KANSAS CITY
Sun., Sept. 29, 2-8 pm: Soul Sessions KC – The R&B Only Day Party, Equal Minded Night Lounge & Event Venue, 4327 Troost Ave. Come out for the best vibes + craft cocktails + R&B music. COST $0 – $75+
Mon. Sept 30, 6 pm: KC Reparations Coalition Monthly Meeting, VIRTUAL www.kcreparationscoalition.com. The special guest presenter will be Dr. Afia Zakiya. Sister Afia is an Independent African Centered Scholar-Activist. A Political Science graduate of Clark Atlanta University. FREE
Fri., Oct. 4, 10 am: Jazz Storytelling, American Jazz Museum Atrium, 1616 18th St. Aimed at toddlers to early elementary schoolers, Jazz Storytelling is led by vocalist Lisa Henry, storyteller Brother John, drummer Mike Warren, and bassist Tyrone Clark. FREE
Fri, Oct 4, 5 pm: Exclusive Artist Talk with World Renowned Zhou Brothers + Open Studios. Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th. With special guests, Shanzuo Zhoushi and Dahuang Zhoushi, known as the Zhou Brothers. There will be Open Studios with resident artists starting at 5 pm; and finishing the night with an exclusive Artist Talk with the Zhou Brothers at 7 pm. FREE +
Sat, Oct 5, 6 pm: Nigerian Independence Celebration. 6141 Blue Ridge Blvd. music, food, culture, and fun. Commemorate Nigeria’s independence with an evening filled with music, dance, and delicious Nigerian cuisine. COST: $15
Sat, Oct. 5, 6 – 9 pm: The Gospel Stage Play, The Day You Say I Do, Gem Theater, 1615 E 18th. a night of laughter, love, and inspiration. Witness a powerful performance that will touch your heart and soul. Be prepared to be moved by the talented actors as they bring this heartwarming story to life on stage. COST: $40
Sat, Oct 5, 5 pm: KC Curly Natural Hair Photoshoot, Liberty Memorial Park, 1 Memorial Dr. Our 8th Annual KC Curly Photoshoot !! The Biggest Natural Hair photoshoot in Kansas City. FREE
Sat, Oct 5, 8 pm: Steppers Lounge, American Jazz Museum Atrium, 1616 E 18th. A night of smooth moves and good vibes. Get ready to groove to the rhythm of the music and show off your best dance steps on the dance floor. COST: $12
Sun. , Oct. 6, 6 – 11 pm: Black & Gold New Orleans Party (SAINTS vs CHIEFS). Westin At Crown Center Ballroom, 1 E Pershing Rd. Come out for an epic showdown between the Saints and Kansas City. Get ready to party in style. Wear your best black and gold attire and cheer for your favorite team. Enjoy great music, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere. COST: $45
Thu, Oct 10, 7 pm: UNI Recess! Jam Session. Frank A. Theis Park, 47th & Oak St. Get ready to groove to live music and enjoy unforgettable performances featuring Dave Hollister, LeToya Luckett, Carl Thomas and special guests. An evening filled with music, dance, and fun, all while supporting the Kansas City’s Urban Neighborhood Initiative. COST: $40+
Sat, Oct 12, 10 am: WeCodeKC’s Beginner Game Development with Scratch (7-12). 4825 Troost Ave. Students will learn the basics of coding and game development. Students will be able to utilize block-based coding to create a game environment and sprites that move, jump, or dodge objects. FREE
Sat, Oct 12, 10 am – 12 pm: Kansas City Jazz Alive 18th and Vine Walking Tour. 18th & Vine. a fun and informative walking tour of the historic 18th and Vine district in Kansas City. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history of jazz in this vibrant neighborhood. Guide, Chuck Haddix – Director of UMKC Marr Sound Archives and host of KCUR 89.3. FREE
Sat, Oct 12, 7 & 9 pm: Gem Theater Show: Featuring Michael Colyar. Gem Theater, 1615 E 18th St Performance by Michael Colyar, Darren DS Sanders, & The host Chris the Mayor Thompson COST: $55
Sat., Oct. 12, 9 am: 3rd District Convention, Kansas City Convention Center, Lobby 2400. Featuring – Leading Change: 3rd District Recaps; Carol Coe Community Defender Awards Luncheon; Year of the Youth 2025; Sustainable Economic Development; Green Solutions + Neighborhood Resilience. Hosted by Councilwoman Melissa Robinson. Info – contact melissa.robinson@kcmo.org.
Sun., Oct. 13, 5 – 10:30 pm: Afro X Kc Fall Season. American Fusion Cafe, 1621 Swift St. exciting event filled with music, dance, and culture. Get ready to experience the vibrant energy of Afrobeat and Amapiano. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Africa and connect with the community and celebrate diversity. COST: $7.50
Sat., Oct. 12, 2:15 pm: Stacey Abrams on the Importance of Libraries, Kansas City Public Library: Central Library, 14 West 10th St. Join us for a conversation with Stacey Abrams, the bestselling author of several books, a voting rights advocate, and former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives. FREE
Sat., Oct. 12, 10 am to 3 pm: Fall Black Business Vendor Showcase, Brookside Charter School, 1815 E 63rd St. Come out, support, & shop with some of the best Black-owned businesses/Black-led organizations here in Kansas City. Vendor registration is currently open until spots are full – don’t wait until the last minute. www.TheVillageKC.org/buyblack FREE.
KANSAS CITY, KS
Sun., Oct 13, 3:30 pm: 9th Annual Evening of Praise, Forest Grove Baptist Church, 1417 N. 9th St. Friends saving lives through praise, featuring King Wanza. In recognition of National Domestic Violence Month. FREE
Fri., Oct. 25, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm: 26th Annual Domestic Violence Awards Luncheon, Friends of Yates, Inc., 1418 Garfield Ave, KCKS. Celebrating 111 Years of resilience, impacting survivors, and empowering our community. COST TBA
OLATHE:
Thur., Oct. 3, 6 p.m. Johnson County Sheriff Candidates Debate, Doug Bedford & Byron Roberson, Indian Creek Library, 16100 W 135th St. Candidates will be responding to a series of important questions regarding their candidacy for Johnson County Sheriff. FREE
TOPEKA
Sat., Oct. 5, 1-4 pm: Barnes & Noble Book Fair, 6130 SW 17th St., Topeka, featuring local author Ana Wilkins and others. Co-sponsored by “Black Women You Should Know About” Facebook group. Authors will have books available to buy. FREE
OVERLAND PARK
Sat, Oct. 5, 6 – 11 pm: Sophisticated Gents Presents: STEPPERS BALL 2024, Johnson County Arts And Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave. Dance the night away, dress to impress, top tier event. Free buffet For tickets contact Spanky- 816 885-0085 or Jeff- 816 876-3146 or Kevin 816 914-8419. COST: $30