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.
Kansas City is kicking off the season with big announcements, cultural returns, and exciting developments across the metro.
This edition, we’re checking out:
• A new Kansas sports authority shaking up the Chiefs stadium talks. • Kansas City recognized as a “Welcoming Star” for its inclusive community efforts. • Irish Fest returning this fall with music, food, and fun. • The iconic Plaza bells ringing again starting Easter. • A new micro bathhouse concept coming to the Crossroads. • Pedicabs could make a comeback on the Plaza. • Rock Island Bridge officially opening this weekend.
From sports to festivals and historic openings, Kansas City keeps surprising and growing at every turn.
Kansas is moving forward with a new 11-member sports authority to oversee a proposed $3 billion stadium project tied to the Kansas City Chiefs. The group would handle everything from financing and construction to long-term operations, playing a central role in one of the largest economic development deals in state history. Supporters say the plan could bring jobs and investment, while critics argue it relies heavily on public incentives and raises questions about long-term return.
⭐ KANSAS CITY NAMED A “WELCOMING STAR” Kansas City has been designated a “Welcoming Star” by Welcoming America after meeting national benchmarks for immigrant inclusion, economic access, and community support. The recognition highlights the city’s continued efforts to create pathways for integration and long-term economic participation.
🍀 KANSAS CITY IRISH FEST RETURNS THIS FALL Kansas City Irish Fest is returning to Crown Center over Labor Day weekend, bringing three days of live music, cultural programming, food vendors, and family-friendly events. As one of the largest Irish festivals in the country, it draws tens of thousands of attendees each year and remains a staple on KC’s event calendar.
🔔 PLAZA BELLS RING AGAIN STARTING EASTER The iconic bells at the Country Club Plaza will return starting Easter Sunday after being silent for years, marking the return of one of the Plaza’s most recognizable traditions. The revival also ties into broader conversations around the Plaza’s ongoing updates and long-term revitalization.
🛁 MICRO BATHHOUSE CONCEPT COMING TO CROSSROADS Entrepreneur Kyle Steppe is planning “180 Bathhouse,” a micro bathhouse in the Crossroads Arts District focused on contrast therapy, including sauna and cold plunge experiences. The concept is built around a strict phone-free policy, leaning into a growing national wellness trend centered on intentional disconnection and in-person interaction.
🚲 PEDICABS COULD RETURN TO THE PLAZA A proposed ordinance in Kansas City would allow modern, regulated pedicabs to operate on the Country Club Plaza. If approved, the move would expand short-distance transportation options in high-traffic areas, especially as the city prepares for increased tourism and major events.
Kansas City’s Anjin has advanced to finalist status for Best New Restaurant in the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards, highlighting the city’s growing presence in the national food scene.
Rock Island Bridge officially opens this weekend, and we went to get the story firsthand.
The Rock Island Bridge officially opened this weekend, transforming a historic railroad bridge into a pedestrian walkway that connects the Lawrence Levee Trail in Kansas to the Greenline in Missouri. Three trails, two states, one bridge. It's the first time this connection has existed, and it changes how people move through the West Bottoms entirely.
We sat down with Mike, the developer behind the Rock Island Bridge, to hear the full story of how this project came together, what it took to get here, and what it means for the future of the neighborhood.
We also caught Andrew Miller, owner of River House, and chef Bradley Gilmore, who are now open on the lower level serving Kansas City-style comfort food with river views on both sides.
That full interview drops today at 5 PM on the Moving to KC YouTube channel.
We're sending you an email at 5 PM sharp so you can watch it the moment it drops. If you want to be the first to know every time we drop content like this, make sure you're subscribed to the channel.
If you haven't subscribed to the channel yet, now's the time. This is exactly the kind of KC story we'll keep bringing you.
🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE
Kansas City Symphony Unveils Plans for Major New South Plaza Venue
The Kansas City Symphony has announced plans to develop a new 4,600-seat live music venue in Kansas City’s South Plaza district, expected to open by 2028. Designed to support both symphonic and amplified performances, including popular film score concerts, the space will also host touring artists across multiple genres, drawing an estimated 300,000 visitors annually and boosting nearby businesses. While the Symphony will own the venue, operations and programming will be managed by Music and Event Management, Inc., with more than 100 events planned each year. Revenue generated from the venue is intended to help sustain the Symphony’s regular performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, ensuring long term growth and financial stability for the organization.
Freddie Dredd @ The Granada, Lawrence KS | hip-hop/trap | 8:00 PM | INFO
Moon Walker @ The Bottleneck, Lawrence KS | indie | unspecified* | INFO
🏐 SPORTS SCENE
Kansas City FIFA Fan Festival Tickets Now Open for Summer 2026
Soccer fans can now reserve their spot for the upcoming FIFA Fan Festival in Kansas City, an 18-day event taking place in June and July at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. While general admission is free, attendees must secure a pass in advance, with entry granted on a first come, first served basis depending on capacity. For those wanting guaranteed access and upgraded experiences, paid options like the Premium Garden Pass and Legacy Lounge Pass offer perks such as exclusive viewing areas, expedited entry, food and beverage packages, and private amenities. Organizers expect strong demand, especially during major match days, and attendees will receive a QR code ticket via email about 48 hours before their scheduled visit. The festival will feature themed programming throughout its run, highlighting Kansas City’s culture, sports scene, global soccer influence, and local arts.
One of These Questions Eliminates Half the Kansas City Metro
In this video, we walk through the biggest mistake people make before moving to Kansas City and the key questions that can quickly narrow down where you’ll actually want to live. This is a practical guide to understanding how the metro really works.
4504 W 78th St is a 3-bedroom, 1-bath home that perfectly blends timeless architecture with modern updates. Designed by noted architect David Runnells and built by Don Drummond, this authentic Mid-Century Modern home is one of only nine of its kind ever built. Fully remodeled, it features restored parquet wood floors, vaulted unpainted wood ceilings, and expansive insulated windows that fill every room with natural light. The updated kitchen and bathroom showcase designer finishes, while the detached garage offers extra space for hobbies, a workshop, or flex use.
Set on a private, fenced, tree-filled lot, the home also boasts a newer deck, A/C and furnace (2018), a new sewer line (2022), and an energy-efficient smart roof. Just steps from schools, parks, and local shops, this rare architectural gem is a move-in ready opportunity for anyone seeking a home with character, style, and convenience.
🏡 Property Overview
Address: 4504 W 78th St, Prairie Village, KS 66208
Listing Provided by: Leslie Stelzer & Bailey Goodman with Compass Realty Group
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. 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.
Spring festival. Easter Bunny photos, animals, vendors, and family activities. Easy daytime plan.
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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.
Kansas City is starting the year with big news, exciting developments, and cultural highlights that show just how much the metro keeps evolving. This edition, we’re checking out: • Worlds of Fun bringing back its iconic wooden roller coaster in 2026, giving thrill-seekers a nostalgic ride experience and boosting excitement for the summer season. • Crossroads hotspot Anjin earning a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant, putting Kansas City’s culinary scene back in the...
Kansas City is having a week full of big moves, new experiences, and cultural highlights that show how the metro keeps evolving. This edition, we’re looking at: • Justin Fields being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing a new dynamic to the team’s offense and exciting fans citywide. • The Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournaments continuing to fuel downtown’s economy, drawing thousands of visitors and generating millions in local spending. • Martin City Brewing Company expanding with a new...
Kansas City is having one of those weeks where a lot of different parts of the city are moving at once. New restaurants are opening, major development projects are revealing new details, and community initiatives are continuing to shape neighborhoods across the metro. This edition, we’re diving into: • Joe’s KC BBQ opening a new concept called Joe’s Next Door in Kansas City, Kansas.• Updated renderings reveal new details for Luminary Park, the planned 5.5-acre park built over I-670 connecting...
