Help these four-legged friends find their fur-ever homes. | Photo by Wayside Waifs
Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Kansas City to support with your time.
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a health care enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you.
If you want to feed others
Nourish KC | Ensure your community has access to fresh food through its free/low-cost meal program, Daily Pantry, or food redistribution network, which redirects surplus from local food providers to community pantries.
With ~40 monthly clinics, plus visits to local cold weather shelters, there are plenty of chances to provide care. | Photo by Care Beyond the Boulevard
If you’re passionate about supporting local
Flourish Furniture Bank | From electrical testing and woodworking to helping guests pick their new decor, you can empower families overcoming housing insecurity at its free furniture showroom.
Care Beyond the Boulevard | Kansas Citians of all skill levels are needed to help operate free medical clinics for uninsured community members.
For the animal lovers
Great Plains SPCA | One of the easiest ways to help is by shopping the on-site retail store or by sponsoring a fundraising event, like its upcoming Pickleball for Pets tournament.
Mapping the Heavens | Open hours | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Free | Explore the development of astronomy and religion across times, regions, and faiths with historic artifacts in this co-exhibit with the Linda Hall Library.
Lobster Fest | Monday, Jan.27-Sunday, Feb. 2 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro, Overland Park | $10+ | This once-a-year meal features all sorts of indulgent, buttery creations — like its slider rolls with citrus celery aioli, microgreens, and tender lobster on a butter-toasted bun.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
AI Secrets for Professionals Workshop | 5-7:30 p.m. | Mazuma Credit Union, Overland Park | Donation | Cover practical real-world use cases on how to incorporate AI in marketing, research, and content development, with event proceeds benefiting WeCodeKC.
PNC Broadway in Kansas City Presents “Parade” | Tuesday, Jan. 28-Sunday, Feb. 2 | Times vary | Kauffman Center | $61+ | Winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, this hit show follows a newlywed Jewish couple’s struggle to make a life in rural Georgia.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in Concert | Wednesday, Jan. 29-Saturday, Feb. 1 | Times vary | Helzberg Hall | $188+ | Still waiting for your letter from Hogwarts? Relive the film that started it all as the KC Symphony performs John Williams’ iconic score live.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Studio Night: Balance & Body | 6-8 p.m. | Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art | Donation | Materials are provided for an evening of artist-led figure drawing inspired by works on view in the galleries.
LIVE + LOCAL, KCUR’s Generation Listen | 6:30 p.m. | KCUR Studios | $20 | Fans of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts can listen to area acts “indie pop” True Lions and “post-country” Big Fat Cow as they vie for a spot on the viral series.
It’s time to plug in and press play, Kansas City. | Photo provided by Country Club Bank
On the hunt for a new podcast recommendation? Enter: “Banking on KC,” a weekly podcast by Country Club Bank that highlights the innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the future of our community.
Hosted by Kelly Scanlon, recognized as KC’s champion of entrepreneurs, each episode features insightful interviews with influential local figures from various sectors (think: business, nonprofit, and more).
From navigating complex business landscapes and addressing food insecurity to fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the show takes an in-depth look at what makes our city a vibrant, thriving community.
Here are some recent episodes to add to your listening queue:
Tamara Weber of Pete’s Garden: Fighting Food Waste and Feeding Families
Amber Schreiber, Hilda McKeel, and Rebecca McKeel of The Golden Scoop: Empowering Through Ice Cream
Kim Thornton and Bryan Mallory of Country Club Bank: The Coats for Kids Program
The best part?Episodes range from 15 to 40 minutes (read: perfect for your morning commute or lunch break).
Waterfront property alert: A 6,630-sqft home in the gated Loch Lloyd community is on the market. Check out the recently updated residence’s two kitchens, main office with see-through fireplace, infinity edge pool, and spiral staircase connecting the covered patio and deck — all with sweeping views of the lake. (Courtesy of Kristin Malfer Compass Realty Group)
Transit
For the next two(-ish) weeks, KC Streetcar service is temporarily suspended as construction crews connect the Riverfront Extension to its existing tracks. RideKC buses will pick up the slack in the meantime, taking downtown travelers to-and-fro during typical streetcar hours.
Plan Ahead
“A universe of ineffable gaudiness” is the promise of Operation: Gatsby, a Roaring 20s-style party celebrating 100 years of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel. Hosted by the National WWI Museum and Memorial, guests are invited to throw on their glad rags for an evening of live jazz and lots of giggle water on Thursday, April 10.
Sports
Is your business cooking up something special for the World Cup? if so, KC2026 wants to know. To help the organization build out a comprehensive transportation plan, fill out this survey with any community events and transportation ideas (like shuttles, guided paths, etc.) by Friday, Feb. 28.
Opening
Spokes Café is pedaling its way to a new downtown location inside the Commerce Bank Building. Construction is wrapping up soon, with plans for the duo bike-and-coffee shop to open its new digs along the streetcar route in March. In the meantime, coffee-lovers and cyclists can still get their fix at 929 Walnut St. (KCBJ)
Announced
Prioritize your wellness with Pause. The LA-based biz is bringing its various rejuvenation services, like IV drips, infrared sauna sessions, and float therapy, to OP’s Prairiefire this summer. Once open, guests can opt for individual services or purchase memberships to the studio. (Johnson County Post)
Eat
Crossroads food hall Parlor has another vendor on its plate: Food Pedaler, a Southern-inspired eatery focused on healthy proteins. With items like bison meatballs, roasted chicken over popcorn polenta, and housemade lasagna, we’re sure it’ll be a hit following the first-floor spot’s February debut. Now, about that crème brulée pizza...(Kansas City Magazine)
Drink
Wash down this dining news with a final farewell to Vincent Van Goat, a longtime staple of West 39th cocktail bar Goat & Rabbit. The inventive sake libation features wafer paper and edible paint for guests to create their own art on the rocks. Try it before it leaves the menu.
Home
Leaks don’t just ruin your day — they can damage your home. Get a free quote from Remodel Your Home to connect with roofing pros who specialize in leak-proof solutions.*
Try This
Underdog’s daily fantasy games are officially live in our state, KC. Make picks to win real money, and get up to $1,000 in bonus cash with code KCTODAY. Download for free.*†
† For entertainment purposes only. Must be 21+ to participate. Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Buy
The Buy
The perfect Valentine’s Day gift doesn’t exi… Enter: Squishmallows. From ages three to 103, we’re pretty sure these ultra-soft, best-selling stuffed animals will make any age smile. We’re loving these five love day-inspired Squishmallows:
Back to back to back. If I’ve learned anything from last year’s coverage, it’s that the two weeks before Super Bowl Sunday may just be KC’s busiest ever. Want to know where to find the best gear? Which local spots are throwing parties? What to order for your snack spread? Drop me a line and I’ll share the planning pro tips.
}})
