Looking for a fun summer show for kids in Kansas City? The Coterie is back with another fantastic family-friendly production, and this one is especially fun for families who already know and love Pete the Cat. Based on the beloved children’s book series by Kimberly and James Dean, Pete the Cat brings music, humor, creativity and plenty of groovy fun to the stage at Crown Center.
Pete the Cat runs June 10-Aug. 2, 2026, at The Coterie in Kansas City. The all-ages musical is about 60 minutes long, making it a great fit for young theatergoers and families looking for an easy summer outing.
A Colorful Show Kids Will Love
From the moment we walked in, the stage felt like a cat lover’s dream. A larger-than-life arched structure topped with cat ears served as the main set piece, while the floor featured a colorful, groovy arched pattern. Along the sides, paintings highlighted Pete’s signature colorful shoes, a fun nod to one of the most recognizable details from the books.
The production is full of kid-friendly details, from spectacular costumes and creative stage makeup to oversized props that make the story feel playful and larger than life. Pete’s painted blue makeup, tail that doubles as a paintbrush, blue suit and colorful red Converse make him look just like the eccentric blue cat families know from the books.
Kids will also love spotting all the fun characters on stage, including Jimmy’s family, his sneezy and cat-obsessed little sister, his parents, teacher, classmates and imaginative book characters like a shark, astronaut and cheetoh.
What Is Pete the Cat at The Coterie About?
The story centers around Pete the Cat and Jimmy Biddle, a very organized and somewhat anxious second grader. After Pete is caught jamming out with his band by the cat police, he is sentenced to live with a family as a house cat. That family happens to be Jimmy’s.
When Jimmy is assigned to paint an original work of art, which is definitely not his specialty, Pete helps him discover there is plenty to explore, imagine and paint. Together, Pete and Jimmy set off on a creative adventure that includes friendship, inspiration and even a trip to Paris and back in a VW bus.
Along the way, Jimmy creates an original picture of Pete, and Pete learns to love Jimmy’s sneezy little sister and the rest of the family too.
Positive Messages for Kids
Much of the Pete the Cat series focuses on Pete keeping a good attitude through adversity, with familiar phrases like “It’s cool” and “Did Pete cry? Goodness no!” That same theme carries throughout the musical as Pete helps Jimmy learn to adapt, try new things and embrace creativity.
It is a sweet reminder for kids that things do not always have to go exactly according to plan. Sometimes the best adventures, friendships and ideas happen when you stay flexible and try something new.
Interactive Theater Fun at The Coterie
One of the best parts of seeing a show at The Coterie is how close kids can feel to the action. The Coterie’s signature floor seating for children was available, giving young audience members an up-close view of the performance.
The actors zoomed and skipped through the aisles throughout the show, creating an engaging, interactive experience that kept kids excited and involved from start to finish. The exaggerated props were another highlight, including Jimmy’s bed, the family’s giant couch, the hidden space behind the couch and the large VW bus that adds to the adventure.
Visiting The Coterie During World Cup Season
Although Pete the Cat runs during Kansas City’s busy World Cup season, visiting The Coterie still felt very manageable for our family. We attended on a Kansas City match day and were easily able to find parking in the garage.
The Coterie provided a helpful map of road closures ahead of our visit, which made it simple to avoid closed roads and Fan Fest areas without getting lost in the shuffle. We could feel the excitement at Crown Center, with soccer fans shopping, exploring and enjoying Center of Summer Soccer attractions in the courtyard and near the fountains.
It was fun to see Kansas City welcoming so many visitors while still feeling easy and accessible for local families to enjoy an afternoon out.
Special Performances for Families
Families can also take advantage of several special performances during the run of the show. The Coterie offers an ASL interpreted performance, sensory friendly performances for neurodiverse audiences and audio described performances for patrons who are visually impaired.
These options make Pete the Cat even more accessible for families looking for a theater experience that fits their needs.
Final Thoughts
With catchy music, colorful visuals, positive themes and plenty of kid-friendly humor, Pete the Cat at The Coterie is a wonderful summer outing for Kansas City families. Whether your kids are longtime Pete fans or meeting the groovy blue cat for the first time, this production is a fun reminder to keep exploring, stay flexible and find inspiration in unexpected places.
Pete the Cat
When: June 10-Aug. 2, 2026
Where: The Coterie at Crown Center
Best for: All ages
Run time: Approximately 60 minutes
More info: TheCoterie.org
More Summer Fun in Kansas City
Looking for even more family fun this summer? Check out our Summer Movies Guide, 2026 VBS Guide, our favorite local parks & playgrounds, the Ultimate U-Pick Farms Guide and family-friendly events happening all across Kansas City this season.