Chiefs Kingdom, grab your red and gold gear — football season is back. Let’s break down everything to know before the first preseason home game, which lands on Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:20 p.m. against the Chicago Bears.
The vibe at camp
Patrick Mahomes is dialed in (and promising at least another decade in red + gold), and 35-year-old Travis Kelce is out to make the most of what could be his last ride. Returning standouts like Isiah Pacheco and Chris Jones are being joined by hungry rookies:
Josh Simmons (OT)
Jalen Royals (WR)
Ashton Gillotte (DE)
Training camp is open to the public through Wednesday, Aug. 13 at Missouri Western State University — consider it your pre-preseason tailgate.
The wait is almost over. | Photo via Kansas City Chiefs
Tune in from home
Preseason games will air on KSHB 41, stream on NFL Network, NFL+, Chiefs.com, and the Chiefs mobile app, or listen in locally to 96.5 The Fan.
Local spots for watch parties
Editor Maddie’s tried-and-true pick? Casual Animal Brewing Co. — perfect for fans who like to show up early, catch up over brews, and bring Fido along for the fun. Seats fill up quickly, but there’s nothing better than celebrating a Red Kingdom win with the garage doors open and a fall breeze rolling in.
The Early Show | 6-8 p.m. | Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center | Price of purchase | Grab a drink with friends and enjoy a free, all-ages show while still making it home for your 10 p.m. bedtime.
Thursday, July 31
Color Our World | 4-9 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market, Lenexa, KS | Free | Keep the kids entertained with creative stations for all ages, like jazz scatting, soul line dancing, and a coloratura workshop.
Devon Walker | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Club of Kansas City | $30+ | The SNL cast member hits KC for a night of stand-up you won’t want to miss.
Friday, Aug. 1
Losing My Edge | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Ship | $10 | Dust off your American Apparel deep V’s, the ‘00s and ‘10s are calling with an indie sleaze dance party serving all sorts of Photobucket nostalgia.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Open Shop | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Shop by Build Trybe | $25+ | Have the perfect side table in mind but can’t find a dupe online? Build it yourself with three hours of guidance from the wood + metal shop instructors.
Take + Bake Briolata (aka Sausage Bread) | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Museum of Kansas City | $25 | Assemble your own take-home Briolata featuring Carl’s Original Recipe Italian Sausage with a glass of wine in hand.
2025 Johnson County Fair | Johnson County Fairgrounds, Gardner, KS | Price of purchase | It’s the last day to catch rodeo, carnival rides, animal shows, auctions, and the brand-new Fairgrounds Fest.
Aye, aye — Sea Capitán Cocina Costera is now open in South Plaza’s former Blu Hwy space. From the team behind Bacaro Primo and Earl’s Premier, the concept leans into coastal Mexican cuisine (think fish tacos over carne asada nachos). Expect a standout raw bar and cocktails like the Plaza Blanca (mezcal, tepache, coconut milk + mandarin) at the horseshoe-shaped bar. (Kansas City Star)
Sports
ICYMI, the US Women’s National Team is hitting CPKC’s pitch for the first time ever on Wednesday, Oct. 29, and while we don’t know the opponent yet, the vibe will be electric. Pro tip: Current Club Members get presale ticket access starting today, July 30.
Development
Can you hear it? That’s the sound of a music-themed hotel tuning up downtown. The boutique concept UMusic will breathe new life into the historic Scarritt Building while joining the luxe new 24-floor 800 Grand high-rise. Already in Atlanta, Biloxi, and Orlando, the brand promises to spotlight KC’s jazzy sonic roots. (KCBJ)
Announced
Northlanders, your craft nights just got an upgrade. ADHDIY Craft Café — the West Bottoms spot where you can sip, snack, and DIY — is opening a second location in Zona Rosa on Thursday, Sept. 12. Expect a “menu” of hands-on projects (think macramé, kokedama, stamp carving) delivered table-side with cocktails + shareables. (Kansas City Star)
Award
Dubbed “the ‘Kansas City Grammys” by its founder, the 2025 Kansas City People’s Choice Awards recognized 60+ locals — from doulas to event designers — doing good in our urban core. Check out the full list of award winners. (Kansas City Star)
Outdoors
Kill on site. Okay, that might sound a bit too “Terminator,” but spotted laternflies — an invasive species wrecking havoc across the eastern US — are expected to land in MO any day, posing a threat to the state’s wine + grape industry. If you see one, experts ask that you trap it in alcohol and submit it to MU Extension (or upload a pic online). (KCTV-5)
Closed
Bar K, the Riverfront hot spot where pups and people could mingle over mimosas, closed suddenly in KC, St. Louis, and OKC. The biz cited industry-wide challenges, but also called out difficulties caused by nearby construction on the Berkley Riverfront. (KMBC-9)
Biz
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Job
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Travel
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Trending
Just dropped: limited edition colors of Bissell’s viral carpet cleaner, the Little Green Machine. Get all the stain-removing, deep-cleaning action in purple or in blue.*
Games
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 if the internet knew I’d been hunting “MCM” on Facebook Marketplace, the universe delivered — not just in the form of a darling new couch, but a whole new 60s-inspired obsession: Pucci Girl Summer. The Italian designer’s iconic bright colors and bold, breezy prints (hello, Portofino vibes) have officially landed in KC, spotted in Do Good Co.’s upscale vintage section.
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