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KC 101: our guide to becoming a Kansas City resident

Photo of downtown Kansas City and Union Station

Some call this beautiful. We call this home. | Photo by @davevonfintel

Picture this: You just moved to Kansas City, MO and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and watch the fountains all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Kansas City 101, our guide to all things KCMO citizenship.

✅ The essentials

Voter registration

Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration

New residents in need of a Missouri driver’s license will need to provide proof of identity, legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming your residential address. This guide will help create your checklist.

To register your car in the state of Missouri, you’ll need to bring the following to any local license office:

Fees vary depending on “taxable horsepower.”

Locate the office closest to you.

Healthcare

Reach out to the professionals at Saint Luke’s, Kansas Health System, North Kansas City Hospital, or Advent Health, to name a few. Pro tip: Websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location, patient reviews, insurance, language, and more.

Photo of the Historic City Market sign — If you’ve been here, you’re doing KC correctly.

🗓 The ultimate Kansas Citian initiation

You’re not officially a Kansas Citian until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in the City of Fountains.

Eat

You haven’t truly experienced the Barbecue Capitol of the World until you’ve tried Kansas City barbecue — afterall, it’s one of many things we’re known for. We recommend Joe’s, Jack Stack, Gates, and Q39 for starters.

Outdoor

Take in the fresh air — and some fresh products — at one of the many local farmers’ markets. Overland Park’s market was even voted best in the nation.

Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get properly established in KC? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.

EDU RESOURCES + HOME NEEDS

Speaking of driver’s licenses — it’s time to ‘fess up. How much were you sweating that test?

A. Not at all — even at 16 I was a pro
B. I was more worried about the line at the DMV
C. I didn’t sleep a wink the night before
D. I may or may not have had to take the test multiple times

LET US KNOW 🚗

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Feb. 8

Valentine Cookie Kit | Wednesday, Feb. 8-Sunday, Feb. 12 | Times vary | Weston Wine Company, 540 Main St., Weston, MO | $25 | Design your own decorations on 12 Valentine’s-shaped sugar cookies.
Keillor & Company | Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $39-$69 | Author and humorist Garrison Keillor is backed by a musical combo in this evening of stand-up, storytelling, audience song, and poetry.

Thursday, Feb. 9

WIN for KC Sports Award Celebration | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Municipal Auditorium | $125-$145 | This annual event recognizes women and girls throughout the Kansas City area making a difference through sports and fitness.
Katherine Blanford | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m. | Improv Comedy Club, 7260 NW 87th St., Kansas City, MO | $27-$37, sold in twos and fours | This comedian is bringing her “human Golden Retriever presence” to KC after her debut album “Salt Daddy” topped the iTune charts in 2022.

Friday, Feb. 10

Pop-Up Wonder Camps | Friday, Feb. 10 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum, 433 E. Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, MO | $35 | K-2nd graders will explore the museum’s exhibits, experience group games, and participate in art projects.
Kansas City Comets vs. Florida Tropics | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7:05 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena | $20-$50 | Watch KC’s arena soccer team take on the Tropics on home turf.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Sweetheart Run 5K and 10K | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 9 a.m. | Ritz-Charles Plaza, 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park, KS | $31-$46 | Sweat with your sweetie during this Valentine’s-themed race, complete with photo ops, finisher medals, and an optional long sleeve tee.
9th Anniversary Party & Bier Festival | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company, 310 W. 79th St., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | Celebrate nine years of Kansas City Bier Co. with 20 brand-new, exclusive biers.

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

46º | Rainy | 90% chance of rain

Sports

Two Chiefs players that left the AFC Championship game on injury say they will play in Super Bowl LVII. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed cleared concussion protocol, and receiver Kadarius Toney confirmed he’s game after hurting his ankle. 🏈 (Arrowhead Pride)
Kansas City Current signed Swedish defender Hanna Glas through 2024 with a 2025 option. Glas comes to KC from Germany’s Bayern Munich. She also helped Sweden achieve third-place in the 2019 FIFA World Cup and a Silver in the Tokyo Olympics. ⚽️

Cause

Don’t let Philadelphia win. Harvesters is participating in a food drive contest with Philabundance, a food bank in Philly — and KC is losing. Fight hunger by donating to the Huddle to End Hunger. 💵

State

You know how we told you about Missouri’s recreational marijuana program? Missouri Cannabis Trade Association reported $12 million in sales the first weekend — with the first day surpassing Illinois. (KSHB 41)

Environment

Kansas City ranked No. 10 in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s top 30 green-powered local governments. Thanks to solar and wind infrastructure, 23% of KCMO’s energy came from renewable resources over the last fiscal year. ☀️

Job

Worlds of Fun is hiring for 3,000+ seasonal employees ahead of its 50th anniversary year. Most of the roles will be filled during a “hiring blitz” Sunday, Feb. 18-Friday, Feb. 24. Learn more about jobs and how to apply. 🎢 (Kansas City Business Journal)

Announced

Actor Richard Dreyfuss — from “Jaws” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” — is coming to Planet Comicon Kansas City. It’s the first time the local pop-culture convention will host an Oscar winner. The festival runs Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17 with tickets starting at $32.

Community

We love love and heart hearts. Parade of Hearts is getting into the spirit of love, offering digital parade-themed Valentines. The e-certificate includes your Valentine’s name (in an email and on the website), and entry to win a POH prize pack. The price is $20. ♥️

Biz

Leawood-based AMC Theaters is increasing the cost of middle seats. The “Sightline” plan adds a couple dollars onto high-priority seating while rewarding front row watchers with cheaper tickets. The plan will be in place at all theaters by the end of the year. 🍿 (KSHB 41)

Wellness

Not feeling like yourself lately? Talkspace makes getting help easy and convenient. With live chat, video, and audio sessions, starting at $69/week, it’s affordable for everyone to fit therapy into their lifestyle, with or without insurance. Start feeling better today with Talkspace.*

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And the Yum-bardi trophy goes to... 🏈

KC restaurants craft Chiefs-themed bites before Super Bowl

One of the best burgers in KC but Chiefs themed? Count us in. | Photo via Westport Flea Market

It is officially the week of Super Bowl LVII, and we are counting down the seconds until the Chiefs take the field in Arizona. To help curb our nerves, we’re filling our stomachs with these Chiefs-themed bites around KC.

Westport Flea Market, 817 Westport Rd., KCMO | $3 Arrowhead-shaped burgers from one of the best burger spots in KC.

Cliffs Taphouse, 3044 Gillham Rd., KCMO | The Jaborini Burger — topped with chili, onions, and jalapenos.

Donutology, 1009 Westport Rd., KCMO | Because what is sweeter than Chiefs-themed donuts?

Picture of donuts spelling "Chiefs Kingdom" — It’s always a party when there are sprinkles involved.

Cafe Cà Phê, 916 E. 5th St., KCMO | The “It’s Giving Football” latte (Friday-Sunday) is a red velvet coconut mocha.

Turn 2 Sports Bar & Restaurant, 777 Hollywood Casino Blvd., KCK | Chomp into a Chiefsburger — made extra festive with a red bun.

Best Regards Bakery & Café, 6759 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS | Snack on custom sugar cookies and ArrowBread (focaccia bread shaped in an arrowhead).

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Travis.

Editor’s pick: Yesterday, we published a story about “The Last Of Us” coming to Kansas City — and some of the creative liberties the show took with our skyline.

“We landed on Kansas City because it just felt like it was a good match for what we had and where we were to shoot in Calgary [Canada],” said Craig Mazin, the show’s writer and producer.

One reader — Michael D. — recognized a bit of Canada in KC, pointing out that the tall building in the coin laundry scene is actually the CIBC tower in Montreal. Nice find, Michael.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Participate in Black History across KC.

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.

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