Events/Fairs/Festivals

Festival of Butterflies August 7–9, 14–16 Butterfly breezeways are open, and the colorful insects fly freely at Powell Gardens (1609 Northwest U.S. Highway 50, in Kingsville). Over two weekends, visitors can learn how to grow a butterfly garden; kids can catch and release butterflies and make butterfly-related arts and crafts from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $5 for kids 12 and younger; see more scheduled events at powellgardens.org or call 816-697-2600 for more information.

Duck Derby Sunday, June 28 Yellow rubber ducks — 20,000 of them — “race” down Brush Creek on the Plaza when RED Development teams with Children’s Therapeutic Learning Center (Children’s TLC) to raise money for the learning center, which provides early education for children with special needs. The grand-prize winner receives a 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle. Other prizes include VIP concert tickets and jewelry from Tiffany & Co. Events begin at 11 a.m., and the race starts at 2 p.m. See duckrace.com/kc/Home/tabid/4301/Default.aspx to join or start a team, get volunteer information or adopt a racing duck.

Dog-N-Jog Sunday, June 14 Pets, humans and the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City all benefit from the 22nd-Annual Dog-N-Jog from 7 to 10:30 a.m. on the Plaza. Beginning at the intersection of Central and Ward Parkway, entrants can compete in one- or two-mile walks or runs. Also featured are agility performances, dog costume contests, prize drawings and other activities. Register online, at the event or by calling 913-596-1000, ext. 22; go to hsgkc.org for entry forms and locations, sponsorship and fundraising opportunities or more information.

June 4-7

Summer in northwest Johnson County kicks off at this four-day festival complete with a parade, a carnival, historical re-enactors, vendors, crafts and a Saturday night concert with '80s rock heroes Night Ranger. It takes place in Shawnee Town (11600 Johnson Drive in Shawnee). See oldshawneedays.org for more details.

June 5-7

Zona Rosa celebrates tradizioni italiane with music, food, a beer garden, chef demonstrations, wine tastings and fireworks at this free three-day gathering in the "town square" (8640 North Dixson). Go to unico-kc.org or zonarosa.com for more information, including the entertainment lineup.

Tuesday, June 9

For the past eight years, for one night in June, West 18th Street between Wyandotte and Baltimore has been transformed into a runway, showcasing local and national designers with Kansas City connections. This year, Birdies presents "Summer in Space." The show begins at dusk (around 8 p.m.); it's free, but seating is assured with a VIP ticket. Get all the details at westeighteenthstreet.com.

Saturday, June 6

Kansas City's longest-running retail shop celebrates its 122nd birthday from 2 to 11 p.m., between 33rd and 34th streets on Pennsylvania in the Valentine neighborhood. On tap are performances by the Elders, Enter the Haggis, Eddie Delahunt and Scythian, as well as bagpipers, Irish dancers, Irish and festival foods and drinks, a "Best Legs in a Kilt" contest and a Bailey's bake-off. Tickets are $10 at the gate and $8 in advance (kids under 12 are free) and can be purchased at Browne's (3300 Pennsylvania). Keep up with developments at brownesmarket.com.

Why pay good money to sit upright in the dark when you can lounge in the park? Over the summer, Kansas City, Missouri, Parks and Recreation will be showing free movies all over the city starting at dusk. See kcmo.org/parks.nsf/web/movie for location and/or movie changes.

Thursday, June 11: Apollo 13, Brookside Triangle Park (East 59th Street and Brookside Boulevard)

Saturday, June 13: Ghostbusters, Tower Park (East 76th Street and Holmes)

Friday, June 19: Kung Fu Panda (West 26th Street and Jarboe, in an area adjacent to Boulevard Brewing)

Friday, June 26: Caddyshack, City Market Park (Third Street and Main)

Friday, June 26: The Wiz, at Friends of Alvin Ailey (18th Street and Vine)

Thursday, July 9: Ghostbusters, Brookside Triangle Park (East 59th Street and Brookside Boulevard)

Friday, July 17: The Goonies, Observation Park (West 20th Street and Holly)

Saturday, July 18: Wall-E, Budd Park (St. John and Brighton in North Kansas City)

Saturday, July 25: TBA, Budd Park (St. John and Brighton in North Kansas City)

Friday, July 31: Little Shop of Horrors, City Market Park (Third Street and Main)

Saturday, August 1: Pineapple Express, Budd Park (St. John and Brighton in North Kansas City)

Saturday, August 8: To Kill A Mockingbird, Budd Park (St. John and Brighton in North Kansas City)

Thursday, August 13: Groundhog Day, Brookside Triangle Park (East 59th Street and Brookside Boulevard)

Friday, August 21: Finding Nemo, Gage Park (West 23rd Street and Jarboe)

Friday, August 28: Rocky Horror Picture Show, City Market Park (Third Street and Main)

Saturday, August 29: Hotel For Dogs, Roanoke Park (Valentine Road to 34th Street and Karnes Boulevard)

Saturday, September 12: Journey to the Center of the Earth, Migliazzo Park (Minor Drive and Pennsylvania Avenue)

Friday, September 18: Wall-E (West 26th Street and Jarboe, in an area adjacent to Boulevard Brewing)

Free PG- and G-rated films will screen at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday in June and July at the Legends 14 Theatres (1841 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas). Space is limited to auditorium capacity. Special kids' meals are available for $5. Call 913-428-2990 or see legendsshopping.com for location information and additional details.