How to Row Your Dragon 🐉

Happy Monday! We’re “kicking off” this week with some great news about Kansas City. Here it is:

⚽️ Event of the Week: Kansas City Kickoff

🐉 International Dragon Boat Festival returns to Brush Creek

🍕 “James Beard” pizza shop to open in the River Market

🌮 Flavors of Central Tour set for this weekend

P.S. don’t forget we revamped our referral rewards program! Find your unique referral link and see your rewards progress HERE.

Event of the Week 🎟️

Events

Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival Returns to Brush Creek

The dragon boats are coming! The Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival Returns to Brush Creek this Saturday, June 21st.

• How to Row Your Dragon: The annual event features teams competing in dragon boat racing along Brush Creek near the Country Club Plaza.  The event is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and will welcome hundreds or rowers and spectators to experience the racing and festivities throughout the day.

• Global Racing: The opening ceremony kicks off at 10am, and various performances celebrating Chinese culture will happen throughout the day. Boats enter the water for practice at 8am, with races beginning at 9:45am. This year’s event will welcome delegation from the International Dragon Boat Federation, which is the world governing body of dragon boat sport.

The event happens from 10am until 3:30pm. Find the full schedule HERE.

Food & Drink

New Pizza Shop Opening Inside River Bluff Brewing in the River Market

A “James Beard” pizza shop will soon open inside River Bluff Brewing in the River Market

• Over the River: Although not a James Beard Award-winner, Jimmy B’s Pizza & Wings is owned by James Beard (Jimmy B). Beard had operated out of The Davenport in KCK’s Strawberry Hill neighborhood, but will now serve out of River Bluff Brewing at 201 Main Street in the River Market.

• Burgers 👉 Pizza: The space inside River Bluff was the former home of Caldwell’s Burgers, which closed earlier this year. Now, Jimmy B’s will serve Detroit-style pizza by the slice, whole pies, four cheese breadsticks, and wet and dry-rubbed wings.

Learn more about the opening of Jimmy B’s from the KC Star HERE.

Events

Get Ready for The Flavors of Central Tour This Saturday, June 21st

Get ready to explore the diverse flavors of Central Ave in KCK at this year’s Flavors of Central Tour!

• Flavor Central: Over the past 20 years, Central Avenue in KCK is home to some of has become a hub for authentic Mexican cuisine, and the Flavors of Central Tour will highlight 25 of these local restaurants and markets. The event is hosted by the Central Area Betterment Association.

• Tasty Tour: Tickets for the tour are $45 ($35 for children) and serve as your flavor passport to the 25 participating businesses. Check in will happen at Bethany Park (1120 Central Ave) between 9:30-10:30am. Participants will be given a map, security bracelet, and a voucher for each restaurant. The tour is self-guided, and you’re encouraged to walk, ride a bike, or catch the free RideKC bus service!

Get your tickets to this Saturday’s tour HERE.

KC Daily Picks

In Other News…

• 🧭 Looking East: Leaders of the upcoming Roy Blunt Luminary Park chose the eastern “superblock” design for the 5.5-acre park, which will close the Walnut Street bridge over I-670.

• 🎇 Safety First: Last week, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a bill that will improve safety regulations around fireworks. The Fourth of July is right around the corner, so learn more HERE.

• 🍴 Dinner Time: After a brief delay, Hemma Hemma in Waldo will launch dinner service on July 12th. Mark your calendars, and grab a Daily Dine Card and save 20% off your first dinner at Hemma Hemma!

•  🏒 Hockey Couple: Kansas City’s darling couple Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift took in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Sunset, Florida last week. Kelce was seen wearing a Palm Tree Club hat, which recently announced a new location in Power & Light. 👀

• 🏒 Not Afraid of Monsters: After a 4-0 series sweep of the Tahoe Knight Monsters, the Kansas City Mavericks have advanced to the ECHL Western Conference Finals.

• ⚽️ Talkin’ About Practice: In addition to hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kansas City soccer facilities are being scouted as practice sites for participating teams.

• 🎤 Midweek Concert: Looking for last-minute Wednesday night plans? Catch The Head and the Heart at the Uptown Theater this Wednesday night (6/18) at 7:30pm.

• 🎟️ Sell Out: Do you have an upcoming event you’d like an extra 23,750 pairs of eyes on? Book an upcoming Event of the Week or other newsletter spots HERE.