Enjoy Theater and Concerts Under the Stars in Kansas City, Missouri

Summer means enjoying warmer weather and spending more time outdoors. Yet many of the pastimes we like to pursue in our leisure, viewing summer blockbuster movies, attending live theater or experiencing a great concert, take us indoors. In Kansas City, MO, there are several venues, which allow people to combine the enjoyment of summer weather with great entertainment.

Heart of America Shakespeare Festival

This professional theater ensemble produces one of Shakespeare's plays yearly. The company is celebrating its 15^th year. Performances are held at Southmoreland Park just west of the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum at 47^th and Oak. This location is an added bonus, because the park is just three blocks east of the Country Club Plaza, one of Kansas City's premier shopping and dining areas. This year's production will be Romeo and Juliet. It will run from June 19-July 8 at 8:00pm. Pre-show activities begin at 6:00pm and concessions are available at the park. Although admittance is free contributions are welcomed at the gate.

Worlds of Fun Amusement Park

Combine an outdoor excursion with live performances when you take a trip to Kansas City's fabulous World's of Fun Amusement Park. In between eating funnel cakes and enjoying the exciting rides and exhibitions offered by Worlds of Fun, grab a seat in one of several small venues within the park to enjoy live shows like I Love Rock N' Roll, which features hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s, Good Lovin', a 60s themed variety show, and Dance To The Music, in which the cast performs and dances to "pop hits from America's songbook."

The Starlight Theater

Since 1951, Kansas City residents and visitors have been coming to The Starlight to experience great theater under the stars. Broadway Shows and concert performances draw crowds every summer. This summer's season consists of five high energy Broadway Shows, Burn the Floor, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sweet Charity, The Wizard of Oz and West Side Story. Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Bob Dylan w/ Jimmie Vaughan, Linda Ronstadt &Kansas City Symphony, and the Goo Goo Dolls are in the concert line-up for the summer.

Free Friday Night Flicks at Crown Center

Grab a blanket and some snacks then head down to Crown Center Square for some free family fun. Each Friday night from June 29-July 27 a favorite family friendly film will be shown on a giant screen in the Square. This summer's line up features Rocky ( June 29) to start the series. The screening will be preceded by a fireworks show accompanied by the film's theme song. During the following weeks, the films E.T. (July 6), Singin' in the Rain (July 13), Field of Dreams (July 20) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (July 27) will hit the big screen at the Crown. Concessions will be available.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Kansas City

With 22 seasons to its credit, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater has become the summer concert destination in the Greater Kansas City Metro area. Located in Wyandotte County Park, the amphitheater seats 6,700 and provides general admission lawn seating. This summer's line up includes John Mayer with Ben Folds, Toby Keith with Miranda Lambert and Flynville Train, the Dave Matthews Band with Umphrey's McGee and more.

The City Market

These days, Kansas City's City Market is not just for shopping. Up to 10,000 people can attend concerts in this unique historic outdoor venue. Previous performers include, Michelle Branch, Nelly Furtado, and George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars. Incubus and special guests will perform July 20. Check the City Market website www.thecitymarket.org for updates.

Taking advantage of Kansas City's many outdoor venues comes with perks. You can have a more enjoyable summer and it might just seem longer.