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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.
Mid-America Train & Toy Show
Held Late November - early February
Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street
913-651-5864
Admission Charged, children under 12 free
Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.
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.
Jan Kraybill, Community of Christ Principal organist/director of music
Held on Super Bowl Sunday
Location: Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 Walnut, Independence, Mo.
816-833-1000
Admission Free
Dr. Kraybill's annual Super Bowl Sunday organ recital is held under the massive dome of the Auditorium.
Mid-America Train & Toy Show
Held Late November - early February
Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street
913-651-5864
Admission Charged, children under 12 free
Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.
Lithuanian Heritage Month
Held the month of February
Location: Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St, Kansas City, Kans.
913-371-3264
Lithuanian Heritage is highlighted at the museum with an exhibit of costumes, artifacts, photographs, musical instruments, and many other items relating to Lithuanian culture.
Western Farm Show
Held end of February
Location: Hale Arena, 1800 Genessee
816-561-5323
Known as the Midwest's largest indoor farm equipment/agricultural products exhibition.
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!
Greater Kansas City International Auto Show
Held early April
Location: Bartle Exposition Hall, 301 W. 13th St.
816-513-5000
Greater KC Home Show & KC Flower, Lawn & Garden Show
Held mid March
Location: Bartle Exposition Hall. 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO
816-942-8800
Admission Charged
Spring is in the air as the Kansas City Home Show and the Flower, Lawn and Garden Show bloom on nearly eight football fields of exhibit space.
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.
Crown Center Antique Festival
Held end of June
Location: Crown Center Square
816-274-8444
Admission Free
Ranked the #2 antique show in the Midwest by Discover Mid-America, the annual Crown Center Antique Festival features more than 150 dealers showcasing pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more.
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.
July Puppet Show Series
Held early July
Location: Crown Center Shops Atrium
816-274-8444
Admission Free
Two puppet shows every Saturday during July, featuring such local puppeteers as Piccadilly Productions, Paul Mesner Puppets, the StoneLion Puppet Theatre and the Clement McCrae Puppets.
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.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival
Held Labor Day weekend through October
Location: 207 Westport Rd
816-548-8005
Savor the sights and sounds of yester-year in this 16th century English village. Fifteen minutes and 500 years west of KC on I-70 to Bonner Springs exit. Seven spectacular weekends beginning Labor Day weekend,
Plaza Art Fair
Held end of September
Location: Country Club Plaza, 4745 Central
816-753-0100
Over 200 artists showcase their finest works during the annual Plaza Art Fair. Visit the Plaza to view an amazing display of paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, metal, wood, jewelry and more, along with four stages of live music and delicious food from two dozen Plaza restaurants. For kids, there will be hands-on activities, young artist demonstrations, and free prizes.
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.
Heart of America Quilt Festival
Held late September through early October
Location: Crown Center, 2450 Grand Boulevard
816-274-8444
Admission Free
The exhibit includes hand-crafted quilts, wall hangings & decorative items, as well as a quilting demonstration. Some quilts are for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund. There will be special children's activities on Thursday nights, Saturdays & Sundays, and many other special events are planned during the two-week festival.
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.
Christmas In The Park
Held end of November - the end of December
Location: Longview Lake Campground, Longview Lake Park, Blue Springs, Mo.
816-795-8200
Donations are accepted
Christmas in the Park is one of Jackson County Parks and Recreation's most celebrated events of the year. Three hundred thousand lights and 175 animated figures and splashed of Christmas color transform Longview Lake Park into an enchanting winter wonderland. The entire family will delight in the warmth of this fun-filled, holiday display.
Crayola Christmas Land
Held end of November - the end of December
Location: Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1, 2450 Grand Blvd.
816-274-8444
Admission Free
Children can jump, romp and play on super sized Crayola products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. The Crayola Christmas Land play area remains open through December 31.
Holiday Choirs
Held late November through late December
Location: Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1, 2450 Grand Blvd.
Hours: Weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings.
816-274-8444
Admission Free
Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. Brass quintets and the Dickens carolers will entertain on the weekends.
Crown Center Ice Terrace
Held late November - March
Location: Ice Terrace
Looking for something cool to do this winter? Then strap on some skates and glide around the Ice Terrace -- Kansas City's only outdoor ice skating rink. The Ice Terrace is located across from the Crown Center Shops, where you'll find some of the best shopping and most delightful restaurants in the city.
Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony and Season of Lights
Held Thanksgiving evening, lights remain through mid-January
Location: The Country Club Plaza, 4745 Central
816-753-0100
The famous lighting ceremony takes place on the night of Thanksgiving followed by a fireworks display above the stage as well as at The Fairmont Hotel following the ceremony. With more than 250,000 colorful ceramic and transparent bulbs, 75 miles of electric wiring and a national reputation for sheer ''wow'' factor, The Plaza's Season of Lights is a legendary holiday landmark for local residents and out-of-town visitors.
Mid-America Train & Toy Show
Held Late November - early February
Location: BTC Exhibit Hall (formerly KC Market Center), I-435 & Front Street
913-651-5864
Admission Charged, children under 12 free
Featuring over 150 tables - dealers buying and selling. Toy trains, model trains all ages & sizes, new & used - Railroad Collectibles & Memorabilia & Toys. Free viewing of vintage train movies and operating layouts.
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