This valentine, received by a Kansas City resident, is featured in KCPL’s extensive Mrs. Sam Ray Postcard Collection. | Postcard via MVSC
You may have heard the term used to describe those random celebrations of (obligated) gift-giving, but — while there are certainly lots of cards involved — the KC company had no part in creating them. That’s not to say it’s entirely innocent...
With Valentine’s Day upon us, we figured it was time to take a look at the abridged origins of a few “Hallmark holidays” and how this hometown card company joined the party.
Like your high school sweetheart...
This story has been more or less lost to time. Valentine’s Day may have started with a Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia, or the martyrdom of multiple same-named Christian saints — either way, people were writing letters to their “well-beloved valentines” by the late 1400s.
When you care enough to send the very best
As for Hallmark’s part in it all, teenage founder J.C. Hall began selling V-Day postcards in 1910 before stocking shelves with originally designed valentines in 1916.
Nowadays, we have Hallmark to thank (in part) for the roughly 145 million Valentine’s Day cards exchanged each year — a small fraction of the $185 spent per person on the holiday annually.
Oscar Shorts | Friday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 23 | Times vary | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | $10+ | Play the part of the Academy as you watch Oscar-nominated short films in documentary, animation, and live action before the awards ceremony on Sunday, March 2.
On The Couch Vol. 1 | 9 p.m. | Third Place Lounge | $5 | Come for a casual Valentine’s Day celebration “on the couch” with smooth R&B tunes, delicious tacos, and good vibes.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Yoga at the Kauffman Center | 8:30 a.m. | Brandmeyer Great Hall | $10 | Activate your mind, body, spirit, and heart with a stretch sesh featuring sweeping views of the Kansas City skyline.
2025 KC Love Event | Saturday, Feb. 15-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Union Station | $5 | From local artists and delicious food to eye-catching photo ops and interactive games, it’s everything you love about shopping inside KC’s most iconic venue.
Cupid’s Undie Run | 12-4 p.m. | McFadden’s Sports Saloon | $40 | Strip down for a cheeky jog that ends with an epic dance party, all supporting neurofibromatosis research.
Books and Brews | 2-3 p.m. | AiZen Root Remedy | $5 | Bring a book written by a Black author wrapped up for a white elephant-style exchange and leave with something new to read.
Singles Awareness Day | 6 p.m.-1 a.m. | VOO Lounge | No cover | Flying solo? Shred a photo of your ex while enjoying drink specials, giveaways, and live music with Darren Dowler.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Cousins Maine Lobster Pop-up | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Casual Animal Brewing Co. | Menu price | If you haven’t devoured its garlic butter roll or the smothered & covered tots, now is your chance to try the “Shark Tank”-famous food truck.
4th Annual Krewe de Cryptid Parade and Party | 4 p.m. | Happy Trees Painting | $15 | Costumed creatures and curiosities are invited to march along with Sass-A-Brass, ending in a full evening of live music, whimsical art, complementary drinks, and king cake.
Monday, Feb. 17
Drop-In History: President’s Day | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | John Wornall House Museum | Free | For one day only, the historic 1858 home is letting guests step back in time with a showcase of presidential memorabilia and artifacts not typically on display.
Brownie Batter Dream is a first-of-its-kind nighttime blend for better sleep, now available hemp-free. | Photo by Beam Organics
Say you can’t sleep? Baby, I know... that’s that anxiety. (Or high cortisol, or existential dread...)
Luckily Beam Dream’s best-selling Brownie Batter hot cocoa packed with five powerful ingredients for deep rest improves sleep for 93% of users, helping you fall asleep faster + stay asleep longer. (Plus, zero added sugar + only 15 calories.)
Q39 and Joe’s KC BBQ are two of the most-reviewed US barbecue restaurants from the past 20 years of Google Maps. These local spots have an average 4.8-star rating and over 31,000 reviews total, including John P.'s that says Joe’s serves “delicious, affordable meals with a touch of local charm.”
Number
$200+. That’s how much a one-day adult pass to Disneyland costs now. Consider spending that money closer to home with these kid-friendly activities around Kansas City. (The Wall Street Journal)
Fun Fact
Planning a wedding? You’re in luck — Taco Bell recently launched a $777 Vegas-themed wedding package featuring all the bells and whistles, like an Elvis impersonator and a Taco Bell hot sauce bouquet. For those who don’t see the vision, we’ve got a guide to local venues. (People)
Tech
A new app called WikiTok allows users to scroll through Wikipedia articles without end. Of course, our Instagram page is basically the local equivalent; just scroll through our Reels to learn new things about Kansas City every day. (Ars Technica)
Health
Feel like your vision benefits are leaving you in the dark? Brighten things up with VSP® Individual Vision Plans, starting as low as $13 a month.*
City Guide
City Guide
Will you accept this date idea? 🌹
If you want a truly intimate date visit The Hey! Hey! Club at J. Rieger & Co. | Photo by J. Rieger & Co.
Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to KCtoday.
Whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 15+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
Plan a date at The Bird Comedy Theater and spend an evening cackling with your partner. Bonus: Walk a block to Kon Tiki for a tropical night cap + a bite at Conchita Tacos next door.
If you love the great outdoors
Stroll the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium like two love birds — plus drop by tomorrow, Feb. 15 for Kiss & Tail, a skit comedy show featuring some of the region’s finest performers reenacting the animal kingdom’s most unique mating rituals.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
Fight zombies or fill orders in virtual reality while chowing down on real life nachos and beer at DoubleTap KC.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Friday… a combo that won’t happen again for another six years. Why not treat yourself for the occasion? We’ve got five picks we think you’ll love.
Are you watching “The Proposal” or “Hope Floats” this weekend? According to recent data from Roku, they’re the most popular romance movie in MO and KS, respectively. “Moonstruck” tops the chart as the most popular romance film in eight different states.
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