๐Ÿค– Planet Comicon KC This Weekend, ๐ŸŽข Worlds of Fun Returns, ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Anjin James Beard Nod


Kansas City is starting the year with big news, exciting developments, and cultural highlights that show just how much the metro keeps evolving.
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This edition, weโ€™re checking out:
โ€ข 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.
โ€ข Crossroads hotspot Anjin earning a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant, putting Kansas Cityโ€™s culinary scene back in the national spotlight.
โ€ข Wallyโ€™s breaking ground in Independence with a 2027 opening target, signaling continued commercial growth in the eastern KC metro.
โ€ข The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum unveiling new portraits honoring four Kansas City legends, strengthening its mission to celebrate Black baseball history and the cityโ€™s cultural heritage.
โ€ข Screenland Armour reintroducing the rare 70mm film experience to KC audiences, offering a unique cinematic alternative for classic and arthouse film lovers.
โ€ข Progress on an inflatable dome at Leeโ€™s Summit Sports Complex, bringing year-round indoor athletic space closer to reality for the community.
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From theme parks and fine dining to sports history and innovative facilities, Kansas City continues to surprise and grow in every corner.
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๐Ÿค PARTNERSHIP

Planet Comicon Kansas City returns this weekend - March 27th through the 29th - at the Kansas City Convention Center Bartle Hall.

Started in 1999 in Overland Park, Planet Comicon has become one of the largest comic book and pop culture events in the country, featuring three days of celebrity and creator guests, panels, and memorable fan experiences.

Inside Bartle Hall, fans can explore a massive show floor filled with more than 800 artists, crafters, authors, retailers, and merchandise vendors from all over the country.

Now in its 27th year, Planet Comicon Kansas City welcomes tens of thousands of fans to downtown KC, delivering an estimated economic impact of $13.8 million dollars according to Visit KC, including 2,000+ hotel room nights at 7 different downtown hotels.

Celebrity guests for this yearโ€™s show include:

  • Jared Padalecki from Supernatural
  • Elijah Wood and Sean Astin from Lord of the Rings
  • Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden
  • The iconic Priscilla Presley
  • Corey Taylor from Slipknot
  • Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips
  • Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters
  • Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, and the cast of Twilight
  • Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace from Taken
  • Jason Isaacs from Harry Potter
  • The legendary William Shatner
  • And many more

Attendees can meet their favorite celebrities, including autograph and photo opportunities while also enjoying cosplay, gaming, hundreds of hours of panel programming, and after-hours events.

Planet Comicon Kansas City is a celebration of fandom for all ages and has become one of Kansas Cityโ€™s most anticipated annual events.

Planet Comicon KC runs Friday through Sunday, March 27th through 29th. Tickets and full events details are available at PlanetComicon.com and on-site at the Kansas City Convention Center.

๐Ÿ‘€ This Week Around KC

  • ๐ŸŽข ICONIC WOODEN ROLLER COASTER RETURNING TO WORLDS OF FUN IN 2026โ€‹โ€‹
    Worlds of Fun is bringing back its beloved wooden roller coaster, giving thrill-seekers a classic ride experience ahead of the summer season. The return is expected to generate buzz among longtime park fans and draw renewed interest to the Worlds of Fun lineup.
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  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ KANSAS CITY'S ANJIN NAMED JAMES BEARD SEMIFINALIST FOR BEST NEW RESTAURANTโ€‹โ€‹
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    Crossroads hotspot Anjin has earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant, putting Kansas City's dining scene back on the national map. The recognition highlights the city's growing reputation as a serious culinary destination.
  • ๐Ÿšง WALLY'S BREAKS GROUND IN INDEPENDENCE WITH 2027 OPENING TARGETโ€‹
    The popular travel center and convenience brand Wally's is planting its flag in Independence, with a groundbreaking underway and a 2027 opening on the horizon. The development signals continued commercial growth in the eastern KC metro.
  • โšพ NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM UNVEILS PORTRAITS HONORING FOUR KC LEGENDSโ€‹โ€‹
    The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has revealed new portraits celebrating four Kansas City legends and community leaders, deepening its mission to preserve and honor the legacy of Black baseball and its cultural impact on the city.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ SCREENLAND ARMOUR BRINGS 70MM FILM BACK TO KANSAS CITYโ€‹โ€‹
    Screenland Armour is reviving the large-format 70mm filmgoing experience for Kansas City audiences, offering a rare and cinematic alternative to the standard multiplex. The move taps into growing enthusiasm for classic and arthouse film presentation.
  • ๐ŸŸ๏ธ INFLATABLE DOME PROJECT AT LEE'S SUMMIT SPORTS COMPLEX MOVES FORWARDโ€‹โ€‹
    Plans for an inflatable dome at the Lee's Summit Sports Complex are advancing, bringing year-round indoor athletic space closer to reality for the community. The project would expand training and event capacity for one of the area's premier recreational facilities.

What you might have missed last week

  • Jackson County is beginning to lay out a more structured plan for what comes next at the Truman Sports Complex, with Commissioner Phil LeVota announcing the creation of a formal task force to guide the process.
  • Kansas City's iconic Western Auto sign has been dark for over eight monthsโ€”and it might stay that way through the World Cup.
  • The American Kennel Club just dropped its 2025 rankings, and for the fourth year in a row, the French Bulldog is officially the most popular dog breed in the U.S.โ€”ending what used to be a 31-year reign by the Labrador Retriever.

๐Ÿข DEVELOPMENT SCENE

Historic 18th & Vine Castle Set for Film-Inspired Hotel and Creative Hub

A Kansas City entrepreneur is advancing a long-awaited plan to restore the historic Workhouse Castle at 18th & Vine, transforming the long-abandoned structure into a vibrant mixed-use destination.
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The proposal includes a $23 million, 46-room boutique hotel called The Jazzonian, featuring cinema-themed rooms inspired by iconic cultural figures, along with micro-cinemas and interactive media spaces.
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Behind the castle, a 10,000-square-foot production facility, Show Me Studios, would support film, television, and AI-driven media projects while offering educational opportunities. The broader vision also includes event spaces, potential extended-stay accommodations, and nearby residential development.
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With initial funding secured and surrounding investment gaining momentum, the developer aims to activate the site with a World Cup pop-up in 2026 and complete the full restoration and development by early 2028.

๐Ÿ“Œ Friday, March 27

  • Kansas City Symphony: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John ft. Michael Cavanaugh @ Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center | orchestral | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • bbno$ @ Uptown Theater | hip-hop/pop | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Nick Hexum w/ Water Tower @ The Granada | reggae rock | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Band of Skulls w/ Ghostwoman @ Warehouse on Broadway | rock | unspecified* | INFOโ€‹
  • Supertask @ recordBar | electronic | 8:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹
  • Rewind: Ultimate 2000s Rave @ The Truman | DJ/dance | 9:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹
  • The Yachties @ Knuckleheads Saloon | yacht rock/pop | unspecified* | INFOโ€‹
  • Tracey Myers / Cat Voltron / Gracie Caggiano @ The Rino | indie rock | 8:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹

๐Ÿ“Œ Saturday, March 28

  • Kansas City Symphony: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John ft. Michael Cavanaugh @ Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center | orchestral | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Natalie Jane @ The Truman | pop | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Scott Alewel โ€“ "Alive at 67 and Not Ready for Heaven" Birthday Bash @ Knuckleheads Saloon | blues/rock | 6:30 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Four Fried Chickens & A Coke @ Knuckleheads Saloon | soul/funk/blues | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • WOODEN WISDOM @ Madrid Theatre | DJ | 7:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹
  • Scoochie Boochie @ recordBar | unspecified | 8:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹
  • Phase Distorter / Entropy / Ben Wendt @ The Rino | rock/metal | 8:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹
  • Roman Numerals w/ Emmaline Twist, Sluts & Pimp Magic Guts @ Warehouse on Broadway | indie rock | unspecified* | INFOโ€‹
  • Silent Ave / Twista / Seuss / Yxng Ched / U Neek @ VooDoo Lounge, Harrah's KC | hip-hop | unspecified* | INFOโ€‹
  • Bingo Loco @ The Granada | DJ/dance party | 9:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹

๐Ÿ“Œ Sunday, March 29

  • Kansas City Symphony: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John ft. Michael Cavanaugh @ Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center | orchestral | 2:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Bay Faction @ Uptown Theater | indie rock | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Gospel Show & Brunch @ Knuckleheads Saloon | gospel/soul | unspecified* | INFOโ€‹
  • The Devil Wears Prada @ The Granada | metalcore | 7:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹

๐Ÿ“Œ Monday, March 30

  • Ashnikko w/ Princess Nokia @ Uptown Theater | alt-pop/hip-hop | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Bad Suns: ACCELERATOUR USA 2026 @ Madrid Theatre | pop punk/alternative | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Obscura / Allegaeon / Cognitive / Cryptosis @ Warehouse on Broadway | death metal | unspecified* | INFOโ€‹

๐Ÿ“Œ Tuesday, March 31

  • The Wonder Years w/ Knuckle Puck & Weakened Friends @ The Truman | pop punk | 7:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • Danny Worsnop & Tyler Rich @ The Bottleneck | rock/country | 8:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹

๐Ÿ“Œ Wednesday, April 1

  • The Last Dinner Party w/ florence road @ The Midland | indie rock/art pop | 8:00 PM | INFOโ€‹
  • I See Stars @ Warehouse on Broadway | electronic metal | unspecified* | INFOโ€‹
  • Jordana @ recordBar | indie pop | 8:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹
  • Glenn Hughes @ Knuckleheads Saloon | rock/classic rock | unspecified* | INFOโ€‹
  • Cat Clyde @ The Bottleneck | folk/blues | 8:00 PM* | INFOโ€‹

Share a Story of Hope in Kansas City

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A neighbor. A small group. A quiet act that mattered.

Weโ€™re spotlighting real stories of people showing up for their community, creating change, and doing good without chasing attention. Big impact or small moment. If it moved you, it belongs here.

Help us tell the stories that actually shape this city.

Get Your Business in the KC World Cup Guide

Kansas City is about to host the world. Literally.

Weโ€™re building a World Cup Guide that helps visitors find the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore beyond the stadium. This guide puts local businesses front and center when thousands of fans are deciding where to go and what to do.

If you want visitors to experience the real Kansas City, this is where you show up.

๐Ÿ SPORTS SCENE

Travis Kelce Signs $57.7M Extension with Chiefs Through 2026 Season

Travis Kelce has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $57.7 million, potentially making him the highest-paid tight end in the league with an average annual value of about $19.25 million.
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While the headline number is significant, the deal includes $12 million in guaranteed money and is structured in a way that could effectively make it a year-to-year arrangement depending on how the later years play out.
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Kelce enters the extension following a 2025 season where he recorded 76 receptions, 851 yards, and five touchdowns, adding to an already decorated career that includes multiple 1,000-yard seasons and All-Pro honors.

Olathe, Kansas Is Betting Billions on Its Future, And Here's What That Means for You

Discover why billions are pouring into this underestimated Kansas City suburb and what it means for your home value.

๐ŸŽฏ REAL ESTATE SCENE

โ€‹SPONSORED BY MOVING TO KCโ€‹

Turn-Key Rental Near Downtown

4115 E Linwood Blvd is a 4-bedroom, 2-bath move-in ready home with a smart rental layoutโ€”two bedrooms and a full bath on each level. Updates include new flooring, carpet, fully renovated kitchen and bathrooms, fresh paint, and recent roof, gutters, water heater, and furnace.

Just 3โ€“4 miles from Downtown Kansas City, it offers easy access to major employment centers, highways, parks, and schools. Perfect for investors or anyone seeking a ready-to-rent property with minimal upfront work.

๐Ÿก Property Overview

Address: 7420 Campbell St, Kansas City, MO 64131

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Square Footage: 1,243 sq ft

Lot Size: 7,311 sq ft

๐Ÿ“ž Ready to see it in person?
โ€‹Take a closer look at the details, and letโ€™s get your tour scheduled!โ€‹

Listing Provided by: Ryan Mcbryar with KW KANSAS CITY METRO


Comfortable Ranch Living with a Functional Layout in Birchwood Hillsโ€‹
Welcome to 3500 E 104th Street, a well-maintained true ranch offering three bedrooms and two bathrooms across 1,896 square feet. Built in 1972 and set on a generous lot, this home delivers a layout that feels both practical and easy to live in from the moment you step inside. A proper foyer greets you at the entrance and leads into a large formal dining room, creating a defined space thatโ€™s perfect for gatherings or everyday meals.

The kitchen connects seamlessly to the main living areas and offers plenty of storage, making daily routines feel effortless. All three bedrooms are conveniently located on the main level, including a spacious primary suite complete with its own private ensuite bathroom. Downstairs, the finished basement adds valuable flexibility, whether you need a second living space, rec room, or even a non-conforming fourth bedroom.

Located in the established Birchwood Hills neighborhood with quick highway access, this home offers both comfort and convenience for your daily commute and lifestyle.

๐Ÿก Property Overview

Address: 3500 E 104th St, Kansas City, MO 64137

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square Footage: 1,896 sq ft

Lot Size: 9,695 sq ft

๐Ÿ“ž Ready to see it in person?
โ€‹Take a closer look at the details, and letโ€™s get your tour scheduled!โ€‹

Listing Provided by: Kyle Talbot with KW KANSAS CITY METRO


At Loans in KC, we understand that every financial situation is unique. Thatโ€™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! Youโ€™re not just another number to us; youโ€™re part of the family.

๐ŸŒ† This Weekend in Kansas City!

โ€‹Planet Comicon Kansas Cityโ€‹

๐Ÿ“ Kansas City Convention Center | โฐ Fri 1โ€“8 PM ยท Sat 10โ€“7 PM ยท Sun 10โ€“5 PM Pop culture convention. Elijah Wood, Kiefer Sutherland, and William Shatner are all in KC this weekend. Biggest con in the Midwest.

โ€‹KC FilmFest Internationalโ€‹

๐Ÿ“ Multiple KC Venues | โฐ Fri โ€“ Sun Film festival. 29th year, 120+ indie films, filmmaker panels. If you care about film, this is the weekend.

โ€‹Kansas City Ballet: Don Quixoteโ€‹

๐Ÿ“ Kauffman Center | โฐ Fri โ€“ Sun Ballet. First time KC Ballet has ever staged Don Quixote โ€” limited run, get tickets before it's gone.

โ€‹Natalie Jane: Here For A Good Time Tourโ€‹

๐Ÿ“ The Truman | โฐ Sat 8 PM Pop concert. Natalie Jane brings her Here For A Good Time Tour to The Truman this Saturday.

โ€‹Asian Glow Fest KCโ€‹

๐Ÿ“ KC Metro | โฐ Fri + Sat Night market. Two-night Southeast Asian food and vendor market. Free to attend.

โ€‹Fit Excavating Big Digโ€‹

๐Ÿ“ Kansas Children's Discovery Center | โฐ Sat 9 AM โ€“ 5 PM Family event. Real construction equipment, real operators, real science โ€” bring the kids.

โ€‹Spring American Royal Livestock Showโ€‹

๐Ÿ“ American Royal Complex | โฐ March 26โ€“29, 2026 Historic livestock show. One of the toughest competitions in the country โ€” expect top breeders, future ag leaders, and thousands of attendees.

Weโ€™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 outโ€”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? Weโ€™d love to hear it. Reach out anytime at media@thekcscene.com.


Thatโ€™s it for today! Wishing you an amazing week.

Looking to buy, sell or relocate? โ€‹โ€‹
Schedule a call with me!โ€‹
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Thank you for being a part of the KC Scene community!
โ€‹

โ€” Kyle Talbot

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KC Scene

KC Scene is your go-to, unbiased resource for everything Kansas Cityโ€”where to live, what to do, and how to make this city feel like home. Whether you're moving in or moving up, weโ€™ve got you covered with real estate, development, lifestyle, and local gems.

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