures, exhibits, panel discussions, poetry slams, workshops and concerts celebrating Kansas City’s native son.
Ethnic Enrichment Festival. Kansas City's diverse cultures unite at this annual festival, scheduled for August 20-22, 2021 in Swope Park. The weekend extravaganza includes food, dancing and music representing dozens of countries.
Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. This international exhibition is open through January 2022. The exhibit features more than 700 original artifacts from 20 worldwide institutions, museums and private collections. Reservations are required, and ticket availability is limited.
Planet Comicon. This year's annual comic book convention celebrates 20 years of superheroes, pop culture and more during the weekend of August 20.
Testimony: African American Artists Collective. This exhibition showcases a range of media amplified by the artists’ own words. The testimonies offered by the Kansas-City based African American Artists Collective in this exhibition are diverse in style and theme. The exhibition, located in Gallery L8 of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, runs through March 27, 2022 and is free to the public.
Parkville Days. Spend a day—or a weekend—in the quaint riverfront community of Parkville, Missouri as it celebrates its history and future on August 20-22. This annual family-friendly festival features crafts, carnival favorites and more.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Art Course. There are still a few weeks left to enjoy the “Art Course” at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The Fall session is open until September 10.
Art Course is an artist-designed, mini golf experience located in the exquisite Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Each hole on this 9-hole course presents a creative interpretation of a work of art in the museum’s collection.
New to Art Course 2021! Test your batting skills with the newest addition to Art Course, “Eyy Putter Putter Swing,” inspired by Radcliffe Bailey’s Mound Magician, designed by Sierra Swift and fabricated by Dimensional Innovations. The new hole is a gift from Bill and Christy Gautreaux in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues and the Kansas City Monarchs.
Country Club Bank is proud to be a part of this popular installation and summer attraction!
Art Course Pricing:
$16 Adults
$12 Museum Members
$10 Children 4-12 years (3 and under are free)
Tickets can be purchased here, at the Info Desk or through 816-751-1ART.
Restaurant Openings
Several new items are on Kansas City’s menu of recently opened eateries. Here are a few to whet your appetite. Then, check out this comprehensive list.
Third Street Social has opened a new location at 5031 Main, just south of Country Club Bank’s 1 Ward Parkway headquarters. It occupies the former Nick & Jake’s spot.
Lenexa Public Market has several changes in store! First, Red Kitchen KC is moving to an anchor spot in the food hall. The move will come with expanded hours as the Mexican restaurant adds dinner two nights a week. African Dream Queen, a restaurant featuring West African dishes, will open in the space Red Kitchen previously occupied. Finally, The Tasting Room opens for wine tastings and samplings of local cheese, meat, bread and oils.
Café Corazon opened a second area location in August. The new restaurant in the Crossroads Arts District features Latin-inspired drinks, coffees and snacks—and even ceramics, candles and artwork!
Award-Winning Gems
Feast magazine has announced its 2021 Feast 50 Awards. Whether you’re looking for an outstanding experience to celebrate a special occasion, craving a pastry to satisfy your sweet tooth, or just want to try a new venue, take a look at this eclectic list of winning Kansas City area restaurants, featuring a variety of cuisines, styles and atmospheres, ranging from bars and breweries to caterers and confectioners to brunch and barbecue.
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