THIS MONTH IN KC

WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE

BY Emily Park

May 6, 5–10 p.m. May 7, 11 a.m. –8 p.m. May 8, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Arrowhead Stadium kcbbqfest.com

May 7, 6 –10 p.m. Arrowhead Stadium kcsummerbeerfest.com MAY SPOTLIGHT

Party picks. Kansas City loves a good Derby Day party, and celebrations are planned all around the city. You just need to do two things: put on your nest garden attire—suits, dresses, hats, the works—and decide which party is your perfect way to enjoy the day. Here are three options to consider.

The perfect pairing. Party it up at Arrowhead between both the barbecue festival and the beer festival held at the stadium this weekend. It just might be the only thing better than going to Arrowhead for a Chiefs game. All weekend long at the Kansas City BBQ Festival, you’ll have the chance to try pure, smoked bliss prepared by award-winning pit masters from across the U.S. You can enter for free and pay for food and drinks as you go or buy a Q Pit Pass for 2.5 hours of all you can eat and drink. We’d recommend stopping by on Sunday, May 7, when you’ll get a two-for-one special with access to both the barbecue festival and the Kansas City Brew Fest. Enjoy barbecue until 5 p.m., and then head onto the eld to sample some beers at 6 p.m. General admission to the beer fest is $50, and you’ll get unlimited access to samples from 60+ breweries.

May 24, 8 p.m. Mill Creek Park kchospice.org/circle-of-lights

In memoriam. Light a candle in remembrance of a loved one at the Circle of Lights. During this beloved Kansas City tradition hosted by Kansas City Hospice, Mill Creek Park turns into a beacon of light and hope to remember and honor the lives of our loved ones who have passed away. Everyone is welcome to join and help create a circle of over 1,000 twinkling lights around the park. Can’t make it to the event? Light a virtual candle in honor of your loved ones at kchospice.org/weremember. At this Gatsby-themed Derby Day event, plan to enjoy a complimentary mint julep fountain, rosé sangria, bourbon balls, hors d’oeuvres, ra es, photo ops, and live music for the perfect evening.

You’ll have a great view of downtown KC at this Derby party. Even better? e Crossroads Hotel’s rooftop bar just so happens to be named for the famed horses of Pabst Brewery— perfect for watching the Derby. Ticket proceeds bene t the Kansas City Museum.

May 7, 2–7 p.m. The Monarch Room Tickets: $55, available on eventbrite.com, search for Sneaker Derby Day Party

Along with your best suits and dresses, make sure to have your snazziest sneakers ready for this Derby party. Head to e Monarch Room where you’ll win a prize if you’re the best dressed and enjoy access to an open bar, food, and live performances from Kim Keys and Loc’D.