If only this newsletter was a scratch-and-sniff. | Photo via The Corner Candleshop
In honor of National Small Business Week, we’ve tapped into the heart of Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit by asking local business owners to share their must-try experiences and products.
Take our word for it
Big Muddy Gear Exchange, outdoor gear consignment and repair shop: “Find us! Our shop is definitely off the beaten path, but we like our easy access to the Kansas River for paddling and the levy trails for cycling. Once you see the bright green building, you’ve made it!” Sounds like our kind of adventure.
SpraySeeMO Mural Festival, week-long public art experience: “Pull up the interactive Mural Map on our website and visit some of the massive murals in person!”
The Corner Candleshop, neighborhood candlemakers: “They have to smell our Brookside Bungalow — a calming watermint blend that has been a fan favorite forever.”
This small biz storefront is less brick-and-mortar, more sidewalk adventure.
Photo via SpraySeeMO.
Support local, shop local
Want even more ways to explore KC’s small biz scene? Here’s our lightning round full of local services + retail stores:
Elite Feet, specialty athletic shoes: Check out its “Shoeseum” and donate your gently used pairs
TAG Canine Massage, (you heard us right): Bring Fido in for a pet sesh that’s sure to relax
LADYCO, women’s boutique: Shop its inclusive selection of clothing sizes and don’t skip its amazing denim section
Dark Romance Book Club | 7-9 p.m. | ReRoll Tavern | Free, RSVP | Devour “Cruel Seduction” by Katee Robert with fellow book lovers — this sizzling story will inspire an upcoming themed party based on the read.
Tuesday, May 6
Riverdance | Tuesday, May 6-Thursday, May 8 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Music Hall Kansas City | $28+ | What started as a seven-minute filler for the Eurovision Song Contest 30 years ago is now a world-wide sensation of explosive, traditional Irish music and dance.
Wednesday, May 7
Lucy Dacus | 7:15 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $39+ | Indie rocker Lucy Dacus brings her new acoustic pop hits from “Forever is a Feeling” for an unforgettable night of introspection and catchy tunes.
Thursday, May 8
ARTPOP | 6-9 p.m. | Kansas City Art Institute | $75+ | Explore studios, meet talented students and faculty, and enjoy curated bites and cocktails at this art-filled evening of creativity.
Bored Teachers | 7:30 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $39+ | Laugh through the last stretch of the school year with a comedy show that hilariously captures the everyday chaos of classroom life.
Friday, May 9
4th Annual Olathe Culture Fest | 5-8 p.m. | 111 S. Cherry St., Olathe, KS | Free | Enjoy food trucks, live music, performances, and a lowrider car show at Olathe’s annual family-friendly bash.
Saturday, May 10
A Match Made in Heaven Gala | 6-10 p.m. | Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park, KS | $250+ | Join artist Katherine Bernhardt, fashion designer Jeremy Scott, and special guests from The House of Avalon as you’re transported into a world of pop culture through food, fashion, and art.*
Slow Rise fans, buckle up: the cult-favorite sourdough doughnut pop-up has signed a lease for a brick-and-mortar. Location? Northeast of Quivera and 135th, in the former Jonathan’s BBQ Soulfood Cajun Creole. But if you’ve waited hours for those pillowy treats, you know the drill — comfy shoes, stretchy pants, and patience. (Kansas City Star)
Civic
A new name for an old street? Along with interviewing City Manager hopefuls and cracking down on predatory towing last week, City Council will hold a public hearing tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6 at 12 p.m., to discuss renaming Troost Avenue to “Truth Avenue.” (KMBC + FOX4)
Mansion Monday
In addition to walls of floor-to-ceiling windows and an airy, modern great room, this 5,113-sqft estate also features a quartz-adorned chef’s kitchen, freestanding soaker tub, and sunroom leading to a lush, private deck perfect for backyard barbecues. Take a tour. (Kristin Malfer Compass Realty)
Trending
If you still haven’t scored your Taps & Tastes entry, here’s another reason to get to it — Tech N9ne will personally pour his Bou Lou brew for early admission ticket holders during the first hour of Taps & Tastes on Saturday, June 14 — and fans are hyped.
Sports
The GOAT meets golf. KC native golf icon Tom Watson and the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation will cover junior golfers tee times between May 26 and June 27 at 13 metro courses. Prefer putt-putt? Craft Putt’s new 10-hole indoor course just opened in Lee’s Summit. (KCBJ)
Announced
On Saturday, May 17 after seven flavorful years, chef-owners Pam + Ted Liberda are leaving Waldo Thai to refocus on Buck Tui BBQ, MuNi, and an undisclosed future project. New operators will take over immediately, so no need to cancel your dinner reservations.(Kansas City Star)
Show
Regina George called — and you can totally sit with us at the hilarious Broadway hit, “Mean Girls,” coming to Starlight Theatre from Tuesday, May 20 to Sunday, May 25. Get in: We’re going to Starlight — snag tickets.*
Wellness
Discover your biological age with a single blood test taken at home. Starting at $499, TruAge gives you a personalized longevity plan — save 20% with code WELLNESS20.*
Announced
While spots in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide are closed ahead of Mother’s Day, we have a few more for Father’s Day. Hurry — save 20% with code PGG2025 when you secure your spot now.
Did you know it’s possible to shop small on Amazon? Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these five items that can be personalized with your name or message:
“May the Fifth be with you” might not have the same ring, but for Northlander Duncan Jenkins, every day is Star Wars Day. His 5,000-sqft private museum — packed wall-to-wall with movie franchise memorabilia — is a collector’s dream.
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