Kansas Run Club will help you find friends at new speeds. | Photo via @kansasrunclub
When people decide to get into running, it can be an uphill battle without some help.
That’s why running clubs exists. Whether you’re a newbie full of questions or a longtime runner looking for a little fun, these groups offer expertise and camaraderie in one go.
Kansas Run Club | Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. | Mill Creek Park | If you believe there’s strength in numbers, lace up for one of KRC’s weeknight meetups to take on the Plaza with 100+ new friends.
KC SMART Runners | Saturdays, 7 a.m. | Northland | Short for “Saturday Morning Area Roads and Trails,” this group offers membership benefits including race discounts and targeted training plans.
Percheron Run Club | Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. | Crossroads | Cruise around the Crossroads for a runner’s high you can’t find outside the city — we recommend treating yourself to a post-run cocktail on the rooftop.
The Runner’s Edge of Kansas City | Times vary | Multiple locations | Join a seasonal program to access expert coaching, custom training plans, and a tight-knit crew cheering you on to race day.
Sip + Shop in Downtown Olathe | 5-8 p.m. | Johnson County Square, Olathe, KS | Free entry | Grab a drink and catch this pop-up market featuring local makers, food trucks, live entertainment, and lots of local pride.
Mobile Music Box Concert | 6:30 p.m. | Blue Springs Rotary Park, Blue Springs | Free | Grab a blanket or lawn chair, KC Symphony musicians fill the air with music at this outdoor concert.
“The Dysfunctional Friends Tour” | 7 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant | $30+ | Aaron Branch, winner of Best Comedian in Kansas City, takes the stage with stand-up comedian and YouTube star Herman Wrice.
Get Punk’d: “Prey for Rock and Roll” | 7-9 p.m. | Stray Cat Film Center | $10 | Watch the 2003 film about an all-girl rock band trying to make it in LA in the 1980s — part of a film series about punk subculture.
Friday, June 13
Neon Brush: A Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Experience | Friday, June 13-Saturday, June 14 | Times vary | Kansas City Marriott Downtown | $35 | Illuminate the night at this painting class where you’ll create a masterpiece with glow-in-the-dark paints in a UV-lit studio.
“Pete the Cat” | Friday, June 13-Sunday, June 22 | Times vary | Arts Asylum | $17 | This family-friendly musical follows a groovy cat as he uses his creativity to make friends and bring music to the world.
Saturday, June 14
Juneteenth Celebration | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Thompson Park, Overland Park, KS | Free entry | Honor the holiday with a peace march then celebrate freedom with a Juneteenth rally featuring music, speakers, activities, minority-owned vendors, and local arts.
Construction is in motion on a new, city-owned parking garage in the 18th and Vine District. The structure is located at the corner of 18th Street + Lydia Avenue and will offer ~470 parking spaces. It’s expected to be operational for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in about a year.
Announced
A new, 29,000-sqft market will soon be serving Northeast KC. Historic Northeast Public Market plans to open at a forthcoming development, with spaces for 13 restaurants and five retail shops. The opening date is TBD, but vendor applications + info sessions are now open. (Kansas City Star)
Sports
Children’s Mercy Park scored a new look. Sporting Kansas City unveiled its newly designed Price Chopper South Stand Market — a grab-and-go shop located behind Section 118. To celebrate the new look, there will be an activation at the next three home games, including this Saturday, June 14.
Biz
Rideshare business HopSkipDrive has expanded its Kansas City area services. The company provides supplemental transportation to schools when bus usage isn’t feasible, generally at no cost to students. It will be available in the Bashor-Linwood + Leavenworth districts in addition to its existing routes in North KC. (KSHB)
Arts
Do you know an artist who has love for KC? Applications for 2026 Parade of Hearts sculptures are open through Wednesday, Aug. 13. Up to 150 artists will be selected and receive stipends to create sculptures that show off culture and community in KC.
Plan Ahead
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will spotlight young artists this weekend at its Future Stages Festival on Sunday, June 15, from 12 to 5 p.m. The free event will feature 31 performances across four stages. Check out the schedule and don’t forget to RSVP.
Award
The Kansas City Public Library as been selected by the Carnegie Corporation of New York to receive funding through its “Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy.” The distinction awards a $500,000 grant that will support existing English language and youth education programs. (KCTV)
Ranked
Need a vacation, but not in the mood to travel? KCMO ranked No. 63 out of the 182 cities on WalletHub’s list of best spots for a staycation. The study ranked many factors like recreation options and relaxation level, but KC really shined for its food + entertainment.
Wellness
It’s not just you — aches, brain fog, and low energy could signal a gap in your diet. This patented supplement (discovered through dolphin research) contains an essential fatty acid linked to healthier aging + better immunity, metabolism, and mood. Get 15% off with code 6AMCITY.*
Post of the Day
Union Station scored a new look. | Images via @unionstationkc
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is exactly one year away, but the excitement in Kansas City is already here. The City of Fountains will serve as one of the US host cities, which is expected to bring thousands of tourists to the area.
Signs are already going up, and you can catch a glimpse at Union Station as it prepares for a major announcement today.
Keep your eyes open for our follow-up in tomorrow’s newsletter.
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.
It’s no secret that Kansas City has spectacular barbecue — dare we say, the best barbecue. It’s so popular that there’s a restaurant named Kansas City Barbecue in San Diego. While many cities have restaurants showing off the KC flavor, this spot is especially noteworthy because it was featured in the classic 1986 film “Top Gun.”
The Buy
A men’s sun protective shirt. The lightweight, long sleeve design is great for fishing, camping, and hiking and blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays.
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