City of Fountains, Paris of the Plains... may we suggest the Atlantis of the Midwest? | Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, via Wikimedia Commons
It’s in the name, folks. Kansas City doesn’t play when it comes to fountains — with 200+ sprinkled across the metro, Fountain Day is practically a local holiday. Here’s what you need to know before next Wednesday, April 23, marks the official return of all 47 city-operated fountains.
Water ‘bout the history?
The first fountains bubbled up out of need, not beauty, beginning as little more than public troughs. Western travelers in the 1800s would come through Kansas City needing a drink.
We don’t suggest drinking from the fountains nowadays.
Photo via Missouri Valley Special Collections
Then, landscape architect George Kessler designed the first city-built fountain at 15th Street and The Paseo. It was later destroyed, but his second fountain, built in 1899, still exists at 9th Street and The Paseo — as The Women’s Leadership Fountain. These works, part of the City Beautiful urban design movement at the time, inspired other local artists to get into the fountain business.
In 1973, the City of Fountains Foundation was born after a Hallmark executive traveled to Italy and found several fountains in less than ideal condition. That sparked the inspiration for the foundation to maintain KC’s beautiful fountains.
IFCKC April Meeting | 7-10 p.m. | The Bird Comedy Theater | Free | Local creatives come together to connect, learn, and provide insights into what’s happening in the Kansas City film scene.
Thursday, April 17
Sip & Glaze | 6-9 p.m. | City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen | $50+ | Enjoy a tasty drink while friendly instructors guide you to create the one-of-a-kind (functional) ceramic masterpiece of your choice.
Sip & Savor Series: Cocktails & Creations | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Nine Zero One Rooftop Bar & Lounge | $81 | Rather sit back and relax? Keep your drinks at the dinner table with a four-course meal featuring baked brie salad and beef bourguinon, paired with J. Rieger & Co. spirits.
My Jazz Era: Taylor Swift Meets Kansas City | 7-8 p.m. | Tom’s Town Distilling Co. | $29+ | From “Enchanted” to “Exile,” hear the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra perform new takes on your favorite Swiftie anthems while you enjoy a Rhapsody in Blue from the bar.
Friday, April 18
2025 GRIPeq 43rd Kansas City Wide Open | Friday, April 18-Sunday, April 20 | Times vary | Badrock Creek Disc Golf Course, Liberty | $10+ | Watch the top disc golfers in the world compete for a title.
Spring Fling | 5-8 p.m. | Johnson County Square, Olathe | Free | Bring the kids for bounce houses, face painting, and yard games, while the adults unwind with live music + food trucks before settling in together for a movie screening.
Saturday, April 19
Spring Fest | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Zona Rosa | Donation | Run through the Zona Rosa fountains, shop 60+ vendors at its Strawberry Swing pop-up, and dine at food trucks like Cousins Maine Lobster to ring in the season.
Bazinga: A Big Bang Bash! | 7-11:30 p.m. | ReRoll Tavern | $7+ | Get ready for a night of geeky greatness with trivia, themed mini-games, a costume contest, and karaoke.
Sunday, April 20
The Grand Easter Egg Hunt | 4-5 p.m. | The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs | $10 | This one is just for the adults, with an egg hunt featuring prizes like overnight stays and spa items — plus, enjoy a live DJ, exciting giveaways, and a photo booth to capture the fun.
The first project partly funded by the recently passed KCPS bond is officially breaking ground. The King Empowerment Campus will house Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, an Early Childhood Center, and the Family Empowerment Center — all designed to uplift the community. The renderings are worth a peek. (KCTV5)
Civic
The grass is green, the sun is out (mostly), and there’s stadium drama heating up... it’s definitely spring. As the Missouri Senate tees up a way for Clay County to attract pro teams, Kansas City business leaders are calling on City Hall to act fast — or risk losing teams to the other side of state line. (KCBJ)
Announced
While their stadium may be up in the air, two pro stars are closing in on the opening of their modern American steakhouse. 1587 Prime, a new restaurant concept backed by Travis Kelce + Patrick Mahomes, is set to debut inside the Loews Kansas City Hotel this summer. Check out some of the specs. (FOX4)
Plan Ahead
Speaking of Travis... Kelce Jam is returning for the third year in a row — and its Saturday, May 17 date may or may not have accidentally leaked. While its tickets have yet to go live, music festival fans can now snag admission to another Azura Amphitheater celebration, Country Stampede, for Thursday, June 26-Saturday, June 28. (Kansas City Star)
Drink
A new downtown cocktail spot is setting the bar high. Kohinoor, named after one of the world’s most famous diamonds, opens next month with a Latin-inspired drink menu, luxe lounge vibes, and heritage at its heart — thanks to a 26-year-old KC-native owner and a beverage pro behind menus at T’aha Mexican Kitchen + Le Lounge. (Kansas City Star)
Job
Small business owners, we know you wear a lot of hats. Let us handle one. Post your job listing on the KCtoday Job Board for free and get it in front of some of the best local candidates.
Health
Protect your eyes and your wallet when you get personalized coverage with VSP® Individual Vision Plans. Enroll today for as little as $13 a month.*
The Buy
The best pet supply products to simplify at-home care and keep your fur baby happy:
🐾 Pet ear wipes are a quick, one-step solution to make sure pets don’t develop problems caused by build-up.
🐾 This cat + dog steam brush de-sheds better than plain brushes or combs, thanks to hair-attracting steam.
🐾 Eager to avoid expensive teeth cleaning? Once-a-week dental wipes can get you there without tangling with a toothbrush.
🐾 Swapping water bowls for a pet water fountain keeps water filtered and fresh — and pets tend to love drinking from it.
🐾 As seen on TV, Muddy Mats are designed to trap dirt, mud, and sand from paws, keeping entryways clean — no toweling off required.
One of my favorite excuses to stroll the city is neighborhood architecture walks — especially in Volker, with its charming mix of Victorians, Shirtwaists, and gems like the historic Roselawn Estate. Now there’s even more to ogle: Charlotte Street Foundation’s Open Studios returns Saturday, April 26, giving the public inside access to 31 working artists’ spaces.
}})
