Happy May, Kansas City. 🌳 If you’re anything like us, you’re grateful for green leaves, gardening, grand slams, and Memorial Day getaways — and with spring in full swing, you’re also looking to branch out with some fun, local events. Read on for all the cool things happening this month in KC.

Sunday May 1

Sunday, May 1

Artful Gardens: Painted Garden | Sun., May 1 | 7:30 p.m. | The Folly Theater, 12th and Central, Kansas City, MO | $50+ | 90 minute presentation showcasing artists that draw from nature as inspiration then enjoy a drink while experiencing a private tour of the conservatory.

Monday May 2-Sunday May 8

Monday, May 2

Tuesday, May 3

H.E.R. | Tues., May 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Starlight Theater | $35+ | The Grammy award-winning artist famous for her song “Best Part” comes to KC.

Wednesday, May 4

Thursday, May 5

Friday, May 6

From Kentucky to Missouri: A Bourbon Tasting Benefit | Fri., May 6 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Alexander Majors House & Barn | $30 | Enjoy five bourbon samples + get a crash course on bourbon just in time for the Kentucky Derby all to benefit historic education and preservation in KC.

Saturday, May 7

Sunday, May 8

OMD | Sun., May 8 | 8 p.m. | The Truman | $33+ | The electronic English band famous for their song “Enola Gay” comes to KC.

Monday May 9-Sunday May 15

Monday, May 9

Tuesday, May 10

The State of Black Entrepreneurship in the Midwest | Tues., May 10 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Join community leaders in the discussion of the future of black entrepreneurs in the Midwest.

Wednesday, May 11

Thursday, May 12

Friday, May 13

Saturday, May 14

Jam Sessions: What’s Swimming in your Creek | Sat., May 14-Thurs., May 19 | 10:15-11a.m. | Museum at Prairiefire, 5801 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS | $5 | The session designed for 6-10 year-olds will teach them about nature and exploring the world around them.

Sunday, May 15

Monday May 16- Sunday May 22

Monday, May 16

Tuesday, May 17

Wednesday, May 18

Thursday, May 19

Friday, May 20

Saturday, May 21

Sunday, May 22

Monday May 23- Sunday May 29

Monday, May 23

Tuesday, May 24

Wednesday, May 25

Thursday, May 26

Friday, May 27

Saturday, May 28

Sunday, May 29

Monday May 30-Saturday June 4

Tuesday, May 31

Stuff It! Handmade Ravioli & Filled Pasta with Quick Paired Sauces | Tues., May 31 | 6-9 p.m. | The Culinary Center of Kansas City, 7920 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS | $65 | Learn from head chef Jill Garcia Schmidt in the interactive class that’ll teach you the techniques of making stuffed pasta.

Wednesday, June 1

Group Run Celebration | Wed., June 1 | 6 p.m. | 6009 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS | Join The Running Well Store for a route celebrating Global Running Day.

AJR | Wed., June 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Starlight Theater | $72+ | This Billboard Music Award-winning trio is “ready,” are you?

Thursday, June 2

The Watson Challenge | Thurs., June 2-Sat., June 4 | Times vary | Indian Hills Country Club, 6847 Tomahawk Rd., Mission Hills, KS | $25 suggested donation | An annual 54-hole golf championship of top-tier metro players with funds going toward First Tee of Kansas City.

Friday, June 3

Saturday, June 4

This Plan Ahead was created in large part by Grace McLaughlin, KCtoday's editorial intern.