KCtoday’s love letter to the metro 💌

Why we love Kansas City

Aerial photo of the KC skyline at dusk looking north from the Crossroads

Reason No. 1: Just look at that pretty city. | Photo by @kansasdroneguy

There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with the Heart of America. We’re practically gushing with affection for the City of Fountains. From the kind people to the local traditions and copious things to do, here’s why we love Kansas City:

“Kansas City is exciting. There’s a crackle of potential energy in the air. We’re in the middle of huge growth, endless opportunity, and intentional change toward innovation, prosperity, and connectivity. When visitors come, they always reaffirm how I feel every day: ‘Kansas City is a really neat town with a lot happening.’” — Senior City Editor Travis Meier

“As a transplant, Kansas City immediately felt like home to me. The people welcomed me with open arms, and I never felt like there was a lack of fun things to do or try. This city embodies growth and community — it’s impossible to not love it.” — City Editor Bella Rainey

“To try to curate all the reasons to love KC would be as if to count all the stars in a Midwest sky on a summer night. To me… KC is love. Love of food; love of grit and growth; love of culture; love of traditions and foundational roots. Kansas City is home. Kansas City is love.” — Sales Executive Amanda Munsey

“I’ve lived here my whole life, and still every time I visit a town or neighborhood in the metro, it opens up new restaurants, shops, views, and folk!” — National Content Editor Dayten Rose

Now it’s your turn. Tell us why you love Kansas City for the opportunity to get featured in a Valentine’s Day-related newsletter.

TELL US HOW YOU REALLY FEEL 💙

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Today, Jan. 4

Shuffleboard Learn to Play Happy Hour | Wednesday, Jan. 4 | 6-8 p.m. | Ludo’s Shuffleboards, 325 E. 31st St., Kansas City, MO | $5 | Learn the rules, how-tos, and strategies of shuffleboard while enjoying happy hour. 🍸
Jam Night | Wednesday, Jan. 4 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Jerry’s Bait Shop, 13412 Santa Fe Trail Dr., Lenexa, KS | $0+ | Bring your whole band or go solo at this open jam night.

Thursday, Jan. 5

Meet the Author: Kim Malaj | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 5-7 p.m. | Afterword Tavern & Shelves, 1834 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Head to this bookstore bar to meet the author of the “Ember in Time” series and the mystery, “Who Is Maggie,” which is set in Excelsior Springs. 📖
Michael Palascak | Thursday, Jan. 5-Saturday, Jan. 7 | Times vary | The Comedy Club of Kansas City, 1130 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, MO | $18 | This Midwest-born comedian has appeared with James Corden and Stephen Colbert, and he also has a half-hour Comedy Central special.

Friday, Jan. 6

Superstar Mafia | Friday, Jan. 6 | 8 p.m. | Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester St., Kansas City, MO | $15 | This local dance band, founded in 2016, plays everything from classic songs of the 60s and 70s all the way up to today’s pop hits. 🎸

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Future Family Admission Open House | Wednesday, Jan. 11 | 9-11 a.m. | The Barstow School, 11511 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Meet the Barstow School’s faculty and administrators, explore the STEAM-based curriculum, and apply for the 2023-2024 school year (Pro tip: Bring questions and speak with current students + parents).*

Sunday, Jan. 22

Winter Leagues | Sunday, Jan. 22 | 12 a.m. | Locations vary | $35-$85 | Stay active this winter by joining a league with your best friends or as an individual to meet your new best friends — early bird pricing ends Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.*

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

42º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Cause

The Kansas City Public Library is conducting a hygiene drive in honor of MLK Day. Kits will be handed out to locals experiencing homelessness along with a resource sheet. Here’s the list of accepted kit items. You can donate supplies at any KCPL location from now until Monday, Jan. 12. 🪥

Open

Prost. Boho Brewing is officially open in Parkville — at 15425 Old Town Dr. The new brewery specializes in Czech and German-style beers as well as IPAs. Boho is open every day except Tuesdays; hours vary. 🍺

Development

New details indicate the 18th and Vine pedestrian plaza would eliminate curbs and parking — from The Paseo to Woodland Avenue. Gates and landscaping would enclose a small square with a drop-off site near Gem Theatre. Construction could start in late 2023. (CityScene KC)

Sports

Fourteen sites could be the home of a new Royals stadium, according to architecture firm Populous. Twelve are downtown KCMO, including in the East Village, Crossroads, West Bottoms, and North Loop. Two spots are just north of the Missouri River. ⚾️ (Kansas City Buisness Journal)
The Shawnee Planning Commission will consider a new facility called Swing Time Golf. KC architecture firm LOOK wants to build the 9,200-sqft project, featuring indoor and outdoor driving ranges, a bar, and a pro shop. If approved, the plan would go to city council for a final vote. (FOX4)

State

Another year older, another 85 cents richer. Missouri’s minimum wage is now $12, up from $11.15 in 2022. It’s the final step in the plan voters approved in 2018, which only affects private businesses making more than $500,000. Kansas’ minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour. 💵 (Kansas City Star)

Coming Soon

Bluehawk in Overland Park will open a new restaurant expected this coming February — at 7761 W. 159th St. JINYA Ramen Bar boasts slow-cooked ramen broths, customizeable menus, small plates, and craft beer. The location is currently hiring — those interested can contact this email. 🍜

Plan Ahead

If you’re one of those people already filling out the 2023 calendar with fun events (we have no clue what you’re talking about...), Powell Gardens already released its lineup of big events. We’re excited about Daffodil Days (March 29-April 9), Fortopia (May 25-Sept. 4), and Festival of Butterflies (July 20-Aug. 6). 🦋

Eat

Don’t just eat better — eat the best. Sunbasket’s meal kit service delivers delicious, healthy meals created by award-winning chefs straight to your front door. Bonus: KCtoday readers can get $100 off their first four deliveries and more when they sign up. 🍽 *

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Travis.

Editor’s pick: Dang, it’s good to be back. We had a nice break, and now we’re ready to dig into 2023. Do you have a topic that we haven’t covered? Send us an email with your news tip — it might just become our story of the day.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Kickstart your New Year’s resolutions the KC way.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Amanda Munsey | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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