The history scaffolding KC for generations to come. | Renderings by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh
Named for a famous hotelier who tended to the likes of Helen Keller, Babe Ruth, and Elvis at the nearby Muehlebach — downtown’s Barney Allis Plaza has become less than star-studded in recent years, but that’s all about to change.
Well underway is a years-long construction process making over the duo park + parking garage in its first facelift since 1985.
One Percent for Art reveal
Say hello to “Kansas City Spirit, Memory, and Resilience” — a glowing tribute to KC’s history. Belgian artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh have been tapped to design six steel skeletons for the plaza, tracing the Beaux-Arts design of the original Kansas City Convention Hall, which was rebuilt in just 90 days after a fire gutted it in 1900.
The artist’s inspiration: Kansas City’s original Beaux-Arts convention hall.
Rendering by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh
Strategically placed at each of the plaza’s four corners and along Central and Wyandotte Streets, these memory-laden sculptures will serve as a daily reminder of KC’s resilience, while illuminated beams transform evening strolls. A few possible details, like climbing plants and second-story walkways for better viewing, are still in the works.
Can you match local spots with their public art pieces?
Thanks to KC’s One Percent for Art Program, every city-funded build sets aside 1% of its budget for art — from sculptures to murals. Let’s see if you can tell which belongs where.
Innovation Festival | Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS | Free for students, $475+ for professionals | Academics, entrepreneurs, and students are invited to discover cutting-edge life science research, a startup pitch competition, and a ‘Brewseum’ exploring the intersection of art + science in brewing.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Aqua Penny’s Oyster Class | 6-8 p.m. | Aqua Penny’s, Leawood, KS | $80 | Explore the dynamic flavors of oysters curated from the best farms around the country, while learning how to shuck them yourself in the first of three classes.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Show Me Your Playlist | 6-8 p.m. | Kansas City Museum | Donation | This intimate listening party features local artists and community leaders sharing the music that shaped their lives, with Kemet Coleman of The Phantastics + Vine Street Brewing Co. up next.
Friday, Aug. 15
Coffee With Champions | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Negro Leagues Baseball Museum | $5 donation | Start your morning over great coffee and a panel discussion with local champions serving practical advice to help everyday people thrive.
46th Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival | Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 17 | 6 p.m. | Swope Park Bandstand | $5 | Celebrate the multicultural tapestry that is Kansas City, uniting locals through global cuisine, music, dance, and community spirit.
With Donutology gone, the vintage streetcar at 426 Delaware is boarding a new passenger: Car No. 551. Opening this September, the grab-and-go deli will serve specialty cocktails, offer indoor-outdoor seating, and eventually double as a micro event space for pop-ups + private parties. (Startland News)
Plan Ahead
THUNDERGONG! returns to Uptown Theater Friday, Nov. 8, with tickets for the Jason Sudeikis-led celebrity fundraiser on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, Aug. 15. One star you won’t see? Zach Bryan — the country singer recently told Chiefs fans, “Please understand I will never play in Kansas City” after an online spat. (Rolling Stone)
Real Estate
Ground has broken on Swope Health Village, a 12-acre community planned for 59th Street and Swope Parkway. The project will bring 200 senior affordable housing units, 75 units for mental health housing with support services, medical offices, and a community center — with phase one including 36 residences and 1.5 acres of open space. (KCBJ)
Arts
Fancy yourself a patron of the arts? IN Kansas City has a preview of exhibits, performances, and more coming through 2026 — think of it like our monthly Plan Ahead, but with more jazz hands. Bonus: ArtsKC’s The Drop offers discounted tickets and experiences.
Number
$108. That’s the cost per person for a private suite of 12 at the 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Experience at Arrowhead. Expect ESPN’s Field Yates, an exclusive happy hour in the Hall of Honor (home to four Lombardis), gameday entertainment, and photo ops. The draft goes down Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Eat
Pizza, tapas, giveaways — Orange by Devoured is celebrating one year in its Martini Corner home with a party this Friday, Aug. 15. Can’t wait? Their Monday + Tuesday “Orange Hour” serves half-price tapas, pizza sandwiches, and cocktails from 5-8 p.m.
Try This
You don’t have to go through the hiring process alone. Through our Job Board, you can now get your job listing in front of thousands of our readers to find your dream hire. See for yourself, it’s free.
Wellness
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The Buy
Dreaming of the perfect summer linen outfit but don’t know where to start? Here’s our top pieces for every budget:
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.
The bouncer at the “Pink Pony Club” may have left me on the sidewalk, but KC locals Caleb Hearon (comedian/podcaster) and Waxahatchee (indie-country darling) are stepping in to fill my October calendar. The duo will co-headline a hometown benefit show at the Uptown Theater on Thursday, Oct. 2 — and by the time you’re reading this, I’ll have already snagged my ticket.
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