Sure, you can start to travel the world (or at least the country) again this summer. But why, when you can sample some of the best cultural experiences of 2022 right here in the Kansas City metro or within a three-hour drive? Enjoy our world-renowned museums, outdoor attractions, music and theatrical performances, events and other unique destinations – including those that have just opened up fully after the last couple years. So, make up for lost time and enjoy the destinations our region has to offer this summer!
Explore contemporary art at Salina Art Center
Salina Art Center is a free contemporary art gallery that brings exciting, innovative, art exhibitions to North Central Kansas. The Art Center carries out its mission through artists, education, exhibitions, films, and programs. Come walk around the gallery, start your art collection at our Art-O-Mat, take an art workshop, or catch a film! Visit our website at www.SalinaArtCenter.org
Eat, Play, and Stay at 21c Museum Hotel
Explore everything downtown Kansas City has to offer with a stay at 21c Museum Hotel. Nestled between River Market and the Power & Light District, 21c Museum Hotel hosts a contemporary art museum and the historic Savoy restaurant. Explore the museum or venture down the block to hop on Kansas City’s Street Car. When you return, grab dinner and drinks at The Savoy and then head upstairs where your Luxury King Room awaits.
Unexpected Elegance in Emporia
Reimagine art in Emporia, Kansas. Emporians are passionate about the things we love, and it shows in our music and arts scene. Revel in exhibits and shop for gifts at Trox Gallery and the Emporia Arts Center, take in a show at the renovated Granada Theatre, or plan a special weekend around one of our grassroots music or film festivals. Stay at the historic Gufler Mansion for a truly unexpected weekend getaway in Emporia.
King Kong, 1963, Aurora. From the private collection of David Barnhill. Photographer: Steven Zerby
Visit a Super New Exhibition and Two Amazing Collections at T/m!
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures educates, inspires, and delights visitors of all ages through the museum’s collection of historic toys and fine-scale miniatures. One ticket is your passport to explore 33,000-square-feet filled with familiar pieces, rare masterworks, and incredible stories. Visit T/m from May 21- October 3, 2022 and enjoy a new featured exhibition, America’s Monsters, Superheroes, and Villains: Our Culture at Play, organized by SuperMonster市City and sponsored by Hallmark.
American Art Deco coming to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Opening July 9, American Art Deco: Designing for the People, 1918-1939 traces the trajectory of the Art Deco design movement, which unfolded during a time when populations in the developed world enjoyed modern innovations such as automobiles, electric lighting, and radio. Buildings got taller, skirts got shorter, and jazz got hotter. Experience modernity, glamour, and exuberance, while exploring the socio-economic impact of these advancements in this visually stunning new exhibition.
The Region’s Finest Art Available at SNW Gallery in Manhattan
SNW Gallery & Custom Frames represents the very best contemporary regional artists working in a variety of media and has an on-site custom conservation frame shop. The summer landscape show opens June 11 and features stunning depictions of the beloved Flint Hills by various artists including Kim Casebeer and Lisa Grossman. SNW’s vast and diverse inventory of original art is best appreciated in person at the gallery in Historic Downtown Manhattan.
Explore American Heritage Wines
TerraVox makes 100% estate grown wines from newly rediscovered varietals that are not grown anywhere else. Join us as we explore the possibilities of these American Heritage Grapes and study the unique expression of the wines produced on our vineyard just north of Kansas City, Missouri. Tasting room located at 1099 Welt Street. Winery open by appointment only at 19310 NW Farley Hampton Rd. Shop online at voxvineyards.com or call (816) 354-4903 for more information.
Open May 27: Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow
Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow follows the end of the Civil War to the end of World War I, highlighting the central role played by African Americans in advocating for their rights while struggling to gain full citizenship and racial equality. Through art, artifacts, photographs and media, Black Citizenship highlights these transformative decades in American history and their continued relevance today.
The Cradle of Ragtime Is Still Rocking in Sedalia
When Scott Joplin arrived in Sedalia in 1894, he never could have imagined how his life and music would be forever linked to the town. Since 1974, Sedalia has hosted a ragtime festival the weekend following Memorial Day featuring the best performers in the nation and some from abroad. The daily schedule includes morning symposia, two ticketed concerts, a night-time after glow and lacing it together is all of the free music your ears can handle. For more information, visit scottjoplin.org or call 660-826-2271.
The Music of Queen, with your Kansas City Symphony
Who isn’t familiar with the classic tunes of Queen? This electrifying tribute has garnered critical acclaim around the country for staying true to the original recordings with great vocals and stellar harmonies. The genius of Freddie Mercury comes alive with high-energy versions of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” “Another One Bites the Dust” and many others. For tickets, visit kcsymphony.org or call (816) 471-0400 today!
Join Kansas City PBS for a Kids Block Party!
Bring the family and join Kansas City PBS at the Kirk Family YMCA Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for a day of activities designed to get kids moving, thinking and eager to jump into an active lifestyle! Plus, kids can meet Daniel Tiger and take home some fun prizes! Food trucks will be available. No strollers permitted. Masks required for attendees over three years old. Registration required.
Amazing Playwrights All Summer Long at Kansas City Actors Theatre
This Summer Kansas City Actors Theatre explores what it is to be human, with the help of these incredible playwrights. “The Price” by the consummate American playwright Arthur Miller kicks off Season 18 starting May 25th, Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit “Spider’s Web” starts July 20th, and from KC-native and award winning author Calvin Trillin comes “About Alice” starting August 17th. Featuring your favorite KCAT actors and amazing new faces you won’t want to miss. Tickets on sale now!
Embark on the extraordinary at the all-new Truman Library
Following a two-year, $29 million museum renovation, the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum is open, and the results are nothing short of monumental. Visitors to the reimagined presidential museum can expect an interactive, cinematic experience of some of the most dramatic chapters in America’s story. From the Smithsonian Magazine to the Washington Post – and more than 500 other news outlets nationwide – the critical reviews are unanimous: “World-class!” “The new standard for presidential libraries.”
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival presents Romeo and Juliet.
Mark your calendar for Romeo and Juliet, HASF’s 30th anniversary season production in Southmoreland Park, a triumphant return after a two-year absence. Gather on the lawn under the night sky to enjoy friends, food, cold drinks, stars, and FREE Shakespeare (donations gratefully accepted).
Makers of Quality Art & Crafts Share Their Talents
Mark your calendar for this family friendly art and craft show in air-conditioned comfort with free admission. These mid-western makers will have wood, fabric, resin, and metal art and more. There will also be a few home party products like Pampered Chef and Tupperware. We will also support first responders. Answering the Call 911 provides support to police, fire and EMS personnel in Metro Kansas City. Learn more about this non-profit at www.atc911.org.
Allied Arts Council
Stroll through historic downtown St. Joseph to enjoy the sculptures and discover the unique shops and restaurants only found in St. Joseph, Missouri! This year-long exhibit of juried, outdoor sculptures features stunning works of art created by artists from across North America, including pieces by Missouri sculptors.Viewers of the sculpture walk are encouraged to vote for their favorite sculpture! Financial support provided by the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, St. Joseph, Missouri.
Summerfest Celebrating 30 Years of Summer Chamber Series
Summerfest Concerts, a professional chamber music ensemble, celebrates its 30th anniversary this July with a four week series of concerts. Saturday evening concerts are held at UMKC’s White Theatre, and Sunday afternoon performances are held at the historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church downtown. Join us as we celebrate 30 years with a series of concerts highlighting chamber pieces by underrepresented composers.
Summer Concerts in the City!
The Kansas City Baroque Consortium presents its acclaimed three-concert summer series exploring Music in the Age of the Enlightenment. Performing on period instruments, KC Baroque presents “The Fashionable Chalumeau”on June 24th; “Telemann the Cosmopolitan” on July 29th; and “Music in Colonial America” on August 26th). Join Kansas City’s premiere period ensemble for a summer of musical discoveries that will delight, entertain, and enlighten! Tickets and details at www.kcbaroque.org.
Zigmunds Priede · Aggregates of Time
Selections from the Collection of Landon Kirchner and Barbara Smith
On view through September 25, 2022 at Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Free admission, to schedule tours visit nermanmuseum.org or email tours@nermanmuseum.org. This exhibition presents the work of master printmaker and mixed media artist Zigmunds Priede. Zigmunds Priede: Aggregates of Time marks the 60th anniversary of Priede’s move to New York to become a master printmaker at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE). It also highlights Priede’s contributions to the fine arts on the JCCC campus, the greater Kansas City arts community and the history of printmaking in this country.
