That’s quite a glow up. | Photos via Power & Light District
Unless you worked in one of its office towers, downtown Kansas City in the late 20th century was easy to overlook — but in the late ’90s, the tide turned. The restoration of Union Station reminded KC what was possible when it invested in itself. A downtown renaissance followed.
One shining example? The Power & Light District. Once a sea of surface lots, it’s now a cultural epicenter, anchoring everything from live music and dining to civic celebrations. CNN even dubbed it “the biggest catalyst in KC’s revival.”
Then: Power & Light District’s site was largely surface parking.
Now: The district attracts millions of visitors annually (18+ million last year alone) and has helped drive over $6.5+ billion in downtown investment.
Now, downtown is synonymous with KC’s nightlife scene.
Then: Around ~20,000 people lived in the greater downtown area in 2000.
Now: That number has jumped to 33,000+, thanks to residential growth including One Light Luxury Apartments (downtown’s first new high-rise in 50+ years), which celebrates 10 years this week.
Do you remember downtown before the glow-up? Share your stories — we may feature them in a future newsletter.
Events
Events
Friday, July 11
WeekEnder | 6-11:30 p.m. | Crown Center Square | Free | Come out early for live music, buy dinner and drinks from local food trucks, then settle in with your blanket and lawn chairs for a “Twisters” screening in the heart of downtown.
“The Wiz” | Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 13 | Times vary | Music Hall Kansas City | $48+ | It’s your last weekend to ease on down to see this vibrant, reimagined Broadway classic.
Saturday, July 12
Bacon Bash | 12-9 p.m. | KC Wine Co., Olathe, KS | Free entry | What’s better with bacon? Everything. Think tastings, themed games, and bacon-loaded dishes like chicken bacon flatbreads and maple bacon cider at the bar.
Laser Beatles | 6 p.m. | Union Station | $10 | From their beginnings revolutionizing rock n roll to their psychedelic era, this show visualizes the Beatles’ biggest hits like “Twist and Shout” and “Yellow Submarine.”
Skip the Small Talk | 7-9 p.m. | Bear Necessities Coffee Bar, Overland Park, KS | $22 | Connect over meaningful conversations with strangers using thoughtful pre-made question prompts.
Sunday, July 13
Second Sunday: Free Days at the Museum | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures | Admission waived | Bring the whole family to explore the museum’s vast and awe-inspiring collections at no charge.
Monday, July 14
Beginner Salsa + Bachata | 7-9 p.m. | Red Light Studio KC | $25 | Spice up your Monday learning two of the most popular Latin partner dances in a warm, welcoming space made for total beginners.
Union Station’s next blockbuster, “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage,” opens Saturday, Nov. 8. Featuring 200 artifacts, the exhibit lets you board the ship, explore its grand halls, face the iceberg, and relive its final moments from a lifeboat or via a virtual reality upgrade. Tickets start at $28.
Civic
Broadway Boulevard is slimming down. The Midtown stretch from 31st to 43rd is next in KC’s “road diet” push with three designs on the table: a meandering road with angled parking, a Spanish rambla with mid-street u-turns, or mobility (bike) lanes. Weigh in via the city’s new survey. (Kansas City Star)
Eat
American Way Smokehouse is bringing its Arizona-born, KC-style barbecue to Independence this August, right next to Merchant Square’s antique mall. Known for ribs with a side of house-baked sweets, the spot chose KC flavors “because KC is better,” according to its owner. Hard to argue with that. Also coming soon: the Wyandotte County BBQ Trail. (Kansas City Star + KCTV5)
Development
If you’ve driven down Wornall lately, you’ve likely spotted the massive concrete structure where The Well once stood. That’s actually the garage for The Oberon, a 284-unit apartment complex slated for completion in 2026. New renderings reveal features like a resort-style pool and wine + whiskey bar. (KCBJ)
Sports
ICYMI, the WNBA is adding teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030, following Toronto and Portland in 2025. Kansas City didn’t make this round, though it remains a future contender thanks to our passionate sports culture + high-profile backers like Patrick and Brittany Mahomes. (KSHB 41)
Festival
Kansas City Irish Fest will bring back its traditional brunch experience this year in honor of late local chef Shaun Brady. The “Brady Brunch” includes classic Irish breakfast items, unlimited beer, bloody marys, Irish coffee, and Brady’s 100-year-old scone recipe. Tickets are $50 for the Sunday, Aug. 31 event and sold separately from general admission. (FOX4)
Closing
Brookside’s Research Medical Center will close its labor + delivery and NICU units on Monday, Sept. 8, citing reduced demand. HCA Midwest says it’ll shift focus to other specialized services, including trauma, cardiology, neuro, burn, and transplant care. (FOX4)
Show
Ready to “Let It Go” for a magical night out? Disney’s “Frozen” musical, based on the Academy Award-winning film, is heading to Starlight Theatre from Tuesday, Aug. 5 to Sunday, Aug. 10, featuring all your favorite songs plus new tunes written just for the stage. Grab tickets.*
It’s the last day of Amazon Prime Day. Don’t miss out on great discounts before the deals end tonight:
🔌 38% off: A No. 1 best-selling smart plug you can control with your smartphone, your voice, or preset timers.
🩳 62% off: A three-pack of Calvin Klein men’s boxer briefs rated 4.6 stars.
🎒 36% off: A brilliantly basic adidas backpack in black, rated 4.8 stars and perfect for work, travel, or school.
🌴 23% off: A summery outdoor rug that’s big enough to cover your whole patio.
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.
I’m not crying, you’re crying. Or at least you will be when you see how happy Bodhi — a deaf shelter pup at Wayside Waifs — gets as staff sign “Happy Birthday” to celebrate his second trip around the sun. It’s enough to make me fill out the volunteer form.
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