Labor Day weekend is around the corner — aka the unofficial end of summer — and if you don’t already have a lake plan, now’s the time. You’ve heard the saying: “A friend with a boat is better than owning a boat.” Thanks to Getmyboat, you don’t even need the friend.
This Airbnb-style platform lets you rent everything from pontoons to yachts (plus jet skis if you want to go out with a splash). You can filter by price, captained options, or just browse what’s left nearby — emphasis on what’s left, because boats are booking up fast.
More is More: Reinventing Photography Beyond the Frame | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Free | Set in the experimental era of the mid-1960s to the 1980s, the exhibition features artists who deconstructed, reconstructed, and multiplied photographs, playfully pushing photography’s boundaries.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Swiftynomics | 6-7 p.m. | Kansas City Public Library — Plaza Branch | Free, RSVP | University of Kansas Professor Misty Heggeness draws from her forthcoming book and explains how women, such as Taylor Swift + Beyoncé, are rewriting the economic playbook through grit and determination.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Jammin’ on the Green | 7-8:30 p.m. | Shawnee Town 1929 Museum, Shawnee, KS | Free | This bandstand performance by AnnaLee and the Lucky So & So’s celebrates the heyday of KC-style jazz, swing, and jump blues. Plus, catch an authentic chorus girl performance by the KC Canaries.
David Lee Roth | 8:15 p.m. | GrindersKC | $56+ | Or turn your night up to 11 as the former Van Halen frontman brings his 1980s rock anthems to the outdoor stage.
Thursday, Aug. 28
Live Well Age Well Expo | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, Overland Park, KS | Free | Adults 50+ can explore travel, fitness, art, and volunteer programs — plus health talks, resources, and a complimentary snack bag to-go.
Battle Sports Kansas City Classic | 8 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium | $97+ | The Cornhuskers and the Bearcats battle it out in this annual faceoff offering college teams a taste of stadium-sized glory.
Friday, Aug. 29
Annual Benefit Book Sale | Friday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 1 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Price of purchase | Book lovers will find a wide variety of art books at incredible prices, with proceeds supporting the Spencer Art Reference Library.
Kansas City Irish Fest | Friday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Crown Center | $10+ | Celebrate all things Irish with world-class music, food, drinks, shops, and family-friendly fun steeped in Celtic tradition.
This Crossroads gem is one-of-a-kind — a 1946 building reimagined into sustainable luxury living with skyline views. Think six income-producing apartments, street-level retail, rooftop solar, heated parking spaces, and a 2,500-sqft penthouse with a private green terrace. Take a tour.
Stat
54%. That’s the percentage of Americans who say they consume alcohol — the lowest number recorded since tracking began in 1939. If you’re part of the 46% taking a break from booze (but still want a delicious drink), we recommend the Bearing Fruit at Wild Child.
Read
Now in Books recently made a guide of what novels to read based on your state. To be read in Kansas + Missouri? Alex Grecian’s supernatural frontier justice tale “Red Rabbit” and Phillip B. William’s magical hidden utopia “Ours.” Check for the title at a local book shop.
The Word
Can you pronounce “Osawatomie?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. That’s the hardest place to pronounce in all of Kansas, according to a new study by Preply. Around KCMO, our street names are typically easier to say, and have plenty of history behind them.
Kids
Calling all Olivers — it’s your time to shine. This name ranked as Missouri’s most popular for babies born last year, with names Henry, Charlotte, Amelia, and Theodore rounding out the top five. No matter the name of the little munchkin — or munchkins — in your life, good thing KC is chock full of kid-friendly activities.
Shop
It’s time to fall back in love with these five trending vintage fall items: Hudson Bay blankets, brown + white transferware, Mary Maxim sweaters, copper molds, and tramp art boxes. Go diving in the local bins to see what antique treasures you can find. (Country Living)
Plan Ahead
Experience “Life of Pi” live at Starlight Theater from Tuesday, Sept. 16 to Sunday, Sept. 21. Based on Yann Martel’s bestselling novel, this breathtaking play features stunning visuals, world-class puppetry, and powerful storytelling. Don’t miss this epic journey of hope and perseverance — grab tickets.*
Travel
Psst — you might be overpaying for flights. Get flight alerts to dream destinations during Going’s biggest sale ever, with 53% off memberships until Sunday, August 31.*
Photos by Mike Day + Michael H., 2023 Picture of the Year
We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?
That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have 10 of the most recognizable Kansas City landmarks — from bright signs in the night sky to beacons of stone and metal. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.
Sunflow’s premium beach accessories, perfect for one last summer hurrah this Labor Day. Good news: Sunflow’s biggest sale of the year starts today, with 20% off sitewide.
🐚 The best-selling Shore Thing Chair reclines to three positions and is built to last, thanks to a rust-resistant frame + water-resistant marine fabrics.
🪸 Newly launched this summer, the Tall Sand Dune Chair has all the iconic features of Sunflow’s chairs, just 17 inches off the ground.
🌊 Looking for shade without blocking your ocean view? Say hello to the newly launched and patent-pending Happy Hut Cabana — and goodbye to awkward beach umbrellas.*
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.
So far, fans say they’d rather be chased by Blue the Dog for a full lap around Children’s Mercy Park than fish every stray ball out of the Missouri River during a KC Current match. Can’t blame them — though on a sweltering KC afternoon, that river might feel pretty refreshing.
}})
