Living in Kansas City, I am always on the hunt for fun festivals and events and every month I love sharing these finds with all of you!
April is a great month for Missourians and Kansas City locals to enjoy spring temperatures. As the weather warms, more and more events and festivals are added to the Kansas City calendar. April showcases the creative spirit of Kansas City; from lively art and music events to film festivals and a wild Earth Day celebration.
Though the old adage goes “April showers bring May flowers,” that doesn’t mean the weather has to rain on your fun.
For out-of-town visitors, April is a great time to visit Kansas City. My tip: please note that the weather in Kansas City in April is very unpredictable and temperatures can vary greatly, but highs are common in the 60s. With that said, be prepared for the occasional rainy or windy day. Make sure to pack a travel umbrella, layers and check the weather right before your visit to know what to expect.
Here are my favorite fun activities to keep everyone in your family occupied in Kansas City this April.
Be sure to save this page to plan your time in Kansas City and ensure you won’t miss a minute of the fun.
Table of Contents
Great Things to do in Kansas City in April
If you are looking for things to do in Kansas City, Missouri this month, we have you covered! Whether you are looking for things to do in Kansas City today, tomorrow or next week our list offers ideas for the entire month.
1. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed! | April 2- May 19, 2024
This Coterie play based on the beloved children’s book by Mo Willems, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experienceis a charming rock ‘n roll parable that uses energetic songs and quirky characters to encourage young audiences to embrace their originality.
Bonus: the fun doesn’t have to stop there, Crown Center is located near Legoland and SeaLife to make a day of adventure for your youngsters.
Location: The Coterie at Crown Center; 2450 Grand Blvd, Suite 144 Kansas City, MO 64108
2. An Evening with Cheech Marin: Perspectives of a Chicano Art Advocate | April 4, 2024
A paradox in the world of entertainment, Cheech Marin is an actor, director, writer, musician, art collector, humanitarian, and multi-generational talent who rose to prominence as one half of the counterculture comedy duo Cheech and Chong.
In the mid-1980s, Marin began developing what is arguably the finest private collection of Chicano art. Today, he’s recognized as a preeminent advocate for Chicano art and the driving force behind The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. He states, “Chicano art is American art. My goal is to bring the term ‘Chicano’ to the forefront of the art world.”
Location:Nelson Atkins; 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO
3. First Weekends at urban mining | April 4-7, 2024
Urban Mining is a unique once-monthly vintage venue featuring authentic vintage furniture, art, decor, lighting, antiques, traditional and mid-century, industrial era, and maker-crafted treasures.
Each month you’ll find fresh inventory from more than 40 entrepreneurs who mine the entire urban area and beyond for exceptional authentic vintage treasures. On Sunday all remaining inventory is 10% off.
Thursday 5-8pm, Friday11am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm & Sunday 12-5pm
Address: 3111 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64109
4. Panic Film Fest | April 4-10, 2024
For lovers of sci-fi and horror films, the Panic Film Fest is for you! This is the 11th year the Screenland Theater and Downright Creepy have teamed up to bring one of the top genre film festivals to Kansas City.
Each year the festival features approximately 60 feature films, shorts and live events in the historic Screenland Theater. All content is also available virtually this year as well. A single ticket for one event runs $13 with packages available to access all the horror content.
Book a stay with one of their preferred hotel partnersMarriot at BriarcliffandElement. (Both hotels are offering discounted rates for Panic Fest attendees).
Location: Screenland Armour, 408 North Armour Rd., North KC, MO 64116
5. First Fridays in the Crossroads | April 5, 2024
The first Friday of each month, art comes to life in Kansas City’s Crossroad Art District. During this free event, you can wander through art galleries, local boutiques, enjoy some of the best food trucks and check out Art Alley.
With the warmer spring weather, April is the ideal time to marvel at local artists’ creations and snap a photo with the various mural walls.
Each First Friday event is unique and worth experiencing for families and art lovers alike.
First Fridays in the Crossroads is just steps from the streetcar which can add even more adventure to the experience.
This takes place from 7pm – 9pm.
Location: Crossroads Art District, Downtown Kansas City, MO 64108
6. Harlem Globetrotters | April 6, 2024
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court at the T Mobile Center with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan fun.
Location: T-Mobile Center; 1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106
7. First Weekends in the West Bottoms – April 7-9, 2023
The West Bottoms transform into a treasure-hunting paradise during the first weekend of each month. Antique and vintage stores open their doors for those in search of furniture, home decor and the occasional have-to-have statement piece.
April’s Warehouse Weekend theme is Bunnies in the Bottoms – just in time to scout out some unique spring pieces before Easter.
During the weekend of festivities, the eclectic nature of the West Bottoms is on display from street entertainers, escape rooms, food trucks and more!
April 1st, 9am – April 3rd, 5pm
Location: West Bottoms, 12th Street Bridge Entertainment District, Kansas City, MO 64102
8. Kansas City Symphony Presents a Free Happy Hour Concert | April 9, 2024
Musicians of the Kansas City Symphony present a FREE Happy Hour concert that will add delightful music to the middle of your week. Bring friends and family to enjoy familiar classical works and exciting modern compositions.
Come to the beautiful Kauffman Center Brandmeyer Great Hall lobby for a drink after work, starting at 5 p.m. then attend a short and casual concert starting at 6 p.m.
Location: Helzberg Hall: 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108
9. KC Film Fest in Kansas City – April 12-14, 2024
The 2024 Kansas City FilmFest showcases more than 100 local, regional, national and international films during this annual juried film festival. Since its humble beginnings in 1997, the FilmFest has received thousands of entries from all over the world.
The festival also hosts filmmaker panels, seminars, opening receptions, and nightly after-parties.
For more information, visit the KC Film Fest website.
Location: AMC Ward Parkway 14 Theatres
10. Northland Ethnic Festival – April 13, 2024
Displays, stage performances, and food from dozens of countries and cultures from the KC Ethnic Enrichment Commission.
Free admission and parking: food and crafts will be available for purchase.
Food: Keyna, Bolivia, Malaysia, Laos, Germany, Mexico, Ireland
Performances: Kenya, Czech Slovak, Malaysia
Displays/arts/crafts: Japan, Ukraine, Malaysia, Germany, Ireland, Laos, Israel
Location: Staley High School, 2800 NE Shoal Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64156
11. Earth Day – April 20, 2024
Learn about the habitats of Swope Park and the animals living there. StoneLion Puppets will present two shows. Inside the center, info tables give information about Swope Park habitats, including how to preserve them. The Earth Day event is free and runs from 10am-2pm.
- 11 a.m. – StoneLion Puppets
- 1 pm – StoneLion Puppets
There will also be arts and crafts activities and display tables.
Location: Lakeside Nature Center in Swope Park, 4701 E. Gregory Blvd.
12. Flights of Fancy Mega Kite Festival – April 21, 2024
Did you know that April is Kite Month? Bring the whole family to celebrate with the annual Flights of Fancy Mega Kite festival.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Kansas City in April, this is our topic pick for family fun! The kites at this event are far from ordinary and include stunt, power, and mega kites. Plus, you won’t want to miss seeing the world’s largest windsock – it measures in at 3 stories high and 200 feet long!
This is a free family-fun event with food and drink vendors on site.
April21st, 12pm – 5pm
Location: 500 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
13. Downtown Brunch Walk – April 27, 2024
It’s time for brunch! Sip, taste and explore downtown at the Downtown Brunch Walk on Saturday, April 27th, in the Power & Light District. Enjoy live music on 14th Street, brunch co*cktails and small plates at each of the participating venues.
VIP wine walks start at 1a am. General admission wine walk starts at 12 pm.
VIP and General Admission Tickets Available: $TBA
Age 21+ only. Event starts at 2 pm.
Location: Meeting place will be shared on purchased tickets.
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We also have our favorite things to do in Kansas City for every month. Just click on the month you want to plan your next KCMO adventure! January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Still wondering what to do in April?Check out our list of topthings to do inMissouri in April! Where will your next trip or excursion be in Missouri?
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