Come for the design, leave with a skill (like screen printing). | Photo via KCDW
Unless you live in the woods without access to technology or humankind (in which case, how would you be reading this?), you’re surrounded by design. Think of it as the intentional artwork that provides inspiration, direction, and framing for all aspects of society — ie: your shirt, your phone, your home... you get the picture.
KC Design Week is where local professionals, students, and anyone with curiosity (read: us) get together to explore, learn, and celebrate local design. The week runs Friday, April 14-Saturday, April 22 and features architecture, graphics, interiors, products, fashion, landscape architecture, planning, and urban environments.
🗓 Design Week Events
There are a lots of ways to participate this year, but here are five of our favorites:
Open Studio Night | Friday, April 14 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Multiple locations | Free | Think of it like First Fridays but more niche. Head to the Crossroads to explore behind-the-scenes looks at local firms.
Homes By Architects Tour | Saturday, April 15 | 1-4 p.m. | Multiple locations | $45-$55 | Tour five homes across the metro built by local architects — from Beacon Hill to Leawood.
Through Brave Actions | Tuesday, April 18 | 12 p.m. | Dimensional Innovations, 3421 Merriam Dr., Overland Park, KS | $18-$25 | Enjoy lunch and hear from a panel of women with major involvement in the new and innovative KC Current stadium.
What’s On Draft | Tuesday, April 18 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | 2000 Vine St., KCMO | $30-$45 | Sample a flight by Vine Street Brewing and hear about the brand’s connection with music and flavor.
Up & Away | Thursday, April 20 | 8-10 a.m. | VMLY&R, 250 Richards Rd., KCMO | $12-$15 | Treat yourself to coffee, pastries, and a panel of the designers behind the new KCI terminal.
Kansas City FilmFest International | Tuesday, Mar. 28-Wednesday, Mar. 29 | 12-10 p.m. | AMC Ward Parkway 14, 8600 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, MO | $10-$45 | Celebrate filmmakers and the power of storytelling through the cinematic arts.
Eddie Moore | Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 7 p.m. | Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO | $22 | Listen to this lifelong musician’s dynamic and unique jazz tunes.
Skee-Ball Tournament | Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 7 p.m. | Up-Down, 101 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Roll your way to victory and claim the title of Skee-Ball champion.
Wednesday, March 29
TOTO - Dogz Of Oz Tour | Wednesday, Mar. 29 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $39-$99 | Jam out to tunes like “Africa” at this rock show.
War Football: WWI and the Birth of the NFL | Thursday, Mar. 30 | National WWI Museum and Memorial | Free | Get prepared for the NFL Draft with history lesson about America’s favorite pastime.
Friday, March 31
SXSW Showdown 816 Edition | Friday, Mar. 31 | 7:30-11:50 p.m. | The Rino, 314 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | $20 | Listen to local artists like Sky Callie and HTP Chip.
Saturday, April 1
Masters of Percussion, featuring Zakir Hussain | Saturday, Apr. 1 | 8 p.m. | Midwest Trust Center, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS | $25-$55 | See the two-time Grammy Award-winner and 2022 Kyoto Prize Laureate in Arts and Philosophy, Zakir Hussain, as he brings brings the very best of Indian music and world percussion to Kansas City.*
The Royals are making history in two ways. The team’s director of behavioral science, Melissa Lambert, will be the first MLB employee with this role to get a dugout seat, increasing mental health awareness at games. She’s also the first woman on-field staffer in Royals’ history.
Tickets for the KU Women’s Basketball Team’s Fab Four game are on sale. The Jayhawks will host Washington at Allen Fieldhouse on Wednesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Community
After 1,500+ survey responses, the South Loop Project team is ready to share initial design concepts for the proposed park over I-670. You’re invited to attend a public meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at The Gallery event space — 61 E. 14th St., KCMO.
Hardesty Complex developers are meeting with residents of KC’s Historic Northeast regarding a planned affordable housing redevelopment. Attend the meeting on Monday, March 27 at the public library’s northeast branch — at 6000 Wilson Ave.
Development
A new apartment project called The Hudson will add 228 units near the KU Med campus — at 36th Street + Rainbow Boulevard. Leaders plan to open in summer 2025. Fun fact: The name is a tribute to the street’s previous title before it was changed to Rainbow in 1919. (CityScene KC)
Concert
Electronic artist Odesza is bringing “The Last Goodbye Tour” to the T-Mobile Center on Friday, Oct. 13. Special guests include BigBoi, TOKiMONSTA, and QRTR & Olan. Tickets start at $40 and go on sale Friday, March 31.
Pets
Calling all dog parents. Starlight Theatre is sniffing out the perfect pooch for “Legally Blonde The Musical.” If you think your pup could portray Bruiser Woods (Elle’s Chihuahua), post a video of your dog’s best tricks and tag @kcstarlight by Sunday, April 9.
Ranked
Overland Park is the “Most Obsessed with Pickleball” city in the country, according to Offers.Bet. The site says one in six Americans play the sport due to its appeal to both younger and older athletes. OP’s rank is partially thanks to the recent pickleball + foodhall development, SERV.
Featured
A group from KCK is one of four teams in the 2023 Red Bull DIY contest. Studio Skate Supply had to build features out of plywood and blocks of ice. They then had to skate + film themselves. See the video here, and vote KC in the competition.
Shop
The spring season is the perfect time to treat yourself. We’re eyeing this six-piece bonbon gift box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. What’s even sweeter? These chocolates are made fresh without preservatives.
Travel
Trying to talk someone into an April vacation? Just show them these hotel deals on Expedia. We love:The Islander Resort that’s on a private beach in the Florida Keys.
Speaking of beer, I recently visited some Oklahoma and Texas breweries on a road trip with my fiancée, Sarah. If you’re ever in Dallas, we recommend Texas Ale Project. For Tulsa, we couldn’t leave Cabin Boys without a four-pack.
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