Per reader Ruthie W.’s request, we checked in on KC Nights — and it’s shaping up to be more than just roller coasters and cotton candy.
Happening this weekend (Saturday, July 19 + Sunday, July 20) and next, Worlds of Fun is throwing a hometown party with Heartland-inspired bites like burnt end tacos and BBQ BLT sliders, and live music from The Crossroad Sound and the Swing’n Kansas City Jazz Band. Add in a curated art gallery with live painting and 20+ local artists led by KC’s own Morgen Agesen, and you’ve got a summer night worth the $40 ticket.
Asked
Asked
Which of these rides did NOT debut with Worlds of Fun when it opened in 1973?
A. Zambezi Zinger B. Flying Dutchman C. Viking Voyager D. Timber Wolf
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.
Tuesday, July 15
2025 Berkley Lecture | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Grand Street Café | $65+, lunch included | Curious how diplomacy and national security connect? Hear Ambassador Joseph Manso explore global threats, alliances, and the vital link between US national security and foreign policy.
Wednesday, July 16
Martin City Taco Mile | 6 p.m. | 200 E. 135th St., Kansas City | $28 | Power up with a delicious Dos De Oros taco, run a quarter mile, and then repeat... three more times.
Thursday, July 17
Wine Tasting on the Terrace | 6-8 p.m. | Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | $48 | Few tickets are left to sip perfect pairings amid the breathtaking garden scenery while the summer sun sets.
Friday, July 18
Mini Cow Candle Class | 6 p.m. | Solana On Broadway, Excelsior Springs | $37 | Mix your scent, pour your candle, then grab dinner and stroll downtown while it sets — shop boutique deals when you return for pick-up.
David Koechner | Friday, July 18-Sunday, July 20 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Club of Kansas City | $30+ | The “Anchorman” and Big Slick favorite returns for a weekend of laughs.
Live like royalty in this nearly 10,000-sqft stone estate in Loch Lloyd, once named Home of the Year by KC Home & Gardens. Think lake views, wine cellar, sauna, chef’s kitchen, and even a zen room — all tucked into 2.43 wooded acres of privacy.
The Word
“Fridge cigarette.” A snack or drink — most often a Diet Coke — used as an excuse for a short break, akin to a smoke break. If you’re going to join the trend, might as well head to a local farmers market and stock the fridge with some healthy snacks. (Today)
Travel
In need of a summer road trip that doesn’t break the bank? Condé Nast Traveler just listed Branson, MO (a ~3.5-hour drive from KC) in its roundup of the best affordable family vacations in the US. The article highlights offerings like all-inclusive tickets, Silver Dollar City, and waterfront entertainment.
Watch
AMC Stubs members can now enjoy 50% off movie tickets and concession deals on Tuesdays + Wednesdays in a new deal that replaces $5 movie tickets on Tuesdays. Save this for a rainy day, but while the skies are clear, head to Boulevard Drive-In for a star-lit screening. (Variety)
History
It might feel like Y2K was just yesterday, but we’re officially closer to 2050 than we are to 2000. While we have no idea what’s in store for the next 25 years, we are looking forward to these local events in the next couple of weeks. (Buzzfeed)
Try This
Gather at “The Salon for Possible Futures” this month to discuss community care networks with artist Amy Kligman and lessons learned with poet Glenn North. The best part? These thought-provoking events are free and open to the public. Learn more.*
Rye so sad? Get glad with these happy hours. | Photo by @rye_kc
Here are 20+ places around town pouring the best deals right now in the City of Fountains — so drink up and be merry.
Keeping spirits up
Draftcade | Fri.-Sun. 4-6 p.m. | At this Zona Rosa arcade bar, “Galaga” just isn’t the same without a $3 well drink next to your blaster button.
Off the vine
YaYa’s Euro Bistro | Daily, 3-6 p.m. | $24 will get you a bottle of wine + flatbread, or just grab a glass for $6 (among other discounted beverages).
Powering past the hour
Varsity Club | Monday, all day | With 20% off its Varsity Club and Disco Burger menus, this Happy Meal Monday deal is the perfect excuse to soak up a Grilled Martini with a patty melt (extra cowboy relish, please).
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.
As a regular wanderer of KCPL’s digital stacks, I was especially excited to learn the library will soon house the Kansas City CALL’s entire photo archive. That’s 70,000+ historic images, research files, clippings, and ephemera from the city’s most storied Black newspaper, preserved and made public.
Also found while poking around: a charming 1910s souvenir booklet from Electric Park, aka “Kansas City’s Coney Island.”
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