• Flamboyants | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Unity Temple on The Plaza | $21 | Listen as New York Times bestselling author George M. Johnson discusses their new book with D. Rashaan Gilmore, founder and CEO of KC’s BlaqOut.

• Olathe Arts Festival | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28 | Times vary | Johnson County Square Park, Olathe | Free entry | If you’ve already checked Art Westport and the Plaza Art Fair off your list, it’s time to check out Olathe’s lively showcase with 50+ artists, live entertainment, and more.
• 29th Shawnee Great Grillers BBQ | Friday, Sept. 27 | 6-10 p.m. | Shawnee Town 1929, Shawnee | Free entry | Take in the sights and smells of this annual tradition featuring a cornhole tournament, beer tent, and dishes from Barbwire BBQ.
• Fall Concerts in the Park | Friday, Sept. 27 | 6:30 p.m. | Zona Rosa | Free entry | While the summer concert series wind down, Zona Rosa’s fall special kicks into gear.

• Fall Native Plant Sale | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Shawnee Indian Mission, Fairway | Sale price | Revive your private plot with resilient native species + check out the Three Springs Market for unique hand-crafted items.
• Oktoberfest Live! | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 3-7 p.m. | Kansas City Live! Block | Free entry | Sponsored by Leinenkugel’s, this seasonal celebration has all the beer and brats you could wish for + wiener dog races and souvenir steins.

• Hollywood Casino 400 | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 2 p.m. | Kansas Speedway | $65+ | Feel the intensity as NASCAR’s Cup Series drivers compete in a must-win race on their way to the championship.

• Liberty City Council is moving forward with phase one of its downtown revitalization plan. Multiple sections will be re-imagined to make room for housing, businesses, and retail while matching the city’s historic architecture. See the plans. (KCTV)

• The historic building at 3740 Troost Ave. first opened in 1940 as one of the first Safeway grocery stores in KC. Now, it’s being rehabbed, with hopes for retail, a salon, restaurant, or the likes to move in during 2025. (Startland News)

• Leawood’s Taste Buds Kitchen is cooking up another location at 8085 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS. The husband-and-wife-lead cooking class biz lets you test your culinary prowess, offering classes like Fresh Handmade Pasta and Havana Night. Their new location will open in early 2025. (Kansas City Business Journal)

• Yelp dropped its “Top 25 Mexican Food Spots in the US” list and, looky there, GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe in KCK came in at No. 14. Want a taste? Yelpers recommend its enchiladas casserolas and the chilaquiles barbacoa birria.

• The KC museum announced the 11th annual Dia de los Muetros Celebration will be Saturday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 9 p.m. Pay what you can to enjoy live performances, shop local vendors, and eat lots of local food. Get your tickets.

• Briana Schrodt, owner of Belton biz Random’s Coffee, is one of the contestants on this season of The Blox, a reality TV show where 100 start-up owners compete to prove they have the best idea. Did she win? You’ll have to watch to find out. Stream the show. (Martin City Telegraph)

• Experts say thousands of folks with credit card debt are flocking to this leading card, which now offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases until nearly 2026. Pay down debts + avoid fees? Sounds like a fall must-do.*

• You don’t have to break the bank to attain strong, silky-soft hair. Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner can repair split ends + protect against future damage for less than $20.*

Why charge now?

• To help control downtown traffic (read: encourage use of ride-hailing + public transportation)
• To generate more revenue for KC’s On-Street Parking program

Where is the money going?