Kansas City Events

January
Kansas City Sportshow
Held early January
Location: Bartle Hall, 301 W. 13th, Kansas City
800-777-4766
Enormous boat and sport show.

February
African-American History Month - Saturday Musical Entertainment
Held on Saturdays during the month of February
Location: Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand Ave
813-274-8444
Admission Free
Enjoy music each Saturday during February from local entertainers. Past performers have included Angela Hagenbach and The Elder Statesmen.

March
Annual Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade
Held March 17
Parade route - 2450 Grand Ave (Pershing Road and Grand Avenue)
816-931-7373
Covering a 30-block corridor from Crown Center into the heart of the downtown district, Kansas City's St. Patrick's Parade has grown since 1973 into one of the country's largest displays of Irish pride. In recent years, more than 400,000 spectators have lined the parade route, so you may want to arrive early to get the best possible vantage point.

April
April Magic Shows
Held the month of April
Location: Crown Center Shops Atrium
816-274-8444
Admission Free
Enjoy magic shows from magicians like David Sandy, Tom Burgoon, as well as Eric and Amanda Vaughn, each Saturday in April. Great fun for all ages!

June
Carondelet Heart Institute Hospital Hill Run
Held early June
Location: Race begins and ends at Crown Center Square
816-274-3635
This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by
Runner's World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 12K race and 5K run/walk.

July
Spirit Festival
Held July 4
Location: Penn Valley Park Pershing Rd & Main St
816-221-4444
Dancing shoes are required at this huge party in downtown's Penn Valley Park. More than 200,000 music lovers converge on the Lincoln Memorial to soak in the sun and fun at this annual event. Four entertainment stages host more than 30 bands, playing everything from jazz and funk to Cajun and children's music. The main stage features national acts ranging from classic rock favorites and alternative up-and-comers to big time blues artists. The event also boasts the largest carnival midway in the Midwest.

September
American Royal Barbecue Contest
Held late September-early October
Location: American Royal Center
816-221-9800
In 1981 the Kansas City Barbecue Society founded the event that now kicks off the venerable (founded 1899) and huge American Royal Livestock, Horse Show & Rodeo. Each Fall, more than 600 judges choose the barbecue winners of both the Invitational contest, restricted to winners of other cook-offs worldwide, and the Open contest, which welcomes all who wish to participate. Another 400 judges choose the best barbecue sauce, side dishes and bone art. The world's third-largest clogging contest, a barbecue equipment expo and live music are also on the menu.

October
American Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo
Held late October and November
Location: American Royal, 1701 American Royal Ct.
816-221-9800
Admission Charged
The American Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo is among the largest of nearly two dozen non-fair expositions in North America. Seven events are performed: barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and team roping. In addition, spectators enjoy specialty acts and the humor of top rodeo bullfighters.

November
Marillac's Enchanted Forest
Held mid November - early December
Location: Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd.
816-460-2020
Admission Free
Kick off the holiday season inside Union Station with Marillac's Enchanted Forest. More than 100 decorated trees and wreaths are on display throughout the Station. The trees and wreaths each have their own theme and are decorated by local organizations and businesses. The public can place a bid on one to take home. Auction proceeds benefit Marillac's special programs and therapies for children and adolescents.

December
Kansas City World Holiday Market
Held early December
Location: City Market, 20 East 5th Street
816-421-2341
A family-friendly holiday destination for shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment. Visitors are tempted with treats and treasures as they soak in the holiday aroma! The Holiday Mart features dozens of vendors displaying their wares in heated stalls, holiday décor & entertainment, specialty food & drinks, warming tents, petting zoo, carousel, strolling carolers and visits from Santa.

Entertainment

Kansas City Symphony
1020 Central, Ste. 300
Kansas City, MO 64105
816-471-1100
Call for performance schedule
Founded in 1982 and recognized as "The Sound of Kansas City." The 78-person orchestra performs more than 100 concerts annually including masterworks classical, star-studded pops, hour-long family and community concerts.
Kansas City Ballet
1601 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-931-2232
Call for performance schedule
A professional company with 25 artists who perform world-class ballet and the best of American dance.

Sports

Kansas Speedway - Auto Racing
400 Speedway Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66111
913-328-3300
913-328-7223 for tickets
Season runs June through October. NASCAR action returns in October with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Kansas 400.
Kansas City Wizards
Major League Soccer
Arrowhead Stadium
One Arrowhead Drive
Kansas City, MO 64129
816-920-9300 for tickets
Season runs April - November