The best things to do in KC this month: February 2025

Let the good times roll and celebrate Mardi Gras with Kansas City’s small but mighty scene. While our festivities may not rival the grandeur of New Orleans or even St. Louis, KC’s grassroots celebrations have charm, soul and steadfast revelers.

While members of the Mardi Gras community like to keep the details of their celebrations elusive, the blaring horns and colorful costumes are hard to miss. On Fat Tuesday, the fun starts bright and early in KC’s Westside neighborhood for a dawn parade. In the evening, the party continues. At the annual dusk parade, partakers march eastbound down 18th Street to end the celebration in the heart of the jazz district. Even in frigid weather, dedicated celebrants reliably show up and out each year.

For those looking to join the fun, instrumentalists and singers of all experience levels are encouraged to play with the community Mardi Gras marching band. Leading up to Fat Tuesday on March 5, open rehearsals will be held throughout February at Cap Gun Studios in the West Bottoms. For those not musically inclined, interested community members are welcome to craft costumes in tandem. 

GO: Mardi Gras Open Rehearsals, February 2, 9 & 23, 6:30–8:30 pm. Cap Gun Studios, 1219 Union Ave., #2W, KCMO.

2

Ceramic Valentines

Spread the love and get in touch with your creative side at Cherry Pit Collective’s Ceramic Valentines workshop. Price of admission to the class––which will teach beginner techniques to build one-of-a-kind valentines by hand––also includes clay, glaze and firing at the Midtown studio. February 2. 10 am. Cherry Pit Collective.

7

Grand Marquis

KC roots and blues band Grand Marquis’ brassy and soulful style celebrates the region’s musical heritage while infusing their own 21st century sound. Grab a bite at The Ship’s Friday matinee show and listen to a band that is beloved for a reason. February 7. 6–9 pm. The Ship.

8

Tyler, The Creator

Alternative hip-hop star Tyler, The Creator is coming to KC on his world tour for his latest album Chromakopia. The rapper’s eighth studio album—written, produced and arranged by him—has received widespread acclaim as his most reflective and mature release yet. He will be joined by special guests Lil Yachty and Paris Texas. February 8. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.

8 

Sara Swenson

You may have heard KC singer-songwriter Sara Swenson’s music on the soundtracks of a few nationally syndicated TV shows, such as ABC drama Private Practice and PBS docuseries Girl Unscripted. Swenson’s no-frills acoustic set at the East Bottom’s biker bar Knuckleheads will showcase her breathtaking vocals and candid songwriting. February 8. 8 pm. Knuckleheads

14

Lorna Kay

Scoot your boots to KCK for honky-tonk singer Lorna Kay. Alongside Lauren Lovelle and The Midnight Spliffs, the singer’s crystal clear voice will command country classics. If weather allows, take a break in between sets by the patio firepit. February 14. 8 pm. Hillsiders.

15–16

Winterlude Jazz Festival

Since 2010, the two-day Winterlude Jazz Festival has showcased an array of what the scene has to offer. The annual festival primarily features local musicians across two stages at Johnson County Community College’s Midwest Trust Center. Friday’s headliner is KC vocalist Deborah Brown, while Saturday’s major draw is New Orleans Songbook, a production presented by NYC’s Jazz at Lincoln Center. February 15–16. Performances start at 1 pm. Midwest Trust Center.

21

Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari is best known for portraying Tom Haverford on NBC’s Parks and Recreation and as the star and creator of Netflix’s Master of None. The Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning comic and actor is making a stop on his stand-up Hypothetical Tour at The Midland. Known for his observations on modern relationships and culture, Ansari delivers jokes that are relatable and a bit cynical. February 21. 7 pm. The Midland Theatre.

21–23

Beauty and the Beast

The Kansas City Ballet is reimagining Beauty and the Beast with a dazzling mix of storytelling and movement. With colorful costumes and a live narration from choreographer Bruce Wells, the classic fairytale promises fun for the whole family. February 21–23. Times vary. Folly Theater.

22

Reel Black Film Fest

In honor of Black History Month, Reel Black Film Fest will highlight regional stories from KC filmmakers Nico Giles Wiggins, Jacob Handy and Kerry Rounds. The festival, hosted by Kansas City PBS, will chronicle systemic and structural racism, trailblazers and historically under-recognized champions throughout three films. February 22. 1:30 pm. The Truman.

22

Boozy Book Fair

KC’s Boozy Book Fair, aptly billed as “not your kid’s Scholastic book fair,” invites you to relive your childhood nostalgia—with a craft cocktail in hand. A collaboration between Kansas City Booksellers Association and KC bookstore The Gilded Page, the event features local authors, booksellers and plenty of literary fun. February 22. 4–9 pm. Crown Center.

23

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández 

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández’s captivating performances weave together the traditional dance, music and attire of Mexican folklore. Hailed by the New York Times for their “gorgeous costumes and breathtaking formations,” the Mexico City dance company’s KC appearance is presented by the Harriman-Jewell Series. February 23. 5:30 pm. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

23

The Get Up Kids

Kansas City’s own The Get Up Kids rose to popularity in the late 90s with second-wave emo anthems like “Holiday” and “Ten Minutes.” Across nine albums, their dedicated fan base has remained steadfast. The Midwest-emo band’s hometown show marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Something to Write Home About, their breakout sophomore album. February 23. 8 pm. The Midland Theatre.

28

säje

Last year, vocal jazz supergroup säje’s recording career started off strong, taking home a Grammy win for their debut album. The quartet—a collaborative effort between Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick and Amanda Taylor—makes the complex sound effortless for a rich and butter-smooth sound. Their performance is part of the Folly Jazz Series. February 28. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater.

28–March 2

Hannibal Buress

Over a decade ago, comic Hannibal Buress made waves in a stand-up routine that helped bring sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby to the public eye. Throughout his career, the multi-talented comic has racked up an extensive list of credits as a former writer for 30 Rock and an actor in series like The Eric André Show and Broad City. Unapologetically honest and self-assured, Burress will offer a night of laughs. February 28–March 2. Times vary. The Comedy Club of Kansas City.

28–March 2

Parade

Based on a true story, the popular musical Parade follows Jewish newlyweds Leo and Lucille Frank. After Leo is accused of a violent crime, the couple grapples with prejudice and injustice while living in Georgia in the early 20th century. Although the production made its Broadway debut in 1998, Parade won a 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. February 28–March 2. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre. 

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