If bigger = better, this is the best block bash in the metro.
Photos via Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Touch grass — as the kids say — at Kansas City’s Lawn Party this Sunday, July 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Nelson-Atkins lawn. This free summer staple features everything from live music and lawn games to mini golf and giant puppets.
Skip the grill (they’re not allowed) and grab picnic fuel from Neon Palm Ice or Smoke ‘n’ Seoul, or swing by nearby restaurants for takeout.
Feeling playful? Swing through Art Course, the Musication Station, or test your local know-how with KC & Museum Trivia. Those that prefer to spectate can post up near the Plein Air painters, KC Juggling Club, or The Village KC chalk artists for easy, breezy vibes.
Garment District Grooves | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Garment District Place | Free entry | Take your lunch break up a notch with lunch from Sugar Skull Grill and live music from Gayle Price.
Thursday, July 17
Sip & Glaze | 6-9 p.m. | Bar K | $60 | Sip cocktails and craft your own ceramic dog bowl at this fun, pet-friendly evening of pottery and pours.
Friday, July 18
Off the Wall: “Fried Green Tomatoes” | 8:45-10:45 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library (Central) | Free | Catch this classic Southern film under the stars as part of the library’s summer rooftop movie series.
Saturday, July 19
Summer Fest | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Zona Rosa | Free | The ultimate summer block party meets pop-up shopping event with Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair, foam party, food trucks, and day-of discounts.
KC Summer Brew Fest | 7-11 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $63 | Over 60 breweries take over The K with 150 beers, lawn games, food trucks, and a rare opportunity to party on the outfield lawn.
Shane Gillis | 8 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $47+ | The comedian and former short-lived SNL cast member brings his sharp, unfiltered stand-up routine to Kansas City for one night only.
Sunday, July 20
KCPRN’s Yoga at the Farm | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Willeyville Farm, Cleveland | $18 | Rise early for a fresh-air stretch sesh in in scenic summer setting, then refuel with a pop-up brunch from Happy Apple Cafe.
Lenexa City Center’s Restaurant Row is officially full. The final addition? Tupelo Honey — a Southern-inspired spot known for “Asheville” hot chicken and sweet potato pancakes — now in soft open before its grand debut on Thursday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 29. Also new: Zhoug Mediterranean, joining Cactus Grill and Enjoy Pure Food + Drink. (Johnson County Post)
Job
Now hiring: FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City is looking for a Community Engagement Coordinator to help rally the region ahead of next summer’s global kickoff. If you’ve got a knack for face-to-face connection, cross-community outreach, and a passion for soccer, this could be your shot (pun intended).
Biz
The massive Panasonic battery plant in DeSoto is now live, with 1,100 employees and counting. The $4 billion facility is the largest private investment in Kansas history, aiming for 4,000 hires by 2026 and an estimated $2.5 billion in annual economic impact. Talk about a power up.(KCUR)
Civic
Recently received a letter about sewer or septic line insurance, like this local Redditor? It’s legit. KC Water says the mailers are part of its partnership with Service Line Warranties of America, and yes, the city does earn commission — but it goes toward utility assistance programs and paying off delinquent accounts.
Real Estate
Seller profits are holding steady but starting to dip, averaging 42.6% in Q1 of 2025, down slightly from the year before. TLDR: If you’ve been eyeing the market (or our Mansion Monday picks), now might be a smart time to list. (KCBJ)
Arts
Wicked Grain may sell sleek farmhouse furniture now, but it started as a school art fundraiser. Founded by former teacher and carpenter Jacob Matz, the KC-based brand uses reclaimed wood — mostly from Topeka’s Against the Grain Lumber — to create sustainable, heirloom pieces like its fan-favorite Land of Oz table. (Kansas City Magazine)
Read
What do you get when a local preschooler befriends a hunting decoy duck? A children’s book, of course. “Freckles” tells the true story of Mave and her unlikely feathered friend, penned by her mom Brittany Kelly — and yes, it’s every bit as charming as it sounds. (Johnson County Post)
Eat
Who says barbecue and ice cream don’t mix? This local collab proves otherwise. Q39 BBQ has partnered with Golden Scoop Ice Cream to launch a bold, limited-edition flavor: Salted Caramel Burnt Ends Ice Cream. Pro tip: Score a free scoop with every KC Strip Steak purchase. Available this month only.*
Try This
Your next big event could use some attention. Get a crowd in the room by letting us help you spread the word. Our self-service ad portal can put you event in front of our highly engaged local audience in a matter of two days. Get started now.
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.
In flyover country, we love a good underdog story — whether it’s a small-market team defying the odds or a city getting overlooked in the national spotlight. Case in point:Kansas City landed at No. 56 on the 2025 America’s Best Cities report by Resonance, trailing behind peers like INDYtoday and SDtoday. But before we get too riled up, LinkedIn gave us some love, ranking KC No. 11 on its Cities on the Rise list for 2025.
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