Enter a world of make-believe and fantasy this autumn with legendary events and attractions across Kansas City.
Nighttime Wonders
Embark on magical journeys at these nighttime events for the entire family.
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GloWild: Legends & Lore at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
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GloWild: Legends & Lore at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
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GloWild: Legends & Lore at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
GloWild: Legends & Lore at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Now in its third year, the GloWild lantern festival returns to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium from Sept. 6 to Dec. 29 with a brand-new theme: Legends & Lore. Visitors are invited to experience the unforgettable nighttime experience with two loops: an Adventure loop where they’ll discover Atlantis, dinosaurs and pirates, and a Fantasy loop featuring mystical lands that include an enchanted forest and a fairy garden.
These exquisite, lighted silk-like sculptures, handcrafted by 151 artisans, feature moving parts and even some giant creations guests can walk through along a 1-mile route. In addition to the sculptures, the nighttime festival will feature concessions, live entertainment and admission to the Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Wednesdays. New to GloWild are special fall-themed lanterns that can be seen only from Sept. 6 to Oct. 31 and a new fun zone located near Helzberg Penguin Plaza with pumpkin decorating, a hay maze, pedal tractors and more. Santa returns from Nov. 1 to Dec. 29 to greet guests in his North Pole Village with new holiday-themed lanterns and a holiday-themed fun zone. Visit KansasCityZoo.org for tickets.
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Terra Luna at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
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Terra Luna at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
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Terra Luna at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Terra Luna at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Enter an ethereal, immersive nighttime world at the arboretum’s annual Terra Luna event. This multimedia event features the talent of Kansas City’s renowned performing arts group Quixotic. Live musicians, dancers, aerialists and artists perform, creating a stunning outdoor landscape. The event is hosted on two weekends: Sept. 12-15, and 19-21. Sept. 19 is an adults-only evening. Tip: Arrive early to enjoy a festival-like atmosphere with food and drink vendors, artisans and gift shops that can be enjoyed as additional purchases. Visit ArtsAndRec-OP.org/Arboretum/Terra-Luna for tickets.
Puppets A-Glow V What Dreams Are Made Of at National WWI Museum and Memorial
StoneLion’s Puppets A-Glow is back for its fifth year. This year’s theme embraces the imaginative world of dreams with dozens of illuminated and glowing interactive art pieces. The drive-through and walk-through art experience features giant illuminated puppets, glow performers and aerialists and will be offered free on Sept. 13-14 from 7:00-10:00. For a daytime experience with live music and a free art festival, attend noon-5:00 on Sept. 14. Visit StoneLionPuppets.org for information.
Daytime Wonders
Celebrate beloved legends and fairytales, or have fun with fabulous creatures… like dinosaurs!
Jamison Miller
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Dragons and Fairy Tales in Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is beloved for its vast collection of art from around the world. Within that collection, the museum’s galleries feature pieces celebrating knights of old, dragons and mythology. One such piece is Armor for Man and Horse in the Design and Decorative Arts collection. The legend of St. George and the dragon is celebrated in numerous works at the gallery, too, including a 15th-century marble work by Italian artist Giovanni Gaggini. These are just a few pieces that evoke legends and lore. Visit Nelson-Atkins.org for hours.
Mermaids, Robinhood and Knights of the Round Table
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival has been a local tradition since 1977. On weekends through Oct. 13, festival-goers enjoy a world of imagination where they can watch knights joust, mermaids sing, fairies frolic and a vast array of Renaissance characters parade, including favorites like Robinhood and the king and queen. Turkey legs, shows, artisans and musicians are all a part of the tradition. Every weekend features a different theme and a wide selection of live entertainment to enjoy. Visit KCRenFest.com for tickets.
Golfing with Dinosaurs
Prehistoric Putt in Independence is a one-of-a-kind extreme miniature golf experience. The indoor golf course takes mini golf to a whole new level. Each hole has its own unique challenge, for instance, trying to hit the ball while zip-lining. Another requires players to place the ball on a tee and hit it through a net with a giant Wiffle ball bat. Another challenges golfers to use their putter as a billiard cue and navigate through a labyrinth built out of pool tables. Each hole offers new twists and surprises, all within a prehistoric, dinosaur theme. Mondays are discount days. Visit LetsGoPutt.com for information.
Magical Worlds Come Alive on Stage
Watch one of these live productions bringing favorite storybook places to life.
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Journey to Neverland with Peter Pan at Starlight
Starlight has been dazzling generations with live musical theater under the stars, and this year they bring the return of the family classic Peter Pan. Audiences will be mesmerized as they journey to Neverland with Peter, soaring overhead with Tinkerbell and the Darling children. Cheer Peter and the Lost Boys as they fight Captain Hook, sing along with Wendy and the children and believe in magic all over again. Showing Sept. 17-22. Tickets at KCStarlight.com.
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Fall Down the Rabbit Hole to Wonderland with Alice (in Wonderland) with KC Ballet
Oct. 11-20, spectators will delight in the KC Ballet’s modern reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. With colorful costuming and vibrant sets, Wonderland will come to life with contemporary dance and styling. Antics from the White Rabbit to the Mad Hatter will delight audiences with the magic and whimsy of Alice’s adventures. Tickets at KCBallet.org.
Travel to Hogwarts with Puffs by Leawood Stage Co.
This fall, Leawood Stage Co. is presenting Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic Oct. 25-27 and Oct. 30-Nov. 3 at Avila’s Goppert Theatre. This delightful play is a fun parody of the popular Harry Potter book series, all from the viewpoint of the Puffs (inspired by the Hufflepuff house at Hogwarts). This funny, delightful show is a unique offering Potterheads are sure to love. Visit LeawoodStageCo.org for information.
Jordan Spatz
An Eerie Evening in a Cemetery with Electric Poe by The Coterie
The work of Edgar Allen Poe, literature’s master of the macabre, is perfectly suited for a Halloween performance at Union Cemetery. Kansas City’s oldest cemetery, established in 1857, will host The Coterie’s resurrecting of the tradition of Electric Poe Oct. 17-Nov. 3. This year, actor R.H. Wilhoit looks at Poe through the eyes of Poe’s rival writer, Rufus Griswold. The performance is written as an obituary by Griswold for Poe, and highlights include “The Raven” and William Wilson. Visit TheCoterie.org for tickets.
Kristina Light writes about family fun in Kansas City year-round on KCParent.com.