While Prairie Village’s are already off the market, you can find STRs like these in KCMO. | Photo via Airbnb
It’s been less than two years since KCMO cut down on its short-term rental stock, which accounted for an estimated 7-11% of the city’s hotel supply, and multiple other metro cities have since followed suit.
What’s the latest?
Prairie Village is the most recent to do so, ruling in favor of a total ban of short-term rentals (STRs) offering stays less than 30 days. This, combined with the city’s existing rules on long-term rentals (annual rental license requirements, inspections, violation fines, etc.), spells a bitter end for the area’s ~30 STRs.
While not outright bans, fellow JoCo cities Shawnee and Fairway have enacted their own rules and regulations — such as buffer zones + population limits — tightening what kinds of STRs can exist in these areas.
Why does it matter?
If you haven’t caught on yet, this could mean bye-bye Airbnb + Vrbo. And while we love a good staycation, we know this conversation isn’t as simple as choosing the swankiest listing with a Jacuzzi.
Those against STRs argue that they reduce housing stock in desirable areas, and can lead to unsightly conditions or even crime.
Others consider these types of rentals a unique business opportunity for residents — not to mention a necessity when major tourism events (like the FIFA World Cup in 2026) come into town. After all, we are expecting to double KCMO’s total population.
As more cities consider their stances on short-term rentals, we want to hear what you have to say. Operate your own Airbnb? Live across the hall from one? Drop us a line and we’ll share the conversation in an upcoming newsletter.
Asked
Asked
When traveling, do you prefer to stay at a hotel or short-term rental (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)?
A. Hotels — can’t beat room service + housekeeping.
B. Short-term rentals — I love their privacy and uniqueness.
Sip & Glaze | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Friction Beer Company, Shawnee | $50+ | Your ticket includes a piece of pre-made pottery, glazing materials, firing, and your first pour.
Lock & Key Speed Dating | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | East Forty Brewing, Blue Springs | $15+ | In this Halloween-themed night for adults 21-59, women get locks and men get keys — unlock when you’ve met your match.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Mason Ramsey | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 8 p.m. | Knuckleheads Saloon | $38 | A viral video of him yodeling in Walmart made him famous, now Ramsey is back with a new set as a certified country crooner.
Friday, Oct. 25
Bike Bus for Grown-Ups | Friday, Oct. 25 | 7-8:30 a.m. | KC Clay Guild | Free with signed waiver | Start outside the KC Clay Guild and end at 19th and Oak — plus you’ll stop at the Gillham Cycle Track and enjoy coffee + pastries.
ARTy Halloween pARTy | Friday, Oct. 25 | 7-10 p.m. | St. John Gardens | Free | Come dressed as your favorite artist (dead or alive), bring the noisemaker of your choice, and enjoy the campfire as the group drums into the night.
Hip Hops Hooray! Beer Fest | Friday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Oct. 26 | Times vary | Vine Street Brewing | $65 | Start the inaugural fest with a costume competition and live music from 20-piece hip-hop big band Brass & Boujee before sampling 25 regional + local craft beers.
Saturday, Oct. 26
What Producers Do And How Writers Can Help Them | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 9:30 a.m. | KCPL —Plaza Branch | Free | Learn what producers are looking for at every budget level so you can deliver a script that can sell + make it to the big screen.
Boo at the Zoo | Saturday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 27 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium | Free | Bring the kiddos in their costumes for a not-so-scary, trick-or-treating experience.
Teams will embark on challenges inspired by the Olympics to make a difference for families impacted by cancer. | Photo provided by KyMel, Inc
This holiday season, we’re highlighting local businesses like KyMel — a nonprofit that supports children and families facing cancer.
You’re invited to the 6th annual Camp for a Cause on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. During this adults-only fundraiser that’s far from a sit-down gala, teams will compete in games to win prizes while raising money for KyMel. This year’s theme: the Olympics.
Guests will also enjoy dinner from Q39, gourmet s’mores, an open bar with themed cocktails + mocktails, a 360-degree photo booth, and more.
Not only will CPKC Stadium host this year’s NWSL Championship, the KC Current will kick off their first playoff match at home during the quarterfinal round on Saturday Nov. 9. We recommend watching with The Dub. (FOX4)
Ranked
They’ve dined and dished — now you get to dive into OpenTable’s top-rated KCMO restaurants. The Capital Grille, Café Provence, and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood took the podium, but you can feast on the full list. (KCBJ)
Drink
Blanc Champagne Bar is popping the cork on its new Main Street digs this Friday, Oct. 25 — aka International Champagne Day.Celebrate the grand opening by sharing bubbles with your besties, while peeking at its panoramic rooftop views. Reservations are open now.
Civic
Worried about long lines on Election Day? Whether your state calls it “advance in-person voting” or “absentee voting” — both KS + MO residents can now hit the polls early. Check out the 2024 KC Voter Guide for more. (KCUR)
Gov
The five highest-paid KCMO employees are all part of the Fire Department. Division Chief Jacqueline C. Risner’s $333,876.64 salary is the highest rung on the ladder. Curious who + what rounds out the top 100? Read the Kansas City Business Journal’s public paycheck breakdown.
Award
What do Lambeau Field, Indiana Caverns, and the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium have in common? Some of the nation’s best restrooms. While Maverik gas stations flushed the competition for Cinta’s 23rd “America’s Best Bathroom,” Sobela Ocean Aquarium’s made the top five. (Kansas City Star)
Opening
Lusting after a steamy read? Pop by Under the Cover this Saturday, Oct. 26 for the local romance bookshop’s soft launch of its newly renovated + expanded storefront. We can’t say much more —but the signs say it all.
Common Tiger’s specialty cocktail menu makes you work for it. | Photo via Common Tiger Speakeasy
Boo. Did we scare you? If we didn’t, these pop-up bars might. Let’s peek under the bed and see what scary sips you can find in and around Kansas City this season.
Sanderson Sisters & Spirits | Vignettes, 2376 Armour Rd., NKC | Now-Saturday, Nov. 2 | Times vary | $7+ | Mystical mayhem is already underway at the Sanderson Witchcraft Museum, featuring a bubbling cauldron of creative spirits and nightly themed activities.
Primrose Manor + Common Tiger Spookeasy | 5622 + 5616 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS | Now-Saturday, Nov. 2 | Times vary | Menu price | Double, double, toil and trouble at this duel sit-down sips and rave experience.
BOOlevard | Boulevard Tours & Rec Center, 2534 Madison Ave., KCMO | Thursday, Oct. 24-Thursday, Oct. 31 | Times vary | Menu price | It’s all the usual blood-curdling bevvies, but you can level-up your evening with a ticket to to its Witch-Craft Makers Faire or Murder Mystery Party.
The Buy
The Buy
The only thing we love more than a trendy find is a timeless one. Check out these five fall and winter fashion must-haves you’ll be wearing for years to come:
Inspired by our own “Jiji” (our rabbit Gazpacho, aka Gigi), my fiancé and I’s Halloween costume is a last-minute take on the iconic Studio Ghibli flick, “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” In a serendipitous turn of events — it’s also the only time of the year to see this film in theaters for its 35th anniversary celebration.
