Best of May in Kansas City

May in Kansas City! Strawberries are begging to be picked. Roller coasters are ready to ride! Shows are setting the stage for a summer of fun! And Festival season is in full swing. Our Top Picks for May are here: 

Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure  The Coterie

Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure Apr. 16-May 19: Inspired by music made famous by The Beatles, Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure hits the stage. Meet the Beat Bugs – five insect pals who explore the world and pick up life lessons along the way in this new musical, based on the Netflix animated series that incorporates songs of that famous band. Walter, Buzz, Jay, Crick, and Kumi embark on a mission to save Strawberry Fields from being taken over by a stink bug with other plans for it. Some of the songs from the iconic catalogue that appear in the show include “All You Need Is Love,” “Come Together,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and “With A Little Help From My Friends.” Read our review of Beat Bugs.

The Culture House presents The Wizard of Oz

The Culture House is presenting The Wizard of Oz May 3-4. This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has been entertaining audiences for generations. This version, a faithful adpatation of the MGM classic film, includes all of your favorite song songs “Over The Rainbow,” “Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead),” “If I Only Had A Brain/A Heart/The Nerve,” “We’re Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road),” “The Jitterbug,” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.” This RSC version also includes “Poppies (Optimistic Voices)” and “If I Were King Of The Forest.”

Journey to Oz at Crown Center

Journey to Oz: A FREE Exhibit at Crown Center thru May 12, 2019: One of the world’s beloved movies turns 80 this year, and Crown Center is celebrating by bringing the magic of the big screen to you!  Families can tour the enchanting world of the Munchkins, follow Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, sneak into the Wicked Witch’s castle and much more. Open Monday – Friday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday, 10am – 7pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm.

Kansas City Zoo

The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round (except Jan. 1). (6800 Zoo Dr., KCMO. 816.513.5800). Pack a picnic and bring it to the zoo!

May's Special Events at the Kansas City Zoo: 

• May 4-5: Cinco de Rhino - There are less than 6,000 Eastern Black Rhinoceroses in the world, and the Kansas City Zoo is lucky enough to have four. Come appreciate and learn about these enigmatic giants with crafts, activities, biofacts and a rhino themed trivia game for everyone.  Guests will receive special Rhino trading cards.  Activities will be in the Lobby from 10 am to 3 pm.)
• May 4-5 & 18-19: Cheetah Enrichment - On the first and third weekends of the month, head to the cheetah exhibit and see our boys engage with some very special enrichment.  Enrichment includes anything out of the normal routine for these cats. It will “enrich” their senses and stimulate their natural instincts.
• May 12: Mother's Day at the Zoo - What better way to celebrate Mom than with a relaxing day at the Kansas City Zoo?  Moms will receive complimentary admission and a complimentary beverage on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12. Visit the Zoo’s doting moms and see them interact with their adorable babies. Bring Mom to the Zoo for a wild time with her cubs!
• May 18: Girl Scout Day - Enjoy Girl Scout Day at the Zoo this summer! Girl Scouts in their uniforms will receive FREE admission and those accompanying them will receive a reduced admission of $7. Girls Scouts can participate in activity stations in the lobby from 10 am to 3 pm and the first 100 Girl Scouts will receive a special patch.
• May 18-19 Endangered Species Weekend - Learn about our conservation initiatives and how you can get involved. With 21% of the world’s mammal species being threatened with extinction, conservation is everyone’s job. Begin by picking up your “Endangered Species Passport”.  Use your passport to discover the different endangered species at the zoo.  Find our docents at different endangered species exhibits using your passport to learn all about these animals.  As a thank you for helping them, the first 200 kids will get a small magnet painted by one of our endangered species when they visit at least 3 areas on the passport.  Stations will be open 10 am to 3 pm.
• May 25-26 Humboldt Penguin March - Join us on the fourth weekend of each month as our birds parade around the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, enjoying the fresh outdoor air. Get an up-close encounter with Humboldt penguins as they strut their stuff for all Zoo guests to see.

NASCAR Races at Kansas Speedway

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Race weekend at Kansas Speedway is May 10 & 11. Kansas Speedway is gearing up for another exciting season! If you've never been to a NASCAR race, this year is the perfect opportunity. NASCAR is a family-friendly sport where adrenaline junkies love to cheer for their favorite drivers. Kansas Speedway offers many experiences adding to the entertainment for families, whether you purchase a pit pass or scanners to track cars throughout the race. Spring 2019 races - May 10: NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Kansas 250 and May 11: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Read our tips for a first-time visit to Kansas Speedway.

Carlsen Center's May Shows

Enjoy live shows all season at JCCC Performing Arts Center (12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS). January's shows offer great shows for parents and educational shows for families.

May Shows at Carlsen Center:

• May 11-12: The Sleeping Beauty
• May 18: Neil Berg’s '101 Years of Broadway'  Direct from New York!

CYT's May Shows

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CYT is presenting several great shows this spring:

• A Year with Frog and Toad May 9-12: A hit on Broadway, A Year with Frog and Toad was nominated for three Tony Awards – including Best Musical. Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books, and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons.
• Alice in Wonderland Jr. May 16-19: Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures.  Featuring updated songs from Disney’s thrilling animated motion picture, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. is a fast-paced take on the classic tale. The ever-curious Alice’s journey begins innocently enough as she chases the White Rabbit.  Her adventures become increasingly more strange as she races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game!
• Footloose May 23-26: One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend's rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin' rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million copies!) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.

Strawberry Picking

This is one of our favorite family traditions in May! Strawberries are a great way to kick off summer in Kansas City. Keep this in mind - strawberry picking season typically begins in May in the Kansas City region. With our famously unpredictable weather, the definite start date varies from year to year, but you’re sure to enjoy a trip to one of these local patches. Call ahead or watch Facebook for picking announcements to enjoy the best berries of the season. Read our guide to lKansas City Strawberry Patches for info.

Mother's Day in Kansas City

Celebrate mothers and grandmothers with special event, activities, crafts, and FREE admission at local attractions with our Mother's Day in KC Guide.

Just Between Friends Sale (Overland Park)

Just Between Friends is the place to find amazing deals on the best items for the kiddos, newborns to teens! Don't miss out on the best in kids' and maternity consignment. Upcoming Sale May 16-19 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Use our FREE admission ticket.

Art Course at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Art Course at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: credit Amber Mills

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s lawn is a favorite place to play in Kansas City. The sprawling lawn is perfect for picnics and photo ops, and exploration of the Glass Labyrinth, and beckons visitor’s to explore the free art gallery. This summer, the museum is opening a miniature golf course nestled into the trees and terraces on the south lawn. The nine-hole course will be open from Memorial Day – Labor Day and will present a fresh interpretation of pieces from the museum’s collection. The course will inspire players as they will appreciate sights, sounds, and colors through the creative elements. Tickets for Art Course will be $14 for general adults, $11 for adults who are museum members, and $9 for children 4 to 12. The course is free for children 3 and under.  Nelson-Atkins.org

Stonehenge at Union Station

Stonehenge at Union Station (30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO).  Opening May 25, 2019, the 15,000 sq. ft. exhibition will premiere in the expansive Bank of America Gallery at Union Station for a limited time. Described as inspiring, magical and sacred, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument inWiltshire, England and one of the most famous landmarks in the  United Kingdom. It consists of several rings of standing stones, the largest around 23 feet (7.0 m) high, nine feet (2.75 m) wide and weighing over 50,000 lbs (25 tons) each. Scientific analysis has revealed the stones that form the inner ring were transported an incredible distance from the Preseli Mountains in Wales, over 150 miles away, with no modern means of transportation. 

Oceans of Fun Opening for the Season

Oceans of Fun opens for the season Memorial Day weekend! Enjoy admission to Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun for the price of one ticket. Kansas City’s amusement park with 235 acres of family rides, thrill rides and waterslides, including seven world-class rollercoasters and Oceans of Fun, the city’s first waterpark. Your senses come alive as you enter the gate, the sights and sounds take over, and the little ones in your family take your hand. Breathtaking views from towering coasters, hair-raising thrill rides and a Planet Snoopy kids area that is the playground for new memories. 

Family Events at the National World War I Museum and Memorial

The National WWI Museum and Memorial (2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO). Within the museum walls below, however, lies one of the best historic sites in the Midwest, the National World War I Museum. With tremendous state-of-the-art exhibits telling the story of World War I and, more importantly, the soldiers and civilians of the era—their sacrifices, their journeys—this is one of Kansas City’s most important attractions. NOTE: On Memorial Day, Summer Hours Begin! The Museum is open 7 days a week beginning on Memorial Day. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Sunday - Friday) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturday)

May Special Events at The National WWI Museum and Memorial:

• Family Friendly: Craft your own Postcard - May 11: Enjoy a family-friendly morning and craft your own embroidered postcard with quilting expert Denniele Bohannon and receive access to the Museum and Memorial’s exhibition Color of Memory: Fabric Art of WWI. FREE with RSVP | R.A. Long Classroom
• International Conscientious Objection Day Ceremony - May 15: Not all Americans mobilized for war in 1917. Desiring a negotiated peace rather than military intervention, dissenters refused to support the war effort, imagining a global order without war. Observe International Conscientious Objection Day on May 15, with an hour-long ceremony that remembers those who opposed World War I and helped initiate modern peace movements. A dedication of two Walk of Honor bricks will be recognized to honor the legacy of conscientious objectors and their commitment to non-violence and reconciliation. FREE with RSVP | Paul Sunderland Bridge
• Painting Demonstration - May 17: Enjoy some of the most picturesque views in Kansas City after hours! Bring your lawn chair and blanket to the Museum and Memorial’s scenic grounds when we host noted Impressionist Slava Korolenkov for an oil painting demonstration of one of Kansas City’s most treasured sites. FREE with RSVP | Southeast Lawn
• The Great Railroad War - May 18: Railroad expert Dr. Rudy Daniels, author of The Great Railroad War: United States Railway Operations in WWI, discusses the pivotal events that shaped the fate of the railways system and its influence on the outcomes of the war. In partnership with Union Station. Book sales available before and after lecture with author signing.  FREE with RSVP | J.C. Nichols Auditorium
• The War to End All Wars…and Its American Veterans Film Screening - May 18: Enjoy a screening of documentary The War to End all Wars…and Its American Veterans, which explores how WWI affected American society. Showing followed by Q/A with director Dr. Daniel Bernardi. In partnership with the Veteran Documentary Corps and sponsored by National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program. J.C. Nichols Auditorium | FREE with RSVP
• Front Lines to Headlines: WWI Dispatches from Kansas City Star's Otto P. Higgins - May 22: Hear the stories of Kansas Citians in the Great War through the eyes of Kansas City Star reporter Otto P. Higgins with James Heiman, author of Front Lines to Headlines: The World War I Overseas Dispatches of Otto P. Higgins. Book sales and signing available. In partnership with the Mid-Continent Public Library’s Story Center. FREE with RSVP | J.C. Nichols Auditorium
• Memorial Day Weekend May 24- 27: As the commemoration of the Centennial of World War I (2014-19) continues, the National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a fitting place to honor and recognize the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving their country during Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, the Museum and Memorial invites the public to “find your World War I connection” and discover how the Great War affected your family through records, photographs and more with a variety of programs throughout the weekend. Admission to the Museum and Memorial is free for veterans and active duty military personnel, while general admission for the public is half-price all weekend (Friday-Monday, May 24-27). The Museum and Memorial offers several events during the course of the weekend for people of all ages and interests, including a free public ceremony at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day followed by a special Bell Tolling Ceremony at Noon. ASL interpretation will be provided for the ceremony.
• Hands-On History: Every Saturday at 11am. History is brought to life in this family‑friendly program in which kids of all ages are invited to handle Great War artifacts.

• Complimentary with paid admission.
• Complimentary Museum Tour: Every Thursday 2:30pm. Explore the Main Gallery with one of our knowledgeable Museum Guides on a tour. Space is limited on a first come, first serve basis. Sign-up on Thursdays at the Museum ticketing window. Complimentary with paid admission | Museum Main Gallery

Memorial Day Weekend

Kick off summer with family fun over Memorial Day Weekend! Enjoy opening weekend at local pools, fabulous festivals honoring America's veterans, and great local events in our Memorial Day Weekend Guide.

Summer Reading Programs

Books open new worlds to children. This summer encourage your child to cultivate a love of reading with these incentive programs from local libraries and businesses! Read our guide to 2019 Summer Reading Programs in Kansas City. 

Pool & Spray Park Season

Summer is the season for watersports. Fortunately, Kansas City has something for everyone! From free spraygrounds for young children, to daring water rides for teens and adults, to classes and programs, pools and waterparks and everything in between. Our water fun season is Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend! Read our KC Water Fun Guide for details.

Farmers Market Season

Kansas City's Farmers' Markets start opening ALL Month long! With over 30 markets to choose from, ranging from small to large all across the metro, there is something for the locavore in all of us. Check out our Guide to Kansas City Farmers' Markets and read great tips for buying local farm fresh produce and discover a Farmers' Market near you. We're fortunate to have so many terrific Farmers' Markets in Kansas City to choose from. If you want to eat organic, fresh, locally grown produce, or you are looking for plants for your own garden, or local honey, Amish baked goods, or even live animals... Kansas City's Farmers' Markets have it all! Several even boast live music and entertainment. This is an excellent family outing on a Spring Saturday... you have fun and finish a chore all at once!

May Festivals

May really kicks off Festival Season in Kansas City, with many great festivals and fairs to choose from! Read our KC Spring Festival Guide for the full scoop.

Read our KC Spring Festival Guide for MORE May Festivals!

Our Favorite May Festivals:

May 2-5

Brookside Art Annual May 3-5 at Brookside District, 63rd & Wornall, Kansas City, MO. One of the KC metro's largest annual attractions right here in Brookside. Located in an eclectic neighborhood in the center of Kansas City, Brookside is just minutes from downtown, the Plaza and the southern suburbs. This is the first art show of the year and draws over 70,000 people from across the region. The focus of the show is on ART! This community loves art shows and it consistently ranks in the top 25 shows according to Art Source.

Harry's Hay Days (pictured above) May 3 & 4 in Grandview, MO. Harry's Hay Days is a celebration of President Truman's birthday and legacy. Since it lands on May 3rd and May 4th this year, the theme "May The 4th Be With You" is only fitting! HHD is truly a community event. Grandview churches, the City of Grandview, Grandview, MO Chamber of Commerce, Grandview C-4 School District, Grandview Main Street, Grandview Assistance Program, Mid-Continent Public Library, and Grandview Historical Society-Missouri all work together to make this family-friendly fun happen! Kick the weekend off with a FREE show at the Grandview Amphitheater featuring Love & Madness on Friday, May 3rd at 7pm. Grandview's Main Street serves as the backdrop to the parade, food trucks, fun & games on Saturday!

Lansing DAZE/Brew, Blues & Bar-B-Q May 3-4 at Kenneth W. Bernard Park, 15650 Gilman Rd., Lansing, KS. Fireworks, BBQ, Kids' Rides & Inflatables, Live Music, Beer, Food Trucks, Cycle Show, Petting Zoo w/ Lil' Milton, Craft and other Vendors.

Children's Day & Sheep Shearing May 4 from 9am-4: 30pm  at Missouri Town 1855,  8010 E. Park Road, Lee's Summit, MO. Attend the annual shearing of Missouri Town 1855’s resident flock of sheep. Skilled artisans demonstrate all aspects of wool productions from shearing, washing, carding, dyeing, spinning  and  weaving. Kids will dive into a pie eating contest and join in the fun of games played by their ancestors in the mid-1800s.

Shawnee Open House May 4 from 10am-1pm in Downtown Shawnee, KS. The City will be hosting touch-a-truck activities, will be offering free food and fun, and have information available about City services and departments in the City Hall parking lot. In combination with City activities, the downtown open house (sponsored by the Shawnee Downtown Partnership) will boast business open houses, free kids’ activities, and a photo scavenger hunt for prizes. Businesses will have their own activities, specials and giveaways.

Arts in the Park Lawrence May 5 from 10am-5pm at South Park, 12th & Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS. Art in the Park, the annual juried outdoor exhibition of fine art and fine craft, is Lawrence’s premiere arts event and is sponsored by the Lawrence Art Guild. Featuring the highest quality work by many area artists and craftspeople, as well as continuous musical entertainment, food vendors, and family fun, Art in the Park typically attracts thousands of people. It is the Lawrence Art Guild’s primary fund-raising event.

May 11-12

Country & Food Trucks Festival May 11 from 3:30-9pm in Downtown Topeka, 9th and Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS.   CoreFirst Bank & Trust presents the Country & Food Truck Festival! Gather in the area of 9th and Kansas from 3:30 p.m. and hear the following acts: 4:15 p.m.: Rachel Louise Taylor. 5 p.m.: Bryton Stoll. 6:30 p.m.: Lauren Jenkins. 8 p.m. Brandon Lay.

Spring Strawberry Swing May 11 from 10am-6pm at Alexander Majors House 8201 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. Enjoy the Midwest's favorite indie craft fair as we celebrate all things handmade at The Spring Swing! The Strawberry Swing is a highly curated, juried event where you will find 100+ handmade vendors, food trucks, live music, kid's crafts, and more!  

Walk and Read May 11 from 10am-Noon at Erfurt Park 24135 W 71st St., Shawnee, KS. Join The Johnson County Library and Shawnee Parks & Recreation for a special story walk around the lake at Erfurt Park. Two stories, Beekle, by Dan Satat and The Forever Tree by Tereasa Surrat and Donna Lukas, will be on story boards around the lake for kids of all ages to enjoy. Join a few of your favorite characters from popular stories as you take the inaugural walk! The story boards will be available throughout the weekend until Sunday evening.

May 18-19

Chalk Walk at The Concourse Fountain (pictured above) May 18-19 at The Concourse Fountain in Kessler Park, Benton Blvd. and St. John Ave., Kansas City, MO. Chalk Walk is a free, family friendly event that will transform the grey concrete sidewalks of The Concourse in Kessler Park into temporary, colorful works of art that kids, parents, amateurs and practicing artists create.

Turkey Creek Festival & Artisan’s Expo May 18 from 10am-4pm at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, KS. Activities include a petting zoo, parakeet adventure, delicious food and unique craft vendors, music, giant inflatables and more. 

May 24-27

Salute to Veterans Corporation Airshow (pictured above) May 25-26 at Columbia Regional Airport, Columbia, MO. Salute to Veterans Corporation invites the public to their two-day airshow at Columbia Regional Airport over Memorial Day weekend. FREE admission and parking! 

Kansas City Symphony’s Bank of America Celebration at the Station May 26 from 3-10pm at Union Station Kansas City, 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO. Music Director Michael Stern leads the orchestra in a moving patriotic concert to celebrate Memorial Day — followed by the city’s largest fireworks display. Make it an all-day family affair with pre-concert musical acts, activities and food trucks. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. 

Read our KC Spring Festival Guide for MORE May Festivals!

Sign up for Summer Camp

It is time to sign up for Summer Camp! The KC Parent Camp Guide is your resource for camps. The best Summer Camps fill fast, so now is the time to enroll your child. We have you guide to the best camps in the area. Whatever the age, interest, or skill your child hopes to explore, the KC Parent Camp Guide has something for everyone!

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Still looking for more great family fun ideas in Kansas City? Check out our Kansas City Calendar of Events and Going Places in Kansas City on KCParent.com.