What's on in Kansas City

A short list of what's worth going out of your way for, each with a line on why. Every date is read from the event's own page; here's how.

This week, Oct 7–11

Opens Thu Oct 8, runs through Sun Oct 25. New American Royal Campus, Kansas City, Kansas

The American Royal's livestock show is a once-a-year Kansas City tradition, now in its 127th edition, and runs only until October 25.

Fri Oct 9, 7:00 pm. Folly Theater, Downtown

A single-night duo recital by two of the foremost chamber musicians of their generation, in a room small enough to hear every detail.

Fri Oct 9, 7:00 pm. Grand Temple, Elsewhere in the metro

The Italian composer behind Lucio Fulci's horror scores playing them live with his own band is a rare touring occasion for a Kansas City stage.

Fri Oct 9–Sat Oct 10. Morton Amphitheater, Elsewhere in the metro

A multi-night run by one of country's biggest touring headliners at a mid-sized outdoor amphitheater, rather than an arena.

On now, closes Sun Dec 13. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park

A Judy Chicago exhibition in its final weeks, closing December 13, by one of the major figures of American feminist art.

Fri Oct 16, 6:00 pm. Emily & Todd Voth Artspace, Plaza & Museum District

The annual opening of new work by the Charlotte Street Visual Artist Award winners, with the artists present.

art/exhibitions kcai.edu

Fri Oct 16, 7:00 pm. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Plaza & Museum District

A string quartet of international standing playing a single Kansas City chamber-series date, in a church sanctuary rather than a large hall.

Sat Oct 17, 8:00 pm. The Granada, Lawrence

A band whose recent records drew wide critical attention, playing a mid-sized Lawrence room rather than a big-city venue.

On a regular schedule, for whenever you want to go.

Farmers Market, festivals/marketsSaturdays & Sundays, April–October · City Market
Second Fridays Open Studios, art/exhibitionsEvery Second Friday, 5 to 8 PM · Zhou B Art Center KC
Kansas City Chiefs, sportsChiefs home games · Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City Mavericks Schedule, sports2026-27 season · Cable Dahmer Arena