Escape the winter chill and duck into one of KC’s indie theaters. | Photo via Screenland Armour
Grab your popcorn and take a seat. Independent theaters have long been spaces for unique films and diverse experiences — curating modern releases and cult classics alongside a vault of lesser known gems.
Kansas City has a robust film community that’s keeping the love of indie cinema alive (even with AMC Theatres based right next door in Leawood).
Find your next favorite flick at one of these local screens.
Glenwood Arts Theatre | 3707 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS When the original Glenwood opened in 1966, moviegoers were greeted in style by a massive Italian crystal chandelier and an 800-seat auditorium. The KC staple has undergone many changes since then — now, bright neon signs welcome you into the five-screen theater which shows a variety of blockbuster releases + independent (and local) films.
Screenland Armour | 408 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO Come for the films, stay for the drinks at this silent theater turned four-screen indie film house. When the credits roll, duck into its back-alley basement dive bar, Rewind Video, for some analog console gaming and an adult Capri Sun.
Stray Cat Film Center | 1662 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO Cultivate community while experiencing a uniquely-curated micro-cinema at the Crossroads’ volunteer-run Stray Cat Film Center. It boasts a 50-seat theater with a “diverse roster of wild and challenging films.”
Tivoli at the Nelson Atkins | 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO When Kansas City’s oldest independent theater, Tivoli Cinemas, closed its doors after nearly 40 years — many Kansas Citians thought the magic was lost for good. That is, until the Nelson-Atkins revamped its 500-seat auditorium as the revived indie theater. See new releases, documentaries, restored classics, foreign, + art films.
KC Public Library | Central Library & Southeast Branch For the cinephile on a budget, see free screenings of anything from “Paddington Bear” to Italian neorealist classic, “The Battle of Algiers” at Sunday Cinema, Tuesdays at Two, Family Video Vault, + other regular events.
Festival of Lights | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 5-10 p.m. | Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO | $16 + parking | Holiday lights turn Kansas City’s botanical garden into a winter wonderland.
Thursday, Nov. 30
Signature Cocktails with Boulevard Brewing and Holladay Distillery | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 6-8 p.m. | Boulevard Tours & Rec Center, 2534 Madison Ave., Kansas City, MO | $22.40 | Learn how to craft unique and delicious holiday cocktails to share with friends and family for the holidays.
Friday, Dec. 1
Small Group Yoga with Tricia Tayrien | Friday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 29 | 12-1 p.m. | Premier Integrative Health, 101 Armour Rd., Ste. D, North Kansas City, MO | Free | Unwind from a busy week with this yoga flow + relaxing meditation.
Legislative Meet & Greet | Friday, Dec. 1 | 4-6 p.m. | 712 1st Terrace, Lansing, KS | Free | Mingle + enjoy a happy hour with the Government Affairs Committee.
13th Annual Holiday Swing | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Crown Center, Kansas City, MO | Free | Shop the Midwest’s top craft fair for handmade gifts from over 75 local makers and creators each weekend.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Red Stocking Breakfast | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 7:30-10:30 a.m. | Jack Stack Barbecue, 9520 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS | $15-$20 | Come for breakfast with proceeds benefiting the Kansas Children’s Service League’s Child Abuse Prevention programs in Miami, Johnson, Wyandotte & Leavenworth Counties.
KC Retro | Saturday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 3 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS | $5-30 | Calling all gamers and collectors — enjoy a large vendor floor, a free-play retro arcade, video game tournaments, cosplay and game hunting at this celebration of retro gaming.
Tai Chi in the Park | Saturday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Nov. 1 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Pendleton Arts Block, 2300 Independence Ave., Kansas City, MO | Free | Escape the cold, enjoy Tai Chi inside Pendleton Arts Block, and get 20% off at Core Coffee for attending.
Dedicated streetcar lanes are in the works for the 2025 Main Street expansion project. Intended to help Main become more transit and pedestrian-friendly, outer lanes both ways will be painted and signed to separate it from vehicular traffic. (CityScene KC)
Eat
Cheers — KC Current announced Martin City Brewing Company as their sixth food partner for the CPKC Stadium. The brewpub is known for its beer, pizza, and array of tasty apps.
State
The people spoke, and Kansans were not happy with their newly revealed black and gold license plate. Now, Gov. Laura Kelly says they will be releasing new options that residents will get to vote on. (Kansas City Star)
Civic
“It’s a good oops,” says the city of Merriam, KS. A clerical error cut the city council’s property tax rate by 4.48 mills, rather than the intended 0.25 mills (an 18x difference). The average Merriam resident can expect to pay nearly $150 less in local property tax in 2024.
Opening
Café Europa, meet Lemon Cake Bakery. The former Kansas City sweet spot rebranded and will be opening next week at 10683 Mission Rd. in Leawood. Munch on many of the baked goods Café Europa fans are used to, with a new emphasis on sweets and desserts. (Shawnee Mission Post)
Holiday
Jewish Family Services (JFS) is hosting its annual Hanukkah Wrapping Party tonight at the Jewish Community Center (5801 W. 115th St). More than 300 JFS clients who face economic insecurity will receive gifts from the volunteer event.
Finance
We aren’t given many 21-month grace periods. Oil checks, doctor appointments, Tax Day... time speeds by between them. But The Ascent found a credit card offering 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months — among the longest we’ve seen to avoid interest charges.Learn more.*
Shop
Which ugly Christmas sweater would you choose? We’re liking: the Santa hat-topped wine glass or the “Home Alone” print featuring Catherine O’Hara.*
Anything off of this year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things list. We’re seeing: luxury flaky sea salt, all-weather boots, fleece robes, and a baked brie board.
I’m a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to the holiday season — Christmas doesn’t start until the turkey’s off the table! But now that I’ve strung up my lights and already ransacked Target for their latest seasonal bird (IYKYK), I’m ready to get festive.
First order of business: holiday pop-ups.
What are the best pop-up bars in the metro? Any hidden gems I don’t want to miss out on? Let me know.
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