Crown Center Announces Their April-December Schedule of Events

Crown Center announces their upcoming schedule of Events from April - December 2010. One of the nation's first mixed-use redevelopments, Crown Center is an 85-acre complex that welcomes more than five million visitors each year.

Ongoing
Fountain Water Shows
Crown Center Square. The famous Crown Center Square Fountain dances to famous tunes! Programmed by the company behind the renowned Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, Crown Center's fountain is synchronized to music specially recorded for Crown Center by members of the Kansas City Symphony. The show schedule: Weekday shows at noon and on the hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend shows on the hour from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is also a 10 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday. 816-274-8444.

February 6 - April 25
Fairy Tale Village exhibit
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. Children's tales come to life as you walk into a world of make-believe to interact with characters from favorite stories and rhymes. Relive the adventure of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," run safely inside the "Three Little Pigs" brick house, stroll with "Little Red Riding Hood" to grandmother's house and much more! The exhibit includes a reading area for parents to share favorite tales with their little ones. Open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. Closed Easter Sunday, April 4. Complimentary admission. 816-274-8444.

March 12 - April 25
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Celebrating the universal theme of love and poking fun at the life experiences we've all either gone through or will go through. This production explores every aspect of relationships - the joys of dating, romance, marriage, lovers, babies, husbands, wives...and in-laws. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

March 27-28, April 2-3
The Easter Bunny visits Crown Center
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. The Easter Bunny greets children at Crown Center. A professional photographer will be taking pictures for a fee and visitors are welcome to bring their cameras. Noon to 4 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

April 6 - May 16
Frindle
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Based on Andrew Clements' award-winning book. The ingenious Nick gets his best idea ever when a teacher explains how words end up in the dictionary. He creates his own word...frindle, and gets other kids to use it. A buzz ensues all over school and town. But, a fierce power struggle develops between him and the teacher over his made-up word! Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 9 - May 12
Valhalla
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Egads! Theatre Company, this play intertwines two stories: the life of Ludwig of Bavaria (the 1880s Mad King) and the fictional adventures of James Avery, a wild Texas teenager of the 1940s. It's a comic epic, confronting the price to be paid for wanting, and getting, everything you dream of. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

April 10, 17, 24
Meet Your Favorite Fairy Tale Princess
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Visit the enchanted castle and have your photo taken with Cinderella (April 10), Snow White (April 17) or Sleeping Beauty (April 24). Professional photos available for a fee, or you may bring your own camera. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

April 19-30
Spring Choir Performances
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Local choirs will entertain Crown Center visitors each weekday. 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

April 23 - May 9
Mother's Day Gift Wrap
Crown Center Shops Customer Service, Level 2. Spend just $50 at any Crown Center shop, restaurant or theatre during April 23-May 9 and get one complimentary gift wrap. Simply take your receipts to Customer Service by May 9, during regular shopping hours, to redeem. 816-274-8444.

April 28-29
Young Playwrights Festival
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. The Coterie's Young Playwrights' Festival features a collection of new work by the city's best young writers. The rich and varied theatrical writings which emerge from a year-long process are forged into an ambitious festival of script-in-hand stagings utilizing professional actors. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

April 30 - May 16
The Heart Gallery: Through Our Children's Eyes
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Crown Center partners with Missouri Children's Division of Jackson County to host the Missouri Heart Gallery. The gallery consists of 100-150 photos (16" x 20" size) of children waiting for adoptive homes. The exhibit is open during regular shopping hours. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 3
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

May 7-8
Kansas City Movement
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Call 816-842-9999 or visit AHTKC.com for tickets.

May 7 - June 27
The Dixie Swim Club
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Free from men, kids, and jobs, five Southern women meet every August at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to laugh, catch up, and meddle in each other's lives. This is the story of five unforgettable women- a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

May 10-23

"Dirty Dorothy and the Emerald City All Stars"
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. A rock and roll musical based on the "Wizard of Oz" stories. Written by Ron Simonian, directed by Jeff Church and starring Jessica Dressler. Check back soon for ticket information.

May 14-16
Fiesta Kansas City
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at this tenth annual event, which features great music, food, dancing and exhibits. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Festival hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; noon to 11 p.m., Saturday; noon to 10 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $5 per day or $10 for the weekend. Children 10 and under, as well as seniors 65 and older, are admitted at no charge with one paid admission. Check www.hccgkc.com or call 816-472-6767 for more information.

May 22
Heart of America Jaguar Concours d'Elegance
Crown Center Square. Jaguar owners from around the region will display their cars and have them judged for awards in many classes. Presented by the Heart of America Jaguar Club. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

May 29-30
Jiggle Jam Family Fest
Crown Center Square . Returning for a third fabulous year, featuring national and local entertainers and many kids activities. Festival hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Complimentary for children under age 2. Call 816-997-8511 or visit KCJiggleJam.com for more information.

May 29 - September 6
Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog^TM
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. On loan from the Minnesota Children's Museum, in partnership with Scholastic Entertainment, this exhibit transports visitors to the homes of Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and all the residents of Birdwell Island. The large scale elements are based on the PBS Kids Clifford The Big Red Dog television series and include the Birdwell Ferry, Samuel's Fish & Chips Shack, T-Bone's Beach Fun and of course, Clifford and his Doghouse. Open during Crown Center Shops regular shopping hours. Open noon to 5 p.m. on Independence Day and Labor Day. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 4 - July 3
Eating Raoul: The Musical
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Egads Theatre Company, the cult film classic has new life as a zany musical comedy. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

June 5
Hospital Hill Run
Crown Center Square. This premier Kansas City road racing event is nationally recognized by Runner's World magazine. Races include a 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K race and 5K run/walk, all starting and ending at Crown Center Square. 7 a.m. For registration information, call 816-274-8444 or visit HospitalHillRun.com.

June 5, 12, 19, 26
Meet Clifford The Big Red Dog
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. In conjunction with Crown Center's "Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog" exhibit, meet the Clifford The Big Red Dog costume character at his giant doghouse every Saturday in June. Professional photos available for a fee, or you may bring your own camera. Noon to 4 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

June 12-13
Crown Center Antique Festival
Crown Center Square. The festival celebrates its tenth year, featuring pottery, china, toys, linens, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, books and much more. More than 150 dealers. Sneak preview on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with $5 admission. Regular festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with $2 admission. 816-274-8444.

June 19-20
Kansas City Chalk & Walk Festival
Crown Center Square. Artists start with empty squares of asphalt and by the end of the weekend, these squares will be transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Visit KCChalkAndWalk.org for more information.

June 22 - August 8
Lucky Duck
The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. A singing swan supermodel! It's The Ugly Duckling meets Project Runway, with music by the composer of Dreamgirls. Homely songbird Serena runs away from her fowl days of barnyard mockery to seek her special destiny. Hear star turn numbers like "Average, Simple Mega Superstar" and "Wipe the Egg Off Your Face"! Part of the Coterie's Elementary/Family Series. 816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13
Friday Night Flicks
Crown Center Square. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs, sit under the stars and take in a classic movie on a huge outdoor screen. No admission fee. Concessions will be available. Movies begin at approximately 9 p.m. 816-274-8444.

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
July Puppet Show Series
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. A Crown Center tradition continues with performances from the region's most exciting puppeteers. The Clement McCrae Puppets (July 3), StoneLion Puppet Theatre (July 10), Piccadilly Production (July 17), Paul Mesner Puppets (July 24) and Bob Kramer Marionettes of St. Louis (July 31) are scheduled to perform. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

July 5
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

July 9 - August 22
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
American Heartland Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. This adorable tale of six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, will have audiences in stitches. The show's Tony Award-winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes for whom a spelling bee is the one place they can stand out and fit in at the same time. 816-842-9999 or AHTKC.com.

August 2
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

August 7
Clown Day
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Crown Center becomes "Clown Center" for this all-smiles event. Bring the kids and see performances by area clown groups that will tickle your funny bone. Enjoy balloon animals, face painting and general clowning around from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stage show from noon to 1 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

August 20, 27
Friday Night Concerts
Crown Center Square. Friday night music returns to Crown Center with favorite country and pop stars! The 2010 lineup will be announced soon. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. 816-274-8444.

September 3-5
Kansas City Irish Fest
Crown Center Square . Commemorate Kansas City's proud Celtic heritage with three days of music, dancing and exhibits. The festival will feature more than two dozen locally and nationally known bands, playing traditional music and Celtic rock. Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. 816-997-0837 or KCIrishFest.com.

September 20
Musical Theater Heritage's Musical Monday
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. It's a traditional day off in the theater world but many singers drop in anyhow for one of Musical Theater Heritage's cabaret nights. Tickets are just $15 or complimentary for MTH season ticket holders. 816-221-6987 or MTHKC.com.

October 8 - November 6
EVIL DEAD: The Musical
Off Center Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 3. Presented by Egads Theatre Company, a hilarious live stage show that takes all the elements from Sam Raimi's classic horror films ("Evil Dead," "Evil Dead 2" and "Army of Darkness") and combines them with original rock music and sketch comedy-style farce to make one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. 816-842-9999 or EgadsTheatre.com.

October 9
Crown Center Pumpkin Patch
Crown Center Square . This annual benefit features 30,000 pounds of pumpkins piled high for a cause-Children's TLC. Visitors can pick out a pumpkin to take home in time for Halloween. This one-day event is packed with children's games, activities, entertainers and music. The StoneLion Puppets provide a special Halloween performance in the Crown Center Shops at noon and 2 p.m. Event hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. Complimentary admission. Tickets for pumpkins and games sold separately. 816-274-8444. (Rain date is October 10.)

October 11-17
Back In The Swing Retail Therapy
Crown Center Shops. Purchase a shopping card for $25 and receive up to 20 percent off at more than 30 shopping areas in the bi-state region. More than 800 retailers and restaurants participate, including many at Crown Center. Every shopping card sold supports local breast cancer survivors and their families. 816-842-7444 or BackInTheSwing.org.

November 4
Arrival of the Mayor's Christmas Tree
Crown Center Square. The first sign of the holiday season arrives at Crown Center, the culimination of a journey from Oregon. The 100-foot-tall tree arrives at 9 a.m. on November 4 and is put into its stand at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, November 5. 816-274-8444.

November 5
Crown Center Ice Terrace Opening Day
Crown Center Square . Kansas City's only public outdoor ice skating rink opens for its 38th season of great skating fun. Enjoy complimentary skating from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on opening day! Regular admission is $6, or complimentary for people over age 60 and children age 4 and under. Skate rental is $3, or skaters may bring their own. Hours through January: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in February and March. 816-274-8411. (The rink is open until March 13, 2011.)

November 26
Santa's Arrival at Crown CenterCrown Center Shops, Grand Boulevard entrance.
Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Perry the Penguin, Tip from Crayola®, Casey the Bear and other costume characters help greet Jolly Ol' St. Nick. Join Santa as he makes his makes his way to Crayola Christmas Land, where he resides through December 24. No admission fee. 10 a.m. 816-274-8444.

November 26
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Crown Center Square. The 100-foot-tall Mayor's Christmas Tree, one of the nation's tallest, is the centerpiece for an illuminating holiday celebration. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund, which is dedicated to assisting the city's less fortunate. Program begins at 5:30 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

After the holidays, the wood from the Mayor's Christmas Tree is made into commemorative ornaments, which are sold the following year to benefit the Mayor's Christmas Tree Fund.

November 26 - December 31
Santa's Crayola® Christmas Land
Crown Center Shops Showplace, Level 1. Children can play on super-sized Crayola® products, while waiting to tell Santa all their holiday wishes. Santa is in residence November 26 through December 24. The Crayola Christmas Land play area is open through December 31. No admission fee. Photos with Santa are available for a fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 26 - December 31
Santa's Gingerbread Village
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Three locomotives travel through a Santa's gingerbread village in the North Pole, all created by the chefs at The Westin Crown Center and Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotels. See the reindeer stable, Santa's sleigh garage, the elves' dorm, a doll, rocking horse, and ball factory, and even Mr. & Mrs. Clause's home. No admission fee. Open during Crown Center Shops holiday hours. Closed Christmas Day. 816-274-8444.

November 29 - December 17
Holiday Choirs
Crown Center Shops Atrium, Level 1. Beautiful music fills the halls of Crown Center, as more than 130 area school, church and community choirs perform during weekday lunch hours and weekday evenings. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.

December 4, 11, 18
Musical Fun For Kids
Crown Center Shops, Level 1 Atrium. Enjoy holiday music for kids and families on three Saturdays in December. Shows at noon and 2 p.m. No admission fee. 816-274-8444.