Walk a few blocks and you’re bound to see one of these. | Photo by KCtoday
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept drew in a million visitors in the past three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.
Where would one go in KC?
Our vote?Loose Park. There’s plenty of tree cover to suppress the KC summer heat, 75 acres to find a quiet grassy spot, a tranquil rose garden, and the peaceful sounds of the Loose Park pond.
Asked
Asked
Where would you put an outdoor library in Kansas City?
We’d love to share your ideas in a future newsletter.
“Have You Touched the Sand?” | 6 p.m. | Music Theater Heritage | $15 | The KC Fringe is in full swing; this sibling duo-comprised contemporary dance piece explores the depths of our understanding.
Music Bingo | 6-8 p.m. | Boulevard Tours & Rec | Free | Stick around for rotating song categories and a selection of beers, bevs, and bites sure to fuel your next win.
Wednesday, July 23
Family Night | 5-9 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market | Free | Grab a bite and play a table game with the kiddos before some outdoor fun, sidewalk chalk, and a balloon artist.
Music in the Garden | 6-8 p.m. | Colonial Gardens, Blue Springs | Free | Unwind amid the tropical fronds in this greenhouse setting, featuring local musicians and a plant bar menu boasting local brews and charcuterie boards.
Thursday, July 24
Teacher Appreciation Day | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company | Free | Whether you’re teaching over the summer or just enjoying your break, educators and school district personnel can score 10% off their tab with a school ID.
Mumford & Sons 2025 Tour | 7:30 p.m. | Azura Amphitheater, Bonner Springs | $44+ | These foot-stomping ballads and crowd-chanting choruses are made for summer nights (especially for picnic blankets on the Azura main stage lawn).
Friday, July 25
Christmas in July | 5-9 p.m. | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium | $17+ | There’s 156 days until Christmas, but that isn’t stopping the zoo from hosting holiday fun, festive cheer, and a wintry karaoke.
Outdoor Movies at Crown Center | 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 an outdoor movie in the heart of downtown.
38. That’s how many appearances Kansas City has had in DC comics over the years dating back to “Doom Patrol Volume 2 #3" in 1987. If you’re wondering if the City of Fountains features in the new “Superman” movie, heading to a local movie theater will help you find out.
Coming Soon
KC is about to get a taste of the Iberian peninsula. The Paella Mix is set to open its garlic-infused doors in the coming months at City Market. Led by Seville-born Carlos Saura, Kansas Citians can look forward to tapas, paella, and sangria. (Startland News)
Watch
“Ted Lasso” hysteria is working its way through Kansas City. With the hit show’s KC-based season four filming underway, we’re recognizing local spots and landmarks in clips. In a new behind-the-scenes look, a video shows Jason Sudeikis and company chowing down at Gates Bar-B-Q. (Kansas City Star)
Sports
Defensive star George Karlaftis is staying with the Chiefs. The pass rusher just signed a four-year, $93 million extension after helping our boys reach the Super Bowl last season. The next plan? Another ring. (NFL.com)
Quoted
“Eliminate every superfluous word.” Those were words written by Ernest Hemingway when working for the Kansas City Star in the late 1910s. In honor of the great author’s 126th birthday, see what other advice he had for writers honing their craft.
Outdoors
Keep your eyes peeled for some four-legged employees at Berkley Riverfront. Goats are back in the grassy area to graze on vegetation and provide an eco-friendly option for managing the area. Visitors can watch them from the Town of Kansas Bridge. (KCTV5)
Real Estate
Be among the first to experience the vibrant, modern living that’s redefining home in KC. Katz on Main is now welcoming its first residents with the completion of Phase One, including its stunning third-floor residences. Units start at $1,600 — take a look around.*
Minions have taken over McLain’s Bakery. Yes, that’s a real sentence.
To mark their new despicable specials, the bakery is allowing the mischievous yellow characters to take over their social media for the week. Head down this Thursday, July 24 + Friday, July 25 dressed as a minion to get a free cookie and a (not free) Minion Mochanana — made with chocolate cold brew and banana cream cold foam.
Meet the anywhere, anytime outfit — your go-to look to finish out the summer. Grab the complete outfit below for under $150:
👖 These loose + lightweight wide-leg pants keep you cool and chic.
👚 Pair them with this ribbed knit tank for a sleeveless look that’s still stylish.
🩴 Cushionaire’s No. 1 best-selling cork footbed sandals are comfy and walkable.
💎 These No. 1 best-selling hypoallergenic huggie earrings feature cute gem studs.
👝 Top it all off with a chic woven clutch that works for summer days or nights.
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.
This map made by Topi Tjukanov shows the most famous person born in every city around the world, based on data from Wikipedia. Among KC’s names are saxophonist Charlie Parker, Golden Age-era actress Ginger Rogers, and notorious outlaw Jesse James.
}})
