Backing the hype

• In 2023 alone, the city secured 384 convention center meetings leading to ~460,000 occupied hotel room nights. That’s an economic impact of nearly $428 million.
• Visit KC achieved a record-breaking return on investment that same year: $135 for every dollar spent in the community.
• There were 28.4 million visitors to grace the Heartland in 2023 — all of which spent enough on Charlie Hustle t-shirts to generate $4 billion in direct economic impact. We’re kidding about the shirts... kind of.

Seeing the bigger picture

• “Peter Pan” | Wednesday, Sept. 18-Sunday, Sept. 22 | 8-10 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | $12+ | This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for ~70 years, and now you can experience the pixie dust for yourself.

• Third Thursday Night Market | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 5-9 p.m. | Cable Event Center | Free entry | Shop local vendors of all kinds, enjoy drink specials, and, if you’re feeling brave, hop on the open mic.

• Re: ArtFest | Friday, Sept. 20-Saturday, Sept. 21 | Times vary | 10901 E. Winner Rd., Independence | Free entry | Enjoy live music, food trucks, sculptures, and a glass blowing demonstration at this fair benefiting the Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity.
• Camp Leavenworth | Friday, Sept. 20-Saturday, Sept. 21 | 5-9 p.m. | Leavenworth Landing Park and CW Parker Carousel Museum | Free | Its Leavenworth’s premiere free music festival, featuring fireworks, family-friendly activities, and a makers fair.

• Fall Farm Festival | Saturday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Oct. 27 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Colonial Gardens | $10 | Enjoy all the fall activities like wandering through the picturesque pumpkin patch, picking apples, and petting alpacas.

• Due to high demand, the talk with Margaret Atwood (author of “The Handmaid’s Tale” novel-turned-TV-show) has moved to Unity Temple on the Plaza at 707 W. 47th St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the chat begins at 7:30 p.m. The event is free but RSVPs are required.

• Sss-something special is waiting for you at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center (4750 Troost Ave., KCMO). Tiger Lily, an extremely rare two-headed western rat snake, would be charmed to meet you. Stop by and see her now through Saturday, Sept. 28. (KCUR)

• Why did the cow sit on the 90-ft pillar? No, it’s not a dad joke. It’s the mystery sitting high at Mulkey Square Park. Apparently, the bull statue originally grazed at the American Hereford Association headquarters in 1954, and has traveled throughout the years. (Kansas City Star)

• If you saw Apple’s latest commercial for the iPhone 16 you may have heard something familiar — KC rapper Krizz Kaliko’s song “Genius.” Kaliko says he almost missed the opportunity because he kept deleting Apple’s messages, believing them to be spam. (FOX4)

• Here’s a feel good story to get you through hump day. A little boy was given an early birthday surprise: He got to go to a Chiefs football game, his favorite (and the best) team. Watch the tears fall as his dad breaks the news to him.

• Picture natural sound all around you — from bustling cafes to quiet parks. With advanced directional microphones, these tiny hearing devices focus on what you want to hear, and soften what you don’t. Hear what all the fuss is about.*

• Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in our city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or upcoming event with our 84,000+ readers.

• Remove the existing tracks north of Pershing Road, construct a new track, then weld it to the existing line.
• Replace expansion joints + pour the final bridge deck on the Main Street viaduct.
• Adjust the Overhead Catenary System, the tension wires that give the streetcar electricity.
• Install a real-time arrival sign.
• Finish the new Union Station Northbound platform + shelter.