There’s never a shortage of free and cheap things to do in Kansas City. This calendar list includes events and activities around Kansas City on the weekend. We aim to include a variety of affordable entertainment options, including family fun, live music, festivals, movies, seasonal activities and more. We focus on free and cheap events. […]
Free Events
Lenexa Presents Sar-Ko Aglow, a Free Trail of Trees
One of Kansas City’s best holiday light displays is Sar-Ko-Algow in Lenexa. The trees and trails around Rose’s Pond at Sar-Ko-Park in Lenexa spring to life for the annual holiday lights display. The official lighting is December 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Grand Pavilion. Santa Claus will be on hand to hear children’s […]
FREE (or cheap) Live Jazz in Kansas City
You haven’t truly experienced Kansas City until you’ve experienced its Jazz scene. Here are some places in Kansas City where you can listen to this Kansas City treasure live for FREE (you may need to buy drinks and/or food, of course). Click on the links below to see who’s performing and at what time. Some […]
50+ Vendors Featured at Lake Quivira Holiday Bazaar
The Lake Quivira Holiday Bazaar is a longstanding annual event and a traditional way of kicking off the holiday season at Lake Quivira, KS. More than 50 vendors make up this event that is FREE and open to the public on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Both floors of the Lake Quivira […]
Free Pumpkin Smashing Compost Party
Trying to decide what to do with your Halloween jack-o-lantern? Smash it, don’t trash it! Compost Collective KC is hosting Pumpkin Smash 2026, a FREE, family-friendly way of composting your Halloween jack-o-lanterns. Pumpkin Smash 2026 happens Saturday, November 14, from noon to 4 p.m. at Urbavore Urban Farm, 5500 Bennington Avenue in Kansas City, MO. […]
Magic Tree in Lee’s Summit Benefits Operation Toy Solider
The Magic Tree is a celebratory landmark in Lee’s Summit, MO, that provides a great photo backdrop. The Magic Tree is lit for visitors to enjoy during the holiday season each night from November 24, 2026, through mid-January 2027. This year, the tree project will once again benefit Operation Toy Soldier. Attendees are encouraged to […]
Free Performances at City Center Live Series
The Lenexa Parks & Recreation Department sponsors City Center Live, a monthly performing art series on the second Saturday of each month. Admission is always FREE. Attendees can easily grab drinks or dinner from the Lenexa Public Market and then come see the show. Performances change each month. City Center Live Series 2026 Schedule […]
FREE Kansas City Symphony Happy Hour Concerts
Gather your friends for a FREE Symphony Happy Hour at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. These concerts run from September through April. While tickets are free, you need to reserve in advance. Tickets become available a month before the run. Cash bars will open at 5 p.m. in the Kauffman lobby. A one-hour […]
Liberty’s Beacon Light & Sound Show free (more shows added)
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is hosting Liberty’s Beacon, an incredible, completely FREE light and sound experience. Through November 11, 2026, this public art installation will transform the historic Liberty Memorial into a giant, living canvas. Combining large-scale video projections with immersive original music, this event celebrates two milestones: the Museum’s 100th anniversary and […]
First Friday in the Crossroads Kansas City: Art, Food, Shops & Free Comedy
Created April 2026 Art & Atmosphere Family Friendly Food & Drink Free Admission First Friday in the Crossroads Kansas City Spend an evening exploring one of Kansas City’s most popular monthly traditions in the Crossroads Arts District. Browse galleries and studios, shop local makers, grab dinner or drinks, and enjoy free comedy at The Bird […]
