Weekend Possibilities | Party Arty 2022, Black Playwright Festival and Art That Blows Dog Days Are Here

Ease into the dog days of summer with an assortment of weekend activities, from a ritzy evening at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to the return of Crown Center’s free WeekEnder music and movie series.

Stay cool out there.

Friday, July 8

5 – 10 p.m. There’s a live music benefit happening Friday night at The Abbott KC in the Crossroads Arts District, 1901 Cherry St. Reserve your spot for the seventh annual Art That Blows, a one-of-a-kind summer party with a silent auction benefiting Band of Angels and live music. Silent auction items include repurposed, nonfunctional musical instruments that local artists transformed into beautiful pieces of artwork. Drinks, light appetizers and desserts come with the ticket. General admission is $35. VIP passes are $75.

6 p.m. Global Delights, a night of music from around the world, is coming to The Ship, 1221 Union Ave., benefitting the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City. The all-ages show will feature performances from Gamelan Genta Kasturi, tango group Cucharada, FlamenKcmo and more. Tickets are $10.

6 p.m. Finish out Friday with WeekEnder: Jungle Cruise at Crown Center Square, 2405 Grand Blvd. The fun starts with pre-movie music from Damien Gunn Band, best enjoyed with food, treats and beverages from Burnt End BBQ, KC Fooditude, Kona Ice and Topsy’s Popcorn Shoppes. “Jungle Cruise” (2021) hits the big screen at 9 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets.

Saturday, July 9

9 a.m. – Noon Free family fun is the plan for Saturday’s Children’s Garden Day at The Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum, 4109 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road. Kids will have the opportunity to explore the farm’s heirloom vegetable and herb gardens up close while learning about gardening and the value of growing your own food. Master gardeners will lead the experience. 

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Brookside’s Annual Sidewalk Sale is an option for anyone willing to brave the heat for sweet deals. Participating businesses set up Thursday and finish the weekend of discounts, activities, food, drink and more Saturday at 6 p.m. Sidewalk sales will be spread throughout the neighborhood, spanning Wornall Road to Main Street and 62nd Terrace to Meyer Boulevard.

7 – 9 p.m. If you’re cool with creepy, the Kansas City Horror Club is meeting at Black Rose Co., 1739 Oak St., Saturday for a night of painting, shopping and more. The Crossroads “boo-tique” is inviting Happy Trees Painting Co. into the darkness for a guided “Scary Scarecrow” painting session that is included with the price of admission. Tickets are $25. Best of all, the party is BYOB.

8 p.m. – Midnight Party Arty returns to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Saturday. This year’s theme, “Vitality & Vice,” encourages partygoers to toss inhibition to the wind and simply enjoy the evening. Inspired by its upcoming American Art Deco exhibit, the museum will become a glamorous speakeasy for one night only. The night of community, food, drinks and jazz benefits the museum’s Young Friends of Art initiative. Member tickets are $125. Non-members get in for $155.

Sunday, July 10

2 p.m. The KC Melting Pot Theatre’s Black Playwright Festival returns to Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Central St., this weekend and wraps up with a Sunday matinee. Finalists Paris Clayton III, Layon Gray and Adrienne Dawes will stage their original productions Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Be sure to check online for the full schedule of performances. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated.

2 – 5 p.m. Sip & Glaze and 3 Trails Brewing Co. are joining forces for Pottery Pub, Sunday afternoon at the Independence, Missouri, brewery, 111 North Main St. Sign up to create your own DIY masterpiece with pre-made pottery, an assortment of glazes and instruction, all while sipping on a free beer. Tickets are $45. You must be 21 to drink. No experience is necessary.

3 – 5 p.m. Sunday’s Sommelier’s Secrets Experience at Cork Dork, 1700 Broadway, will be a crash course on how to properly pair wine with food. Beginners and those experienced in wine will benefit from sommelier tips and tricks using only sea salt and honey sticks. Sommeliers in training will be able to pick on charcuterie boards and taste an array of wines with the price of admission. Tickets are $25.

Flatland contributor Clarence Dennis also is a social media manager for 90.9 The Bridge.