⚽ KC Current Creates Pro Pathway ⚾ Royals Move In Fences 🌳 250-Year-Old Oak Falls


Hey Kansas City Enthusiasts,

Big things are happening across Kansas City this week, from sports and local milestones to community moments and development updates. The city is buzzing with change, and there’s plenty to keep fans, foodies, and residents talking.

This edition, we’re diving into:

▪️ KC Current launches a real pathway from youth soccer to the pros, creating new opportunities for local talent

▪️ Royals moving in fences for the 2026 season, promising more offense and excitement at Kauffman Stadium

▪️ KC says goodbye to a 250-year-old oak tree, marking a bittersweet moment for the community

▪️ Kansas City votes on the best new restaurant of 2025, highlighting the city’s thriving food scene

▪️ J. Rieger & Co. welcomes Jason Bourne to its leadership team, showing local brands continuing to grow

▪️ Destination KCK project misses a key land deadline, adding uncertainty to one of the region’s biggest proposed developments

Don’t miss the full restaurant guide—the event is only available through January 18!


👀 This Week Around KC

  • KANSAS CITY CURRENT LAUNCHES A REAL PATHWAY FROM YOUTH SOCCER TO THE PROS
    Local kids are not just dreaming anymore, they are getting a visible roadmap. The Current announced a new development pathway that connects youth soccer players directly to professional opportunities. It is a big step for women’s sports in KC and a signal that the city is investing in long-term talent, not just game-day hype.
  • KANSAS CITY ROYALS MOVING IN FENCES FOR THE 2026 SEASON
    The Royals plan to bring the outfield walls closer starting next season. Translation, more home runs, more offense, and a noticeable shift in how games play at Kauffman. It is a fan-friendly change as the team looks toward the future, both on the field and off.
  • 🌳 KC SAYS GOODBYE TO A 250-YEAR-OLD OAK TREE
    Community members gathered to honor a massive oak that has stood since before Kansas City existed. It is a reminder that development and preservation are always in tension here, and sometimes the loss hits harder than expected.
  • 🍽️ KANSAS CITY VOTES ON THE BEST NEW RESTAURANT OF 2025
    Readers weighed in on more than 50 new spots that opened in 2025 and picked their favorite. This story highlights KC’s booming food scene and the continuing wave of dining options that are making the city a destination for both locals and visitors.
  • 🥃 J. RIEGER & CO. GETS A CAMEO IN THE NEXT JASON BOURNE NOVEL
    The historic Kansas City distillery is featured in the upcoming thriller Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Revenge after the author visited the East Bottoms location. The book includes a scene set at the distillery, which shines a light on its reputation and local flavor on a global stage. This is a creative win for both the brand and the city’s cultural footprint.
  • 🏗️ DESTINATION KCK PROJECT MISSES KEY LAND DEADLINE
    A developer behind the ambitious Destination KCK project failed to meet a critical land acquisition deadline. That puts the future of the Bonner Springs entertainment resort in question and adds uncertainty to one of the region’s biggest proposed developments.

What you might have missed last week

  • Missouri State Senator Nick Schroer pre-filed three bills targeting the Chiefs, from making teams pay for stadium demolition to adding ticket fees if they leave, blending political theater with a surprisingly practical idea.
  • Jackson County legislator Manny Abarca has proposed a transparency ordinance he’s been working on since December, now renamed the Good Transparency Ordinance, that would prohibit law enforcement officers and federal agents, including ICE, from concealing their faces or badges while operating in public within Jackson County.
  • Kansas City is on England’s shortlist for a potential 2026 World Cup base camp, bringing the city closer to a behind-the-scenes role in the tournament as FIFA’s final approval awaits.

🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE

Boulevard Brewing Plans Elevated Outdoor Yard Ahead of Global Soccer Spotlight

Boulevard Brewing Co. is set to expand its Tours & Rec Center with the addition of Boulevard Yard, a second-level outdoor bar and patio designed to significantly increase the brewery’s existing patio space and enhance the visitor experience.

Construction begins January 14, with an opening timed for summer 2026 as Kansas City prepares to welcome international visitors for the world’s largest soccer tournament. The new space will feature skyline views, flexible outdoor seating, a new indoor-outdoor bar with the full lineup of Boulevard beverages, and large-screen TVs for events and sports.

The project will connect the current Beer Hall patio to the upper parking deck for improved access and convenience, and is being led by local firms Helix Architecture + Design and A.L. Huber, reinforcing Boulevard’s long-standing ties to the Kansas City community.

Let me know what you think of this redevelopment ➡️

📌 Friday, January 16

  • The Elders @ Uptown Theater | Celtic rock | INFO
  • Hi-Lux @ recordBar | funk soul | INFO
  • Levee Town @ Knuckleheads | blues rock | INFO
  • Nicki White @ Buffalo State Pizza | free concert | 7 PM | INFO
  • Maria the Mexican @ The Ship | Latin fusion | INFO
  • Fast Times @ The Rino (North KC) | 80s cover band | INFO
  • DJ Ashton Martin @ Aura | EDM | INFO
  • The Sextet @ Green Lady Lounge | jazz | INFO

📌 Saturday, January 17

  • City Center Live @ Lenexa City Hall | free performing arts series | INFO
  • Matt Stansberry & The Romance @ Knuckleheads | soul rock | INFO
  • Found A Job (Talking Heads tribute) @ recordBar | alt rock | INFO
  • The Black Mariah Theater @ miniBar | garage jazz | INFO
  • The Zeros KC @ Farewell KCMO | indie rock | INFO
  • The Roseline @ Westport Saloon | indie folk | INFO
  • Local Metal Showcase @ Replay Lounge (Lawrence) | metal | INFO
  • DJ Kay-Fan @ Tin Roof | party mix | INFO
  • The Nightcaps @ Green Lady Lounge | jazz | INFO

📌 Sunday, January 18

  • Free Sunday Open Jam @ Knuckleheads | hosted by Levee Town | INFO
  • Jazz Brunch @ The Phoenix | classic KC jazz | INFO
  • Nace Brothers @ The Ship | roots rock | INFO
  • Sunday Songwriter Circle @ PH Coffee | acoustic | INFO
  • Sunday Jazz Set @ Green Lady Lounge | jazz | INFO

📌 Monday, January 19

  • Lonnie McFadden @ The Phoenix | jazz | INFO
  • Blue Monday Jam @ Knuckleheads | blues | INFO
  • Open Mic Monday @ Blip Roasters | mixed genres | INFO
  • Jazz Jam Night @ Green Lady Lounge | jazz | INFO
  • Open Mic Night @ Westport Coffee House Theater | mixed genres | INFO

📌 Tuesday, January 20

  • Trevor Turla @ Westport Saloon | brass funk | INFO
  • Yes You Are @ recordBar | alt pop | INFO
  • Soul Jam Session @ The Ship | soul R&B | INFO
  • Songwriter Night @ miniBar | indie folk | INFO
  • Bluegrass Jam @ Knuckleheads | bluegrass | INFO

📌 Wednesday, January 21

  • Ha Ha Tonka @ Knuckleheads | indie Americana | INFO
  • Recycled Funk @ recordBar | funk | INFO
  • UMKC Conservatory Concert @ White Recital Hall | classical | INFO
  • Local Indie Showcase @ Farewell KCMO | indie | INFO
  • Hip Hop Open Mic @ The Rino | hip hop | INFO
  • Caleb Nason Trio @ Green Lady Lounge | jazz | INFO

📌 Thursday, January 22

  • The Matchsellers @ Knuckleheads | bluegrass | INFO
  • The Freedom Affair @ recordBar | soul | INFO
  • Enrique Chi @ The Ship | Latin rock | INFO
  • Acoustic Roots Night @ PH Coffee | folk | INFO
  • Vinyl Night @ Panther’s Place | soul funk | INFO
  • Open Mic Night @ Westport Coffee House Theater | mixed genres | INFO

📌 REGULAR WEEKLY PROGRAMMING

  • NIGHTLY (7 NIGHTS A WEEK)
    • Green Lady Lounge live Kansas City jazz on two stages (upstairs + downstairs “Orion Room”) - $5 cover - 1809 Grand Blvd
  • THURSDAY-SATURDAY
  • SATURDAY
    • Free Saturday Open Jam @ Knuckleheads | hosted by Billy Ebeling - 12:30 PM
  • SUNDAY
    • Free Sunday Open Jam @ Knuckleheads | hosted by Levee Town - 1:00 PM

🏐 SPORTS SCENE

Kansas City Current Releases 2026 Season Schedule with Expanded League and Packed Home Slate

The Kansas City Current and the National Women’s Soccer League have unveiled the club’s full 2026 regular season schedule, featuring a 30-match campaign following league expansion, with 15 home games set at CPKC Stadium, the world’s first stadium built specifically for a professional women’s sports team.

Kansas City opens the season at home on March 14 against the Utah Royals, nearly two years after the stadium’s inaugural match, and will also host the second Teal Rising Cup in April. Ticket presales for members begin January 16, with public sales opening January 20.

The season includes marquee home matchups against Gotham FC, Portland Thorns FC, and Angel City FC, a June 26 NWSL Challenge Cup showdown against Gotham FC in Columbus, and a playoff schedule that runs through the NWSL Championship on November 21. The year also marks the first season under head coach Chris Armas, following a historic 2025 campaign in which the Current won the NWSL Shield and set multiple league records.

If I Were Moving to KC in 2026, I'd Live Here

Kansas City is in the middle of one of the biggest transformation periods in its history. From the $1.5B Country Club Plaza redevelopment and streetcar expansion, to the Rock Island Bridge opening, Current Landing riverfront district, 18th & Vine restoration, Morton Amphitheater, and the road to World Cup 2026, KC is changing fast.

🎯 REAL ESTATE SCENE

SPONSORED BY MOVING TO KC

Coming Soon: Mission Bungalow with Bright Spaces and Flexible Living

This light-filled Mission bungalow blends classic charm with thoughtful updates that make everyday living feel effortless. A recently rebuilt front deck stretches across the width of the home, setting a welcoming tone and offering the perfect place for morning coffee or unwinding at the end of the day. Inside, vaulted ceilings and large windows create an airy feel, while the open main-level layout allows natural light to move easily from room to room.

The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, featuring butcher block countertops, a clean subway tile backsplash, skylights, and peaceful views of a private, tree-lined backyard. It’s a space that feels both functional and inviting, ideal for casual meals or hosting friends. Two comfortable bedrooms and a full bath are located on the main level, offering convenient one-floor living.

Upstairs, the home opens up to an additional bedroom and full bath tucked beneath vaulted ceilings and multiple skylights, creating a flexible retreat perfect for a primary suite, guest space, or home office. Outside, multiple deck areas extend the living space outdoors, while the basement provides laundry and extra storage to keep things organized. Just minutes from downtown Mission with easy access to shops, dining, and major highways, this well-located bungalow offers comfort, character, and everyday convenience in a highly walkable neighborhood.

🏡 Property Overview

Address: 5212 Riggs St, Mission, KS 66202

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square Footage: 1,452 sq ft

Lot Size: 10,315 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

Moving to KC | 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.

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!

KC Fashion Industry Awards Gala

KC Fashion Industry Awards Gala celebrating 2025 fashion leaders, Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM at Hotel Kansas City.

River Market Flea

River Market Flea with vintage, handmade, and farm-fresh goods, Saturdays 9 AM–3 PM, January 3–February 28 at City Market, Kansas City.

Leavenworth Main Street 30th Anniversary Celebration

Leavenworth Main Street 30th Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, January 17, 6–9 PM at River City Community Theater.

Broadway Rave

Broadway Rave featuring a lively musical show, Saturday, January 17, 8 PM at Uptown Theater (doors open at 7 PM; $2 minor surcharge for under 21).

2026 KC Tattoo Expo

2026 KC Tattoo Expo with live tattooing and piercings by 120+ artists, Saturday, January 17, 8 PM at Uptown Theater.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Weekend

Peanut Butter & Jelly Weekend with themed drinks, family fun, and free activities, January 16–18 at Hometown Olathe Family Farm.

24th Annual Eagle Days

24th Annual Eagle Days with live birds of prey, crafts, and family activities, Saturday–Sunday, January 18–19 at Mr. & Mrs. F. L. Schlagle Library.

We’re building the ultimate library of local guides to help you experience Kansas City like never before. From art walks to foodie finds, keep an eye out—new guides are dropping all year long. Download now, save for later, and share with a friend!

Got an idea for a guide you'd love to see? We’d love to hear it. Reach out anytime at media@thekcscene.com.


That’s it for today! Wishing you an amazing week.

Looking to buy, sell or relocate? ​
Schedule a call with me!​

Thank you for being a part of the KC Scene community!

— Kyle Talbot

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KC Scene

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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