Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Kansas City at Village West, KS

Fireworks aren't the only explosions of color you can expect to see at Powell Gardens during the Fourth of July weekend...

Fireworks aren't the only explosions of color you can expect to see at Powell Gardens during the Fourth of July weekend -- though, admittedly, they may be the loudest. In fact, the garden's beautiful daylilies are on display (as are its other flora), and the two days of festivities also include symphonic performances, activities for kids and plenty to eat and drink.

Hours: Wed, Jul 3, 2013: 9am - 10pm

A terrific event for folks of all ages, Festival of Butterflies takes place over the course of two weekends in August....

A terrific event for folks of all ages, Festival of Butterflies takes place over the course of two weekends in August. Come see the fluttering little critters fill the free-flight conservatory with beautiful colors. Kids are even permitted to catch and release certain species, and there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well, from arts and crafts opportunities to lessons about nurturing your own butterfly garden.

Hours: Fri, Aug 2, 2013: 9am - 6pm Sat, Aug 3, 2013: 9am - 6pm Sun, Aug 4, 2013: 9am - 6pm Fri, Aug 9, 2013: 9am - 6pm Sat, Aug 10, 2013: 9am - 6pm Sun, Aug 11, 2013: 9am - 6pm

All things Irish are celebrated at this yearly crowd-pleaser, which fills Crown Center Square with families eager to...

All things Irish are celebrated at this yearly crowd-pleaser, which fills Crown Center Square with families eager to enjoy the Celtic-themed fun. Rousing performances by local and regional Irish vocalists and musicians bring the crowds to their feet, while events like dance exhibitions, children's activities, and talks and workshops both educate and entertain. Naturally, food and beverage vendors are on-hand to ply their wares, offering tempting tastes of the Emerald Isle.

Hours: Fri, Aug 30, 2013: 5pm - 11pm Sat, Aug 31, 2013: 11am - 11pm Sun, Sep 1, 2013: 11am - 11pm

The Fall Home Show offers do-it-yourselfers a prime opportunity to consult with professionals, pick up new techniques...

The Fall Home Show offers do-it-yourselfers a prime opportunity to consult with professionals, pick up new techniques and methodologies, and see the latest products for everything from bathroom remodeling to better, faster ways of cooking a turkey! In spring, the show's focus expands to include the garden arena, making it a must for those with green thumbs.

Hours: Fri, Sep 13, 2013 Sat, Sep 14, 2013 Sun, Sep 15, 2013

Since 1931, Plaza Art Fair has drawn artists and art-lovers from across the country. Out of almost 1,500 applicants, the...

Since 1931, Plaza Art Fair has drawn artists and art-lovers from across the country. Out of almost 1,500 applicants, the field of artists is narrowed to only 240, who are then automatically entered in the juried exhibit. Media range widely from painting and photography to printmaking, ceramics, digital art, and jewelry. Come to shop or just to admire the technical skill displayed in the works. In addition to artists' booths, there's live music, food, and children's activities.

Hours: Fri, Sep 20, 2013 Sat, Sep 21, 2013 Sun, Sep 22, 2013

Sponsored by the Home Builder's Association of Greater Kansas City, the annual Parade of Homes takes place in the spring...

Sponsored by the Home Builder's Association of Greater Kansas City, the annual Parade of Homes takes place in the spring and then again the fall, promising to deliver some of the metro-area's most impressive residences. Stunning yards, cool downtown condos, and mansions worth millions -- they're all part of the Parade of Homes.

Hours: Sat, Sep 21, 2013 Sun, Sep 22, 2013 Mon, Sep 23, 2013 Tue, Sep 24, 2013 Wed, Sep 25, 2013 Thu, Sep 26, 2013 Fri, Sep 27, 2013 Sat, Sep 28, 2013 Sun, Sep 29, 2013 Mon, Sep 30, 2013 Tue, Oct 1, 2013 Wed, Oct 2, 2013 Thu, Oct 3, 2013 Fri, Oct 4, 2013 Sat, Oct 5, 2013 Sun, Oct 6, 2013 April 2014

The heart and soul of the KC music scene has always been the 18th and Vine Jazz District, and this annual street...

The heart and soul of the KC music scene has always been the 18th and Vine Jazz District, and this annual street festival allows the historic neighborhood to strut its stuff in true style. Main and side stages feature live performances by acts from all genres, including traditional American jazz, Latin jazz, and blues. This one's a must for music-lovers. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the American Jazz Museum box office.

Hours: October 2013 April 2014

The last IRL Indycar Series race before the Indianapolis 500, this oval-course event is a great "tune-up" for...

The last IRL Indycar Series race before the Indianapolis 500, this oval-course event is a great "tune-up" for many of the sport's top drivers. Come watch as cars and drivers are pushed to the limit during the 200-lap, 300-mile race.

Hours: Fri, Oct 4, 2013 Sat, Oct 5, 2013 Sun, Oct 6, 2013

Formerly known as the Kansas 400, this NASCAR race is held each fall and features many of the sport's top drivers ­...

Formerly known as the Kansas 400, this NASCAR race is held each fall and features many of the sport's top drivers ­ guys like Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Ryan Newman, and Joe Nemechek (all past winners). The Hollywood Casino 400 is one of 10 races that make up the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup. Race weekend also includes Friday qualifiers and the Busch Series Kansas 300 on Saturday.

Hours: Sun, Oct 6, 2013: Noon

On the first Friday of each month, most of the galleries in the Crossroads Arts District open their doors until 9pm,...

On the first Friday of each month, most of the galleries in the Crossroads Arts District open their doors until 9pm, welcoming the patronage of folks participating in the popular gallery walk series. In addition to perusing a lot of outstanding galleries, take time to enjoy food and drink in one of the neighborhood's many popular haunts.

Hours: Fri, May 3, 2013: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Jun 7, 2013: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Jul 5, 2013: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Aug 2, 2013: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Sep 6, 2013: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Oct 4, 2013: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Nov 1, 2013: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Dec 6, 2013: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Jan 3, 2014: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Feb 7, 2014: 7pm - 9pm Fri, Mar 7, 2014: 7pm - 9pm