If you’re the type of Kansas Citian who would rather chase a new adventure than watch the day drip away, here’s your storm-proof guide to making the most of a rainy forecast.
Want a hobby-adjacent escape? At Cardboard Corner Café in Overland Park, you’ll find over 250 board games, a full cafe menu, and enough boba tea to keep you fueled for hours.
Welling up with your own waterworks? We’ve been there, done that. Grab a coffee at Café Cà Phê and watch the rainy city slip by or linger on the mezzanine at Union Station if you’re in the mood to channel a little main character energy.
Board Game Night | 7-9 p.m. | NYX Lounge, Gladstone | Menu price | Whether you prefer classics like Connect 4 or something with a bit more edge like Cards Against Humanity, sip on your favorite drinks while savoring a bit of friendly competition.
Thursday, May 1
The Making of Our Planet: “Life on Our Planet” | Thursday, May 1-Friday, May 2 | Times vary | Polsky Theatre, Overland Park | $6+ | Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from the explorers, filmmakers, scientists, and adventurers that created some of the most eye-catching footage of our planet.
Friday, May 2
KC Clay Guild Spring Sale | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | 7850 Holmes Rd., KCMO | Price of purchase | Pick out a Mother’s Day gift from one of 45+ local artists and Guild members selling everything from functional pottery to jewelry.
Saturday, May 3
Wings Over Weston | 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | 16600 State Rte. 45 N., Weston | Free | Experience the luscious greenery of a Missouri state park with this bird migration celebration featuring hands-on feeder workshops, a monarch butterfly program, native plant sales, and guided walks.
9th Annual Weston WineFest | 12-7 p.m. | Pirtle Winery, Weston | $35+ | Bring a big group or just your bestie to sip selections from 10 local wineries while enjoying live music and food truck fare.
Sunday, May 4
Kite Fest at the Arboretum | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | Free | Let your spirits fly high with a breezy, laid-back day full of colorful kites.
Whether you’re a regular rider or just dusting off your bike, Bike Month is your time to get moving and reconnect with the community. | Photos courtesy of Mid-America Regional Council
Let the good rides roll during Bike Month, Kansas City.
ICYMI, May is National Bike Month. Established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month is a great chance to get back on your bike and experience the joy of cycling.
All month long, you’re invited to celebrate biking as a fun, healthy way to get around. From the breeze in your face to the boost in your mood, discover how you can feel your best on a bike.
But why cycle alone? Take the opportunity to experience bikes in our community, whether you’re:
On a group ride
Leading your kids’ biking school bus
Or simply waving to your neighbors as you roll by
Explore the Mid-America Regional Council’s Bike Month page for local resources, such as the Regional Trails & Bikeways Map and how to start a bike bus at your school, to use this month — and beyond.
Power & Light has ordered a new three-in-one deal thanks to a partnership with the family behind Jerusalem Café, Chick-In Waffle, and non-alcohol bar Virgin Rebel. Also on the metro-area menu: Shake Shack’s fourth KC location in the up-and-coming Merriam Grand Station. (Startland News + KCBJ)
Civic
ICYMI, City Council partly approved a plan encouraging re-investment along Prospect Avenue with the goal of 40,000 new residents, 15,000 new jobs, and 17,000 new homes. You can browse the comprehensive 101-page plan yourself or dive in to the Kansas City Star’s high-level overview.
Feel Good
Send something sweet to the heroes at Children’s Mercy with Donutology’s Care to Share boxes. Throughout May, your $50 order includes two dozen classic donuts, a message of encouragement, a $10 donation, and free delivery to the team of your choice — including an option to share with patients’ families.
Development
September or October — that’s the latest tentative opening for the much-anticipated Rock Island Bridge development, originally expected to open in March 2023. Once completed, visitors will get to explore 11,000 sqft of entertainment space suspended over the Kansas River, featuring food + beverage options as well as drop-down screens and heaters. (KCBJ)
Try This
Warm temps and high spirits are set to make this week’s First Fridays celebration one for the books. Treasure hunters can enjoy a balmy forecast with a trip to Bella Patina’s seasonal Sidewalk Show on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closing
CHILL in the Village is passing the scoop to a regional sweets shop following its closure at the end of May. The Shops of Prairie Village location will be taken over by Missouri-based Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Ice Cream, known for innovative flavors (like this season’s Great Gatbsy theme) and an array of non-dairy options. (Johnson County Post)
Travel
Mapping out your summer travel plans? Perfect timing: Snag this travel credit card’s rare, limited-time welcome bonus to fuel your adventures — whether it’s luxuriating at a resort that could be seen in “The White Lotus,” or city-hopping to visit friends + fam.*
Wellness
Struggling to shed pounds?Simple is a science-backed app that helps users lose weight with habit trackers, fasting schedules, and personal coaching. Join millions who’ve already lost weight without medication, sustainably. Take the quiz to start your journey and get 50% off.*
Biz
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Pro Tip
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The Buy
The viral beauty essential you’re most eager to try out:
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Beginning Monday, we’ll be highlighting exceptional local spots as part of National Small Business Week — but I’m getting a head start. I can’t help but keep fangirling over May Day Paper & Post’s recent expansion to Brookside, especially when this weekend’s grand opening includes major deals on cards, pens, and stickers Thursday through Sunday.
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