Nelson-Atkins Museum is open Thursday-Monday. | Photo by @mikedayphotography
You don’t need major funds to have fun in Kansas City; just look at these affordable activities.
We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get well-researched, unique suggestions worth the trip.
Kansas City Public Library | The modern library card is powerful. Beyond books, you can check out board games, musical instruments, and plants at its propagation station — plus, we always recommend a game of larger-then-life chess on the Central Branch’s rooftop.
The Money Museum | At the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, guests can peep millions being made in real time, lift a gold bar worth ~$400,000, and walk away with a free souvenir bag of shredded US currency.
Outdoors
Lakeside Nature Center | Branch out at one of Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities and meet animal ambassadors from the Southern Flying Squirrel to “Cheetoh,” the American kestrel.
Mobile Music Box Concert | 6 p.m. | Loose Park | Free | Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and settle in for a Kansas City Symphony performance in the neighborhood park.
Trailblazing Talks: Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner | 7:30 p.m. | Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center | $45+ | The Austrian mountaineer discusses her quest to become the first woman to climb all 14 of the seminal 8,000+ meter peaks without supplemental oxygen nor the help of high-altitude porters.
Wednesday, May 21
Sneakers & Sips | 6-8 p.m. | City Barrel Brewery + Kitchen | $120, shoes included | This paint-and-sip experience invites you to customize sneakers instead of canvases, with complimentary drinks + food from City Barrel — plus, pull up for free if you bring your own pair.
Thursday, May 22
Disney Presents “The Lion King” | Thursday, May 22-Sunday, June 1 | Times vary | Music Hall Kansas City | $65+ | See why this production is the third longest running Broadway show and experience its jaw-dropping sets, lush costuming, and moving score.
A Historic Exploration of Kansas City Cuisine IV: Exploring the 1940s | 6-8 p.m. | The Museum of Kansas City | $150 | This multi-course meal will feature discussions of the dishes’ origins, as well as their significance in Kansas City’s culinary landscape, led by Chef Rick Mullins of Redbud Kansas City.
Paint Your Pet Workshop | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Creative Culture Westport | $65 | Whether you’re a pup parent or a lizard lover, this two-hour workshop will leave you with an original painting of your animal companion.
Speed Puzzling | 7-9 p.m. | Oak & Steel | $28+ | Teams race to put a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle together the fastest for prizes, drinks, and glory (AKA a spot in the national ranking database).
Friday, May 23
Memorial Day Weekend | Friday, May 23-Monday, May 26 | Times vary | National WWI Museum and Memorial | $0+ | Honor the sacrifice of those who’ve served our country with free admission for veterans and active-duty military members and their families, plus half-price admission for the general public.
Fourth Friday Artwalk | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Lee’s Summit | Free | Experience the creativity blooming in this suburb city with local artist exhibits, live music performances, and family-friendly activities like flower pot decorating + positive pennant-making.
Black & Veatch is thinking big — $1.12 billion big. The global engineering firm is eyeing a massive mixed-use redevelopment of its Overland Park HQ, with a walkable vision including plans for more office space, retail, housing, and a public park. (Johnson County Post)
Opening
Earl’s Premier fans, prepare to stock your fridge. Starting in June, the East Coast-style oyster bar will launch Earl’s Provisions next door — a market with crab cakes, dips, soups, and more. Also in the works from the same team: Sea Capitán Cocina Costera, a coastal-inspired restaurant landing in the old Blu Hwy space. (Kansas City Magazine)
Sports
Can’t score tickets to the sold-out Savannah Bananas game this weekend? Swing by Dunkin’ in Raytown this Saturday, May 24 from 9-11 a.m. for a chance to meet players and snag merch. Come for the coffee, stay for the bananas. (FOX4)
Try This
Local labels, local stages. Manor Fest 7 kicks off tomorrow, May 21, bringing indie music to indie venues across KC. Hosted by Manor Records, the fundraising fest runs through next weekend — grab tickets and vibe to the curated playlist before showtime.
Real Estate
We’ve speculated on his local real estate prospects before, but Travis Kelce’s Leawood home is old news at this point. See where the tight end has been soaking up some serious R&R before next weekend’s Big Slick appearance. (Realtor)
Outdoors
They may be messy in the fall, but Missouri’s black walnut trees are a natural powerhouse — producing 75% of the nation’s supply. Now, thanks to the University of Missouri, there’s a new kid in the grove: the “Hickman,” a faster-growing cultivar that could reshape the state’s nut game. (KCUR)
Closing
It’s last call for Danny Edwards Blvd BBQ on Southwest Boulevard — the longtime spot is closing by month’s end. Fans of the Big D (brisket, onion rings, Swiss, rye) can still find the crew cooking from home, with hopes of a future comeback. Also closed: Atomic Cowboy’s Westport food hall, though its Overland Park location is still serving. (Kansas City Star)
Jobs
Calling all business owners and hiring managers — we’re growing our KCtoday Job Board, which means you can post unlimited job listings for free. No tricks or gimmicks — simply create an account and start posting.
One of our favorite trends of the summer: textured handbags. From straw to beaded, these are our top five picks:
🌟 This standout wood bead bracelet handle bag is the perfect accessory for your beach vacation.
🌟 This versatile braided tote made with 70% recycled plastic is available in 35+ colors.
🌟 MANGO’s woven canvas crossbody with smooth faux leather detailing offers fun textural interplay.
🌟 This crescent straw bag with an adjustable shoulder strap will be our go-to all summer long.
🌟 An elegant rope clutch is a must for summertime weddings and cocktail parties.
Though I planned to tirelessly research my options, I ended up buying the first pair of wheels recommended to me at Bicycle Depot KC this weekend — and I love it. It’ll join me as I venture out for my favorite free activity in KC: making my way to Loose Park’s pond for a reading + people-watching sesh (in the least creepy way possible).
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