With the National Association of Realtors pegging Kansas City as one of 2025’s top 10 housing markets, an influx of new metro residents may soon be on the horizon. That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Kansas City 101, our guide to all the things you need to know as a new local.
Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with one of the many school districts across the metro. Use this online tool to find your school zone or learn more about private options with iFamilyKC’s list.
You don’t have to have a library card to enjoy the Central Branch’s rooftop chess. | Photo by KCtoday
Getting a library card
If you think libraries are only for renting the occasional book, think again. Register for a library card at your nearest KC Public Library branch to take advantage of all these perks, like:
Style Your Year: Start 2025 with Confidence | 6-8 p.m. | LADYCO Brookside | $5 | Reinvent yourself (and your wardrobe) with a fun and interactive styling session by pro stylist Cait Fore.
Thursday, Jan. 9
Book Discussion: “Exposition” by Nathalie Leger | 6 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Free, RSVP | Dive into the life of the legendary Countess of Castiglione — infamous for her affairs, beauty, and self-portraiture work — with the exhibition curator + Spencer Art Reference Library staff.
Friday, Jan. 10
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute | 7:30 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $35+ | Harness your inner “Dancing Queen” while you clap along and belt out with this internationally acclaimed tribute, bringing the Swedish supergroup ABBA to fans old and new.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Cerberus Food Pop-up | Saturday, Jan. 11, Jan. 18, Jan. 25 | 12-4 p.m. | Casual Animal Brewing Co. | Menu price | Stop by the Crossroads brewery every Saturday in January for a rotating menu of unique bites, like this weekend’s mac and cheese bar served three ways.
Monster Jam | Saturday, Jan. 11 + Sunday, Jan. 12 | Times vary | T-Mobile Center | $39+ | Like what you saw on I-70 last weekend, except less slipping + sliding and more mechanical beasts crushing the competition.
Ignite the Night — Evening of Note 2025 | 6 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $175+ | Step into the heat with incredible food, an open bar, dancing, and live entertainment by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” + Broadway’s “Hairspray” star Nina West, all benefitting the Heartland Men’s Chorus.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Dry Vibes — A Zero Proof Experience | 12-4 p.m. | The Station at 28 Event Space | $55+ | Get ready for a booze-free blast serving up a wickedly fun zero-proof experience — like the Conscious Cocktail Bar, DIY Lounge, and Mindful Marketplace — that’ll leave you buzzing.
After eight years in the West Bottoms (and a few viral signs), gift + vintage shop Fetch is moving to Westside North at 1659 Summit St. Your dad doesn’t have to be the inventor of the toaster strudel for you to check out its new digs, near The Westside Local and Westside Storey, this Friday, Jan. 10.
Civic
Though dozens of US cities straddle state lines, the Kansas City metro is particularly unique — it’s the only one with a near equal population and GDP split. Dive into The Beacon’s newest series exploring the unique culture and challenges that arise from our city’s invisible divide.
Eat
Satisfy your munchies with Snack Bar (7789 Quivira Rd.), JoCo’s newest grab-and-go restaurant inspired by Mexican street vendors. Bites include elotes, shaved ice, aguas frescas, and a soon-to-be bar serving boozy delights like micheladas and margaritas. (Kansas City Star)
Number
5 million. That’s how many guests have explored the giant glass maze in the Nelson-Atkin’s sculpture park since 2014. Discover the history behind the gargantuan “Glass Labyrinth” and the Kansas City artist who made it. (The Pitch)
Closing
Once a business at the heart of Royals stadium drama, The Pairing: Crossroads Wine & Grocer is capping its six-year run. The neighborhood wine bar at 1615 Oak St., which moonlit as a music venue, will begin formally closing this spring. Keep an eye on its social media for sales + final events. (Kansas City Star)
Finance
High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Read
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The Buy
The Buy
An under-sink organizer — declutter your cleaning supplies, bathroom products, or pantry items with an easy slide-out design that fits around most plumbing fixtures.
Watt a beautiful sight. The Country Club Plaza is extending its iconic seasonal light experience until Valentine’s Day on Friday, Feb. 14, over a month past its original scheduled shut-off. It’s sure to make the holiday even more romantic — that is, if you can still get a dinner reservation.
Answered
Answered
Are you “team real tree” or “team fake tree?”
Maybe it was the viral hibernating bugs or perhaps pure convenience that led ~70% of participants to opt for a fake fir over real trees. Looks like lumberjacks (and their many hipster offshoots) are officially out of style.
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