First things first: Are you ready for the weekend? OK, that’s a silly question. But how might you get the most out of it?
Fortunately, several singular pleasures can help make the first weekend in May a memorable one – whether you’re a fine-art lover or a comic-book fan, a follower of the “Piano Man” or an admirer of the animal kingdom. And if you like merrymaking powered by Mexican-American entertainment and food? Then you’re in luck, my friend.
Be among the first to take part.
1. First Friday in the Crossroads
Meander and marvel at the mix of people on the streets and art in the galleries at this month’s First Friday in the Crossroads Arts District. Whether you’re there to browse or buy, grab a bite or have a drink, you never know who you’ll meet or what you might behold. One of my favorite First Friday experiences is bumping into a lively band performing unannounced in an alley for instantly engaged passersby. Promising art openings include “Smoke on Paper: Recent Smoke Drawings” by Dennis Lee Mitchell at the Todd Weiner Gallery (115 W. 18th St., Suite 101). Mitchell ingeniously applies smoke to paper to create otherworldly images. Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Crossroads Arts District, south of the Downtown Loop and north of Crown Center and Union Station, Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free.
2. Brookside Art Annual
The first outdoor art show of the year is expected to attract as many as 70,000 over three days to Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood. More than 180 artists from throughout the region will offer works in painting, drawing, photography, jewelry, glass, wood, fiber, printmaking, metal, sculpture, clay, and mixed media. Visitors to this 30th annual event can also check out tasty foods, daytime kids’ activities and pleasant night music. Effortless enjoyment. Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11-5 p.m.; 63rd Street and Brookside Avenue between Main Street and Wornall Road, Kansas City, Mo.; admission: free.
3. Free Comic Book Day
Since 2002, comic shops nationwide have hosted Free Comic Book Day on the first Saturday in May. And it’s not just an opportunity for people to receive complimentary kiddie, teen and adult comics – up to 50 specially printed FCBD titles in all. It’s also a daylong party. Comic retailers bring in comic creators and sketch artists, while encouraging fans to come dressed as their favorite comic character. With “Avengers: Age of Ultron” opening in movie theaters this weekend, there ought to be plenty of Captain Americas, Thors, Hulks, Iron Men and Black Widows also flexing their muscles around the funny book racks. To find a participating comic shop near you, no super powers are required. Just go to freecomicday.com and click on “store locator” – in costume, if you like. Saturday; various locations; admission: free.
4. Billy Joel
It’s still rock ‘n’ roll to Billy Joel, whose hit-laden music career in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s continues to fuel his concert appearances. Starting with his first radio hit in 1973, the barfly keyboardist confessional, “Piano Man,” the inspired singer/songwriter/pianist went on to chart Top-40 hit after hit in a variety of invigorating mainstream styles. Rocking and romantic, cocky and intimate, Joel remains an onstage must-see whose vintage tunes effectively endure, including “My Life,” “Movin’ Out,” “You May Be Right,” “Uptown Girl,” “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” and “New York State of Mind.” To name a very few. Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $17.50-$125.50.
5. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Tejano singer Emilio Navaira is the headliner of Friday night’s Cinco de Mayho Fiesta at the Guadalupe Center. More music, along with rides, raffles and competitions – including a baby contest – will follow on Saturday. Sunday’s celebration features Texas band Grupo Calle Seis. And the totally delicious Mexican food? Words fail – which is fine, since your mouth will be full. Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (9 a.m. 5K race/walk for all ages); Sunday, 1-8 p.m. (noon mariachi mass); Guadalupe Center, 1015 Avenida Cesar E. Shavez; admission: $7 Friday, free Saturday and Sunday.
6. Zoo Family Fun
A wandering mariachi band is part of this weekend’s Family Fun Fiesta at the Kansas City Zoo, co-sponsored by the Mattie Rhodes Center. Fiesta activities for kids include creating animal masks, so amusing child photo ops should abound. On Sunday, families can also watch sheep getting sheared before summer temps take hold. How good must that feel? Not baaa-d! Saturday and Sunday fiesta, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday sheep shearing, 1 p.m.; Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Mo.; zoo admission: $10.50-$13.50.
