Weekend Possibilities | Labor Day Fests, ‘Endless’ Baseball and Brunch Lay Down Your Burden
Published August 31st, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Above image credit: Irish Fest will take over Kansas City's Crown Center this Labor Day weekend. (Courtesy | KC Irish Fest)Hear ye, hear ye. It’s Labor Day weekend in the kingdom and you have options when it comes to food, entertainment and good folly.
The three-day break brings the start of the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, a boxing match under a bridge in the Crossroads and an “endless” baseball game that will take 100 hours of swings at a Guinness World Record.
If those don’t catch your fancy, check out the Irish Fest and SantaCaliGon Days in Independence.
Friday, Sept. 1
By the time you head to the office Friday morning, an “Endless Game” at Macken Park, 1002 Clark Ferguson Dive, will be deep in extra innings after more than 24 hours of continuous baseball. An official Guinness World Record attempt, the baseball game attempting 100 hours of nonstop play will feature 60 players duking it out on the diamond in the name of charity. In addition to the on-field action, spectators can enjoy a beer and wine garden, live music, an auction and a homerun derby at the North Kansas City park. The game finishes on Monday at noon.
5 p.m. It wouldn’t be Labor Day weekend in Kansas City without Irish Fest at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd. The three-day festival brings Irish music and dance, food and drinks, cultural activities, artwork, shopping and children’s activities to multiple stages and booths set up around Crown Center. Be sure to check out add-on experiences available for purchase like Sunday’s Irish breakfast, whiskey tastings and stand-up comedy performances in advance. Single-day admission is $30.
7:30 p.m. How about boxing matches under a bridge? Need we say more? The (sanctioned) First Friday Fight Night in the Crossroads, 2130 Jefferson St., will have a mariachi concert and dancing before the bouts. The pre-show face-off is at 6:30 p.m. if you are here for the drama. Tickets are $15.
Saturday, Sept. 2
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday marks the return of the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, 633 N. 130th St. Raise a mug of mead to the opening weekend and make plans to watch jousting, devour giant turkey legs and shop medieval makers. Be sure to check out exclusive ticketed options in advance. Don’t forget to dress in your Middle Ages best. Tickets are $20.95 for adults and $12.50 for children online in advance.
Noon – 5 p.m. Anyone with a need for heat should stop by Char Bar’s, 4050 Pennsylvania Ave., Hatch Chile Fest Saturday afternoon. The Westport restaurant and beer garden will roll out a hatch chile-inspired menu, plus drink deals for the occasion. Look out for lawn games and live music on the patio.
7:30 p.m. On Saturday night, St. Louis City SC will officially be welcomed to the “The Blue Hell” at Children’s Mercy Park, 1 Sporting Way. Sporting Kansas City will host its newest rival to the east for the first time, with an eye on leveling the season series after losing 0-4 in St. Louis back in May. Tickets are available starting at $30, plus tax and fees.
Sunday, Sept. 3
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival hits the streets of the City Market, 20 E. 5th St., on Saturday and Sunday. The festival makes space for talented local artists to create mind-blowing work throughout the market, made completely with sidewalk chalk. There will be a dedicated space for children to make masterpieces of their own. Street vendors and entertainers will add to the experience. Chalk and Walk is free to attend.
5 p.m. Screenland Armour, 408 Armour Road,is celebrating 45 years of “The Last Waltz” with a special screening on Sunday evening. Filmed and directed by Martin Scorsese, the documentary film captures The Band’s 1976 farewell show at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, plus performances from rock icons like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Muddy Waters. Tickets are $13.
Monday, Sept. 4
10 a.m. If “Sunday fun day” turned into a late night, the road to recovery starts with a Labor Day brunch at Third Street Social, 5031 Main St. The south Plaza spot plates up an impressive brunch spread, including a hot chicken benny and homemade doughnuts, plus mimosas and bloody marys. Options fall between $9 and $20.
10 a.m. Make the most out of the long weekend with a Labor Day visit to SantaCaliGon Days in Independence, 108 S. Liberty St. If you haven’t gotten your fill of festivals, SantaCaliGon’s final day in and around Independence Square will have carnival rides, fair food favorites, live entertainment and a “Pioneer Party” paying tribute to the area’s history linked to the Oregon Trail. The four-day festival is free to attend. Carnival wristbands are $35 per person, per day.
6 p.m. Life is about balance, right? Get right for the work week ahead with Brewery Yoga at Rochester Brewing and Roasting Co., 2129 Washington St. Be sure to arrive early for an included pre-yoga brew of your choice. Instructor Ellen Clevenger will lead an hour-long session for yogis of any experience level. Bring your own mat. Tickets are $15.
Clarence Dennis is audience and digital content strategist with Flatland.