Did you search “Copa América” this year? So did the rest of the US — but this is what Kansas Citians were googling on a more local level. | Graphic by the KCtoday team
2024’s Google Year in Search is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Take a look at what we were searching most this year (plus, our answers to your searches — we may not be Google, but we know a thing or two about where to find the best movie theaters).
Unique local searches
Top trending song | Taylor Swift’s “The Alchemy”
Top trending matches | Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul, Baltimore Ravens vs. KC Chiefs
Top trending Olympian | Simone Biles (Think T-Mobile deserves a Gold Over America encore?)
Five top trending “near me” searches in the KC area
Where to vote and early voting near me | Not only did Kansas Citians turn out for the general election, locals weighed in on a contentious Crossroads stadium tax in April.
Eclipse glasses near me | Don’t look at the sun, unless you’re one of our local photographers who captured the celestial phenomenon.
4DX movie theater near me | On a related note, peruse our indie theater guide.
School closings near me | While Chiefs fans braved the coldest game in franchise history, January’s arctic blast shut down metro school districts.
The fact that “KCtoday” wasn’t a top local search only hurts our feelings a little bit. There’s always next year.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Electric Glow | Wednesday, Dec. 11-Monday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Garden | $12 | Enjoy the beauty of one of the nation’s best luminary walks, without Santa, musicians, trains, or (most importantly) noisy crowds.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Hot Holiday Selections | 6 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library | Free, RSVP | Listen to book recommendations of all kinds from staff experts — plus, KC Star photographers will be there snapping free holiday portraits for attendees.
The Moth | 7:30 p.m. | Knuckleheads Saloon | $15 | Listen to the award-winning radio hour live as storytellers ruminate on “silver linings:" the lost job that led you to your calling, the missed flight that extended your vacation, the consolation prize that trumps all.
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show | 8 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $52+ | You better watch out, you better not cry, because “Ru-Paul’s Drag Race” stars BenDeLaCreme + Jinkx Monsoon are bringing whip-smart comedy and fabulous singing spectacle to town.
Friday, Dec. 13
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, toasty food and drink, holiday crafts, plants galore, an embroidery bar, and a gift wrap station.
Saturday, Dec. 14
DIY Ugly Holiday Sweater Workshop | 12-3 p.m. | Rightfully Sewn | Free, Donations | You bring a sweater ready for sprucing and they’ll provide the tacky goodness you need to make a wacky holiday masterpiece.
Kansas City Mavericks vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates | 6:05 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena | $26+ | The force is strong with this team. Get to the rink early for lightsaber giveaways and appearances from iconic “Star Wars” characters as the Mavs take on the Sith.
Sunday, Dec. 15
March of the Dinosaurs | 2-4 p.m. | Mill Creek Fountain | 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.
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Treat yo’ self. Actor and comedian Aziz Ansari is returning to KC for the debut stop of his “Hypothetical Tour” on Friday, Feb. 21 at The Midland Theatre. Pre-sale to see the “Parks and Recreation” and “Master of None” star starts today, with public tickets released this Friday, Dec. 13. (Kansas City Star)
Development
The Hunts are at it again, this time proposing a new 226-apartment complex on the site of a former Winstead’s at 8036 Metcalf Ave. The project, which also plans for 5,000 sqft of retail space + a below-ground parking structure, received key approval this week from the OP Planning Commission. (Johnson County Post)
Trending
DYK — Time’s 2024 Athlete of the Year is a fellow member of the Red Kingdom? Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark grew up watching the Chiefs with her family and recently met Travis Kelce while attending back-to-back “Eras Tour” shows in Indianapolis. Fingers crossed for a sighting ofthe WNBA star at Arrowhead soon. (Kansas City Star)
History
KC Museum’s Fairy Princess is back for another year of enchanting holiday memories. Bring your littles to share their hopeful wishes and snap a picture on the throne starting tomorrow, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 15. Each $15 ticket includes a special gift, sweet treat, and framed photo.
Civic
A proposed ordinance could help preserve historical buildings from demolition, or at least ensure all options are explored before it meets a wrecking ball. KCMO’s City Plan Commission unanimously supported the delay measure, which would require more extensive review processes for demolition permits, earlier this month. Next step: City Council. (KCBJ)
Closed
Steakhouse and wine bar Ombra, which specialized in nose-to-tail butchery, has closed in KC North’s Village at Briarcliff shopping center. Neighboring sister concept Carne Diem will remain open for customers visiting its butcher + deli counter, alongside unique pantry retail like finishing oils, housemade pastas, and fine spirits. (KC Magazine)
Wellness
Thinning hair doesn’t stand a chance with KilgourMD’s dermatologist-developed serums. Increase follicle growth by 200% when you get the bundle for $150, featuring 15% + free shipping.*
Announced
Meet Jobs, our virtual job board for all industries that can connect you with top local talent. Post your first listing for free and watch those applications roll in.
Category
Shop
🎁 7 holiday presents $20 or less
Including a chic bedside carafe and a winter-friendly lip balm. | Graphic by 6AM City
Shop some of our favorite finds that will brighten up anyone’s holiday, all available for $20 or less.
Local pick:KC Heart Puzzle Cube | $12 | This classic game has got a Kansas City twist.
Bedside carafe + tumbler | $18.99 | Gift a pretty amber tumbler and glass perfect for adorning any bedside table.
Eucalyptus shower steamers | $19.99 | They’ll love aromatherapy shower steamers that smell like peppermint, menthol, and eucalyptus.
Local pick:Hot Honey “With a Sting!” | $15+ | It’s one of Messner Bee Farm’s most popular topping, perfect for pizza, barbecue, and cheeseboards.
Malin + Goetz lip moisturizer | $16 | A hydrating lip moisturizer with a devoted fan base, this gift is perfect for those suffering from chapped lips.
Beer bottle chiller sticks | $19.99 | Gift beer lovers these chiller sticks that can instantly turn sad, lukewarm beer into delicious, cold beer.
A great gift for a significant other or someone you love — a personalized song plaque you can customize with their favorite song + a photo of you together.
Enjoy Pure Food + Drink has finally opened in Lenexa’s new Restaurant Row and I get to sample its menu at tonight’s launch party event. Keep an eye out for some fresh recommendations in tomorrow’s Wrap.
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