(Labor Day) Weekend Possibilities | Irish Fest, Beyoncé’s Birthday and SantaCaliGon Days Sláinte, and other Salutations

Don’t let annual giants like KC Irish Fest and SantaCaliGon Days overshadow the busy Labor Day weekend ahead. Options like wine tastings, plenty of live music and the Westport Block Party round out an extended holiday break.

Friday, Sept. 3

Kansas City Irish Fest returns to Crown Center, 2475 Grand Blvd., this weekend. The three-day Labor Day weekend tradition of celebrating Irish heritage will offer live music, dance and comedy, plus genealogy, cultural activities and more. Highlights include dozens of bands across five stages, whiskey tastings and plenty of activities for the kids. Single day tickets in advance of Friday’s kickoff are $15 for adults and $8 for children. Weekend passes are $50. Be sure to check online for special ticket packages and a full schedule of events.

6:30 p.m. Start the long weekend off at Stone Pillar Winery’s Friday night concert series in Olathe, Kansas, 11000 S Woodland St. This week’s show will feature sets from The Stolen Winnebagos and The Juan and Only. Stone Pillar’s menu lists more than 30 wines and ciders. Tickets start at $5 and are available online until 5 p.m. on Friday.

6:30 – 8 p.m. Friday night at WERQ Dance Fitness Studio, 1534 Burlington St., should be a good time. The North Kansas City space is celebrating Beyoncé’s birthday with an All Hail Queen Bey Party. Organizers ask that you arrive dressed as your inner diva. Tickets are $15. Space is limited.

Saturday, Sept. 4

1 – 9 p.m. Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road, will once again play host to Uncorked: KC Wine Festival. There will be more than 100 wines and champagnes from all over the world, plus a live DJ, food truck, a photo booth and good times across the board. If you would like early entry, plus exclusive pours, VIP tickets are available for $70. General admission tickets are $55. All tickets include wine tastings. Food is sold separately.

8 – 11 p.m. This weekend’s Derby Party at the Kansas City Museum is sold out, but the after party isn’t. Derby: The After Party at Crossroads Hotel KC, 2101 Central St., is open to the public, with no Derby Party ticket required. The evening will feature a live DJ, derby-themed cocktails, small bites and dancing. Attire is “bohemian goddess to gatsby glam.” You must be 21 or older to attend.

7 p.m. Country music singer-songwriter Dwight Yoakam pulls into town this weekend. The soon-to-be Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member will play the Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway Blvd., along with local band Starhaven Rounders. Tickets start at $45, plus fees.

Sunday, Sept. 5

The Renaissance Festival is back. The festival’s opening weekend in Bonner Springs, Kansas, 633 N. 130th St., marks the start of seven weeks of fair food, live entertainment, jousting exhibitions, games, rides and so much more. Adult tickets are $23.95 at the gate. Kids over the age of 4 can get in for $14.95. All ages can save a few bucks by purchasing tickets in advance.

7 p.m. One of Kansas City’s most inconspicuous establishments is sneaking in some live music on Saturday night. Stop by Swordfish Tom’s, 210 W. 19th Terr., and step into the Prohibition era, where there will be live music from Traci Brimhall and Steph Castor, plus tasty drinks to sip on in the cozy speakeasy. Space is limited, no ticket is required. Remember, don’t enter until the light by the door turns green. 

8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. Westport neighbors, Kelly’s and Mickey’s Hideaway are teaming up to put on the 2021 Westport Block Party, 500 Westport Road. A ticket to party in the streets is $10 and includes your first beer from the event bar. Save $5 by using the quick entrance at Mickey’s. The first 1,500 to the party will get a free koozie. You must be 21 or older to attend.

Monday, Sept. 6

Noon – 5 p.m. Rounding out a trio of worthy long-weekend options for wine lovers, Riverwood Winery in Rushville, Missouri, 22200 Missouri 45 N., has plans for a special Labor Day Weekend. To celebrate, Riverwood will offer extended Monday hours and have live musical performances throughout the weekend. In addition to wines and ciders, the winery will have alcoholic and non-alcoholic root beer floats on the menu. Monday afternoon’s set of music will be courtesy of The Blacksher Duo.

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It’s a big weekend in Independence, Missouri. The free SantaCaliGon Days Festival at Independence Square, 108 S. Liberty St., spans four days and includes dozens of live music performances, a root beer chugging and ice cream eating contest, carnival rides, local vendors, festival food and more. At the festival’s Main Street 1849 Experience, attendees will experience Independence life as it was during the days of the Oregon Trail, with family friendly activities like rope-making, mercantile shopping or panning for gold. Carnival wristbands are $30.

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Whether your record collection is wall-to-wall or just getting started, the Labor Day Weekend sale at Josey Records, 1815 McGee St., should make adding music to the vinyl arsenal a bit easier on the bank account. The local record store staple is offering 20% off used records and 10% off new vinyl storewide, all weekend long.