The Kansas City Kickoff was just a taste of the FIFA Fan Festival to come...
Photo via KC2026
Not that we’re counting (okay, we are), but it’s only 303 days until the World Cup lands in KC. If you’ve already snagged the merch, hit the kickoff party, and posed with the countdown clock, here’s your next move: volunteer applications are live.
It’s an eight-step process for serious fans only — nine eight-hour shifts over 40 days — but the exclusive swag + once-in-a-lifetime bragging rights? Worth it.Sign up by Monday, Sept. 15 and get ready to be part of history.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Tranquility After Dark | 8-9:30 p.m. | The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs | $50 | Float under the night sky while sound therapy + meditation melt the day’s stress away in this dreamy outdoor pool session.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Kidz Bop Live “Certified Bop” Tour | 6 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | $41+ | Your kid’s playlist comes to life in this high-energy, all-ages singalong under the stars.
Bird Lives at VOO Lounge: A Charlie Parker Celebration | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | VOO Lounge | Free | Rising saxophone talent Henry Scamurra will step into the spotlight alongside a powerhouse trio of Kansas City jazz greats to bring Parker’s genius to life.
Friday, Aug. 15
Green Street Grand Opening | Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 17 | Times vary | Green Street, Lee’s Summit | Free | Shop the year-round farmers market debut, catch live performances, and toast to the metro’s new outdoor gathering spot.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Big Shoal Farm Sunflower Field Festival | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum | Free | Snap golden-hour pics, browse the art fair, and take home a handful of blooms from these sunny fields.
It’s pink, it’s plush, and it’s not afraid to surprise you. Laila Lounge has opened in the West Bottoms with a rotating roster of global acts — think Carnival-costumed samba dancers from Brazil or Greek mythology-inspired performances. Upscale dress is the vibe, walk-ins are welcome with a cover, and VIPs can call ahead for premium seating + bottle service. Take a peek inside.
Development
A new Costco could be rolling into Lee’s Summit as part of Drake Development’s 120-acre Oldham East project. Plans include the wholesale club + gas station, restaurants, retail, housing, and 11 acres of civic space near Hwy. 291 and US 50. (KCBJ)
Civic
From idea to action. One Northland neighborhood rallied their City Council members to approve a $1 million sidewalk + pedestrian bridge project. Their advice for fellow advocates? Speak up, stay persistent, and learn how the city process works — without getting cranky. (Kansas City Star)
Try This
Pack everything but your lunch, Loretta Jean’s is taking over the Museum of Kansas City on Sunday, Aug. 17 with a pop-up honoring KC’s diner culture. Grab a plate and nosh in the breakfast room, sip on the porch, or picnic on the lawn. Service starts at noon and runs until sellout, so we recommend arriving early.
Pets
Yes, Heidi Gardner’s four cats get weekly sound baths — and no, that’s not a sketch. The SNL star’s Leawood pet sitter tried the meditative practice, and the cats were instantly entranced. Now it’s a staple in their routine, with pet-focused sessions also offered locally through Tending Pets KC. (Kansas City Star)
Coming Soon
KCK’s Legends Outlets is stepping up its shoe game. HeyDude — the laid-back kicks brand spotted on celebs like Sydney Sweeney — opens its first metro store on Friday, Aug. 15. Crocs slides in next door on Friday, Sept. 5. (KCTV5)
Try This
Crown Center is your go-to destination for KC-made finds, can’t-miss attractions, and unforgettable events. Spend the day shopping, dining, and discovering local experiences — all in one place. Plus, browse one-of-a-kind shops, enjoy a meal with family or friends, and celebrate at Kansas City Irish Fest, Aug. 29-31.*
Environment
Did you know? You can stay ahead of air quality concerns this ozone season. How? With SkyCast. Delivered daily at 4 p.m., this forecast offers next-day air quality conditions + alerts for high ozone levels. Sign up to receive these important updates and protect your health.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
The Buy
This summer, make every weekend count with Groupon. Score up to 70% off chef-curated experiences, wine tastings, riveting tours + attractions, spa days that melt the dress away, and more.
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.
Are you in favor of activating social districts/streets around the city?
Kansas Citians may not brag about our nightlife, but 55% of poll participants said “cheers” to adding more social streets + districts to the metro.
Popular picks? Brewer’s Alley in the Crossroads, the Plaza, Westport, with suggestions to go pedestrian-only, add greenery, and create spaces for outdoor games. Some dream bigger — think Ballpark Village-style if the Royals get a new stadium, or a lively Luminary Park atop the 670 cap.
These 16 oz stainless steel cups are one way Charlotte, NC’s Midwood social district keeps its crowds under control.
Photo by City of Charlotte, via CLTtoday
“The Crossroads is the perfect area for a social district. There are so many establishments serving alcohol, it would be liberating to be able to walk and sip in the streets! Especially on First Friday’s,” one participant commented.
Still, 17% would only support the idea if it’s tightly regulated and event-based, and 16% opposed it entirely, citing crime and overserved crowds.
Whether you’re a podcast junkie like or just nostalgic for talk radio, KCUR’s “Kansas City Today” is worth a listen. A recent episode featured a peek inside Bonner Springs’ Moon Marble Co. and the heartwarming tale of Gilly the pig, who escaped a slaughterhouse-bound truck and found a loving home through the Kansas City Pig Rescue Network.
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