Today’s Forecast

40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.

Books and wine. Are there two greater words? | Photo by KCtoday

City Editor Bella here. A glass of wine and a good book at home usually calls my name after a long day — but there are a few spots in Kansas City that are changing the game for how I want to enjoy literature.

Book bars: a space where you can shop for books, read them, and enjoy a special beverage (or two) alongside fellow lit-lovers. Sounds pretty ideal, right? Let’s take a look at where you can experience a novel and a Negroni in KC.

Afterword Tavern and Shelves, 1834 Grand Blvd., KCMO

This moody downtown spot offers books and libations to invoke connection, start conversations, and fall (or stay) in love with reading. Not only is the aesthetic perfect for a reading session, but the plethora of literature and rotating menu options will keep you coming back.

Bella’s pick: "Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid and The Blue Sky Thinker (Coffee and Mean Mule’s agave? Count me in).

Bliss Books and Wine, 3502 Gillham Rd., KCMO

This independently owned bookstore is the place to be for wine enthusiasts and book lovers alike. Owners La’Nesha Frazier and La’Nae Robinson opened the store as a place for people to sip, read, and relax — and trust us, it’s perfect for all three. The biz started as a pop-up and opened its storefront in February 2023.

Bella’s pick: “All Adults Here” by Emma Straub and a glass of Chardonnay from Weston Wine Company.

Book clubs

Need somewhere more exciting than your living room to read your next chapter ? Check out these local book clubs around KC.

Wines and Crimes Book Club | Not for the faint of heart – this club is great for true crime lovers.
Kansas City Book Club | Expand your friend group and your lexicon.
Books, Brews, and Blarney | Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Irish literature.

Events

Thursday, March 23

First City Film Festival | Thursday, March 23-Sunday, March 26 | 5 p.m. | Riverfront Community Center, 123 S Esplanade St., Leavenworth, KS | $6-$50 | In addition to the screenings, the festival will include red carpet events, panels, and Q+As with filmmakers.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee | Thursday, March 23-Sunday, March 26 | Times vary | Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS | $15-$17 | A musical about an eclectic group of six adolescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.

Friday, March 24

Holst’s “The Planets” | Friday, Mar. 24-Sunday, Mar. 26 | Times vary | The Kauffman Center | $34-$114 | A concert that’s out of this world — this performance features a classic orchestral suite, plus a piece by guest conductor Caroline Shaw called “The Observatory.”

Saturday, March 25

Winter Farmers Market | Saturday, Mar. 25 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lenexa City Hall, 17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS | $0+ | Expect cool seasons crops along with pantry items on the last Saturday of the month, January-March.

Sunday, March 26

Let’s Get Trivial | Sunday, March 26 | 1 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company, 310 W. 79th St., Kansas City, MO | $15 | Get your thinking cap on for this afternoon of trivia.

Monday, March 27

In the Spirit of Women Pop-Up | Monday, Mar. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Goat & Rabbit, 1804 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO | $5 | Some of the top women mixologists in KC take over Goat & Rabbit, with a portion of profits benefiting MOCSA.

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.

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News Notes

Weather

49º | Cloudy | 8% chance of rain

Announced

The world’s favorite brothers are coming to KC. Jason and Travis Kelce are bringing their podcast, “New Heights,” to the live stage on Wednesday, April 26 at the Kansas City Music Hall. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 24. (KMBC)

Sports

Apparently, a ring isn’t the only thing you get when you win the Super Bowl. Multiple Chiefs players are being honored nationwide in their hometowns with keys to the city, official holidays, and ceremonies. So, when is “KCtoday day” happening? (Kansas City Star)

Watch

The KC Current’s season kicks off Friday, March 25 — and the hype is real. Check out this video to get excited about the 2023 NWSL regular season. Plus, add this watch party at Johnny’s Tavern to your game day plan.

Cause

Do you know a beer lover who deserves a little spotlight and a lot of Unfiltered Wheat? Boulevard Brewing Co. is taking nominations for Wheat the People. The winners will receive a prize pack and a $500 donation towards a nonprofit of their choice.

Tech

Overland Park gamer Travis Hicks built his own version of our City of Fountains in the video game Minecraft — using just Google Maps and creativity. The project has taken over nine months, as one building takes around one day to build. (KMBC)

Shop

It’s that time of year to freshen up your home’s aroma, and our online shop (Six & Main) has the perfect candles. Drift away to scents such as woods + berries by The Rustic House or ripe juniper in a reusable vessel by Plant Based Candles. That smells just about right.

The Wrap

Today’s Edition By:
Bella

From the Editor

Y’all. These book bars are my new obsession — if every bar had a bookstore in it I would be the happiest girl in the world. What is your favorite nontraditional bar in KC? Let me know.

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