KC Sipps logo by Theodore Rosen
Life in KC is pretty delicious. In fact, there is often so much going on that it can be hard to decide where to go and what to try.
That’s where I come in.
I’ve curated this weekly list of events, openings, deals, and celebrations to keep you in-the-know. Cheers!
Something New
News Bites: The Crossroads’ Fern Bar was just named a 2025 Spirited Awards Regional Top 10 Honoree for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar in the U.S. Central region. Congrats to the whole team! I happened to be there the night they were celebrating as a staff, and it was so special getting to see the camaraderie and connectedness between them.
Vignettes has paused their full-on themed bar strategy for a summer of standalone pop-up parties. This weekend kicks off with a Shrek-themed Swampstock on April 25, followed by Pink Pony Party on April 26 for all things Chappell Roan. Baulders Gate and Boy Bands round out next weekend.
Nearing the south end of the metro, Rakar Dumpling House is celebrating two years of serving Leawood with a unique combo of Asian fare and home furnishings. Now through Sunday, patrons can enjoy half-price dumplings, $2 kids meals, and daily deals.
Opening
Betty Rae’s: Another location of KC’s iconic ice cream has opened in Overland Park. New to 135th Street in the Shoppes at Deer Creek Woods is the sixth Betty Rae’s, and it is open seven days a week. My rec: their natural mint and chocolate flakes. Or, a peanut butter cookie sandwich with chocolate ice cream in the middle.
Fairway Creamery: KC loves ice cream! Fairway Creamery opened a second location this week. In addition to the Fairway location, a second location is now scooping in Westside. To celebrate, all pints are 20% off this weekend.
April 26
Renegade Coffee: Renegade in the northland is throwing a pergola party, with face painting, live music, $2 brats and $1 hotdogs, and outdoor games. The fun kicks off at 9 a.m., with food and music starting at 11 a.m. The spring coffee menu is still available, with seasonal flavors like carrot cake (always in season, in my opinion!), Peeps, honey, and more.
Cleo & Leo on Elm Street: The Lawrence bakery featured in our March magazine is hosting another LFK small biz, Una Noche Buena, from 5 – 8 p.m., and again from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday. A special menu of chilaquiles, gorditas enhances the cafe’s offerings, of which Pitch writer Sophia Lail recommends the cinnamon roll.
Gumbo Fest: Returning for its third year, the annual Gumbo Fest is a celebration of community resilience and culinary excellence that supports The Prospect KC’s mission of ending food insecurity in Kansas City. Tickets start at $15, and the event runs from 12 – 4 p.m. at St.Paul’s Day School in Midtown.
Parkville Microbrew Fest: For the 21st year, the Parkville Microbrew Fest will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. at English Landing Park in Historic Downtown Parkville, Missouri. Attendees receive a commemorative tasting glass to enjoy unlimited samples from a variety of breweries. The festival opens at 11 a.m. for attendees to enjoy the park, live music, and food before sampling officially starts at 1 p.m. Tickets are $49 in advance, and $60 at the gate pending sell-out. Designated drivers receive free admission.
April 27
Three Bees Coffee & Pottery: The quaint cafe on Southwest Blvd. will be serving up more than coffee and tamales this Sunday. Three Bees opens at 8 a.m., but starting at 10 a.m., there will be a vendor market in their parking lot. Local artists and vendors include Payday Pennant Co., Satalizar, Summer Daydream Studio, and more.
Blue Palm Tiki: Spruce up your brunch plans with a little tiki energy! Blue Palm Tiki in Strawberry Hill is opening early on Sunday and hosting Ghost Kitchen for a menu of wraps, sandwiches, and snacks like “KC Krack”: fried Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and leeks with Fresno chillies and shallots in a sesame soy sauce. Food and drinks will be available from 12 – 3 p.m., but the bar will stay open after that.
Bread Friends: Small-batch bagel pros, Bread Friends, will be at Garden House Cafe from 12 p.m. to sellout. This weekend’s menu features three bagel sandwiches, and the curried chicken salad sammie stands out to me the most. And I wouldn’t skip the brown butter chocolate chunk cookie and chips.
Plan ahead
Taste of AAPI: From 12 – 6 p.m. on May 3, Taste of AAPI invites you to explore the flavors and customs of a variety of Asian American and Pacific Island peoples. This is a free, non-profit event featuring food vendors, like Uncle Nick’s Guamanian Cuisine, Aqua Penny’s, Dragon Wagon, and more, plus makers and artists. This event is held in West Bottoms, and while it is outdoors, it will be sheltered under the 670 bridge.
KC Bier Co: The 21+ neighborhood block party is back! KC Bier Co is partying patio style with live music and beer sampling to benefit Happy Bottoms, a KC nonprofit that provides diapers free-of-charge to families in need. Tickets are $20 in advance, covering a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited samples from 11 breweries and four home brew clubs.
