06.12.2024

Today’s Forecast

92º | 3% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:51 a.m. | Sunset 8:45 p.m.

🎉 Juneteenth Jubilee

Observe Juneteenth in Kansas City

We got rhythm, we got pride. We birth kings, we birth tribes. | Photo by @KansasCity

Juneteenth is Wednesday, June 19. Our newest federal holiday originated in Texas, dating back to 1865. It was on that day the enslaved people of Galveston learned they had been freed — nearly two and a half years after the implementation of the Emancipation Proclamation. Annual celebrations started in 1866 and have continued on to this day.

Want to observe the US’ second “Freedom Day?” Here’s how you can commemorate Juneteenth across Kansas City.

Juneteenth Film Festival | Now-Wednesday, June 26 | Times vary | Screenland Armour, 408 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | $13 | Watch the creations of local Black filmmakers such as “Kansas City Dreamin’” alongside other works highlighting the Black community.

Juneteenth Week | Friday, June 14-Saturday, June 22 | Multiple locations, St. Joseph, MO | Prices vary | One day couldn’t cut it for St. Joe — the city’s week-long celebration includes a golf tournament, gala, and a picnic.

Juneteenth Heritage Festival | Saturday, June 15 | 12-10 p.m. | 18th & Vine District, KCMO | $30 | Headlined by Kelly Price herself, this district-wide party has everything from local Black art vendors to morning hip-hop yoga.

juneteenth parade 2023 — Can’t rain on this parade.
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Photo by @KansasCity

Juneteenth Twilight Parade + Festival | Saturday, June 15 | 6:45 p.m. | Haymarket Square, 649 Cherokee St., Leavenworth, KS | Free entry | Cheer on the parade, then listen to live music while shopping.

BlaKC | Wednesday, June 19 | 8-9:30 p.m. | The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 W. 19th St., KCMO | Donations encouraged | Break out your belly laughs — this troupe of local Black comedians are headlining and have plans to make you cackle all night long.

Electric Makossa: An EDM celebration of Juneteenth | Saturday, June 22 | 7-11:59 p. m. | Equal Minded Night-Lounge & Event Venue, 4327 Troost Ave., KCMO | $10 | Translated as “(I) dance” in the Douala language, Makossa represents Cameroon’s post-independence musical pride.

4 more freedom festivities

Events

Wednesday, June 12

Farmers’ Market | Wednesday, June 12 | 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | 7950 Marty St., Overland Park, KS | Give your pantry a mid-week refresh with farm-fresh produce, local foods and unique specialty items.
Freelance Boot Camp | Wednesday, June 12 | 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Aspiria NOW, 6550 Sprint Pkwy., Ste. 200, Overland Park, KS | $35-$75 | Fire up your freelance business with successful speakers and advertising + marketing breakout sessions.
Summer in the City | Wednesday, June 12 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Oppenstein Park, 1123 Walnut St., KCMO | Free | Watch this pocket park come alive with local performances, yard games, and food trucks over lunchtime.

Thursday, June 13

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus | Thursday, June 13-Saturday, June 15 | Times vary | Independence Center Mall, 18801 E. 39th St., Independence, MO | $14.50-$60 | Five rings are jam-packed with jugglers, aerial artists, clowns, and more at this circus extravaganza.
An Evening with Ari Shapiro | Thursday, June 13 | 6-8 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library: Central Library, 14 W. 10th St., KCMO | Free with RSVP | Iconic NPR personality Ari Shapiro is bringing his distinctive voice to the library’s 150th anniversary celebration.

Friday, June 14

Boulevardia | Friday, June 14-Saturday, June 15 | 4-11 p.m. | Crown Center, 2405 Grand Blvd., KCMO | $45-$1,100 | Enjoy the unique beer, food, and music at the city’s biggest street fest.
Paint and Puff | Friday, June 14 | 7-9 p.m. | Happy Trees Painting, 1219 Union Ave., KCMO | $50 | Puff, puff, paint the KC Shuttlecocks at this bud-friendly art class.

Saturday, June 15

Climate Friendly Yard Makeover | Saturday, June 15 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Climate Friendly Yards, 245 SE Topaz Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO | Free | Listen and learn as you explore three properties undergoing native plant makeovers.
Ranch Mart Extravaganza | Saturday, June 15 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Ranch Mart Shopping Center, 3705 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS | Free | Parents can live it up with axe throwing and music while their kiddos ride free on the vintage train.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Weather

Here comes the sun. Thursday, June 13 marks the first day of the season that the KC metro will experience 100°+ indexes. Looking to beat the heat? Check out our list of locally-owned ice cream shops.

Transit

Ride KC is rolling out a new free bus tour for the summer. Now through Monday, Sept. 2, climb aboard the Explore Tour to visit eight different local attractions — visit at least five of them to win a swag bag.

Kids

The Power & Light District is going to be Tiger-tastic Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when Daniel Tiger + friends descend on the district to celebrate KC PBS’ Be My Neighbor Day. Stop by to meet the crew + take part in family-friendly activities. The event is free but registration is required.

Try This

Hulk smash — and Sparkle does, too. The 10-ft-tall angry unicorn monster truck is making a pit stop at Union Station on Thursday, June 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Want a sneak peak? Watch the untamable Sparkle Smash in action.

Outdoors

Curious about the birds + the trees? Then you’re in for a tree-t. MO’s Department of Conservation + the Missouri River Bird Observatory will host an education session on Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Gorman Conservation Discovery Center (4750 Troost Ave.) RSVP for free.

Drink

Drink Up Week is Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26. Own a local beverage business? Offer a drink deal to our readers. Whether it’s BOGO smoothies or 20% off wine bottles, drop your deal into this form by Friday, June 28 and let’s get this party poppin’.

Sports

⚽ Smells like teal spirit

KC Current surfing wave of historic victories

KC Current 13 game win streak - team members hold each other up in celebration

And it’s sweet, sweet, sweet victory. | Photo by KC Current

ICYMI... The KC Current has been washing away their competition with an overwhelming shower of victories. The team is currently celebrating a 14-game streak with no losses — the longest in the club’s history — after defeating the Seattle Reign, 5-2, on Sunday, June 9.

Even more impressive, their quick footwork resulted in two goals within the first 89 seconds of the second half, securing them the record of fastest scoring from kickoff in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Want to witness history in the making? The KC Current’s next game is this Friday, June 14 at CPKC Stadium against the Chicago Red Stars, where they’re primed to break their no-losses record yet again (fingers and toes crossed).

Due to high demand, single match tickets are reserved for Current Club ($50) members first. Any remaining tickets will then be up for grabs. May the odds be ever in your favor.

The Buy

Strut your stuff this summer with accessories from Designed For Joy. The Birdie purse comes in various colorways and features a scarf detail on the handle – perfect for a summer date night.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Charmaine

From the editor

I’ve never been to a monster truck show but I really want to go. I feel like Sparkle Smash is my sign that it’s time. I’ll find the next show and report back.

PS: My mom thought it was important you all know that Juneteenth is also her birthday. Please wish her happy early birthday for me.

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