It’s an out-of-this-world experience, right here in KCK. | Photos via Atlas9
KC’s newest “movie theater” isn’t about popcorn + previews — it’s a ticket into another dimension.
Enter Vacation Village’s newest anchor, Atlas9. This 46,000-sqft immersive art experience allows guests to wander through themed rooms and corridors — including a 1940s jazz club, a 240-seat auditorium draped with projection mapping, an arcade, a pizza parlor, and more — uncovering a supernatural narrative.
Sounds familiar? It’s a similar concept to Meow Wolf, with the addition of rotating, limited-time programming like performances by KC collective Quixotic.
Doors are now open to the public, with weekly hours spanning Tuesday through Sunday. Stay tuned — Editor Maddie gets an early look tomorrow, so you’ll know what to expect before you buy a $30-$40 ticket.
Asked
Which development are you excited to see completed?
A. The 74,000-sqft, 120-pump Buc-ee’s B. Destination KCK + Mattel Adventure Park C. Rock Island Bridge D. Actually, I’m most excited for...
Buckle up: Andretti Indoor Karting and Games is opening Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Overland Park. The 84,000-sqft playground features everything from high-speed electric Superkarts on a multi-level track and racing simulators to a two-story laser tag arena and 7D motion theater — plus a full restaurant + bar.
Eat
Vertice Italian will bring handmade pastas + wood-fired pizzas to the Plaza in 2026 (taking over the former Parkway Social Kitchen), while LaPez Mod Mex is now open in Leawood’s Park Place, dishing upscale plates like chile-braised short ribs + chicken mole with roasted poblano polenta and chayote squash. (Kansas City Star + Johnson County Post)
Community
After closing last year, KC’s LGBTQ+ youth shelter has been reborn as Teresa’s Place — honoring a transgender woman named Teresa Smith who once called it home in the 1990s. Today, former residents are running the Midtown space, welcoming both youth in need and volunteers ready to help. (Kansas City Star)
Today Is
Third Friday Art Walk in downtown KCK, running from 5-9 p.m. Catch a live mural painting in Strawberry Hill, shop student vendors like Sashiko Dan’s vintage garments upcycled using traditional Japanese stitching techniques, folkloric dance group Itsï-asuli, and a pop-up by Swifts Cajun Cuisine.
Listen
From the purr of a motor to the hum of hushed conversation and crackling vinyl, XO is honoring its sonic roots in the Westside. The local listening bar with Japanese flair — which we visited last year — just scored a feature in In Sheep’s Clothing Hi-Fi. It’s chic, unique, and a perfect date-night pick (especially if you miss Big Mood’s natural wine selection).
Try This
Make a modern heirloom with custom tintype portraits from Megan Karson during this weekend’s first-ever David Mann Chopper Fest. No Harley needed to secure your session, though it definitely ups the cool factor.
Number
60%. That’s how much of a discount you can score during the West Bottoms Plant Company End of Summer Sale, running today and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. While you’re at it, stroll 12th Street Post for a little plant + whatever-calls-to-you combo.
Arts
Hand-sewn plums, velvet leaves crafted with cast-iron stamping tools — no wonder the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu is among the toughest costumes KC Ballet’s Jennifer Carroll preps for “The Nutcracker.” Peek behind the curtain of what it takes to ready 200+ costumes for the holiday classic. (Kansas City Magazine)
Outdoors
Ever notice this bit of urban design? The 20th Street Green Infrastructure Project may look like charming wooden sidewalk sections, but it also cleans and absorbs rainwater using bioretention basins (which look like rocky garden beds). Another urban environmental positive to look out for? The budding Crossroads street tree initiative.
Fun Fact
Posting on KCtoday’s local job board is like using GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
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Post of the Day
Raquel Reyes, the 25th Girl of the Year, is a KC local.
Say hello to Raquel Reyes, American Girl’s 2026 Girl of the Year — and a Kansas Citian. The 10-year-old spends her days helping at her family’s shop (paleta taste-tests included) before heading East for a family reunion, where she uncovers a diary linking her to OG doll Samantha Parkington.
While it’s not where most of the story takes place, we’re especially loving the Kansas City Public Library’s hometown take.
A great way to get a sparkling clean toilet: Splash Foam Cleaner. Clean stains, toilet rings, and more without forceful scrubbing thanks to Splash Foam’s revolutionary cleaning formula. Just pour, let it foam, and flush. Bonus: It leaves your bathroom smelling clean.*
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.
Happy or sad, I’m a crier by nature. Yesterday’s waterworks trigger? Ronald McDonald House Charities’ post celebrating Emma — a NICU grad after 111 nights — in her tiny cap and gown. After you dry your eyes as well, consider helping families like hers by volunteering with RMHC or another KC nonprofit.
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