Look on the sunny side of the flower field. | Photo by @scottblairphoto
It’s officially Sunflower Week at KCtoday, and we’re leaning all the way into the golden glow. From native plant lessons and history nuggets to punny profiles and farmers market finds, we’ve got your field guide covered. Today’s spotlight: the top spots to cut your own blooms — and snap a few sunflower selfies while you’re at it.
Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum | 4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd., Gladstone
Stop by on Saturday, Aug. 23 for prime sunflower picking and photo ops, or lace up for the Sunflower 5K, winding through lush farmland with plenty of golden backdrops.
Gieringer’s Family Farm | 39675 W. 183rd St., Edgerton, KS
Zinnias and snapdragons are already stealing the show, but the real stars are set to bloom in time for the Butterfly Festival on Saturday, Sept. 13 + Sunday, Sept. 14. Pro tip: Don’t leave without grabbing seasonal donuts + slushies from the farm store.
KC Pumpkin Patch | 13875 S. Gardner Rd., Olathe, KS
This weekend’s KC Sunflower Festival promises Insta-ready fields, 60+ farm activities, and even an on-site winery for the grown-ups.
Johnson Farms | 17701 Holmes Rd., Belton
This spot is fall’s greatest hits album: think sunflower fields, mums galore, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.
Honky Tonk Tuesday | 6-10 p.m. | The Ship | $25 | Come early for a quick two-step dance lesson as this West Bottoms haunt transforms with the sounds of pedal steel, steady bass, and Lorna Kay’s blend of creative, classic and original country music.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Will Ferrell Movies Trivia Night | 7-8:30 p.m. | Craft Putt, Lee’s Summit | Free | Stay classy, Kansas City. Channel the well of quotable one-liners rolling around in your brain with a friendly competition.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Leavenworth Charm Hunt | Thursday, Aug. 21-Saturday, Aug. 23 | Times vary | Multiple locations, Leavenworth, KS | $5+ | Pick up your map + purchase a bracelet before wandering each store along the way to collect all 20 free charms.
Bier & Bites | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Nine Zero One Rooftop Bar & Lounge | $82 | In collaboration with KC Bier Co., this unforgettable evening features German-inspired dished like Brat Kugel, Rouladen, and five bier pairings on a rooftop overlooking the Plaza.
Peter Cozzens, “Deadwood” with Rainy Day Books | 7-8 p.m. | Unity Temple on the Plaza | $42+ | From nineteenth-century dime novels to HBO prestige dramas, Peter Cozzen’s new book unveils the true story of short-lived mining town Deadwood, SD in this author conversation and signing.
Friday, Aug. 22
Strike the Blvd | 6-10 p.m. | Rochester Brewing & Roasting Company | $25+ | Celebrate Kansas City’s running community by teaming up with runners of all paces to compete in team street relays of a two-mile individual race.
KC’s comedy calendar is stacked — Matt Rife, Nate Bargatze, Nikki Glaser, Katt Williams + more are rolling into town soon. See if your favorite comedian made the list. (FOX4)
Opening
Plaza Provisions debuts Monday, Aug. 25 inside the Cascade Hotel with a homegrown lineup: J. Rieger & Co., Lula Southern Cookhouse, Hawg Jaw Que & Brew, and Guy’s Deli & Pizza. Unlike its Strang Hall predecessor, this food hall features an all-in-one physical menu and sit-down service delivering straight to your table. (KCBJ)
Drink
Neighbors Coffee + Hospitality is now brewing in Marlborough Heights with coastal-inspired decor, roomy patios, and a 15% “neighbor” discount. Bonus: The biz doubles as a nonprofit, offering jobs + mentorship to young adults aging out of foster care. (Kansas City Star)
While the English Premier League’s opening-weekend match up happens half-a-world away, its fan fest and morning show will take over KC Live! Enjoy real-time broadcasts, legendary player visits, and photo ops with the Premier League Trophy on Friday, Sept. 20 + Saturday, Sept. 21. Registration is required. (Kansas City Star)
Transit
Free rides are winding down. KCMO buses will introduce $2 fares, following a new city contract that kept service alive. Implementation will take months as KCATA updates its fleet with electronic fare systems. (KCUR)
History
After more than a decade in storage, “Las Tarascas” is being installed on the West Side near Southwest Boulevard and Cesar E. Chavez. The 2013 gift from sister city Morelia, MX depicts three bare-chested women raising a bowl of fruit and honors 40 years of KC’s partnership. (Kansas City Star)
Eat
Celebrate National Sandwich Month with the MVP of smoked brisket sandwiches — the Pit Master Brisket at Q39. Stacked with award-winning brisket, provolone, onion straws, and BBQ sauce on a toasted bun, this is a can’t-miss flavor powerhouse. Pro tip: Pair it with the Brew 39 Amber Ale. Dig in, KC.*
Real Estate
Don’t let this dream community slip down the rabbit hole. Wonderland is now pre-leasing in Crossroads KC. Think: Lux finishes, bold amenities, and a touch of whimsy.The best part?Use code MAD HATTER for an exclusive move-in discount. Schedule a tour.*
Plan Ahead
Celebrate the launch of “Linda Lighton: Love & War, A Fifty-Year Survey, 1975-2025,” at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5-8 p.m. This 208-page monograph presents a compelling overview of the American artist’s pioneering body of work. Enjoy a reception and book signing with the artist.*
Wellness
Support your liver’s daily grind with Dose. This orange juice-flavored shot blends curcumin, milk thistle, ginger, and dandelion root into a vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free formula. Try Dose for 30% off — your liver will thank you later.*
Learn
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Learn AI skills in three minutes a day with Superhuman AI newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
The Buy
The bra your wardrobe’s been asking for:
For the gym: Shop this strappy sports bra for a cute, ribbed look that’s non-padded and stretchy for extra comfort. For v-necks: This best-selling deep v bra features no underwire, seamless edges, and a material that’s soft on skin. For tees: Calvin Klein’s Invisibles comfort bralette is made from soft and smooth microfiber and is lightly lined for coverage.
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.
A party’s “sequins galore” dress code last weekend sent me thrifting through Westport, where I landed the perfect top at Wearhouse Vintage (though I’m still haunted by the Rainbow Fish–esque tunic I left behind at Wonderland). On your own fashion adventure? Check out a few stops on our round-up of local vintage shops.
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