🏆 WORLD CUP GUIDE

World Cup Guide is Live

We’ve been building something behind the scenes, and it’s officially here.

The KC Scene World Cup Guide is your go-to spot to explore Kansas City during one of the biggest moments the city has ever hosted.

Whether you're visiting or live here, this is where you’ll find:

• Full KC Directory — One place to explore restaurants, shops, and local spots across the city
• Smarter Search & Filters — Find exactly what you’re looking for by neighborhood, category, vibe, and more
• Save & Favorite — Bookmark places and build your own list for later
• Events & Specials — Everything happening during the World Cup, all in one place
• Map-Based Discovery — See what’s near you and plan your route around the city
• Locally Owned Filter — Easily find and support local businesses
• Safe Space Badge — Know which spots are inclusive and welcoming
• KC Green Badge — Find businesses focused on sustainability
• Dog-Friendly Filter — Quickly find patios, shops, and places your dog is welcome
• Happy Hour Finder — Search by time and location, no more guessing, yes there’s a countdown
• Direct Booking Links — Reserve a table or book directly without digging
• Parking Info — Know where to park before you get there
• Quick Access (QR + Links) — Jump straight to places from posts, guides, or real-world signage

👉 Save your favorites and build your own list for the tournament

🏪 Own a Business?

You can still be part of it.

Join the guide for FREE and:

• Get your business in front of locals and visitors
• Promote your World Cup specials and events
• Show up in search, map, and filtered results
• Update your profile anytime with photos, hours, and details

👉 Join the guide here​

Share with all businesses that you think will benefit from being apart of this!

📍 Why We Built This

We didn’t want people coming to KC and only seeing the obvious spots.

This is about putting a spotlight on the locally owned businesses that actually make Kansas City what it is.

So whether you're exploring or promoting, this is your place to be.

👀 This Week Around KC

🎬 TED LASSO RETURNS AUGUST 5 ON APPLE TV+​

Apple TV announced that Ted Lasso Season 4 will premiere Wednesday, August 5, with new episodes dropping weekly through October 7. The first trailer landed April 28 and shows Ted back in Richmond, this time coaching a second-division women's football team. Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift are all returning, and reports indicate the show is mapped out for seasons 5 and 6 as well.

🏈 CHIEFS GRADE OUT AS A TOP-TIER 2026 DRAFT CLASS​
Coming off a 6-11 season, the Chiefs traded up to take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane sixth overall, then added defensive tackle Peter Woods and Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas, who logged 15.5 sacks over his last two college seasons. National media handed Kansas City some of the highest grades in the draft, including a rare A+ for the early haul. The class skewed heavily defensive after a year that left Patrick Mahomes' offense still searching for new weapons.

🚆 AMTRAK BOOSTS RIVER RUNNER CAPACITY 25% FOR THE WORLD CUP​
Amtrak is adding rail cars to the Missouri River Runner between St. Louis and Kansas City for World Cup matches, lifting capacity by 25% on each train. The extra cars are coming in from Illinois and Michigan, with the boost running June 15 through July 12. Kansas City is expecting more than 70,000 visitors per match day this summer.

🏗️ OVERLAND PARK PROPOSES ITS BIGGEST ZONING REWRITE IN DECADES​
Overland Park is weighing a Unified Development Ordinance that would eliminate single-family-only districts and rezone all 76 square miles of the city under a new character-based framework. The change would clear the way for duplexes and townhomes in areas currently zoned exclusively for traditional single-family homes. City staff are drafting throughout 2026, with adoption forecast for December 2026, marking the first major overhaul to OP's zoning code in more than 30 years.

🏢 BLACK & VEATCH REVISES $1.1B OVERLAND PARK HQ PLAN, ADDS 230 HOMES​
Black & Veatch resubmitted plans for its 22-acre headquarters redevelopment at 11401 Lamar Avenue, adding nearly 230 housing units, expanding the hotel, and dropping the previously planned public green space. The $1.1 billion project, formally called Overland Park II, is asking for $286 million in public incentives, more than was awarded to the Brookridge project. The Overland Park Planning Commission heard the revised proposal on April 13 and signaled support for the new layout.

⚽ KC CURRENT VALUED AT $325M, SECOND IN THE NWSL​
Forbes ranked the Kansas City Current the second most valuable team in the NWSL at $325 million, trailing only Angel City FC at $340 million. The valuation, released April 22, credits CPKC Stadium as the primary driver. Co-founders Angie and Chris Long privately financed the $140 million stadium, which opened in 2024 and has reshaped the club's business since — with co-owners Brittany and Patrick Mahomes alongside them in building one of the most valuable women's sports franchises in the country.

What you might have missed last week

• KC is doing Cinco de Mayo all weekend long — and then some.
• A mini children's museum is coming to Leawood. Play Street Museum is opening soon… and it’s basically a children’s museum meets an indoor playground.
• A new restaurant is set to open in one of the Crossroads’ most recognizable dining spaces.

🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE

Children’s Mercy Unveils $1B Pediatric Acute Care Expansion in Kansas City

Children’s Mercy is moving forward with a major expansion at its Adele Hall campus in downtown Kansas City, introducing a new acute care tower designed to address rising demand for specialized pediatric services across the region. The project comes as hospitals nationwide reduce pediatric capacity and projections show the current system will fall significantly short of future needs, especially in critical care areas like the NICU and PICU.
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Once completed, the tower is expected to increase overall capacity by roughly 25–30% and will centralize high-acuity services such as intensive care units, emergency care, and advanced surgical facilities equipped with next-generation and robotic technology. The design also focuses on improving care coordination, family experience, and research-to-treatment innovation through more integrated clinical spaces and patient-centered environments.
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Backed by a combination of philanthropy and public-private support, the $1 billion project is scheduled to begin early site work in the fall of 2026, with completion targeted for 2031, reinforcing Kansas City’s role as a major hub for pediatric healthcare.

​​Let me know what you think of this story ➡️

🎨 ART SCENE

Art Fair Season Starts Now,
Brookside Leads the Way

Art fair season officially starts this weekend, and it starts strong.

The Brookside Art Annual is back May 1 through May 3, bringing more than 180 local and national artists to 63rd and Brookside. It is not just another event, it is Kansas City’s first major outdoor art show of the year and consistently ranked among the best in the country.

Here is how to plan it:

Hours:

• Friday: 5 PM to 9 PM (your best bet for lighter crowds)
• Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM (full energy, expect it to be busy)
• Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM (slower pace, easier to walk and browse)

What to expect:

• A mix of fine art, jewelry, sculpture, and more
• Live music and food throughout the weekend
• A walkable setup through the Brookside Shops area

If you want the best experience, go Friday night. If you want the full scene, go Saturday. If you want to actually take your time and look at art, Sunday is your day.

And this is just the start.

From here, the calendar fills up fast with events like the Lenexa Art Fair, Prairie Village Art Show, and the Plaza Art Fair later this year. Kansas City’s art scene is not a one weekend thing, it is a full season.

👇 Want the full list of art fairs, monthly walks, and can’t-miss events?
Check out our full KC Art Guide and plan your weekends ahead.

🏐 SPORTS SCENE

KU Lands Nation’s Top 2026 Recruit in Major Program Win

Kansas basketball has secured a major commitment as Tyran Stokes, the consensus No. 1 player in the Class of 2026, has chosen the Kansas Jayhawks over programs like Kentucky and Oregon.
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The 6-foot-7 forward announced his decision live on ESPN and later signed his national letter of intent, officially locking in his future in Lawrence. Known for his size, versatility, and ability to play multiple positions, Stokes is expected to be a high-impact addition who can score, rebound, and facilitate at a high level.
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Head coach Bill Self praised his all-around game and experience beyond his years, noting the expectations that come with a player of his caliber. His commitment also continues Kansas’ recent recruiting surge, making the program the first since Duke in 2017–18 to land back-to-back No. 1 ranked recruits.

🎯 REAL ESTATE SCENE

​SPONSORED BY MOVING TO KC​

Updated Split-Level Home in the Heart of Overland Park with Flexible Living Spaces

9248 Wedd Drive is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath raised ranch in the established Westbrooke South neighborhood of Overland Park, offering just over 2,000 square feet of refreshed living space with multiple areas that make everyday living feel open and flexible. From the curb, the home stands out with a large new driveway and solid street presence, setting the tone for what’s inside.

The main level features refinished hardwood floors, a bright and open layout, and a spacious kitchen with custom cabinetry that connects smoothly to the dining and living areas. Updated windows throughout the home bring in natural light across both levels, giving the entire space a clean and comfortable feel without losing its original character.

Downstairs, the finished lower level adds another layer of livability with a second living area centered around a unique curved wood-burning fireplace. With three well-sized bedrooms, including a primary suite with an updated bathroom, plus a generous lot and attached 2-car garage, this home offers space, updates, and a convenient Overland Park location close to shopping, dining, and highway access.

🏡 Property Overview

Address: 9248 Wedd Drive, Overland Park, KS 66212

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square Footage: 2,024 sq ft

Lot Size: 10,196.00 sqft

📞 Ready to see it in person?
​Take a closer look at the details, and let’s get your tour scheduled!​

Listing Provided by:Kyle Talbot with KW KANSAS CITY METRO

Fully Remodeled Bungalow in Merriam with Updated Finishes and Spacious Lot

6017 Mastin Street is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow in Merriam offering 1,416 square feet of refreshed living space on an oversized 0.35-acre lot. Priced at $299,000, this fully remodeled home combines classic curb appeal with practical updates, starting with a covered front porch that gives the home a warm and welcoming first impression.

Inside, the home has been updated throughout with fresh paint, new flooring, and a bright, functional layout that feels both clean and comfortable. The living room is centered around a fireplace and flows naturally into the dining area, creating an easy everyday setup for both relaxing and entertaining. The galley-style kitchen makes smart use of the space with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a clean, modern finish.

The primary suite includes its own ensuite bathroom, while two additional bedrooms share a second fully updated full bath. Main-floor laundry adds convenience, and the full basement offers additional storage or future potential. Outside, the large lot gives you plenty of room to spread out, along with a long driveway that provides extra parking. Located with quick access to Shawnee Mission Parkway, shopping, dining, and major highways, this home offers a move-in-ready option in a convenient Johnson County location.

🏡 Property Overview

Address: 6017 Mastin Street, Merriam, KS 66203

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square Footage: 1,416 sq ft

Lot Size: 15,256.00 sqft

📞 Ready to see it in person?
​Take a closer look at the details, and let’s get your tour scheduled!​

Listing Provided by:Kyle Talbot with KW KANSAS CITY METRO

At Loans in KC, we understand that every financial situation is unique. That’s why we offer personalized loan solutions designed to meet your specific needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with fast and reliable service.
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Mortgage rates change constantly, much like the weather, and they vary depending on your unique circumstances. Just like finding the right tool for a job, getting the right mortgage rate is crucial. Let us help you discover the perfect match with a FREE customized quote today! You’re not just another number to us; you’re part of the family.

🌆 This Weekend in Kansas City!