The perfect brew for win you’re feeling zesty. | Video by Boulevard Brewing Co.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Kansas City makes a lot of great craft beer. Local brewers in Missouri and Kansas are constantly tapping their creative juices to drum up crafty collaborations, standout recipes, and fun names for their frothy masterpieces.
We’re raising a glass to five Kansas City-centric brews with names that draw inspiration from our city’s history, communities, and culture.
Southwest BLVD, Boulevard Brewing Co. A lager love letter. Taste this brew and you’ll be reminded of its namesake’s abundant Central American culture, like food trucks, restaurants + Latin dance clubs.
Style + flavor: With a pinch of salt and a little lime, this beer has a 4.5% ABV and earns a whopping 10 on the bitterness scale — so pucker up.
Get a taste of history — find it in the River Market and at the museum.
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Photo by National World War I Museum and Memorial
The Archduke, Strange Days Brewing Co. Launched last month, the new bev is a crafty collab with the National WWI Museum and Memorial, featuring gorgeous artwork inspired by a Fifth Austrian War campaign poster — a rare artifact found within the museum’s permanent collection.
Style + flavor: This little lager comes Vienna-style, meaning it has a malty aroma amid a slight sweetness. At 5% ABV, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy a couple in one sitting.
Jazzman, Vine Street Brewing Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery crafted a beer honoring the Jazz District which it calls home. The Jazzman is a slow pour, so you’ll need to wait a little longer to enjoy it — but we hear it’s worth the wait.
Style + flavor: Just like the tunes, you’ll find this beer to be the perfect balance of smooth and refreshing. Enjoy notes of roast malt, nuts, and cola at 5% ABV.
Cheers to you, City of Fountains. This is just a sampling of local craft brews with KC-related nods in their names. If we missed your favorite, share it with us.
Summer Socials | Wednesday, July 24 | 5-8 p.m. | Kansas City Power & Light District, KCMO | Free | Build community with a block party barbecue featuring BRGR Kitchen, beer tasting, and caricature drawings.
Thursday, July 25
Magic with Jack Reid | Thursday, July 25 | 7 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company, 310 W. 79th St., KCMO | Free entry | Be astonished with a personal tableside magic show from this award-winning magician.
This is My Country | Thursday, July 25 | Chestnut Fine Arts Center, 234 N. Chestnut St., Olathe, KS | $29-$32 | This tribute is designed to make you feel proud to be an American with its medley of patriotic tunes.
Friday, July 26
Summer Movie Nights | Friday, July 26 | 7-10:30 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS | $0-$5 | Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch a screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” under the stars at this 18+ event.
Shrek the Musical | Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28 | 8-10 p.m. | Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Rd., KCMO | $12-$100 | Your favorite ogre and his sidekick are back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning animated film.
Saturday, July 27
Kids Cooking Classes — Meatballs + Berry Tiramisu | Saturday, July 27 | 9-11 a.m. | Maggiano’s Little Italy, 7025 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS | $25-$35 | Little chefs will get the chance to unleash their culinary creativity while learning how to make Italian dishes from scratch.
Celebrate AMERI’KANA | Saturday, July 27 | 1-8 p.m. | The Concourse Park, 200 Benton Blvd., KCMO | $0-$100 | Listen up as national, local, and youth performers take the stage to celebrate BIPOC musicians + the KC arts community.
KC, the future is now. Yesterday, the Royals released facial recognition software to streamline ballpark entry. To use it, fans register their beautiful mugs in the Ballpark App, then you + your party can walk right through sans ticket scanning. Not interested? No worries, it’s optional. (Kansas City Star)
Sports
In other Royals news… the team has officially signed 16 out of their 20 picks from last week’s MLB Draft. First-rounder Jac Caglianone is still unsigned. Browse the full list of draftees.
Eat
Harp Barbecue is on the move. The award-winning local biz plans to close its Raytown spot in September and continue business at 12094 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS. The move was inspired by its lease ending + the tasty opportunity to open in an area facing a barbecue drought. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Try This
This Thursday, July 25, Hotel Kansas City (1228 Baltimore Ave.), will have a specialty menu featuring delicious dishes like Thai beef tartare and fried chicken with lemongrass. No RSVPs required. View the full menu.
Closing
This is the last lap for Overland Park’s Bluejacket Pool. The City says the leaky 50-year-old facility has “reached the end of its useful life” as it would take ~$35,000 to reopen it. Send it off at the Final Splash Bash on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 5-7 p.m. (Johnson County Post)
Gallery
A blast from KC’s past. Check out these photos from the 70s showcasing the Downtown Loop’s renewal process. (Kansas City Star)
Plan Ahead
Calling all dog owners: Sign up for First Fridays at CITYDOGs on Summit Street next Friday, Aug. 2 for an evening of tail-wagging fun, featuring bites from Taste of Potosi, drinks + more starting at 5 p.m. Heads up: New guests must register their pup online.*
Here is a sneak peek at the new spot designed for you and your little humans. | Photos by Hümanette
Looking for a spot for big + little humans alike? Then say hello to Hümanette. Found in Brookside at 118 W. 63rd St., the play cafe’s grand opening is Friday, August 9.
During opening weekend guests can enjoy giveaways, pop-up shops full of local vendors, and plenty of crafts for the kiddos.
What’s a play cafe?
A play cafe is a spot designed for kids to run around while adults relax, sip coffee, or co-work. Think: 90s fast food jungle gyms meet co-working spaces.
While there’s been an onslaught of play cafes opening throughout the suburbs, this is the first one to grace Midtown KCMO.
The perfect shoe for the rest of summer: Birkenstock’s waterproof slide sandal, which comes in bright and cute colors like purple fog, coral peach, and popcorn.
Hey y’all. I’m back. I had a wonderful vacay but it’s nice to be writing again. This week I’ll be catching up with some big cats down the road as I dive into KC’s own “Tiger King” (though I hope it’s without all the drama).
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