Do you love free stuff? Assuming you all said “yes,” you’ll love Johnson County’s “Free Store,” tucked inside Overland Park’s Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Facility.
Here’s the deal: Folks schedule drop-offs for things like batteries, propane tanks, or pool chemicals, and the city disposes of them properly at no cost. Lucky for you, still usable materials — including everything from antifreeze and motor oil to wood stain and paint (even 5-gallon buckets for $20-$35) — are set out in the front room free to anyone, including non-residents.
Editor Maddie swung by for touch-up paint and stains for a DIY furniture project, and stumbled on a display of quirky, non-usable vintage products + poisons, including a paint can of peanut butter...
Have the best bookish time at the 3rd annual Heartland Book Festival
Presented by Kansas City Public Library
Consider that weekend booked, Kansas City. | Photo by Kenney Ellison/3 Shots Photography
The Heartland Book Festival is back for the third time — and it’s the biggest year yet.
Here’s what to expect across the two-day event.
Friday, Oct. 10
Discover your next favorite author. Percival Everett will speak about his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “James” to open the festival at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Woodneath Center. (This event is at capacity but will be livestreamed.)
Saturday, Oct. 11
Visit the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Library for:
Discussions with bestselling authors, including Taylor Jenkins Reid, internationally award-winning sci-fi/fantasy author Nnedi Okorafor, award-winning children’s book author Derrick Barnes, and more.
Participate in inspiring workshops and panels to learn about bringing the past to life, creative book journaling, spoken word poetry, sharing stories through social with local BookFluencers + more.
Get creative — see the creation of book-inspired chalk creations, discover the magic of roving puppets, take a portrait with artists Graham Carroll and Andy Ozier, contribute to a collaborative sculpture with Magpie Creative Reuse Collective, or stop for a freeform, drop-in style collage lab.
Plus, food trucks, book signings, giveaways, and much more are on the lineup.
Like a traveling peddler with paperbacks instead of potions, Smitten Booktique has been rolling its romance reads around the metro. Starting Saturday, Sept. 27, the bookmobile is putting down roots with a brick-and-mortar at Leawood’s Park Place. Too far south? Under the Cover in KCMO offers a similar swoon-worthy selection. (Johnson County Post)
Trending
Don’t worry, these tickets aren’t as hard to come by (or as expensive) as “The Eras Tour.” Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” drops Friday, Oct. 3 — celebrated with release parties at AMC, Regal + Cinemark theaters through Sunday, Oct. 5. Snag a ticket for the premiere of “The Fate of Ophelia” music video, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and stories that inspired the album. (FOX4)
Civic
The Border War is back and not just on the football field. City Council officially ditched the years-long “truce” against tax incentives aimed at poaching businesses across state lines. The ban had already frayed, but now it’s every city for itself as Missouri and Kansas scramble to lure (or keep) companies, including the Chiefs + Royals. (KCUR)
Sports
The Royals finish their regular season in California this week, and postseason hopes are a long shot. Brush up on the team’s biggest news throughout 2025 before the stadium debacle’s next big milestone on Sept. 30, when voters decide whether to recall Jackson County Executive Frank White. (Kansas City Star + KCBJ)
Eat
Strang Hall is undergoing some changes, as new ownership brings local brands like Beer Kitchen, Prefix Coffee, Fika Coffee KC, Kate Smith Soiree, and Zen Donkey Farms to the OP food hall. Just north, Clementine’s Creamery has opened in the former CHILL in the Village spot, scooping inventive flavors like Chocolate Cabernet and its seasonal Cryptid collection. (Johnson County Post + Kansas City Magazine)
Real Estate
We’ll let you in on a little secret: Wonderland isn’t just a story anymore. Kansas City’s newest apartments are (almost) here — and early applicants get first dibs on exclusive specials. Take a look around and be one of the first inside.*
Home
Better insulation means lower bills... and we’ll take all the cost savings we can right now.This retailer is offering a buy two, get two free special on new windows — helping you keep extreme temps out, costs low, and curb appeal high. See disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Shop
Feeling fall? Us, too — that’s why we’re shopping HSN’s fall finds like this autumn tray decor set. New customers can save $15 with code WELCOME25.*
Category
Culture
Get a first-person preview of Atlas9
Snap your own pics inside, but don’t skip the included photobooth. | Photo by KCtoday
Editor Maddie here. I snagged a sneak peek at Atlas9, KCK’s new immersive art experience, and brought a friend along for the ride.
From the outside, it’s a mysterious black cube. Step inside and you’re suddenly in a Glenwood Arts–style box office (a perfect first photo op), before grabbing your wristband and snacks. I went classic with butter-drenched popcorn, while my friend gave the pizza a glowing review for its fluffy crust and nostalgic movie-night vibes.
Once you enter the rooms, Atlas9 casts you as a “researcher” in a trippy sci-fi storyline. Employees stay in character while nudging you along, where you can either chase down every clue to piece the narrative together or, like me, wander wide-eyed and let the story spill over into your next visit.
Our favorite finds? Interactive movie posters that cast you in the film and a hidden speakeasy for the 21+ crowd. The real winner: Your RFID wristband comes with admission — unlike Meow Wolf, you don’t have to shell out extra to actually play.
Groupon is your ticket to unbeatable local experiences — think chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, and spa days that melt stress away. New deals boasting up to 70% local experiences drop daily.
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.
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