Moon River

FRI 5/16

There’s a Moonlight Canoe Float on the Kansas River — otherwise known as the Kaw — in Lawrence. Taking advantage of tonight’s full moon, riverkeeper Dave Murphy leads canoers down the Kaw, which is the only public canoeing stream in northern Kansas. The river stretches 170 miles from its origin in Junction City to its confluence with the Missouri River, but don’t worry — this event covers only ten of those miles. Unfortunately, the Kaw is really polluted — but it hasn’t been overengineered with navigation-control structures, so tons of sandbars and islands provide opportunities to pull ashore and check out the wildlife. The Kansas Sierra Club hosts the event; canoers meet at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence KOA (Kampground of America), where paddlers later will retire for the night. The canoe trip is free, but donations to the Friends of the Kaw would be appreciated.— Sarah Smarsh

Royal Freebies

FRI-SUN

This weekend, the Royals aim for revenge against the Toronto Blue Jays after losing two in Canada. Kauffman Stadium has gone mad with promotions. Friday is Fireworks and Buck Night — hot dogs, small drinks and peanuts each cost $1. On Saturday, the first 20,000 fans get a Royals baseball cap. On Sunday, kids get free hot dogs and Pepsi, and the players sign autographs before the game — a fun activity for Runelvys Hernandez stalkers of all ages. Games start at 7:05 p.m. Friday, 6:05 p.m. Saturday and 1:05 p.m. Sunday. Call the stadium (I-70 and the Blue Ridge Cutoff) at 816-921-8000 for tickets, which cost $5-$22. — Sarah Smarsh

La Vie En Rose
Powell Gardens enjoys sunset.

SAT 5/17

Cinematographers rave about “magic hour,” when the setting sun intensifies colors and lengthens shadows. What better way to enjoy such dramatic lighting than by strolling through a botanical garden filled with a colorful palette of flora? Powell Gardens leaves its gates open until 8 tonight so visitors can enjoy Twilight in the Gardens. The 915-acre spread, located 30 miles east of Kansas City on Highway 50, offers a three-pool water garden that should look wicked-cool reflecting the setting sun. Singly None serenades visitors a cappella from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission costs $6 for adults, $2.50 for children twelve and under and $5 for seniors. For information, call 816-697-2600.— Andrew Humphrey