Jason Momoa gave autographs at 2018’s con — and even got gifted a Chiefs jersey of his own. | Photo via PCKC Media Team
Fantasy leagues, foodies, local policy wonks — we all geek out for something.
Now in its 26th year, Planet Comicon Kansas City is the region’s largest and longest-running convention for pop culture, comics, and cosplay. Dive into the details, plus what to expect if you’re downtown next weekend.
The need-to-know info
Planet Comicon Kansas City happens at Bartle Hall from 1 p.m. on Friday, March 21 through 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 23. Grab tickets — pro tip: children 8-12 get in free on Sunday. (Kids seven and under are free every day.)
The 400,000-sqft convention floor will feature 500+ artists and vendors, including:
Big names on Celebrity Row, including stars from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and Doc Brown himself, Christopher Lloyd.
Exhibitors selling handmade crafts, original art, and rare collector’s items.
Maker demos, interviews, and panels like “Watching the ‘Watchmen’ with Carla Gugino and Malin Akerman” + a spotlight discussion with Ann-Margaret. Panels are first come, first served.
Cosplayers in their finest duds across the convention.
A. The legendary Royals’ Rally Mantis B. Your favorite barbecue sauce, aka “Kansas City’s Finest” C. IRL hometown heroes, like Amelia Earhart or Charlie Parker D. A glittering, flowy fountain (must carry a spray bottle)
Yoga at the Zoo | 6:30-8 p.m. | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium | $20 | Stretch out inside the Stingray Bay at this duo yoga sesh and animal keeper chat, with all proceeds supporting conservation efforts.
Thursday, March 13
Night at the Arboretum | 5-9 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | $7 | As darkness falls, explore the gardens under the stars, peer through giant telescopes, and discover the wonders of nocturnal wildlife.
MF DOOM, Rap’s Masked Iconoclast | 6-7 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library — Lucile H. Bluford Branch | Free, RSVP | S.H. “SKIZ” Fernando tells the stories behind the hip-hop legend in a new biography dissecting the personas, projects, tracks, and lyrics that led to his successful career and legacy.
Opus 76 Quartet Signature Series | 6-7:30 p.m. | Old Mission United Methodist Church, Fairway | $20+ | Curated by cellist Daniel Ketter, immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Schumann’s Quartet No.3 and Brahms’s C minor quartet in this intimate setting.
Friday, March 14
Paint-A-Palooza | 9 a.m. | Lenexa Public Market | $30+ | Get ready for an incredible weekend of painting with hands-on workshops, challenges, and dedicated hobby time, all while learning from experienced instructors who share your passion for miniature painting.
Feast of St. Patrick | Friday, March 14-Sunday, March 16 | Times vary | Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bonner Springs | $200 | Enjoy a fine dining experience in a private heated igloo for two featuring a four-course menu with items like pork tenderloin covered in apricot glaze, garlic roasted red potatoes, and bread pudding.
Saturday, March 15
St. Patrick’s Day 5K | 8 a.m. | 200 E. 135th St. | $31+ | Bring on your best St. Patrick’s outfit and win the costume contest (whether or not you win the race overall).
Portland Thorns FC vs. Kansas City Current | 11:45 a.m. | CPKC Stadium | $28+ | The energy will be tidal-wave strong at the riverfront stadium’s second-ever home opener.
Karen Russell Discusses “The Antidote” | 2-3 p.m. | Unity Temple on The Plaza, Charles Fillmore Chapel | $32 | Dive into the gripping dust bowl epic with its bestselling, Pulitzer-finalist author and get your copy signed.
Sunday, March 16
Bonnie Raitt | 7:30 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $175 | Slide guitar, bluesy vocals, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer — Bonnie Raitt brings her iconic sound to one of KC’s most storied venues.
Add this to your tailgate playlist. Kansas City’s official FIFA World Cup 26 theme song, produced by rapper Tech N9ne, sounds like a chant you’d hear at Arrowhead Stadium. Listen to our host city sonic ID (and 10 others) now on Spotify.
Sports
Downtown’s buzzing with Big 12 Tournament energy and you can get in on the action with the Star’s guide to food, music, and prizes around T-Mobile + Power & Light. Want to catch a game? Score tickets to see K-State and Kansas starting at $25. (Kansas City Star)
Opening
Skip the coffeehouse for the kava-house.Deviant Kava will bring the South Pacific’s calming, buzzy drink to Parkville, along with mocktails, kombucha, espresso, and tea later this month. Open morning to late night, it’ll be the perfect spot to unwind without the caffeine jitters. (Kansas City Star)
Development
Once host to legends like Duke Ellington and Van Morrison, El Torreon Ballroom is set for a comeback. The space is being restored to a 1,500-capacity venue, bringing new life to Midtown’s music scene. While progress has been slow, renovations are expected to ramp up later this year. (Kansas City Star)
Drink
Looking for your St. Patrick’s Day game plan? IN Kansas City rounded up six local Irish pubs, from classic dives to modern hangouts. Whether you’re after a perfect pour of Guinness or a rowdy night of live music, there’s a spot waiting to raise a glass with you.
Outdoors
Night owls, it’s your time to shine. Later this week, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across the US, illuminating the moon in a dusty red hue called a “blood worm moon.” Here in Kansas City, the total eclipse will begin on Friday at 1:26 a.m. (NPR)
Closed
Independence’s Adventure Oasis Water Park has closed indefinitely, citing costly repairs and safety concerns. With summer around the corner, city leaders are asking for community input on a new comprehensive parks plan. Stay tuned to see what’s next for this longtime family favorite. (FOX4)
Family
Named the most interactive wildlife park in the Midwest, this destination draws visitors from around the world. Lucky for us, it’s just a ~three-hour drive away. Snag an all-inclusive Best Day Bundle and score full park admission, unlimited feedings, premium animal experiences, and more.*
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at NOVAtoday and craft daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Try This
Looking to build your dream team? Connect with incredible local talent right here in your community. Post your job listing with us today — first one is free — and find the perfect fit for your team in no time.
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of buttery soft joggers. They’re available in 16 different colors, including posh pastels like pink suede and mint green that are perfect for spring.
The Slow Rise saga continues. As if to taunt me with my white whale — the popular sourdough pop-up collaborated with Boulevard Brewing Co. to create a Pandan Coconut Doughnut Ale. The bright green brew was made using 500 Slow Rise treats in its mash, perhaps the closest I’ll get to tasting one before the bakery’s brick-and-mortar debut.
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