Weekend Possibilities | Festival of Butterflies, Royals Opening Day, Double Shift’s Anniversary Party Savoring Something Like a Normal Summer

Butterflies, baseball and beer — sounds like summer.

Better late than never, baseball is back. While we can’t enjoy a day at “The K” or even frequent some favorite in-door drinking spots, there’s still plenty to fill mid-summer afternoons this weekend across the metro.

Friday, July 24

10 a.m – 6 p.m. Each year, millions of monarch butterflies make the incredible journey through Mexico’s central mountains to their summer homes across North America. You can be one of the first to welcome Kansas City’s monarchs back to the Midwest up close at the Festival of the Butterflies starting this weekend at Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. U.S. 50. Join the butterflies’ journey along a garden trail, where visitors will learn about the species’ origins, preferred habitats and life cycles. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Adult tickets are $12. Children ages 5 to 12 are $5.

6 – 9 p.m. Bring your own blanket and spread out on the Crown Center Square lawn, 2450 Grand Blvd., for another Friday night of the WeekEnder. Music will be provided by do-it-all local group, The Accidental Moguls. There will be food truck favorites on site. Crown Center asks that attendees adhere to the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines. The event is free.

6:10 p.m. Baseball is back and the boys in blue are off to Cleveland for an opening day like none other. If you feel like classing it up a bit to toast to the start of the abbreviated 60-game season, put on a mask and head to Pierpont’s at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Road. The restaurant is inviting Royals fans for a tailgate starting at 3 p.m. featuring ballpark appetizers like Rosemary Kettle Chips and Cheese Curd Bites, along with specialty cocktails and regular happy hour deals. There will be extra televisions around the lounge come first pitch.

Saturday, July 25

Noon – 11 p.m. Be sure to raise a glass to Double Shift Brewery this weekend, as it celebrates five years in the Crossroads, 412 E. 18th St. You can pick up a six-pack or join the Anniversary Party, where there will be all-new special beer releases, outdoor space thanks extra tents and cocktail tables, plus sweet new merch.

2 – 4 p.m. If you’re a wine lover, reserve your spot for Wine Brunch with Katharina Prüm at Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen, 1526 Walnut St. Enjoy the three-course Riesling brunch with Prüm, the owner and winemaker at JJ Prüm in Germany, via Zoom at home or in the restaurant. For anyone wanting to watch from home, food and wine will be available for pickup beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Tuning in to the digital discussion is free from home. Be sure to check online for dine-in and takeout pricing details. Restaurant seating is limited.

7 p.m. After a successful opening weekend, Lemonad(e) Park at Voltaire KC, 1617 Genessee St., is back in action with another night of socially distant live music. Kansas City bands Various Blonde, YUM, and Redder Moon take the stage starting at 8 p.m. and there will be plenty of room to spread out. The brand-new spot in the West Bottoms is set up with picnic tables and enough standing room to bring lawn chairs from home. General admission tickets are $15, while table seating starts at $20. VIP table reservations are available for $140.

Sunday, July 26

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For those itching for a day away, make the trip to the Sunflower Festival at Red Barn Ranch in Harrisonville, 23111 S. Jefferson Pkwy. Visitors can hop on a wagon ride through the sunflower fields, snap some pictures in the sea of yellow and take home a flower cutting of their choice. Pleasant Hill Creamery will be on hand for anyone in need of a cold treat. Admission is $7 for everyone age 3 and up.

11 am. – Noon If you’re keen on staying home, wake up and stretch with an hour of free Yoga in the Backyard from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. All you have to do is roll out the mat wherever you choose and tune in to the Facebook livestream. If you would rather listen to in-person instruction, there will be space for a group session on the Nelson-Atkins lawn. The event is free. Donations are optional.