plazaFri 17:00-22:00, Sat 10:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-17:00
Plaza Art Fair on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza runs the last weekend of September with 240 artists, three music stages and 20 featured restaurants.
Tip: Free entry, free parking in Plaza garages. Friday 17:00-21:00, Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00.
First Friday in the Crossroads has been Kansas City's monthly gallery and food walk since 2001, with galleries open late, food trucks and busy restaurants.
Tip: Free outdoor event; the busiest months are May, June and September. Park along Grand and walk.
The world's largest barbecue competition in Kansas City brings 500-plus teams to the Kansas Speedway across the last weekend of September into early October.
Tip: BBQ Garden Saturday-only ticket includes samples plus games from KC pitmasters. Day passes for the Open Contest Sunday are the public-friendly entry.