Derby Day

SAT 6/19
The modern soapbox derby isn’t much like the first such race. Back then, kids showed up to race homemade jalopies built from orange crates, tin saucepans, baby-buggy wheels and all manner of hopelessly dangerous objects. Jagged metal edges threatened to slice vulnerable little shins, and there was nary a helmet in sight. Today’s fancy-pants drivers, on the other hand, come with snazzy little rockets on wheels built from mail-order kits that have templates, safety warnings and educational objectives. Nonetheless, there’s always amusement to be had in watching tiny people zoom down hills at ominous speeds. The All-American Local Race provides that opportunity from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Kansas City Soap Box Derby Track (4600 Eastern Avenue, southwest of the Truman Sports Complex). It’s one of the fastest tracks in the country — cars reach speeds of around 30 miles an hour at the finish line. For more information, call 816-737-1947.— Sarah Smarsh

Heads Up

6/18-6/19
We recommend a trip to the planetarium at the Kansas City Museum (3218 Gladstone Boulevard), which describes the delights of spring skies through Saturday, when the summer constellations take over. Admission is $4, and shows take place on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Call 816-483-8300 for more information. — Tony Ortega

True Romance

SAT 6/19
At Saturday’s Twilight in the Gardens, extra-civilized nature lovers can stroll around Powell Gardens (1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50) enjoying music and buying dinner — fruit and cheese, beer and wine — on the grounds from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There also will be a guided walk beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 816-697-2600. — Annie Fischer