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🎉 23rd Year of Irish Fest, 🌆 Skyline Glow, 🏟 FIFA 2026 Volunteers
Published 8 days ago • 7 min read
Hey Kansas City Enthusiasts,
From festival weekends and skyline updates to massive development news and big wins for local families, Kansas City is brimming with momentum. Whether you’re heading to Crown Center for Irish Fest, following plans for a new immersive art experience, or eyeing volunteer spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there’s no shortage of energy shaping the city’s future.
In this edition, we’re highlighting:
▪️ Irish Fest marks its 23rd year as KC’s biggest Labor Day celebration
▪️ A familiar glow is set to return to the Kansas City skyline
▪️ Reconnecting the Westside with new parks, housing, and public spaces
▪️ Missouri eliminates sales tax on diapers, feminine products, and breast pumps
▪️... and more!
Scroll down to explore the top stories shaping Kansas City this week ⬇️
This is not just another weekend in Kansas City. It is Irish Fest’s 23rd year and the city’s biggest Labor Day celebration.
From Bingo Loco (part rave, part bingo, all wild craic) to more than 75 bands and performers. Crown Center will be alive with fiddles, pipes, pints, and festival fun.
(photos)
Here’s what you will love:
Friday Night: Elias Alexander and Bingo Loco with confetti, DJs, and prizes flying
Saturday and Sunday: Gaelic Storm, The High Kings, The Elders, Trad Bands, Food, Whiskey Tastings, and Shopping Galore.
Student Tickets: Just $20 with code COLLEGE25 (student ID required)
Do not wait until you are standing at the gate. Prices increase on site. Grab tickets now and be Irish for the Weekend.
Wally’s Plans Massive Travel Center in Independence, Moving Ahead to City Council
A nearly 54,000-square-foot Wally’s Travel Center is moving forward in Independence after the Planning Commission approved plans for the site of the former Venture/Kmart near I-70 and Noland Road. The project, set to be the company’s largest location, will include 42 gas islands with 84 fueling stations, 12 EV chargers, and more than 300 parking spaces. Inside, travelers will find a jerky bar, barbecue station, café with 60 drink flavors, and an array of food, drinks, and souvenirs. Wally’s purchased the property outright, covered back taxes, and reimbursed demolition costs before starting talks with city officials.
To accommodate the surge in traffic, the company will invest $5–$7 million in roadway upgrades, including new turn lanes from I-70 and improvements to Lincourt Drive. The development is expected to create 200 jobs and open in 2026, bringing a Buc-ee’s-style experience to the Kansas City metro on a slightly smaller scale. With Planning Commission approval in hand, the proposal now advances to the City Council, where a first reading is scheduled for September 15, followed by a vote in October.
Starting with their September 14, 2025 home opener, the Kansas City Chiefs will become the first NFL team to eliminate single-use beverage cups across GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, replacing them with more than 42,000 reusable cups in partnership with Bold Reuse, Levy, Aramark Sports + Entertainment, and supported by a MARC grant.
The nearly 54,000-seat venue will now operate a closed-loop system where cups are collected, sanitized, and reused for future events, drastically cutting plastic waste while enhancing the fan experience with higher-quality drinkware and easier waste management. Part of the Chiefs’ Extra Yard for the Environment program, the initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also cements Kansas City’s reputation as a leader in sustainable sports operations, with officials calling it a model for other teams nationwide.
🏐 SPORTS SCENE 2.0
(Does this count as sports?)
Save the Date: KC’s Favorite English Teacher + Gym Teacher Tie the Knot
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or maybe in SubTropolis), you’ve heard the news: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are officially engaged. KC’s already making fridge space for the Save the Date — and decoding Taylor’s hints about the wedding theme.
Our best guess? It’s giving English teacher marries gym teacher energy. Picture this:
📚 English Teacher Vibes (Taylor)
Think wedding programs filled with hidden lyrics, table numbers that double as chapter titles from her discography, and vows written like poetry only Swift could pen. Expect subtle nods only diehard Swifties will decode.
🏈 Gym Teacher Energy (Travis)
Picture a reception with plays drawn up like a Chiefs game plan, Gatorade toasts swapped for champagne, and Travis hyping up the crowd like it’s the 4th quarter at Arrowhead. The dance floor? Less prom, more end-zone celebration.
🔥 Together = TNT
One’s got a library of love songs, the other’s got a playbook of touchdowns — and when they combine, it’s pure fireworks.
KC knows how to throw a party, and if this one lands here, it’ll be bigger than a Super Bowl parade. Until the real details drop, keep your guesses coming — and yes, keep that fridge space open… just in case.
Why the 2026 World Cup Could Change Kansas City Forever
Discover how hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup could reshape Kansas City—from tourism and business growth to lasting changes in sports, culture, and the city’s global reputation.
Welcome to 5615 W 91st St — a sprawling 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom mid-century modern ranch in the heart of Overland Park. Priced at $595,000, this 2,859-square-foot home sits on a spacious 0.41-acre corner lot and blends timeless architecture with modern updates.
Natural wood, stacked stone accents, vaulted ceilings, and walls of windows create an open, airy atmosphere throughout. The kitchen is the true centerpiece, featuring sleek cabinetry, a stainless apron-front sink, designer tile backsplash, and a stunning 12-foot reclaimed walnut island with seating for eight. Multiple sliding doors open seamlessly to the outdoors, where a wraparound deck and covered terrace provide the perfect setting for entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening breeze.
Three fireplaces anchor the multiple living spaces, while the main floor includes three bedrooms, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet, dressing area, and spa-like shower. The thoughtfully renovated guest bath brings a touch of retro charm with terrazzo floors, a refinished vintage tub, and a mid-century vanity. Downstairs, the finished basement offers stained concrete floors, a gym area, office or flex spaces, and an additional half bath.
Outside, the circle drive, large grandfather tree, and fenced yard add both curb appeal and a sense of retreat. With new wood-stained garage doors, fresh updates, and a prime location near Meadowbrook Park, top-rated schools, and local dining, this property is more than a home—it’s a lifestyle.
Listing Provided by: Jennifer Stevens with RE/MAX Heritage
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Celebrate Irish culture this Labor Day weekend at Crown Center with live music, Celtic food and drinks, and cultural performances at the 23rd annual Kansas City Irish Fest.
Head to City Market Aug. 30–31 for the KC Chalk & Walk Festival, featuring 60+ chalk artists, 3D masterpieces, selfie murals, and hands-on chalk fun for all ages.
Kick off your morning Aug. 30 at Power & Light with a run/walk, cold plunge, wellness vendors, and live music for the ultimate fitness and community vibe.
Your Guide to Living, Working & Thriving in Kansas City
KC Scene is your go-to, unbiased resource for everything Kansas City—where to live, what to do, and how to make this city feel like home. Whether you're moving in or moving up, we’ve got you covered with real estate, development, lifestyle, and local gems.
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