Things to do in Kansas City this weekend May 31 to June 2
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — No matter what part of the Kansas City area you live in, it appears there’s a festival, family-friendly activity or sporting event going on this weekend. Some of the highlights include the 2023 Big Slick Celebrity Weekend, festivals, and Pride Month events. Here are 12 events worth checking out this weekend, May 31 to June 2 in the Kansas City area.
Big Slick Celebrity Weekend
Dozens of stars, including Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, singer Sheryl Crow, and comedian Jeff Ross, are joining hosts David Koechner, Jason Sudeikis, Paul Rudd, Heidi Gardner, Eric Stonestreet, and Rob Riggle for the 15th annual Big Slick Celebrity Weekend. The weekend includes the Big Slick softball game at Kauffman Stadium on Friday. The Big Slick Party & Show at T-Mobile Center is scheduled for Saturday, June 1.
– **When:** 5 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday
– **Where:** Kauffman Stadium and T-Mobile Center, Kansas City
– **Cost:** Prices vary; find tickets for either event here
7th Annual Juneteenth Cultural Parade
While the official holiday of Juneteenth isn’t until later in June, the local group JuneteenthKC is starting the celebration early with its Cultural Parade. Over 100 groups will march into the heart of the historic 18th and Vine District to celebrate the official end of slavery in the United States.
– **When:** Noon Saturday
– **Where:** From Grove Park, down 18th Street to Vine Street
– **Cost:** Free
Hospital Hill Run
It’s the 51st anniversary of this longtime Kansas City road race. The Hospital Hill Run takes participants through the Crossroads, Crown Center and more. There are 5K, 10K and half marathon options, or take your run “virtual” and complete it personally.
– **When:** 7 a.m. Saturday
– **Where:** Grand Boulevard and Pershing Road, Kansas City
– **Cost:** $55-130; register online here
Vaile Mansion Strawberry Festival
Head to the historical Vaile Mansion to grab something sweet this weekend. The Vaile Society will be selling strawberry treats, and dozens of craft and antique dealers will be set up around the mansion.
– **When:** 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
– **Where:** Vaile Mansion, Independence
– **Cost:** Free admission; mansion tours: $5, children and $10, adults
Zhou B. Art Center
The internationally respected Zhou brothers will open the Zhou B. Art Center in the 18th and Vine District this weekend. The grand opening celebration is this Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $100, with the proceeds helping to subsidize local artists as they continue to create.
Tacos and Tequila Festival
The popular Tacos and Tequila Festival is returning to Kansas City, Kansas, this weekend. T-Pain is this summer’s headliner for the festival. Tickets are now available online; you can find the tickets here. Tacos and Tequila Festival starts at 2 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.
Pride Day at the K
The Royals will recognize the LGBTQ+ community at Pride Day on Saturday. Bring your friends and enjoy the night of summer baseball and celebration.
Festa Italian
Enjoy delicious Italian food and live entertainment all weekend long at Zona Rosa. Attendees can also enjoy an Italian motorsports show, a cannoli eating contest, Catholic mass on Sunday and local vendors.
– **When:** 5-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
– **Where:** Zona Rosa, Kansas City
– **Cost:** Free
Kansas City Hip-Hop Week
Kansas City Hip Hop Week is a new, week-long event celebrating the culture and accomplishments of hip-hop in Kansas City. The events start on June 1 and go until June 8.
Be Bop and Beyond hike
18th and Vine, the birthplace of Kansas City’s cultural identity, will host a tour beginning with live jazz. The tour costs $25.
“Phase” Fest
Not Just a “Phase Fest” returns to Kansas City this weekend for its 2nd annual trip back to the 90s & 2000s. The festival is at Legends Field and starts at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $70. You must be 21 to attend the event.