A Brew with a View

If you’ve ever seen Fourth of July fireworks over the Missouri River in Parkville, you have the people swilling beer in April at the Parkville Microbrew Festival to thank. English Landing Park on the banks of the Big Muddy is home to both events, which are produced by the nonprofit Main Street Parkville Association. The fireworks are free, but the tasting glass will cost you about $50—which funds the fireworks.

Parkville Microbrew Festival is the oldest and most beloved beer festival in the area, having been founded in 2004, when Fat Tire was an up-and-comer, and having established itself as the social event of the year in the local beer scene. This year’s fest has new blood (Broken Hatchet, Outfield, Range 23 and Surly, among others). There will probably be rain—because there almost always is.

Also per usual, the festival has a row of taps pouring homebrew, a key part of what makes the event so unique. The best homebrewers tend to be even more adventurous than cutting-edge commercial brewers, and you can get a sip of the future if you find your way to the right line. “Having homebrewers adds such a fun element to this festival,” says Kelly Putnam, who heads the Main Street Parkville Association. “Throughout the years, we’ve had folks pour as part of the homebrew clubs, then eventually pour at the event with their own professional brewery. We love seeing and supporting that evolution.”

GO: Parkville Microbrew Festival, Saturday, April 22. English Landing Park. $45 in advance, $55 day of. 

Black Hoof Disc Golf

April 1. 9:30 am.

Two brand new disc golf courses will be opening at Lenexa’s Black Hoof Park. The new courses will have a championship-level eighteen-hole timber course and a family-friendly nine-hole course to provide fun for people of all ages. On the grand opening day, there will be all-day events such as clinics (including one for beginners) and a tournament. April 1. 9:30 am. Black Hoof Park.

Harlem Globetrotters

April 1. 2 & 7 pm.

As the hundredth anniversary of the team approaches, the Harlem Globetrotters are making a stop in KC, showing off their athleticism and tricks against the Washington Generals. Although mainly seen as entertainers, they have truly changed the way basketball is played. Moves such as the jump shot, slam dunk and half-court hook shot are a direct reflection of the creative moves made famous by the Harlem Globetrotters. April 1. 2 & 7 pm.