This weekend in Independence, MO

Crank Out Hunger is an annual bike ride that raises funds for Coldwater’s Food Pantry, helping meet growing community needs. Cyclists can choose from routes designed for experienced riders, along with a family friendly option. Registration includes lunch from Chef Aristo's Curbside and Catering, a T-shirt, and plenty of snacks and drinks at SAG stops along the way.

This event features more than forty additional vendors in the parking lot, music, and a variety of food trucks. A complimentary bounce house is available. Expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of fun and bargain finds.

Market on Main in Downtown Blue Springs showcases local growers and makers with fresh produce, handmade goods, fresh flowers and more. The market takes place in the morning and is supported by St. Mary’s Medical Center. Special themed days appear throughout the season, including Dog Days of Summer, Health and Wellness Day, Artists and Authors, and Harvest Fest. Vendor applications are available with full season, partial, and daily options. Updates are shared on social media by Downtown Blue Springs and Market on Main.

Pick up school supplies and get a haircut at no charge, and take advantage of a food pantry and a free lunch.

The Jesus Block Party brings neighbors together to love and serve the community. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a complimentary hot meal, receive shoes if needed, and hear practical encouragement grounded in the Bible, along with additional support. The goal is for each person to feel seen and cared for, with a clear message of hope in Jesus. A volunteer team supports the event. Advance registration is required to serve, and responding on Facebook does not place anyone on a team.

Connect with fellow birthworkers at a meetup focused on community and networking across the Kansas City metro. This is a space to meet peers who are new to the field as well as those with years of experience. The gathering is open to doulas, childbirth and lactation educators, birth photographers, IBCLCs, labor and delivery and NICU nurses, peri and postnatal therapists, chiropractors, occupational and physical therapy providers, certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, traditional midwives, midwifery students, and birth assistants. It is designed for professionals only and is not for families seeking a provider.

Celebrate American roots music at the Independence Roots Music Festival on the grounds of the historic Bingham-Waggoner Estate. You’ll hear a lineup of regional acts playing blues, folk, bluegrass, and more across stages on the north side and on the estate’s porches. Enjoy food and drinks, and take advantage of free parking, bring-your-own lawn chair or blanket seating, and all-ages festivities.

At The Story Loft in the Englewood Arts District, this cozy community farmers market spotlights local growers, makers, and artisans. Stroll through booths with farm-fresh produce, artisan-made goods, and other local creations while taking in the creative energy of the neighborhood. It is a relaxed way to shop small, support local businesses, and spend an afternoon connecting with neighbors, artists, and creators. Vendors interested in participating may apply using the market’s form.

The Saturday Outlaw Concert Series features live music from area bands along with burgers, hot dogs, and ice cold beverages. Attendees can test ride in-stock models with no obligation, as long as they have proper riding gear and a valid motorcycle license. The event welcomes riders and non-riders alike and highlights the Outlaw way of life.

Mother’s Closet is a free community event for women, infants, and children, with no registration required. Families can take home no-cost items such as new and gently used clothing, accessories, toys, breastfeeding supplies, and other helpful household and baby goods. Throughout the event, attendees can also connect with doulas and lactation consultants for guidance and support related to pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Community donations are welcome as well, and donated items are reviewed and sorted so they can continue helping local families in need.

JA Family Day at Blue Surf Bay begins with time set aside for community connection, then shifts to swimming and water play.

New for the 2026 season, the car cruise takes place in the parking lot just east of the police station in Downtown Blue Springs, the same location that hosts Market on Main. The move keeps things consistent while construction continues along Main Street this summer. This milestone edition marks 15 years of cruising down Main Street, bringing a windows down, music up energy to a favorite community tradition.

This prerelease at Game Cafe features Sealed deck play across three Swiss rounds. Entry is $40. Players who enroll in the MTG Companion app receive two extra boosters from the new set, and top performers receive promotional support. For those unable to participate in store, prerelease kits are available for $40 while supplies last. Entering the included code in the MTG Companion app grants two complimentary Play Boosters.

Enjoy a community poker night that raises funds for the Independence Hawks Football & Cheer program. Expect friendly tournament play with rebuys and add-ons, a 50/50 raffle, and raffle baskets. Player entry is $45 and includes walking tacos and drinks while supplies last. Guests who are not playing are welcome to attend for $15 to eat, socialize, and support the athletes. This second annual fundraiser invites both seasoned poker players and first timers for an evening of fun that directly benefits Hawks football and cheer athletes.

Bowling, raffles, and silent auctions come together to raise funds for rhino conservation at Summit Lanes Lees Summit. Food and a full bar are available on site. Early bird ticket pricing is available.

Live music returns to Nirvana with Jason Vivone & The Billy Bats. Led by composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist Jason Vivone, a leading figure in Kansas City blues and roots, the band weaves American styles such as blues, soul, gospel, old-time medicine show sounds, and country into one performance. Nirvana offers a wide selection of food, and cocktails are available to enjoy while listening.

The Stray Cats take the stage at Uptown Theater, joined by Midnight Cowgirls. Seating is reserved. Ticket access includes a public onsale, along with artist, Spotify, and local presales.

Returning by popular demand, Thadapalooza brings the concluding chapter of the Possum Spit trilogy to Englewood Arts. She Dunnit unfolds as a live murder mystery featuring familiar She Haw characters. A VIP upgrade for $20 allows attendees to take part in the show.

At Tom's Bar and Grill, Chad opens the floor for karaoke and lets you sing your favorite songs. Pick the tracks you love and take the mic for a lively round of singalongs.

The event focuses on Elton John songs from seven iconic albums, bringing together a selection of tracks that showcase that body of work.

At Legacy Park Amphitheater, Elton Dan & The Rocket Band delivers a high-energy tribute to Elton John, channeling the sound and spirit of seven landmark albums from the 1970s and 1980s. Formed in 2015, the group has played more than 700 shows across 38 states. Expect crowd favorites such as I’m Still Standing, Philadelphia Freedom, Crocodile Rock, and Rocket Man, with the possibility of a duet like Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, deeper cuts, and band picks including Madman Across the Water, Levon, Tiny Dancer, and Pinball Wizard. Food and beverages will be available from Chick-Fil-A, Bee Ray’s, Big Mama’s Pancakes, and Embrace the Grape. Venue policies include no firearms or weapons, umbrellas, outside food, wallet chains, pocket knives, fireworks, baseballs, footballs, tennis balls, coolers, cameras or video cameras, or scooters, bicycles, and skateboards. Outside drinks are limited to water only, one sealed plastic bottle of 1 liter or less per person, with no soda, alcohol, juice, or energy drinks permitted. Smoking and tobacco use are allowed only in a designated area inside the venue, and smokable marijuana products are prohibited by city ordinance. Tents, grills, and tailgating are not allowed.

Settle in for an evening of soulful sounds and blues from Cocoa Marie, whose powerful range and heartfelt delivery revive cherished classics alongside fresh, modern grooves. Whether you lean toward silky soul, gritty blues, or simply appreciate great live music, this performance is crafted to linger long after the final song.

Dogzilla takes the stage at Stuey McBrew's for a live music show.

Art on Walnut brings a local arts vibe to Kansas City with a weekly outdoor craft fair along Walnut Street beside the farmers market and River Market Flea. Each week, 33 handpicked artists, makers, and creatives share handmade jewelry, ceramics, original artwork, and distinctive gifts, turning a casual stroll into a relaxed exploration of KC talent. Enjoy a coffee, try something fresh from the market, and take in the character of this historic neighborhood while meeting the people behind the work. Admission is free and the experience is family friendly.

River Market Flea returns with a rotating mix of vintage finds at City Market. Offerings include retro clothing from the 1960s through the early 2000s, along with accessories and unique one-off pieces that are not easy to find. The collection is curated by local vintage experts, including the team behind some of Kansas City’s most talked-about Chiefs fashion moments, and a refreshed lineup encourages repeat visits. Alongside it, Art on Walnut features a thoughtfully selected group of local artists and makers presented by Art Garden KC. Farmers Market vendors bring locally grown seasonal produce, cut flowers, bedding plants, vegetable starts, and more. City Market’s year-round shops and restaurants round things out with additional distinctive goods and global flavors.

Experience a welcoming Yoga 101 class in the courtyard at Colonial Gardens, created for newcomers and anyone returning to the basics. Instructor Carly Duquette guides approachable poses, mindful breathing, and gentle movement to foster strength and calm, with support from Megan’s Yoga Tribe. If the weather is uncooperative, the session moves indoors at the same location. Bring a yoga mat or towel and water, and feel free to invite a friend. Each class is $15, with a $10 rate for Megan’s Yoga Tribe members using a coupon code at checkout. Participants also receive $1 off a drink of their choice at Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile before or after class. Afterward, take time to enjoy the grounds and unwind in the garden setting.

Game Cafe hosts a Magic: The Gathering prerelease featuring a Sealed format and three Swiss rounds. Entry is $40. Players who enroll through the MTG Companion app receive two extra boosters from the new set, with promotional support available for top competitors. If in-store play is not an option, prerelease kits can be purchased for $40 while supplies last. Enter the provided code in the MTG Companion app to receive two bonus Play Boosters at no additional cost.

Enjoy a Concerts in the Park performance at Rotary Park in Blue Springs, Missouri featuring The Lucky Us Band, part of a nine-Sunday summer series of free live music. Pack a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic basket, then take in their Country Rock set. This concert is presented with support from Fike and Tandem Paving.

Enjoy a laid-back hangout with Bryce featuring tabletop games, a billiards table available for play, and Xbox gaming on a large screen.