There are a few things to know before you’re hurtling along the moving walkways. | Photo by KCtoday
Traveling by plane is fun, but the whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at KCI as smooth as possible, we created this guide that covers everything from parking and gates to food, drink, and nonstop flights.
What to know
TSA | Security check times will vary — 16 lanes are centrally located next to the check-in desks. Streamline the process with TSA PreCheck.
Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, this interactive map will get you started. Think of the shape of the terminal like a big “H” for “home.”
Food and drink | Between four coffee roasters, three barbecue options, three craft breweries, two food halls, and other local favorites, this terminal features 50+ food and retail options.
Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Reminder| By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID (or other approved document) to board commercial flights in the US.
Fun fact: KCI’s identifier code is actually MCI, which stands for Mid-Continent International Airport. That’s what it used to be called before the name changed in 1972.
Kansas City AI Club: AI’s Social & Community Impact | 5-7 p.m. | Mazuma Credit Union, Overland Park | $10 | Whether you’re an AI aficionado or just ChatGPT-curious, join a panel of experts as they unpack the practical uses and ethical dilemmas of AI’s growing influence.
Wednesday, March 5
Big 12 Womens Basketball Tournament | 11 a.m. | T-Mobile Center | $5+ | Sixteen regional teams are hitting the hardwood, with BYU and UCF tipping things off.
Vivid Visions | 6-8 p.m. | Folly Theater | $20 | Local musicians Aryana Nemati, Jackie Myers, and Kara Smith sit down with KCUR’s Steve Kraske to explore how KC jazz can evolve into a more inclusive and dynamic space.
Thursday, March 6
Shamrock & Shake Cocktail Class | 6-7 p.m. | VOO Lounge | $40 | This spirited cocktail class celebrates all things Irish with a hands-on workshop shaking up festive, flavorful drinks.
Bob Wills Texas Playboys | 8 p.m. | Knuckleheads Saloon | $35+ | Western swing never sounded so good. With a signature “AH-ha” and a fiddle in full force, this legendary band keeps a nearly century-old tradition alive.
Friday, March 7
Raspberry Spring Expo | Friday, March 7-Saturday, March 8 | Times vary | The Pavilion At John Knox Village, Lees Summit | Free entry | Shake off winter and stroll through 100+ booths of seasonal decor, handmade crafts, and all things fresh and floral.
National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic | Friday, March 7-Sunday, March 9 | Times vary | Kansas City Convention Center | $15 | The nation’s largest upland tradeshow is bringing 400+ vendors and attractions like a Concert for Conservation to the region’s hunters, landowners, and bird dog enthusiasts.
Literary Series at 1900: The Poetry of Place | 6:30-9 p.m. | 1900 Building, Mission Woods | $75 | Celebrate the art of poetry with Heartland writers while enjoying live jazz and curated bites from the Restaurant at 1900.
“How to Train Your Dragon” in Concert | 8 p.m. | Helzberg Hall | $168 | A young Viking and a ferocious dragon band together as unlikely heroes in this all-ages flick, presented alongside the Kansas City Symphony’s live rendition of the score.
Saturday, March 8
St. Patrick’s Day Parade | 10 a.m. | Downtown Overland Park | Free | Get your green on for a lively parade, festive floats, and plenty of post-parade pints at local spots.
5 reasons this wildlife park is the ultimate family destination
Presented by Tanganyika Wildlife Park
The perks are endless with the Best Day Bundle. | Photo provided by Tanganyika Wildlife Park
With only 18 summers before they grow up, there’s only so much time to create memories through experiences your kids will cherish forever.
That’s where Tanganyika Wildlife Park comes in. With an all-inclusive Best Day Bundle, families can expect an adventure packed with fun and unlimited perks, including:
Full park admission | Immerse yourself in hands-on animal encounters
Unlimited feedings | Get up close and personal with hippos, lemurs, rhinos, and more
All-inclusive dining | No need to worry about breakfast, lunch, snacks, or drinks
Two premium animal experiences | Enjoy two of the park’s signature experiences, like feeding a lion or rubbing a rhino’s horn
Named the most interactive wildlife park in the Midwest, Tanganyika draws visitors from around the world — and lucky for us, it’s just a ~three-hour drive away.
Downtown commuters, pump the brakes — two pay-to-park options are coming to KC Streetcar’s Main Street Extension. Along with 160 spots at a UMKC managed parking garage, a new lot of 40+ spots near Winstead’s will offer similar pricing to downtown upon completion. (KCBJ)
Sports
Amid the Royals’ real estate hunt and KC’s WNBA expansion prospects, the Missouri Senate is considering a capital assistance program geared towards funding future pro sports stadiums. The bill would require at least 33% of the project’s total cost to be privately funded with 10% covered by local government. (FOX4)
Arts
We know how to bring home your favorite piece from the Nelson-Atkins, without sneaking by security guards. Its online print shop offers items of various collections, mediums, and subjects — including well-known artworks like Vincent Van Gogh’s “Olive Trees” and Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” Prices start at $25, with framing options offered. (Kansas City Magazine)
Closing
While KC Wineworks is winding down its McGee Street tasting room come Saturday, April 5, fans can still shop its locally sourced sips online and at pop-up events. Its latest offering? A limited release Barrel Reserve Brandy collab with KC-based distillery Lifted Spirits. (KCBJ)
Small Biz
Calling all small biz owners. We’re gearing up for Small Business Week, a celebration of local enterprises from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. If you own a local small business, let us highlight you by filling out this form by Sunday, March 16.
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring over at our newest market. We are looking for a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at the NOVAtoday and lead the charge in crafting 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.
Biz
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — if you’re struggling to find the right candidates, it’s time to try KCtoday Job Board. Post your first job listing for free + get connected with top-quality local talent.
The Buy
The Buy
A cast-iron smash burger press. Made from high-quality cast iron, this grill press uses pressure to improve flavor and texture, get restaurant-quality sear marks, and speed up cooking time of fish, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
I’m heading back to school this spring thanks to Kansas City’s Community University Program, a nine-week course that dives deep into City Hall’s most important functions and services. Interested in joining me?RSVP for its remaining ~15 spots.
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