If there’s one thing Kansas Citians are passionate about, it’s barbecue. After all, we were voted the “Best BBQ City in America.” Also, let’s not forget our barbecue bracket. With National Barbecue Day (Mon., May 16) just around the corner, let’s fire up the grill and flip through our rich + juicy barbecue history.
Kansas City’s barbecue scene started blazing thanks to Henry Perry, the “Father Of Kansas City Barbecue.” In 1908, Perry sold smoked meats from a pushcart in the city’s Garment District. He would even cook animals like possums, hogs + raccoons. His method of cooking ultimately created the local style of Kansas City barbecue, which is carried on today by the oldest spots in Kansas City.
Meat Kansas City’s oldest barbecue restaurant. | Photo by @tgray713
After his passing, Charlie Bryant took over Perry’s business before selling it to Arthur Bryant in 1946. When Arthur Bryant took over, he modified the barbecue sauce to please more tastebuds + renamed the business to his namesake. In 1974, journalist Calvin Trillin wrote that Arthur Bryant’s was “quite possibly the best restaurant in the world.” Former presidents Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter + Barack Obama have even dined at this spot.
This spot initially began as a neighborhood hot dog and beer stand. The smell of smoking meats down the road would cause the owners to crave barbecue. They eventually started a barbecue business, which is now the oldest major barbecue restaurant continuously owned and operated by the same family in KC.
“Hi, may I help you?” is the first thing you’ll hear when you enter the restaurant. It initially opened as “Gates Ol’ Kentucky,” with Arthur Pinkard, a former employee of Henry Perry, helping in the kitchen. Gates now has six locations in the metro, with its barbecue sauce + seasonings sold in supermarkets.
Song & Dance | Thurs., May 12-Sun., May 29 | 8 p.m. | MTH Theater, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO | $35+ | The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical follows the road to love through song and dance. 💃
Alyssa Edwards | Thurs., May 12 | 8 p.m. | Folly Theater | $35+ | The drag superstar is famous for her run on RuPaul’s Drag Race + the Netflix series “Dancing Queen.”
Friday
Gem & Crystal KC | Fri., May 13-Sun., May 15 | Times vary | Disabled American Veterans, 14605 E. US Hwy. 40, Kansas City, MO | $6+ | Revel in the good vibes with other crystal enthusiasts. 🔮
Asking Alexandria | Fri., May 13 | 6:35 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $40+ | The rock band is famous for their song “Alone in a Room.”
Saturday
Roaring KC | Sat., May 14 | 8 p.m. | The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | $35+ | The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra presents the sounds of the 20s and 30s. 🎷
Hallmarket: A Hallmark Art Festival | Sat., May 14 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Crown Center Square | Free | Celebrate the artistry of Hallmark employees and retirees with 100+ art booths and live music.
Sunday
New Kids on the Block | Sun., May 15 | 7:30 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $25+ |The iconic boy band, famous for songs like “Step by Step” and “I’ll Be Loving You,” is back in town. 🎶
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a food tax cut into law yesterday. The measure cuts the 6.5% state sales tax on groceries to 4% in 2023, 2% in 2024, and zero by Jan. 1, 2025. The cut does not affect local sales taxes on groceries. (KCUR)
Arts
“Out, damned spot.” Heart of America Shakespeare is bringing its Macbeth production to the Kansas City Museum — 3218 Gladstone Blvd. — on Fri., May 13-Sat., May 14 at 7 p.m. Gates open 15 minutes prior, and lawn chairs, blankets + picnics are welcome.
“Gateway,” a sunflower-shaped arch, will be installed this summer at Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village. The 12-ft tall archway with 24 petals made of cast glass and steel is designed by Amie Jacobsen, a local graphic designer, painter, children’s book illustrator, and now welder. 🌻 (Shawnee Mission Post)
Festival
Speaking of Meadowbrook Park, the Meadowbrook Park Festival will take place on Fri., June 3, from 3-9 p.m. The free event celebrates the third anniversary of the park’s opening. Festivities include local artists, food trucks + lawn games. (Shawnee Mission Post)
Development
Circa Lighting will replace the former Gojo Japanese Steak House — at 4163 Broadway Blvd. The steak house closed in 2020 due to COVID-19 after 40 years. Renovations for the decorative lighting + ceiling fan store are expected to be completed in July, with an opening slated for the Holidays.💡(CityScene KC)
Eat
Arrr you ready to party? Pirates Bone Burgers is having a ribbon cutting ceremony at its newest location — 3731 Main St., KCMO — tomorrow, May 12, from 4-6 p.m. Festivities include DJs, drinks + plant-based snacks.
Outside
Up for a game of pickleball? The Kansas City Pickleball Classic tournament is happening this weekend at Elite Tennis and Wellness — 14481 Metcalf Ave. From Fri, May 13-Sun., May 15, tournament games include singles + doubles. 🏓 (Shawnee Mission Post)
Plan Ahead
Cafe Cà Phê is hosting an Asian And Pacific Islander History Month celebration in Columbus Park on Sat., May 21, from 12-4 p.m. AAPI small business booths + food trucks will be present. The event is still looking for more corporate sponsors.
Coming Soon
You’re never too old for a bounce house. The Big Bounce America 2022 tour is making a stop — at 16400 N. Mullen Rd., Belton — from Fri., July 1-Sun., July 3. Attractions include the world’s largest bounce house + 900-ft inflatable obstacle course. Tickets are now on sale, including Adult-Only sessions. (KMBC 9)
Announced
Death Cab for Cutieis bringing their “Asphalt Meadows Tour” to The Midland on Fri., Oct. 14. Indie rock band Low will be the special guest. Tickets go on sale this Fri., May 13. 🎸
Wellness
Have loose jowls?If you’re looking for smoother, firmer skin on yourneck and jawline without resorting to cosmetic modification or expensiveskincare products, this simple DIY technique (pioneered by world-renowned Hollywood plastic surgeon Dr. Layke) just might do the trick.*
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You’ve heard of a Bar Crawl; now meet a Grub Crawl. The annual tasting tour of City Market restaurants is back on Fri, June 3 from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are $45 and include a Grub Crawl Passport that can be used to get samples from over 15 participating restaurants.
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Editor’s pick: Yesterday, I had a brunch moment with one of my friends at Billie’s Grocery. I ordered the brekki + collage cacao latte and they were both delicious. Pro tip: the spot sells gluten free pastries + desserts.
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