"Fiesta RP!," a celebration of Latino and Indigenous culture, will feature the traditional Mexican dance troupe Grupo Folklorica Alma Tapatia. Photo credit Tania Sosa Photography.
A summer of live performances at R Park takes an intentional twist this weekend.
“Fiesta RP!,” part of the R Park summer concert series, is a celebration of Latino and Indigenous culture in Roeland Park at 6 p.m. on Sept. 16.
Shea Geist with Neighbors for a Better Roeland Park, the group behind the summer concert series, said “Fiesta RP!” has been in the works for a year now. It is occurring one day after the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
The idea behind “Fiesta RP!” is the same as the rest of the group’s events, she said: Building community.
“The focus is to help Roeland Park residents who are individuals of color feel more comfortable here, and know they are seen and spoken to here,” Geist said. “And also our neighbors who visit Roeland Park … know that this is a welcoming community.”
Geist said regular summer concert attendees are able to see what Latino and Indigenous entrepreneurs are up to with a variety of vendors including Tamale Kitchen, Antojitos El Tony, vendors selling products and community service organizations.
Photo courtesy Aladun Salsa.
Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatía, a regional Mexican dance group, will perform a traditional dance routine for 30 minutes. Aladun Dance Company, a salsa troupe, is performing and then teaching a dance lesson for the crowd to participate in.
Proceeds from beer sales will go toward the wildflower garden and The Mighty Bike at R Park.
Geist said purchases made at vendor stands will go toward the vendors only as a way to support small businesses.
“Fiesta RP!” isn’t the only way to spend your weekend, though. Check out these other events:
Terra Luna at the Overland Park Arboretum
Photo via Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park.
The immersive artistic experience Terra Luna returns to the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for two straight weekends of performances starting Thursday. Put on by local art collective Quixotic, this unique walk-through show combines dance, live music, light and acrobatics. General admission tickets are $35 for those 13 and up, and $25 for those 2-12.
Shawnee Town Craft and Fall Festival
Photo via Shawnee Chamber of Commerce.
You know it’s trending towards fall in Shawnee when the Friends of Shawnee Town nonprofit hosts its annual Craft and Fall Festival at the historic site near downtown. This year’s event is Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. Dozens of vendors are expected, offering items that could brighten your home or serve as a good gift for someone special. Entry tickets are $1 apiece.
‘Moo-vie Night’ at Deanna Rose Farmstead
Photo via city of Overland Park.
What’s better than a movie under the stars, accompanied by the sounds of barnyard life nearby? That’s the idea with this special outdoor showing Saturday night of the animated film “A Bug’s Life” on the lawn at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. Kids’ activities and food trucks will start at 5 p.m, with the movie expected to turn on around 8 p.m.
Back Alley Brass Band plays Lenexa
Photo via Facebook.
Finish your weekend with some live music. Lenexa’s outdoor concert series this Sunday will feature the Back Alley Brass Band performing at the Grand Pavilion at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The free show is set to run from 5-6:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and get comfortable.
Our comment section is reserved for subscribers. Try a subscription today for just $1
Monthly Subscription
$1 for your first month, then just $8.50 per month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Try for $1Annual Subscription
$1 for your first month, then just $85 per year thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Try for $1