We’re getting “Ready to Ride in 2025" with the sixth 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
Just north of our stop sits an architectural time capsule: the Queen Anne-style Row Homes at E. 34th and Main. Built in 1888 as cable cars replaced mule-drawn trolleys and KC sprawled south from the Riverfront, these ornate residences served a booming population in what was then the separate town of Westport.
They’re among the last of their kind — many similar homes were lost during 1960s urban renewal. Around that time, they fell into disrepair and earned a new nickname: “Rat Castle.” A plaque on site says Janis Joplin even lived there.
Stretch your goals (and your quads) this summer.
Photo by True Love Yoga
Things to do
While a walk around the neighborhood is always recommended, we know some prefer a full itinerary of can’t-miss experiences.
Catch a show at the historic Uptown Theater or pop next door for a dazzling drag performance at Hamburger Mary’s.
Pose outside Loose Mansion and wander the scenic, turn-of-the-century streets of Janssen Place.
Stretch it out at True Love Yoga — and if you need inspo, take a peek at our local yoga guide.
The Early Show | 6-8 p.m. | Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center | Menu price | Grab a drink with friends and enjoy a free, all-ages show while still making it home for your 10 p.m. bedtime.
Thursday, June 26
Patio Wine Tasting | 2-4 p.m. | 1900 Building, Mission Woods, KS | $80 | Explore rare Hungarian gems, elegant Austrian finds, and crisp German classics during this casual, warm-weather sip sesh.
“Some Like It Hot” | 7-9 p.m. | Stray Cat Film Center | $9 | Catch a screening of this sizzling masterpiece by Billy Wilder that set a new standard for Hollywood comedy.
Friday, June 27
June Bug Ball | 1-4:30 p.m. | Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Overland Park, KS | Free entry | Come dressed as your favorite insect and explore the wild and wonderful world of bugs, pollinators, and garden friends through crafts, live entertainment, and hands-on fun.
Saturday, June 28
Nickel & Suede Studio Sale and Birthday Bash | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Nickel & Suede HQ, Liberty | Free entry | Take a walk through the jewelry maker’s headquarters for up to 80% off warehouse deals, plus design your own pieces at the denim bracelet and charm bar.
Stems: A Garden Soirée | 7-10 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Overland Park, KS | $175+ | Experience the beauty of summer in full bloom as you sip, savor, and celebrate in the lush surroundings of the Arboretum and toast under a dazzling fireworks display.
Chicago | 8 p.m. | Starlight | $43+ | With a unique sound defined by powerful horn sections, infectious melodies, and timeless hits like “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” see this iconic rock band live.
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s hot — like record-breaking, sweat-through-your-shirt hot. While many of us are riding it out with AC, be sure to check on elderly neighbors and those without reliable shelter. Resources like United Way’s 211 line and City Hall’s Cool KC Extreme Heat Plan offer tips, cooling centers, and ways to help. (NBC)
Open
Dirty soda chain Swig has opened its first Kansas-side location in Mission and the drive-thru is already packed. Known for decked out drinks that include cream, syrup, fruit puree and candy, other metro locations include Liberty, Lee’s Summit, and Blue Springs. Just in time for season two of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”(Kansas City Star)
Edu
The Kansas City Art Institute is turning a former Extended Stay America into student housing just steps from campus. The newly acquired property at 45th and Main will offer 68 singles, 33 doubles, studio-style units, and 105 parking spaces — all set to open as soon as this fall semester. (KCBJ)
Trending
One small sip for fans, one giant leap for KC’s favorite pairing. Boulevard Brewing Co. and the Royals teamed up with UK-based biz Sent into Space to launch some precious cargo... well, you can see for yourselves. Celebrate the cosmic collab — and both brands’ support of STEM initiatives — during Space Camper Day at the K this Friday, June 27.
Travel
Planning a trip to Orlando, FL, or Knoxville, TN? 6AM City has you covered. ORLtoday + 865today newsletters are officially live, ready to cover all of the local happenings in these areas.
Try This
POV: You’re in a bind trying to fill an important role for your local biz. We can help. Post your job on KCtoday Job Board and get connected to top local talent. Psst — it’s completely free.
The Buy
Printer ink that’s shipped to your house when you’re running low (yes, it’s a thing). HP Instant Ink makes printing worry-free by delivering ink before you run out automatically. Save up to 50% compared to buying cartridges the old-fashioned way.*
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.
If you appreciated my explainer on brat summer last year, buckle up for the latest Gen Z + Gen Alpha internet obsession: Labubus. These creepy-cute dolls are the hottest purse accessory right now — think haunted Furby meets high fashion. They’re selling out fast, but a few local Redditors have the scoop on where to snag one of these elusive little weirdos.
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