Test runs are already underway for the Main Street Extension. | Photo by KCtoday
We’re getting “Ready to Ride in 2025" with the fifth installment of our series, where we’ll be walking you through what riders can find — food, fun, a little history — just steps from the eight soon-to-debut streetcar stops.
Travel back in time
We’ve dissected our modern version’s connection to the Country Club streetcar line, but what about the track before the track before the track? Amid the growth and tumult of the mid 1800s, Westport was connected to the clunky-yet-charming Dodson “dummy” line — a steam-powered train muffled + disguised as a passenger car to keep, in part, from spooking horses.
Feast your eyes and your stomachs at Tailleur.
Photo by Heather White
Grab a bite
If you’ve made the long journey south, or you’re looking for a mid-trip pick-me-up, there are more than a few options for hungry travelers nearby.
Tailleur
Sama Zama
Holy Brunch KC
Laney’s Get Down
Because everything sounds better on vinyl, right?
Photo by KCtoday
Things to do
While a walk around the neighborhood is always recommended, we know some prefer a full itinerary of can’t-miss experiences.
Admire the sleepy shop dog at Mills Record Company while you browse new and used vinyls, music equipment + books.
Browse kitchen supplies at Pryde’s Old Westport before sampling hand-crafted pies at Ashleigh’s Bake House.
See Santa Fe Trail history up close at the Harris-Kearney Historical House Museum.
Wildcats on Tap | 5-7 p.m. | Tall Trellis Brew Co., Olathe, KS | Free | Gather your purple pride and raise a glass of Saison de Lathe, a crisp, French-style Saison brewed with lavender from K-State Olathe’s new collab with Manhattan Brewing Company.
Meet the Makers of “Local Artists Go Miniature” | 6-7:30 p.m. | The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures | Free | Love finding joy in the little things? How about the very little at this dynamic discussion offering insights into small scale art + a free viewing of the exhibition alongside its creators.
Friday, May 30
Progressive Nights | 6-11 p.m. | Teocali | $10+ | Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the world of disco music on a beautiful Kansas City rooftop.
Saturday, May 31
Hospital Hill Run | 7 a.m. | Crown Center Square | $45+ | Whether you’ve been training for months or are just kicking off your fitness journey, don’t miss the “Thrill of the Hill” as runners of all stripes take on KC’s oldest road race.
Fútbol Fandom EXPO | 12-5 p.m. | American Royal Complex | $18 | With the FIFA World Cup coming to KC this time next year, plan your month-long itinerary ahead of time by learning about big local attractions, vendors + events already underway.
Wild West Murder Mystery | 7:30-9 p.m. | Weston Wine Company, Weston | $14 | Receive your character assignment when you purchase a ticket, meaning plenty of time to assemble your spurs before solving a murder at the saloon.
Big Slick | 8 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $104+ | What started as a hometown poker tournament put on by Hollywood stars has turned into a weekend-long fundraising extravaganza with a line-up of blockbuster celebs and belly-busting antics.
Sunday, June 1
Summit Art Plein Air Festival | 12-5 p.m. | Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery, Lee’s Summit | Free | Witness art unfold at this live painting competition complete with wine tastings, food trucks, and live music.
Breaking Benjamin + Staind | 5:45 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $29+ | Prowl Power & Light to pre-game before you listen to these two alt-rock heavyweights share one stage.
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If you missed out last year, here’s your chance. Celebrate The Art of Being AANHPI, Café Cà Phê’s 5th annual festival, this Saturday, May 31 at the Zhou B Art Center. Expect 50+ vendors, food trucks, performances, a fashion show, cherry blossom photo ops, and raffles — including a signed KC Current jersey. Snag your ticket for $12.
Coming Soon
It’s not reservation-ready yet, but 1587 Prime — Patrick Mahomes’ + Travis Kelce’s steakhouse inside Loews Hotel — is on track for its summer opening. Take a behind-the-scenes peek at the construction, including some old school pigskins we hope make it on the takeout menu.
Try This
Need a wardrobe refresh? How about some new duds dyed in natural indigo + decorated with original art by a local illustrator and graphic designer. Preview this “beautifully wild” collab by Alyx Jacobs Repair + Frank Norton, before they debut their one-of-a-kind creations at Indigo Soup on Friday, June 6.
History
Welcome to the neighborhood, Megalonyx jeffersonii. This extinct 10-ft-tall ground sloth was recently unearthed in Kansas — the latest prehistoric discovery to join our region’s fossil record. Dig up even more local history with our list of fellow prehistoric locals. (Kansas City Star)
Real Estate
Last year’s HGTV Urban Oasis winner took the cash instead of the fully furnished Kansas City home, which just sold for $725,000. Take a tour of its subtle local touches, including shuttlecock wallpaper, bespoke fountain art + a jazz-themed music room. (Kansas City Star)
Traffic
$43.6 million in upgrades are coming to Southwest Boulevard this summer. Crews are already replacing water lines, with sidewalk repairs and beautification next. Expect upcoming lane closures, with construction on a three-lane section with shared-use path starting as early as July. (FOX4)
Show
Miller Lite Hot Country Nights is back at Kansas City Live!. The first show hits on Thursday, May 29 (yes, that’s today) — and trust us, you don’t want to miss this. Put on your dancing boots for a memorable performance featuring Wyatt Flores — grab tickets.*
Pets
Who says pups can’t soak up the sun, too? Dogs under one year old are invited to a Puppy Pool Party at CITYDOGs dog park tonight from 5–7 p.m. Heads up: Pups must be registered online and have current vaccinations on file. Time to unleash the fun.*
A rechargeable handheld fan to keep you cool all summer long. With a battery life of up to 14 hours and three adjustable speeds, it’s our favorite hack to keep from overheating in warm weather.
Fair warning for the squeamish — especially those reading with their morning coffee. I hesitated to include this one, but it’s too weird and apparently too local to skip. A recent story dives into the, uh, uniquebillion-dollar specialized breeding industry helping anchor KC’s Animal Health Corridor status. Let’s just say... the world is a strange place.
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