Keep your recipes close to your chest, unless they’re good enough to share in a museum exhibit. | Photo by Museum of BBQ
KC is the (unofficial) barbecue capital of the world, so it’s only befitting that the world’s first Museum of BBQ is being slow-cookedup at Crown Center — and we’ve got the dish on its latest updates.
Set to debut Saturday, April 12, guests will go on a gastronomic journey through two unique paths: one dedicated to the US’ famous barbecue regions (the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and KC), and the second focusing on the elements that go into making barbecue so finger-licking good.
Unlocking a fantasy we never knew we had...
Photo by Museum of BBQ
Hungry for more? Here’s a taste of what to expect come opening day:
Interactive activities like a spice guessing game, smoke ring toss, and (our favorite) a human-sized baked bean pit sponsored by Bush’s® Beans
Plenty of photo ops, including a butcher’s apron + (plushy) meat and a championship mustard belt
Tips and tricks from its Prairie Fresh listening station, plus a barbecue-themed dad jokes exhibit
Kansas City FilmFest International | Thursday, March 27-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | AMC Ward Parkway | $10+ | For nearly 30 years, Kansas Citians have connected with hundreds of stories spanning the globe and their very backyard through these silver screen showings.
Amy Kligman and Basil Kincaid: Artists Talk and Opening Reception | 6-8 p.m. | Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park, KS | Free | Join a free talk with the artists featured in the museum’s upcoming exhibitions: Amy Kligman: The Salon for Possible Futures and Positive Obsession: Drawings by Basil Kincaid — reception to follow.*
Friday, March 28
Drink Your History: Classic American Cocktails | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Alexander Majors House Museum | $30 | Step into the world of Jerry Thomas, the father of modern bartending, and sample drinks from the first-ever cocktail recipe book.
Crime Junkie Podcast Live: “Life Rule #10 Tour” | 7:30 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena, Independence | $36+ | The hit true-crime series brings its gripping storytelling to a live audience for an unforgettable night and an even more unforgettable case.
On The Couch, Vol. 2 | 9-11 p.m. | Third Place Lounge | $5 | Strike up a conversation on its two-way chairs, chill out on the indoor swing, or hang by the bar to enjoy its inventive cocktail + mocktail menu while the speakers croon out smooth R&B tunes.
Saturday, March 29
The Eat Local & Organic Expo | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Avila University | Free entry | Sign-up for weekly farm shares, buy transplants for your own gardens, and shop the freshest early season products for this weekend’s dinner party.
A Taste of India | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Museum of Kansas City | $15 | Follow along as two locals lead you through the traditions of Indian cooking, offering up fresh tastings of chicken tikka masala, rice pulao, and eggplant fritters.
Sunday, March 30
Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals | 1:10 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $8+ | Score seats to the final day of Opening Weekend with its Sunday 4-Pack ($60+) for four tickets, four dogs, four sodas, and a parking pass.
Live Music with Kari King | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery, Excelsior Springs | Free entry | Escape the city to enjoy a glass of wine + live music with friends on its gorgeous deck, complete with all encompassing vistas of rolling hills, green hues + lush blooms.
Copa de Calle brings soccer tennis to KC streets this weekend, with Vietnamese-themed courts in the River Market + Mexican-themed courts in the Crossroads. Expect DJs, local vendors (hello, Café Cà Phê + Café Ollama), and serious footwork from Ryogoku Soccer Academy. (Startland News)
Opening
Tiki Taco is expanding to stomachs — ahem, storefronts — across the metro, with a new location taking over downtown Shawnee’s former Al Chile Taco Shop. Its fourth metro spot opens in Olathe this May, with the 11200 Johnson Dr. restaurant debuting later this summer. Too many tacos, too little time? A taco bus tour could be in order. (Kansas City Star + IN Kansas City)
Drink
Missouri saved the European wine industry in the 1870s, yet KC isn’t exactly known as a wine hub. Time to change that.Sip local labels at metro restaurants and shops, including Domaine Désiré Petit, the family brand of France native + Westport Café Chef Romain Monnoyeur. (Kansas City Magazine)
Sports
It might not be football season, but we’re ready to file in for a peek at KU’s newly renovated Anderson Family Football Complex. The new team room overlooks David Booth Memorial Stadium, which is still under construction ahead of the Jayhawks return this upcoming season. Stack it up against a longtime rival. (FOX4)
Family
Spring Break is over, and summer’s creeping closer. Keep the kiddos entertained (and out of your hair) with KC Mom Collective’s top sleepaway camp picks across Kansas and Missouri.
Fun Fact
DYK, an Eastern Cottonwood in Kessler Park is one of, if not, Missouri’s largest tree. Entering the rings at a whopping ~125 ft with a crown spread of ~120 ft, see this beautiful behemoth budding near the center of the disc golf course, or admire from afar with a pic from one of KC’s talented photographers.
Civic
Fender Bender 101. If you crash into something inanimate — a sign, pole, or fire hydrant — do you have to report it? When you damage something other than your car, KCPD says yes, but many minor cases can be handled online or via 311. Luckily, National Bike Month is just around the corner. (Kansas City Star)
Closed
Sad news for slice lovers — d’Bronx has seemingly shut its final location in Overland Park. No official word yet, but neighbors report locked doors for days. If true, one of KC’s most nostalgic pizza spots is leaving some not-so-dry eyes and lots of empty bellies in its wake. (Kansas City Star)
Travel
Making summer 2025 your main character era? Perfect timing: Snag this travel credit card’s rare, limited-time welcome bonus (worth ~$1,000) to fuel your summer adventures — whether it’s island-hopping like a Love Is Blind escapee, chasing Sabrina or Kendrick on tour, or simply living your best jet-set life.*
Finance
If you’re in credit card debt, you could spend hours (or days, or weeks) mapping out how to reduce it on your own... or you could let Freedom Debt Relief step in to renegotiate with debtors and consolidate your payments. See if you qualify.*
Wellness
Looking to boost hair thickness and volume in as little as 3-6 months?† Through Hims & Hers, you can access personalized, clinically-backed treatment options without leaving home (if prescribed). Skip the office visits and insurance headaches — just effective solutions that work.*
†Based on separate individual studies of oral minoxidil and oral finasteride. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
The Buy
The Buy
A purse organizer that’s 69% off thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Say goodbye to a messy handbag with this organizer featuring 13 thoughtfully designed pockets to keep everything in its place. Read: You’ll never be endlessly digging around for your keys again.
After updating our volunteer guide recently, I figured it was only fair to put my own name in the hat — so I sent out a few interest forms to two nonprofits on our list.
If you’ve also been looking for sign to start giving back, here’s one that’ll make a big impact: Big Brothers Big Sisters KC has 208 local kids on their waitlist, with the biggest need in eastern Jackson County + Downtown.
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