Need a World Cup break? 5 non-soccer events this weekend
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Downtown Kansas City. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
By now, even the biggest soccer fan could use a night away from penalty kicks and Fan Fest crowds. If you need a weekend off from the World Cup, the metro has you covered.
🍖 Great Lenexa BBQ Battle
When and where: It's open to the public on Friday from 4:30-11pm at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa.
What to know: More than 150 teams smoke brisket, ribs and burnt ends for the official Kansas State Championship.
- There will be samples, live music, food trucks and kids' activities for $5 cash at the gate. Kids 12 and under get in free.
🤠 Country Stampede
When and where: The festival takes over Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs through Saturday.
What to know: The three-day country festival saves its biggest names for the back half of the weekend, including Rascal Flatts, Zach Top and Treaty Oak Revival.
- You can buy a single day or the full run, and there's camping if you want to stay put.
🎥 Free State Festival
When and where: It runs through Sunday in Lawrence.
- If you'd rather not drive, ConnectKC26's Region Direct shuttle has a Lawrence stop, with buses about every 30 minutes and a $5 day pass.
What to know: The Lawrence Arts Center has spent a full week on film, music, comedy and art.
- The all-access passes are gone, but tickets to individual showings are still available.
💧 Excelsior Springs Waterfest
When and where: The party fills downtown Excelsior Springs on Friday and Saturday.
What to know: The old mineral-water town throws an unapologetically old-fashioned party.
- There are pony rides, a quilt show, vintage cars and a pancake breakfast, and it ends with fireworks.
🏳️🌈 People's Pride KC
When and where: It's happening in the West Bottoms on Saturday and Sunday.
What to know: This one is free and built "for and by the queer community," and it's back for a fourth year.
- Expect music, drag, vendors and a big parade.
💭Abbey's thought bubble: This is the one I'm clearing my Saturday for.
The bottom line: The metro's got way more going on than soccer.