Hosted in part by the KC-Xi’an Sister City Committee, the event is free to attend and perfect for Plaza strollers looking to pair the action with a mid-heat bite at Bru Café or weekend brunch at Chaz.
Editor Maddie attended last year’s event and recommends coming prepared with picnic blankets, sunscreen, and enough energy for a little post-race shopping.
Events
Events
Tuesday, June 17
“Love’s Labour Lost” | 8 p.m. | Southmoreland Park | Free | Catch the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s witty take on love and logic, as four men vow celibacy… then promptly fall in love.
Wednesday, June 18
Learn to Kayak | 6-7:30 p.m. | Little Platte Swim Beach, Smithville | $10 | Master paddling basics and safety tips in this beginner-friendly class — gear included. Just bring a swimsuit and sense of adventure.
Mahjong 101 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Salumi Rose | $60 | Pair your first Mahjong lesson with meats and cheeses at this cozy charcuterie spot.
Thursday, June 19
2025 Juneteenth Celebration | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Lenexa Civic Campus, Lenexa, KS | Free | Celebrate freedom with a keynote from civil rights advocate Victor Webb, live music, roller dancing, and family-friendly activities.
A Cool Cocktail Class for Hot People | 8 p.m. | VOO Lounge | $40 | Are you hot? Of course you are. Prepare for the steamy summer ahead by learning to make beachy, bold drinks like Banana Bread at Work and Midwest Vacation.
Friday, June 20
Off the Wall Film Series: Color Our World | 8:45-10:45 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library — Central Library | Free | This rooftop screening brings new color to skyline lights as the Central Library projects “Pretty in Pink” on its rooftop terrace with free popcorn + beer.
Wednesday, June 25
Pickleball Night | 6:40 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $30 | Introducing Pickleball Night — come out to the ballpark and elevate your experience on the court with a Royals Pickleball Paddle with the purchase of a theme ticket.*
We told you beloved Canadian coffee + donut chain Tim Hortons was coming to Blue Springs — but that’s just the first sip. Four more metro locations (including Crown Center) are expected this year, with plans for 30 total over the next six years. (Startland News)
Travel
When the journey is the destination. Hop aboard the Missouri River Runner for a car-free getaway inspired by @lo.kc.al’s itinerary — think walkable towns, cozy stays, and riverfront gems, all starting at Union Station.
Transit
For those of us staying in town... Keep an eye out along Main Street as crews paint new transit-only lanes in bold red over the coming weeks. The goal? Clearer boundaries between streetcar, bus, and vehicle traffic — and yes, it’s supposed to be that bright.
Arts
Thanks to the new Show MO Act, the film industry’s eyeing KC — and now, so can you. The Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants and Screenwriting Award are offering up to $10,000 for local creatives. Learn how to apply during tomorrow’s virtual info session. (The Pitch)
Plan Ahead
The Rabbit hOle’s largest exhibit yet — a 2,500-sqft immersive journey through “The Three Robbers” — opens Saturday, July 5. Follow the tale of three bandits and one clever orphan, complete with sculpted sets, stop-motion stations, and an original score by Stefan Freund and the American Wild Ensemble. Read our prologue preview.
Active
If “Happy Gilmore 2” is already giving you golf fever ahead of next month’s release, you’re in luck. Swing 365, a membership-based, 24/7 indoor facility with high-tech simulators and private suites, tees off this August in OP near 149th + Metcalf. (Johnson County Post)
Health
Have you noticed the new signage? North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health are now officially NKC Health — a rebrand uniting 4,700 staffers, 35+ locations, and a whole lot of patients under one name. Who knew orange + purple looked so good together?
Ranked
We usually love a top 10 nod — but this one’s a little harder to swallow. KC ranks No. 5 in the nation for worst hard water, thanks to high mineral content that can clog pipes, dull laundry, and leave your soap feeling useless. It’s not harmful, just a hassle — but you can fight back with at-home filtration systems or tools like this mineral-busting shower head. (Kansas City Star)
Real Estate
Be among the first to experience the vibrant, modern living that’s redefining home in KC. Katz on Main is now welcoming its first residents with the completion of Phase One, including its stunning third-floor residences. Units start at $1,600 — take a look around.*
Cause
Have you heard?Art for Arthritis is a local fundraiser empowering kids with juvenile arthritis through creativity. Children team up with local artists to create pieces auctioned at a special event benefiting the Arthritis Foundation — with dinner, trips, VIP experiences, and more. Get involved.*
If KC’s saucy side makes you think pie over pitmasters, this plate-worthy poster is for you. While it’s not a complete list, it’s a piping-hot start — and you can dig into even more cheesy goodness with our guide to 20+ local pizza joints. If only it were scratch and sniff...
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
After pedaling the Trolley Trail for a lunch break stop at The Roasterie, I ran into two KCtoday readers who told me they recently tried one of our featured picks — a glass class at Belger Arts. Have you attended an event you spotted in the newsletter? Tell me all about it.
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