👀 This Week Around KC

• ✨ MORE PLAZA PLANS REVEALED​​
  Developers behind the Country Club Plaza overhaul released updated plans this week, including a new “Plaza on the Plaza” greenspace concept. The mixed-use design would add more walkability and community space between 47th, Nichols, Broadway, and Central. Gillon Property Group says they do not plan to close any major roads. The City Plan Commission postponed a vote to December 17 to allow more public feedback.​
• ⚽ KANSAS CITY MAKES IT EASIER TO HOST WORLD CUP VISITORS​​
  Kansas City approved a short-term rental ordinance that will make it easier for locals to host guests during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city will designate a special 90-day event window, during which residents can rent their homes with a reduced $50 permit fee. Applications open December 15. Officials say it’s a way to meet demand and give locals a chance to participate in the World Cup excitement.
• ⭐ BIG SLICK 2026 DATES ANNOUNCED (SOFTBALL GAME CANCELED)​​
  Big Slick will return May 29–30, 2026, but without its signature Celebrity Softball Game. Organizers said the change was due to scheduling conflicts with the MLB and World Cup. Instead, a VIP “Big Slick Party & Show” will take place at T-Mobile Center on May 30. The fundraising event for Children’s Mercy will still be led by Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, and their celebrity friends, with more details coming this spring.
• 🚌 KC UNVEILS WORLD CUP BUS NETWORK (CONNECTKC26)​​
  Kansas City introduced ConnectKC26, a regional bus network to support World Cup visitors and residents. The system includes three major routes: Airport Direct, Stadium Direct, and Region Direct, connecting KCI, the stadium, downtown, and 15 key cultural spots. Service will run daily, with increased frequency on match days. The goal is to make the whole city accessible during the tournament, not just the soccer venues.
• 🎄 KINGDOM ELF CONTEST​​
  The Chiefs are celebrating the holidays with a Kingdom Elf photo contest. Fans are invited to submit their most creative Elf on the Shelf setups, ideally with a Chiefs twist. Winners will receive game-day experiences, autographed merch, and other prizes. It’s part of the team’s larger “Merry Mischief” campaign, which also includes a new Chiefs-themed claymation short dropping Christmas Eve.
• 🏢 KC BREAKS GROUND ON HISTORIC NE LOFTS​​
  A major redevelopment in Northeast Kansas City is officially underway. The first phase of the Historic Northeast Lofts project will bring 389 mixed-income apartments to the old Hardesty Federal Complex, with most units marked affordable for households at 30–80% of area median income. The site will also feature a 30,000 sq. ft. public market, childcare center, rooftop solar, and geothermal heating. The $56 million project is designed around bus access and neighborhood sustainability.
• 👗 DEAR SOCIETY EARNS SPOT ON NYT’S TOP 50 CLOTHING STORES LIST​​
  Kansas City’s Dear Society was named one of the top 50 clothing stores in the U.S. by The New York Times. Located in the Crossroads, the boutique is known for blending modern minimalist fashion with curated vintage pieces. Owners Chanel Jezek and Maria Casteel called the recognition a major moment for Kansas City’s style scene. It’s another national nod for the city’s growing fashion footprint.

What you might have missed last week

• Kansas City has once again received a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, marking the city’s fifth consecutive year at the top.
• Hallmark Channel is bringing its holiday TV special to Kansas City at the end of November, turning the city into a real life movie set.
• ​KC Pet Project is opening a new outdoor playground called Barks and Rec at its Swope Park campus, donated by Westlake Ace Hardware.
• Kansas City pizza got national attention after Dave Portnoy scored Northeast Pizza 7.7 and Pizza Tascio 8.1 on his “One Bite” tour, driving crowds to local favorites.

🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE

New Riverside Amphitheater Set to Transform KC’s Live Music Scene

The Morton Amphitheater, a new 16,000-seat outdoor venue opening in Riverside in 2026, is poised to reshape concert life in the Kansas City area. With 12,000 covered seats, nearly a dozen shows already announced, and a lineup ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jack Johnson to "Weird Al" Yankovic and Mötley Crüe, the venue is expected to host 30+ concerts per season and draw over half a million fans each year.
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Riverside’s mayor says it’s on track to become Live Nation’s top venue nationwide, bringing an estimated $70 million in annual economic impact. Opening just in time for the World Cup and planned for year-round activation, the amphitheater marks a major win for the Northland and offers KC locals more opportunities to see top artists without leaving town.

​Let me know what you think of this redevelopment ➡️

🎶 LIFESTYLE SCENE

Moonstone on the Riverfront Is Doing What No One Else in KC Is Doing

Mollie thought she knew exactly what an “upscale cosmic cocktail lounge” would be. Moonstone proved her wrong in the best possible way. Her full review might convince you to book a night on the riverfront.

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This story is written by Mollie Talbot for The KC Scene.

It’s the next feature in our new column, Mollified in KC

🏐 SPORTS SCENE

WORLD CUP 2026 UPDATE, JUST ANNOUNCED

FIFA released the group draw today, and we now know which countries are in the same group as the USA. This is the first piece of the puzzle for Kansas City, but it does not tell us which teams will actually play here.

Group D, USA’s Group​
• USA
• Paraguay
• Australia
• Winner Play-Off C

These are the teams in the USA’s group. This does not guarantee that the USA, or any team in Group D, will play in Kansas City. The draw only determines who is grouped together. It does not determine match locations. FIFA announces the full match schedule tomorrow, and that schedule will tell us which teams are physically coming to KC.

Kansas City has also been assigned a set of group stage matches from three additional groups. Host cities do not host an entire group. They host select matches within the groups they are assigned.

Kansas City will host matches from:​
• Group J (Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan)
• Group E (Germany, Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador)
• Group F (Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Winner Play-Off B)

The “Play-Off” spots are qualifying matches that have not finished yet. Once those are decided, the final countries will slot into their groups. This does not change Kansas City’s hosting assignments.

So what does all this mean for KC right now?
We know the groups. We know the pool of teams KC could host. We know which three groups KC has matches from. But we do not know the exact teams, dates, or matchups yet. That all arrives with the official schedule tomorrow.

Once the official matchups drop, we’ll post that update with the confirmed teams coming to Kansas City, the dates they’ll play, and what to expect for fan events, travel, and the city’s footprint on IG, so make sure you are following us there.

KC is one step closer to the world arriving at our doorstep.

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🎯 REAL ESTATE SCENE

​SPONSORED BY MOVING TO KC​

Brookside Beauty with Timeless Style and Thoughtful Upgrades

This 1920 Brookside classic welcomes you with charming curb appeal on a spacious 10,070 sq ft lot, just steps from the Brookside shops and only ten blocks south of the new streetcar extension. The moment you step inside, the main level feels polished and inviting. The renovated kitchen stands out with stainless steel appliances, a gas range, a large island, and an impressive step-in pantry. It opens directly to a two-tier deck that makes hosting effortless, while the cozy seating room with a gas fireplace and the adjoining living room offer warm, comfortable spaces for everyday living.

Upstairs, the home maintains its historic character while delivering thoughtful updates throughout. All three bedrooms are generously sized, with two full bathrooms that have been tastefully refreshed. The primary suite is a highlight, featuring an incredibly spacious layout, a walk-in closet that feels endless, and the convenience of having the laundry room directly inside the primary bath—an uncommon and welcome perk for this era of home.

With walkability to neighborhood favorites, quick access to new transit options, and modern amenities woven seamlessly into a timeless structure, this Brookside home blends history, comfort, and functionality in a way that’s rare to find today. Perfectly located and thoughtfully updated, it offers a lifestyle that feels both classic and easy.

🏡 Property Overview

Price: $649,900

Address: 6142 Brookside Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64113

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Square Footage: 2,237 sq ft

Lot Size: 10,070 sq ft

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

Listing Provided by: Brady Baker, Kansas City Regional Homes Inc

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.

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🌆 This Weekend in Kansas City!