Weekend Possibilities | Irish Fest Where You Are, LegoLand’s Lombardi Trophy and Cornhole

The long weekend will look and feel a little different this Labor Day, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be anything to do. 

Between Irish Fest’s virtually adjusted activities and some socially-distant cornhole, there should be plenty of chances to kick back before getting back to the office — wherever that is. 

Friday, Sept. 4

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Master builders at LegoLand Discovery Center paid tribute to the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs by constructing a 15,000-piece Lombardi Trophy and it’s a must-see. The project, which took more than 480 hours to plan and put together, was completed just in time for the start of the NFL season. Ticket reservations are required to see the trophy and take in LegoLand’s 12 family friendly attractions. Just don’t knock anything over.

10 – 11 a.m. Jazz Storytelling is back at the American Jazz Museum in the historic 18th and Vine District, 1616 E. 18th St. The free program will take place outdoors in the Jay McShann Pavilion, located behind the museum. Masks are required for anyone over the age of 5. There will be hula hoops available in the Swing Shop for anyone looking to get their groove on in the social-distanced audience.

6 p.m. Leave it to the Irish to make sure Kansas City’s Labor Day weekend is still a party. Irish Fest Where You Are will bring live music, eats and drinks, cultural workshops and more to festival “goers” both virtually and in-person Friday and Saturday. Be sure to check the full festival schedule online so no one misses out on the fun. Friday evening kicks off with a virtual Jameson Whiskey tasting. 

Saturday, Sept. 5

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Historic West Bottoms will have Booze, Bargains and BBQ to offer for a weekend-long celebration near the 12th Street bridge. Explore vintage stores like Bella Patina, while picking from food truck options and sipping cocktails in one of the oldest parts of the city.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members are grabbing a paintbrush and gathering across Kansas City for KC Art on The Block: A Black Lives Matter Project. The multi-pronged project will aim to “catalyze lasting change working alongside local civic leaders and social justice organizations using the power of art and repeat visual reinforcement.” Be sure to check out the event page for more details on the project, COVID-19 precautions and to find a mural location near you.

3 – 6 p.m. Better late than never, the 146th Kentucky Derby will indeed happen. If dressing to the nines or wearing a funny hat and drinking while the sun is up sounds like your kind of party, the Derby Extravaganza at KC Power & Light’s, 50 E 13th St., should be a blast. Pick you horse and a cocktail — perhaps a mint julep on special — then find a socially-distanced table before the gate opens and they’re off. Admission is free.

Sunday, Sept. 6

2 – 5 p.m. Kansas City pop-folk songwriter Nicole Springer will play for the people and pups at Bar K, 501 Berkley Pkwy., on Sunday afternoon. Let the dog roam out back, while enjoying a few drinks or a bite to eat. No furry friend of your own? Post up, listen to tunes and dog watch. It’s like people watching, only staring is more acceptable. Bar K is free for humans, your first dog is $15, if you’re bringing a pack, tack on $5 per pup. 

Noon – 3 p.m. What would Labor Day Weekend be without yard games? International Tap House and Cinder Block Brewery are joining forces for a Social Distanced Cornhole Tournament in the Crossroads at 18th & Oak streets. The entry fee is $40 to compete against fellow lawn game legends, either as part of a team or individually. The price includes a free beer, plus brewery swag. Masks are required.