This custom neon and vintage neon restoration shop has kept the fires burning since 2022. | Photo by Element Ten
In honor of Small Business Week, we asked some of Kansas City’s own entrepreneurs to spill their favorite spots — and their recs are as local (and lovable) as it gets. Whether you’re a die-hard regular or looking to discover your next hidden gem, these small biz shoutouts are worth adding to your list.
Imagine Radiant Skin Therapy, skincare studio: “For Strange Women is an indie perfume house in the Crossroads. They are uniquely connected with the subtleties and power of fragrance in a way that creates a kinship with its wearer.”
Element Ten, neon studio: “Paulina Otero is a talented artist and jewelry designer who is bringing new experiences to KC with her workshops.”
55th Kansas City Symphony Designers’ Showhouse | Thursday, May 8-Sunday, May 18 | Times vary | 3621 Belleview Ave., Kansas City | $25+ | Nestled in the charming Historic Roanoke neighborhood, explore this magnificent 9,000-sqft residence’s 20 spaces — including a lux basement speakeasy and carriage house — reimagined by 24 designers.
Teal Rising Rally | 4-7 p.m. | Boulevard Brewing Company | Free entry, $5 run tickets | Raise a glass to turning the town teal with a keep-the-pint special, player appearances, Current-inspired beer flight, giveaways, and a grueling 0.5k run/walk around the brewery.
Friday, May 9
Coors Light Presents: Steve Aoki | 7 p.m. | KC Live! Block | $25+ | Are you ready to get caked? The electronic anthem-maker is returning for an open-air session in KC’s downtown party district.
Fusing Date Night: Garden Ornaments | 6-8 p.m. | Belger Glass Annex | $100 | Bring your beau or a bestie to learn from a skilled glass artist and decorate your fused glass creation during this two-hour class.
Saturday, May 10
Cake Picnic in the Orchard | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Colonial Gardens, Blue Springs | $10 | Bring Mom, your friends, and your favorite homemade or store-bought cake to share with fellow picnic-goers in a springtime fête under the apple trees.
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.*
Yoga Haus: A Workout + Workin Experience | 6:30-8 p.m. | In The Lowest Ferns | $31 | For one night only, this greenery-filled, industrial nightclub will feature a high-energy Vinyasa flow, awakening breathwork, and stimulating aromatherapy, all set to a killer playlist.
Parlor Prom | Saturday, May 10 | 8 p.m. | Parlor | $25 | Boogie the night away under the disco ball, snap some keepsakes at the photo booth, and sample the complimentary punch bowl for a prom re-do without the teen angst.
Sunday, May 11
Mother’s Day Brunch | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | $65 | Treat the mothers and mother-figures in your life to a brunch buffet inside the classically beautiful, piazza-style surroundings of Rozzelle Court.
Lincoln Saltdogs vs. Kansas City Monarchs | 1:05 p.m. | Legends Field, KCK | $19+ | Whether you come for the pennant run or the ballpark dogs, catch an opening weekend game with Kansas City’s AAPB team.
Put your business in front of thousands of daily readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
This month, we launched our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide to showcase gifts that say I appreciate you to parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends.
While we’ve already filled all our slots ahead of Mother’s Day, we’ve opened up a few more for Father’s Day.
Whether your business offers a neat product, one-of-a-kind gift, or unique service that could be enjoyed by a father figure — we want to feature it. Secure your spot by Friday, May 23.
Call us saucy, but we’ve got feelings: Yelp ranked KC No. 3 on its “Top 10 Cities for BBQ in the US” list. With our claim to burnt ends and the new Museum of BBQ, we’re wondering… who’s checking their taste buds?
Development
At this week’s groundbreaking, a $24 million project transforming 18th & Vine debuted its official name: The Parker, a nod to local jazz legend Charlie “Bird” Parker. See what you can expect from the development, including two new mixed-use buildings, 48 mixed-income residential units, and a reimagined House of Hits. (Startland News)
Announced
Downtown Lee’s Summit is about to get a one-stop shop for style and sips. Vogue & Vintage KC + Bottled Elegance are merging into WestKCoast Minded, though an exact timeline is TBA. Until then, score closing deals at its Blue Springs location through Saturday, May 24.
Opening
Overland Park foodies, mark your maps: Umami Revolving Sushi is taking over the former First Watch on west 135th with a new spin on Sakura Sushi Train II — plus Vietnamese eats. Meanwhile, a former Tuesday Morning off 151st is transforming into Reliance Mart, a grocery + café specializing in Indian cuisine. (KCBJ)
Arts
You’ve heard of scratch-and-sniff… meet flip-and-feel. KCAI’s Katelynn Stevens “Tuftome” — a hand-tufted, carpeted book exploring how small text can get before it’s unreadable — is now on display. See (and touch) it at the KCAI Gallery’s 2025 Annual BFA Exhibition.
Stat
$8,000+. That’s how much you could spend if your dog breaks a bone in a car crash, fall, or collision — from wound treatment and x-rays to emergency surgery and aftercare. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% of that cost.*
The Buy
It’s easy to support small businesses across the globe when you shop unique + one-of-a-kind products on Etsy. One of our favorite things to browse is Etsy’s selection of custom artwork. These are five of our favorites:
In the spirit of Small Business Week, I’ve got to shout out my personal go-tos: Governor Stumpy’s, The Upper Crust, Screenland Armour, and Verdant — the spots I’m always bragging about to out-of-towners. Got a favorite of your own? There’s still time to send it our way.
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