Weekend Possibilities | Jewish Film Fest, Vegan Summer Fest and the Crossroads Pinball Championship

An array of outdoor, at-home and out-on-the-town options make for an awesome weekend to-do list in and around Kansas City.

Stay healthy, folks.

Friday, Aug. 13

The Kansas City Jewish Film Festival is happening this month, both online and in-person at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, 5801 W. 115th St. in Overland Park. The 2021 lineup includes nine feature-length and short films that explore issues of culture, identity and history with a Jewish twist. Be sure to check online for more information on each film and the filmmakers. Digital screening tickets allow viewers to watch a purchased film for seven days. Ticket prices vary.

4 – 8 p.m. Vegan Events KC and Center Cut Records are teaming up for Vegan Summer Fest this weekend at Blip Roasters in the West Bottoms, 1301 Woodswether Road. Touring Taps will be on hand for the thirsty, joining 10 other vegan food and product vendors outside of the coffee shop. Live music will be provided by Max Indiviri and DJ Encode. The event is free to attend. 

5 p.m. Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City will host its biggest fundraiser of the year Friday night at Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. Kids Night Out 2021 will feature a cocktail party, dinner, live and silent auctions and an intimate performance from Grammy-nominated and Country Music Award-winner Maren Morris. Check online for sponsorship opportunities and how to reserve your spot. Business/cocktail attire is required.

Saturday, Aug. 14

2 p.m. & 7 p.m. MTH Theater’s production of ”HAIR: Then & Now” continues this weekend at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd. The show includes the full score from the original musical, but leaves out the dialogue, drawing the audience’s attention to themes that remain relevant today. Tickets to “HAIR: Then & Now” start at $35.

5 – 10 p.m. Consider this your invitation to play the silver ball. The Crossroads Pinball Wizard Championship is set for The Studios Inc. in the arts district, 1708 Campbell St., and welcomes competitors of any skill level. Each player gets 10 plays across eight pinball machines, ranging from games built in the 1960s to modern machines. Individual registration is $25 and will get you two drink tickets, courtesy of Torn Label Brewing Co. Teams can register for $100.

6 p.m. If you are in need of a local dose of the great outdoors, there’s a Community Hike & Nature Hike headed for Cave Spring Park in Raytown, Missouri, 8701 E. Gregory Blvd. In addition to facts on local flora and fauna, the family focused hike through the park will provide a lesson on the Oregon Trail’s nearby passage and more on the land that members of the Osage Nation once called home. The community hike is free, though an RSVP is appreciated.

Sunday, Aug. 15

9:15 a.m. Since the actual date corresponding with the local area code falls on a Monday, community members plan to celebrate 816 Day all day Sunday in the 18th & Vine District, 1722 E. 17th Terr. The “PLUG-GED IN” Peace, Love, Unity, Greatness block party starts with yoga and church “on The Vine” and continues with a full day of food trucks, vendors, live performances, a Greek stroll off, fashion show and so much more. The party is free to attend.

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Start Sunday off right with Rise & Shine Yoga at Lemonad(e) Park, 1628 Wyoming St. Arrive 10 minutes early to grab a good spot. The morning starts with a cacao ceremony and is followed by pilates and sound bathing, all led by experienced healers. Be sure to bring a positive attitude, mat, water and wear comfortable clothing.

6:30 p.m. Soul Asylum, a staple of the ‘90s alternative rock scene, stops at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., Sunday night for a show with supporting artist, Local H. Soul Asylum is touring on its 2020 album, “Hurry Up and Wait.” Tickets for the concert are still available and start at $30. Due to a venue change, previous purchased tickets to the show at Grinders KC will be honored at recordBar.