Weekend Possibilities | Alanis Morissette, Brookside Art Annual and the American Royal World Series of Barbecue A Delicious Selection of Entertainment Options

Flying towards fall, summer’s penultimate weekend has a lot to offer.

Between heritage and film festivals, the zoo’s Koala Run 2021 and the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, there’s no shortage of opportunities to have a good time.

Friday, Sept. 17

5 – 9 p.m. Talented artists from across the country are coming to the 35th Brookside Art Annual this weekend, 220 W. Meyer Blvd. The show welcomes 180 artists who made the cut out of more than 1,000 applicants, who will exhibit original sculptures, paintings, 3-D art, mixed media pieces, fiber and jewelry work and more. There will also be children and family activities, plenty of food, plus shopping. The Brookside Art Annual is free to attend.

So many films, so little time. But, the Kansas City Underground Film Fest is going to make it happen. This weekend marks the start of Kansas City’s sneaky treat to local cinephiles at the Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming St. The fest will screen dozens of films that range in length and subject matter and it’s all free. Be sure to check out the KCUFF website for a full schedule.

8 p.m. Did you enjoy Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton?” In a similar vein, The West Bottoms’ Black Box Theater, 1060 Union Ave., will stage “The Bomb’Itty of Errors,” an award-winning “Ad-Rap-Tation,” hip-hop theater performance retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors.” Part play, part rap show, “The Bomb’Itty of Errors” is free to attend, but proof of full vaccination is required. Don’t forget to bring a chair.

Saturday, Sept. 18

8:30 & 9:45 a.m. If running isn’t your thing, do it for the koalas. That’s the plan for Saturday morning’s Koalas 2021 Kansas City Zoo Run, 6800 Zoo Drive. The interested can pick from a four-mile or one-mile timed run through the zoo. Participants will receive a custom Koala Run t-shirt, medal and free admission to the zoo on race day. Registration is $43. A portion of the proceeds will go to the zoo’s conservation fund.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For 45 years, the Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair and Fall Festival, 11501 W. 57th St., has treated community members to an afternoon of arts and culture, activities and enjoyment. The $1 festival ticket will grant access to local maker booths, food vendors, live music, free kids activities and more. All money raised will support the Shawnee Town Museum’s educational initiatives.

10 a.m. It’s what Kansas City does best. This weekend’s 2021 American Royal World Series of Barbecue will bring not only fantastic aromas, but a full slate of live music, barbecue demos, family fun and more to Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd. Saturday’s schedule includes a rib-eating contest, a picnic in the speedway’s pits, plus all sorts of entertainment. Be sure to check online for the weekend’s full calendar. Single-day tickets are $9 for kids and $25 for adults.

Noon – 6 p.m. KC Cider Fest kicks off Saturday afternoon with KC Wine Co. & KC Pumpkin Patch, 13875 Gardner Road in Olathe. If you’re 21 or older, Cider Fest will have cider tastings, KC Wine Co. slushies, plus food trucks, yard games and live music to offer. Tickets for the afternoon on the farm are available for $29.85.

Sunday, Sept. 19

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday marks the final day of the Jesse James Festival in Kearny, Missouri, 3001 N. Missouri 33. The jam-packed schedule of events at Jesse James Park includes an arts and crafts station, fishing tournament, petting zoo, rodeo, kite show and much more, including a traveling comedy gunfight show. Admission is $10 per vehicle.

7 p.m. It’s been 25 years since Alanis Morissette released “Jagged Little Pill.” On Sunday, the renowned ‘90s artist will celebrate the anniversary as she stops by the T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., for her first Kansas City show in more than a decade. Morissette will be supported by Garbage and Cat Power. Tickets are available starting at $46 plus fees.