Need an aesthetic spot to do your reading? Try Monstera’s Books. | Photo via Monstera’s Books
If you’re looking to feed your inner bookworm and support local, we’ve rounded up 20+ indie bookstores across the Kansas City metro worth getting lost in.
Afterward Tavern & Shelves, 1834 Grand Blvd. | Part bar, part bookstore, this Crossroads spot offers a monthly membership that pairs your next read with two curated bottles of wine or a unique liquor pick.
New Material Books, 1600 Genesse St., #750 | This West Bottoms gem curates small press runs, international titles, and art books you’ll want to show off — perfect for thoughtful gifting or coffee table styling.
Seven Stories, 12115 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS | Owned and operated by a local teen, this petite shop is a hub for community events, book clubs, and even glitter-filled crafts like its Bedazzling Breaks.
Trailhead Books, 10009 E. 63rd St., Raytown, MO | Local authors are welcome to host in-store readings, and visitors can also tap into editing help through its print + prose proofreading service.
KC Family Bike Ride | 4-5:30 p.m. | Concourse Park | Free | Get off the couch and saddle up the fam for a one-mile loop around the park — everyone earns a post-ride popsicle for pedaling power.
Wednesday, July 16
Disney Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | Craft Putt, Lees Summit | Free | Whether you’re solo or showing up with your seven dwarfs, this free-for-all trivia night tests your Disney deep cuts for a shot at a $100 gift card.
Earth, Wind & Fire | 8 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | $43+ | Groove through the decades with this iconic soul-funk outfit still bringing the heat.
Saturday, July 19
Create Your Own: Glass & Ceramic Wind Chimes | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Belger Crane Yard Studios | $100 | Play with texture, tone, and transparency in this hands-on crossover class spanning both the glass and ceramic studios.
The Basketball Tournament | 1 p.m. | Municipal Auditorium | $24+ | Cheer on KU’s JHX Hoops and K-State’s Purple Reign alumni squads as they face off against regional teams for a $1 million grand prize.
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Some of the first tickets for the 2026 World Cup at Arrowhead have dropped, but they’ll cost you. These premium hospitality packages run $1,225 to $3,000 and include perks like lounge access, plated meals, and post-game entertainment. General admission tickets are expected this fall. (FOX4)
Open
Martin City Tavern is now serving pies and more in the former SPIN! Pizza space in South Plaza. The debut of this new concept from the Martin City Brewing Co. crew includes hot chicken sandwiches and a top-tier smashburger — best enjoyed on the string-lit patio with a cold beer in hand.
Eat
Finished dinner? Don’t forget to compost. Prairie Village just added two new drop-off locations through KC Can Compost’s city partnership, which collected 500 pounds of food scraps in its first week. The service is free, minus the cost of bins and liners.
All aboard the Interplanetary Joyride, where your streetcar ride comes with live music and cosmic vibes. Tomorrow, July 16 from 6 to 8 p.m., performers from Tres Collective and Danielle Ate the Sandwich will transform KC Streetcar #814 into a moving stage. It’s weird, wonderful, and totally free.
Closed
Willa’s Books & Vinyl has closed after nearly 20 years, following the retirement of its owner. The state’s oldest Black-owned bookstore has passed its 20,000-item collection to The Kansas City Defender, which will continue operating the Troost location as a community archive. (Kansas City Star)
Read
“I appreciate that you generally leave conclusions for the reader to make for themselves” = Feedback on The Signal, the non-partisan, current affairs newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
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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.
Which ride did NOT debut with Worlds of Fun when it opened in 1973?
It’s been over 50 years since Worlds of Fun opened, but for the 72% of readers who correctly spotted Timber Wolf as the imposter, it must feel like yesterday. While the Zambezi Zinger returned just last year (11%), it was actually one of the park’s original 1973 coasters.
DYK? The park’s theme is based on “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne, hence the iconic hot air balloon logo.
It’s only July, and my personal purgatory has begun — premature black walnuts are already thudding into my yard (and onto my car). If you’re in the same boat, don’t panic… and definitely don’t toss them. Black walnuts = free money if you know where to take them.
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