In this issue, Kansas City magazine has compiled more than 50 ways to experience art this fall, from film screenings and puppet shows to cultural festivals and immersive live art shows. Our editors’ picks spotlight the season’s must-see moments—like 98-year old cabaret legend Marilyn Maye’s performance at the Folly Theater—along with recommendations for where to eat, drink or keep the evening going. Plus, we’ve included some events beyond the metro that are worth the drive.

Fall Arts Preview

Music

Editors Pick: Marilyn Maye

Photography by Zach Bauman

Singer Marilyn Maye is Kansas City royalty. In the 1950s, the glamorous performer sang five nights a week at KC’s Colony Steakhouse, a residency she held for a decade. That gig also served as the launch pad into the national entertainment circuit—many may remember her as a frequent guest performer on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. Dubbed by the host as a “super singer,” Maye broke the late-night program’s record as the vocalist with the most appearances.

Now 98 years old, Maye spends much of her time in New York City, so seeing her perform in KC is a rare treat. Often donned in sequins, the cabaret performer still high kicks while singing show tunes, jazz standards and more. Her upcoming performance at the Folly Theater follows the release of her first solo album in over a decade, The Magic of Marilyn Maye: Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Before witnessing this living legend in action, round up the girls for a pre-show happy hour on the patio of Mediterranean restaurant Extra Virgin and share a spread of small plates (the smoked trout dip is a must). Located just steps away from the Crossroads streetcar stop, we recommend boarding the tram and exiting at the Metro Center stop for a quick stroll down 12th Street.

For those looking to party like the marvelous Marilyn Maye, the Folly will be serving up the singer’s post-concert drink of choice: apple martinis. –NC

September 25. 7:30 pm. Folly Theater. follytheater.org.

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton rose to stardom in the 1960s as lead guitarist and singer for several influential bands including The Yardbirds and Cream. Following his success in rock ‘n’ roll bands, Clapton led a massive solo career as an 18-time Grammy Award winner and three-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member. Although he continues to release new music, Clapton will also be performing a few of his greatest hits on this tour, performing classics like “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.”

September 16. T-Mobile Center

Robert Plant

The former Led Zeppelin lead singer, famous for such iconic songs as “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love,” will perform alongside Suzi Dian in a band called Saving Grace. While Plant gained success through his rock and roll lyricism and performance style, his new music is inspired by traditional folk music. On tour, Saving Grace will be performing its debut self-titled album, featuring hits like “Everybody’s Song” and “Gospel Plough.”

September 19. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents La bohéme

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City will open its season with the intimately tragic tale of La bohème. Composed by Giacomo Puccini, this Italian opera tells a story of love and loss on the streets of Paris in the 1830s. Mimi, a young seamstress, falls in love with Rodolfo the poet, and amid their tumultuous circumstances they are set for a devastating end.

September 19, 25 & 27. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Kacey Musgraves

Breakout artist Kacey Musgraves has been a performer all of her life, but she got her breakthrough after her first major-label debut album, Same Trailer Different Park, in 2013. Since then, Musgraves has released six albums and earned eight Grammys throughout her career. Now, Musgraves tours her most recent album, Middle of Nowhere. The album meshes together traditional country sounds with pop music and features her lead single “Dry Spell.”

September 23. T-Mobile Center.

Yo-Yo Ma

Photography provided by Kansas City Symphony

Yo-Yo Ma’s upcoming performance with the Kansas City Symphony opens the 2026-27 classical season. The world-famous cellist is known for not only his foundational classical ability but also his performances in other genres such as jazz. This fall at the Kauffman Center, he will be performing Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, a famous piece first performed in 1896.

September 30. Helzberg Hall.

Doja Cat

Grammy Award-winning performer Doja Cat is en route to KC for her Tour Ma Vie World Tour, celebrating her fifth album release in seven years. The hip-hop superstar will bring hit songs from Vie to the stage, such as “Jealous Type” and “AAAHH MEN!”, mixing different genres seamlessly in her set lists.

October 6. T-Mobile Center

Chris Stapleton

The All-American Road Show reaches its final destination in KC this fall. Singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton performs two nights, playing his biggest hits throughout his career, including “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Starting Over.” The country star got his start after moving to Nashville in 1996, and has since won 12 Grammy Awards and released five albums. Special guest Nikki Lane joins the lineup.

October 9–10. Morton Amphitheater

Sombr

Celebrating his 2025 breakout album, I Barely Know Her, Sombr is set...

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