Weekend Possibilities | Chiefs Watch Party, Dave Chappelle and Fiesta Hispana A Nip in the Air

Feel that? Fall is around the corner and the festival season is in full swing. Fiesta Hispana gets going Friday night at Barney Allis Plaza, and Friends of Shawnee Town is set for Saturday.

There’s also an Official Chiefs Watch Party and stand-up comedy legend Dave Chappelle on the calendar.

Friday, Sept. 15

5 – 11 p.m. Fiesta Hispana kicks off its weekend at Barney Allis Plaza, 1220 Wyandotte St., Friday evening. The annual free festival celebrating Latinx culture brings more than 75 vendors to downtown Kansas City, offering art, jewelry, handmade goods, plenty of authentic food options, plus information on community resources. Friday’s live music lineup is headlined by Conjunto Sol de Ojinga. Be sure to check out the full weekend’s music lineup online in advance.

7:30 p.m. It’s opening night for “Dolly” at Music Theater Heritage, 2450 Grand Blvd. A Ruby Room Series production, the musical honors the life and career of the “Queen of Country Music” by reworking many of her hits for the stage. The show runs through the weekend. Tickets are available starting at $51.

Saturday, Sept. 16

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. There’s another annual fall(ish) festival happening Saturday in Shawnee, Kansas. Fun for the entire family awaits in Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57^th St., with the Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts and Fall Festival. Expect activities for children, and more than 140 vendors selling homemade goods, refurbished vintage items and more. Both local food vendors and food trucks will roll out all sorts of options. The festival is free to attend.

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday is Free Day at the Johnson County Museum, 8788 Metcalf Ave. Visitors can peruse the museum’s exhibits documenting the history of Johnson County, including this year’s special collection “Trains: Transportation and the Transformation of Johnson County.” The museum’s 3,500-square-foot KidScape space is also a part of Free Day. The dedicated area promotes learning through play in an immersive journey through the decades that shaped the county, where kids can farm, teach and deliver the mail. KidScape closes for cleaning 12-12:30 p.m.

10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Kansas City Fashion Week is here, and the festivities start with Saturday’s Morning Brunch at Powell Gardens, 16009 N.W. U.S. 50. For $35, attendees can enjoy small plates and a cash bar in the gardens through 2 p.m. The party continues at 6 p.m. with the KCFW Moonlight Garden Party at Three Light, 1477 Main St. If you save room for the evening soiree, tickets are $45 and include both bites and drinks. Cocktail attire is required for each party.

3 p.m. – Midnight Another weekend, another block party at 18^th & Vine, 1827 Vine Ave. Saturday’s Kansas City Hip Hop 50^th Anniversary celebration in the historic jazz district is hosted by JR Hoodstar and will feature music from multiple DJs, including Miami’s DJ Epps, plus DJ Fresh and DJ George, to name a few. The full afternoon of hip hop is presented by The Velvet Freeze Daiquiris and Ratta-A-Tat Entertainment is $20.

5 – 10 p.m. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road, is staying open late Saturday for MOO-vie Night. (Get it?) Partnering with Hiland Dairy, Deanna Rose has plans to show Disney Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life” outdoors on the big screen. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and be sure to arrive in plenty of time to take part in dairy games and activities. The movie starts at dusk. MOO-vie Night is free.

Sunday, Sept. 17

Noon KC Wolf, Chiefs alumni and Chiefs cheerleaders will be in the house for J. Rieger & Co.’s, 2700 Guinotte Ave., Official Chiefs Watch Parties all season long. The Chiefs, now featuring defensive tackle Chris Jones, will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon in a rematch of last season’s Divisional Round playoff matchup. The Rieger’s away game watch parties plan for raffles with regular season tickets, sideline passes and East Bottoms-made spirits up for grabs. There will be specials on food and drinks. Tables are first come, first served. No ticket required.

7:30 p.m. Mark Twain Prize-winning actor and stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle will perform for the first time in Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Sunday night. Dave Chappelle: It’s a Celebration! is phone-free. Audience members will receive individual pouches for phones that will remain locked during the performance. Tickets are available starting at $54.50, plus tax and fees.

Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.