Weekend Fun in Kansas City: Events Nov. 13-16
Get ready, Kansas City! This weekend, November 13th through 16th, is packed with diverse community events for all ages. From kindness festivals and author fairs to festive holiday tree lightings and a spectacular musical, there’s something exciting happening across the metro area.
Celebrate Kindness and Local Talent
Thrive with Kindness Festival (Nov 13th)
On Thursday, November 13th, SevenDays is hosting its ‘Thrive with Kindness Festival,’ a free event designed specifically for teenagers in the greater metro area. Mia Mondry and Varun Kavra, part of SevenDays Kindness Youth Leadership Team, shared insights into what teens can expect.
“There are prizes,” Mondry said excitedly. “It’s just going to be a fun event!” Kavra added, “We’re going to have interactive games, a taco truck, a live DJ, and overall just an atmosphere that is suited for teens to connect with each other.”
The festival runs from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Kirk Family YMCA Downtown (222 W. 11th St.). Teens should bring their student ID for entry.
Local Author Fair at Woodneath Library (Nov 13th)
The Story Center at Mid-Continent Public Library is hosting its 12th annual Local Author Fair on November 13th. Featuring nearly 50 authors, this event is perfect for all ages, offering books for children, teens, and adults.
Bring your holiday shopping list and enjoy prizes, hot cocoa, or cider while meeting local authors. The fair takes place from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Woodneath Library.
Kick Off the Holiday Season
Brookside Tree Lighting (Nov 13th)
Brookside is set to host its annual tree lighting event on Thursday, November 13th. Enjoy live music, complimentary cookies and cocoa, and special shopping opportunities at participating Brookside shops. The festive tree lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m., with additional holiday events planned throughout the weekend.
Tanger Kansas City Tree Lighting Celebration (Nov 16th)
Head to Tanger Kansas City at Legends on Saturday, November 16th, for their Tree Lighting Celebration. Activities include writing letters to Santa, face painting, glitter tattoos, and enchanting magical performances. This family-friendly event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1843 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66111, and is free and open to the public.
Experience Live Theatre: MAMMA MIA!
Olathe West Theatre is proudly presenting its upcoming musical production, MAMMA MIA! Shows are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 13th-15th, all starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at owtheatre.com.
Students involved in the production emphasize the show’s timeless spunk and high energy. Senior and main stage manager, Lily Smith, highlighted the dedication: “All of our crew, all of our actors have really been working tirelessly behind the scenes to create the end product that you’re going to see today.” Teddy Garcia, head publicity manager and actor (Bill Austin), promises an electric atmosphere. “You can see the energy not only from the actors and the way that they’re dancing but also the energy that the lights bring,” Garcia said.
Nora Brown, who plays Donna, expressed the bittersweet sentiment of this being a senior send-off production. “I’m just so grateful for everything. The past four years here has been phenomenal,” Brown shared, inviting everyone to “come see MAMMA MIA and the love and energy and joy it’ll bring you and your family.”
Tickets range from $5 to $15. Audience members can also receive a 10% discount by using the code ‘MM41’ at checkout on owtheatre.com. This production is also being submitted for judication at the Kansas Thespian Festival, with a chance to perform for 2,000-3,000 Kansas thespians in January if selected.
Weekend Event Overview
| Event | Date(s) | Location | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrive with Kindness Festival | Thursday, Nov 13 | Kirk Family YMCA Downtown | Free for teens, interactive games, taco truck, DJ |
| Local Author Fair | Thursday, Nov 13 | Woodneath Library | Meet local authors, holiday shopping, prizes |
| Brookside Tree Lighting | Thursday, Nov 13 | Brookside Shops | Live music, cookies, cocoa, local shopping |
| Olathe West Theatre: MAMMA MIA! | Thu-Sat, Nov 13-15 | Olathe West High School | Musical production, KSHB 41 discount available |
| Tanger KC Tree Lighting Celebration | Saturday, Nov 16 | Legends Parkway, KCK | Letters to Santa, face painting, magical performances |
Frequently Asked Questions About KC Events
- What dates do these Kansas City events cover?
The events highlighted run from Thursday, November 13th, through Saturday, November 16th, 2025. - Are most of these events free to attend?
Yes, the Thrive with Kindness Festival, Local Author Fair, Brookside Tree Lighting, and Tanger Kansas City Tree Lighting Celebration are all free and open to the public. Tickets are required for Olathe West Theatre’s MAMMA MIA! production. - Where can I purchase tickets for MAMMA MIA!?
Tickets can be purchased online at owtheatre.com, ranging from $5 to $15. Don’t forget to use the KSHB 41 discount code ‘MM41’ at checkout for 10% off. - What makes Olathe West’s MAMMA MIA! production noteworthy?
Beyond being a heartwarming performance, this production is being submitted for judication at the Kansas Thespian Festival, offering the students a chance to perform at a state conference in January if selected.
Whether you’re looking to spread kindness, support local talent, kick off the holiday season, or enjoy a fantastic musical, Kansas City offers a vibrant array of events to explore this weekend. Check local listings for any last-minute updates and prepare for a memorable few days.
Kansas City Weekend Fun Events November 13 to 16
