A rare daytime view of the theater. | Photo by Bob Compton Photography
The votes are in for the KCtoday’s historical markers contest. Check out the finalists below, including the contest winner decided by your votes.
Winner: Starlight Theater
It was a close call, but when it came down to Starlight or the Western Auto sign, the choice was clear for KCtoday readers. 51% of our readers voted for this Swope Park staple which has been around since 1950 as the largest and oldest performing arts organization in KCMO.
Runner Up: Western Auto Lofts
Close behind Starlight was the Western Auto Lofts with 42% of the vote. The most iconic symbol of the Kansas City skyline sits atop a storied building — one that formerly housed trailblazing businesswoman + early 20th century fashion icon Nelly Don’s first factory.
It doesn’t stop there — we got more submissions than these. Just check outour map of unofficial historical locations — both locally and across the nation.
Post Friday Art Faire | Friday, Dec. 13-Saturday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | 12th Street Post | Free | Feel good about holiday shopping by staying local with 150+ KC vendors, holiday crafts, plants galore, an embroidery bar, and a gift wrap station.
Laser Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) | 7-8 p.m. | Union Station Kansas City Inc. | $5 | Kickoff the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium’s 25th anniversary with a special extended edition of its hit laser show, featuring recent re-releases + songs from the vault.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Merry Market | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 22 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | City Market | Free | Embrace the spirit of the season as you browse local goods, connect with artisans, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that only a community-centered marketplace can offer.
Holiday Meet & Greet + Ornament Signing with Irma Starr | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Kansas City Museum | Free | Her work has decorated the White House Christmas Tree + the Smithsonian, now you can have the 17th century English Slipware artist’s ornaments as a holiday heirloom.
SantaCon KC 2024! | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 4 p.m. | Westport | $50+ | Whether you plan to wear a suit or stockings, load up the sleighs (ahem, party buses) with this mob of merry Santas spreading cheer from bar to bar, all benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Interactive Hanukkah Dinner | 6-9 p.m. | Convergence Point, Independence | $20+ | Dress in your best blue, white, and silver for a candlelit dinner featuring traditional Hanukkah dishes, cultural games + an international market.
Sunday, Dec. 15
March of the Dinosaurs | 2-4 p.m. | Mill Creek Park | Free | Roaring back after a five-year hiatus, unleash some prehistoric fun as costumed participants waddle through Mill Creek Park for Olympic games, a fashion show, and the legendary Great Dino March.
Monday, Dec. 16
Mingle Monday | Monday, Dec. 16 | 6-10 p.m. | ReRoll Tavern | $7 | Find a new favorite game and meet some new friends with this drop-in board game night for all levels of experience.
SongLab Music Open Mic | Monday, Dec. 16 | 7 p.m. | The Rino, North Kansas City | Free | Bring your own music or be a fly on the wall as established local musicians try out new material and up-and-comers polish their craft.
We can help get you connected with the best local talent. | Graphic by 6AM City
Are you hiring? Post your open positions on our community job board + immediately get connected with qualified local candidates.
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter. We highly recommend it.” – George Campbell of Campbell Teague, Entrepreneurs at Law
While many hiring sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter are over-saturated, 6AM City Job Board is tailored to Kansas City, maximizing visibility among top local talent.
187,750. That’s how many people rode on Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner route in 2024, up 22.6% from last year. The Missouri River Runner stops here in Kansas City and connects to cities like St. Louis and Chicago.
Trending
Wondering what was on Kansas Citians’ minds this year? According to Google Year in Search 2024, people in our city were googling things like “early voting near me” and “school closings near me.” Read what else we were searching in 2024.
Film
You’ve heard of Barbenheimer and Glicked, now brace for… Babyratu? Snag an advanced ticket to see Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl” or check out some of our local indie theaters for an upcoming “Nosferatu” viewing.
Liberty Memorial Tower has watched over 98 years of Kansas City’s changing skyline. | Photo by Mike Day
We have 10 of the most recognizable Kansas City landmarks — from bright signs in the night sky to beacons of stone and metal. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.
Shuttlecocks
Address: 4525 Oak St. Nearby: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Frank A. Theis Park, Winstead’s
With a highly recognized local shape, the giant badminton birdie is now classic KC iconography. These 19-ft-tall sculptures were crafted in 1994 and adorn the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s grounds. They’re thought to be the “world’s largest shuttlecocks.”
Sky Stations
Address: Broadway Boulevard + 14th Street Nearby: Music Hall, Folly Theater, Barney Allis Plaza, Kansas City Marriott Downtown
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s… hair curlers? No. These 40-ft-tall adornments atop the KC Convention Center’s pylons are actually sculptures, completed in 1994 and lifted into place via helicopter. They were inspired by the 1930s Art Deco style, which is pervasive around town.
A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
Pro tip for kids gifts:Consider gifting the family a membership to The Rabbit hOle. Why? Experiences keep toys out of the living room and kids out of the house. Browse kid-friendly activities for more gift ideas.
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