When you head to the River Market in Kansas City, MO, you’ll find brick roads and 100-year-old buildings jam packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. This destination neighborhood is also one of KC’s oldest — and home to thousands of residents. It’s the kind of place you can’t help but fall in love with, whether you’re just visiting KC, coming in from the suburbs, or have lived there for years.
If you haven’t explored in a while, it might be time to rediscover why some people — maybe even you — love to call it home.
Need to know
Go take a gander at the Mighty Missouri River | Photo by KCtoday
Our readers said the River Market is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods. With a fresh bouquet in hand and backdrops like murals, historic buildings, and selfie-worthy signage, we don’t blame them.
The boundaries run from the Missouri River (north) to Highway 9 (east), I-70 (south), and Beardsley Road (west).
Can’t miss
Running low on time? A trip to the River Market isn’t complete without a stop to smell the farm-fresh flowers (and take a selfie with the skyline) at the City Market, a drink from Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters (ask them to blowtorch the Palo Santo for you), and a visit to the Town of Kansas Bridge (say hello to Big Muddy).
Kansas City Jazz Orchestra: The Future | Friday, Feb. 24 | 8 p.m. | Kauffman Center | $14-$69 | This big band performance celebrates the future of jazz music with featured vocalists Eboni Fondren and Lee Langston.
The Halal Guys Grand Opening | Friday, Feb. 24 | 10 a.m.-11 p.m. | 8702 NE Flintlock Rd., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | Party with this New York City-based gyro spot.
The Projection Room - Open Mic | Friday, Feb. 24 | Times vary | The Comedy Club of Kansas City, 1130 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, MO | $5 | Show off your best jokes at this open mic night.
Saturday, Feb. 25
KC Brew Fest | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 12-8 p.m. | Union Station | $50-$65 | Taste and try beers from 50+ breweries while enjoying bites from local food trucks.
Elton Dan And The Rocket Band | Saturday, Feb. 25 | 8 p.m. | VooDoo at Harrah’s, One Riverboat Dr., Kansas City, MO | $14.50-$22.50 | Watch as this group pays tribute to the one and only Elton John.
Sunday, Feb. 26
Sound Sunday | Sunday, Feb. 26 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Crossroads Hotel, 2101 Central St., Kansas City, MO | $28 | Discover a new way to relax using the harmony of your natural being with sound frequencies.
Trivia Fundraiser | Sunday, Feb. 26 | 1 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company, 310 W. 79th St., Kansas City, MO | $15 | Test your knowledge for the chance to take home cash — plus, tickets and beer purchases benefit SOAR Special Needs.
Monday, Feb. 27
R.A.W. Adult Storytelling | Monday, Feb. 27 | 6-8 p.m. | The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave., Kansas City, MO | Suggested $10 donation | Do you have a story to tell? This authentic and relaxed environment is the place to share it.
Friday, March 3
The Folly-Bridge Americana Series: Sweet Honey in the Rock | Friday, Mar. 3 | 8 p.m. | Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO | $25-$45 | This iconic Grammy-nominated, women-led African-American vocal ensemble marks its 50th anniversary with this powerful show.*
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.
Kansas City leaders announced they’ve raised $45 million for the South Loop Project (remember the plan to build a park over I-670?). City leaders will provide details on the financial milestone today at 8 a.m., and you bet we’ll be there. Follow our Instagram to find out what they say.
PNC Broadway In Kansas City announced its 2023-24 season, starting on Tuesday, Oct. 24 with “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Other notable shows include “Moulin Rouge,” “MJ The Musical,” and “Mamma Mia!” Season passes go on sale beginning in April. 🎭
Sports
Sporting KC re-signed Manager Peter Vermes to a five-year contract through 2028. Under Vermes, the team has one MLS Cup and three Lamar Hunt US Open Cups, plus 10 playoff appearances. He’s entering his 15th year with the club as the longest-tenured head coach in league history.
Development
A new proposal suggests building stores, “high-end” multi-family housing, and a three-story office building in Leawood — at4001 W. 135th St. “Oxford Promenade” is scheduled for review with Leawood’s Planning Commission on Tuesday, March 28. 🏗
Open
Geo’s Gourmet Bakery recently opened in Olathe — at 12805 S. Mur-Len Rd., north of Crossroads Shopping Center. The shop claims to be KC’s first Brazilian bakery, serving sweets like specialty cakes, parfaits, and candies. Feast your eyes.
Biz
Sierra Grill, a scratch kitchen in Johnson County, has relocated and reopened its doors. The Lenexa restaurant moved from its original spot near Southlake to Lenexa City Center — at8659 Penrose Ln. 🍽
Dutch Bros Coffee is expanding its footprint in the KC metro, announcing three new locations. The coffee and soda chain plans to open at 15170 S. Mahaffie St. in Olathe this spring, plus a Blue Springs location this fall and one in the Northland come 2024. 🥤
Eat
KC’s favorite Richmond coach is getting an honorary ice cream. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, based in Columbus, Ohio, announced Ted Lasso-inspiredBiscuits With The Boss — a buttery sweet cream flavor with shortbread cookies. Find Jeni’s (and hopefully Ted) near you. 🍨
Finance
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — and its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*
Number
55°. That’s the optimal temperature for storing wine. So unless you enjoy keeping your humble abode chilled year round, we recommend buying a wine fridge to foster favorable conditions for long-term aging. Our pick: this sleek wine fridge with touch-panel control and capacity for 24 bottles. Cheers. 🍷 *
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TRAVEL
Getting to and from the airport like a boss
Parking, drop-off, and pick-up at the new KCI terminal
Even parking can be pretty. | Photo by KCtoday.
The last thing you want to worry about at the airport is how to get there. Now, you don’t have to. The new KCI terminal makes parking, drop-offs, and pick-ups a breeze (and it’s not just from the airplanes overhead).
Parking garage
The new parking garage is located directly across from the terminal (to the east). Signs will direct visitors into the garage, where they can walk a short distance into the terminal on blinking pathways.
The garage has 6,200 spaces. Red and green lights hang from the ceiling, indicating which are available.
Garage parking starts at $1 for 30 minutes, increasing up to $25 per day.
Green means go, as in “park here.” | Photo by KCtoday
Departures
If you need to get dropped off, your driver will take you up the ramp to the top floor. Airline signs near the doors make way-finding fast and efficient.
Arrivals
If you need to get picked up, you’ll exit out of baggage claim. Be sure to gaze up at the art display, “Sky Prairie.”
For info on shuttles, rideshare, and the cell phone lot, see our full guide.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Travis.
Editor’s pick: In case you missed it, we celebrated National Margarita Day by grabbing a local lunch at Ponak’s on Southwest Boulevard in KCMO. Did you know? The restaurant has won “Best Margarita in KC” by three different publications. We can confirm — it was delicious.
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.
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