Our bags are already packed. | Photo via Kansas City International Airport
If you’ve got our KCI travel guide bookmarked, it’s time for an update — the airport has rolled out a few new perks worth knowing.
Fly Buys: Sign up for KCI’s Fly Buys program to get emails with deals on regional and international nonstop flights. Perfect for snagging that spontaneous getaway at the right price.
Guest Pass: Not flying? You can now apply for a free single-visit pass to shop, dine, or meet loved ones inside the terminal. You’ll just need a TSA-approved ID (think REAL ID) to breeze through security.
Accessibility Upgrades: Travelers who are blind or have low vision now have free access to Aira, a real-time audio assistance app connecting users to trained visual interpreters. Plus, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program offers support for those with non-visible conditions.
If you’re already daydreaming about holiday getaways, now’s the time to get ahead of the travel rush — start with our complete KCtoday guide to KCI so you’re ready when boarding calls start.
Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour | 4-6:30 p.m. | Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art | Donation | Flash your badge to enjoy free drinks and bites while exploring the museum on a docent-led mini tour or on your own with drawing prompts, plus learn about onsite educational offerings + field trips.
Friday, Aug. 15
Briarfest X | Friday, Aug. 15-Saturday, Aug. 16 | 4-11:30 p.m. | EH Young Riverfront Park, Riverside | $15+ | In its 10th year, this two-day music festival takes over Riverside with headliners Outlaw Jim & the Whiskey Benders, Tyron Benoit Band, KC/DC, and Stranded in the City.
Saturday, Aug. 16
K-9’s at the Cove | 7:15-11 a.m. | Splash Cove at the Jim Allen Aquatic Center, Shawnee, KS | $6+ | It’s the final day before draining the pool and pooches are invited to splash around with reserved times for small pups, large pups, and all pups of all sizes.
Empower: Modern Self-Defense | 10:30 a.m. | National WWI Museum and Memorial | Free, RSVP | British suffragettes popularized the practice of jiu-jitsu to defend themselves in their fight for voting rights, now you can grab your friends for an all fitness levels-invited martial arts sesh.
Make Your Own: Glass Plant Stakes & Ceramic Planters | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Belger Crane Yard Gallery | $100 | Start your day in the glass annex designing colorful fused plant stakes before heading around the corner to hand-build a ceramic planter for a DIY personalized garden set.
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.
Lead Bank — a nearly century-old community bank turned fintech startup — landed on Forbes’ ”Next Billion-Dollar Startups 2025” list. Also climbing the charts: 32 metro companies made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, with SimplyFuel (founded by a former Chiefs + Royals team nutritionist) ranking highest locally (No. 61).
Sports
The next World Cup milestone? The group stage draw is likely to take place this December in Las Vegas. That’s when we’ll learn which countries will play in Arrowhead’s four group stage matches during summer 2026 — and exactly who KC fans will be watching for when the world’s biggest sporting event comes to town. (Kansas City Star)
Drink
From “fridge cigarettes” to dirty sodas, bubbly drinks are having a moment. KCUR rounded up old-fashioned soda fountains around the metro, including a spot where Harry Truman once held the title “soda jerk.” Editor Maddie’s pick? Cosmo Burger XR’s tropical phosphate soda.
Outdoors
There’s no need to pump the brakes at Shawnee Mission Park’s newly renovated bike park and pump track. Built for beginners but open to all, it’s perfect practice before hitting wooded single-track trails (six-foot jumps and all). Want more outdoor inspo? See our parks guide. (Johnson County Post)
Trending
Prepare for extreme cuteness: Two baby fennec fox brothers have made their public debut this month at the KC Zoo & Aquarium. Born this summer, Radar and Echo sport the species’ signature oversized ears and curious personalities, and can now be spotted exploring their new habitat for all to see.
Civic
Wornall Road between 63rd and Gregory is going on a “road diet,” slimming from four lanes to three to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. The city says the stretch sees 5,000+ daily drivers and wants public feedback before locking in the design.
Closed
Following prolonged security concerns and half-empty shelves, Linwood Shopping Center’s Sun Fresh Market has shut its doors for good. The East Side grocery was meant to help close the area’s food access gap, with the city investing ~$1 million in the past year to keep it open. (FOX4)
Beauty
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For jam-packed days, these five on-the-go essentials keep us sane:
👜 This stylish + functional crossbody boasts multiple pockets and a soft leather feel for under $35.
💦 We stash these deodorizing body wipes in our car + purse because you never know when you’ll need a quick refresh.
👟 When rushing out the door, these slip-on canvas sneakers are our go-to kicks.
🌬️ This styling cream + wand stays in our purse to quickly tame frizz and flyaways that pop up on humid days.
🪫 We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once.
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 Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is rolling through KC this week, piloted by Platte City native Raena Sinclair. While I won’t be chasing down its three remaining metro stops, it does bring another food-friendly pop culture reference to mind: “Flavortown” by Danny Caine, former owner of Lawrence’s Raven Book Store, which includes a hilarious and heartfelt ode to the supersized sausage on wheels.
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