⛲️ Over the Moon

We’re over the moon about today’s newsletter, and you should be too. Here’s why:

🌖 KC’s first Japanese-style bartending bar opens

🎸 Hot Country Nights are back at P&L

🏬 20+ small businesses open at temporary storefronts

📊 POLL: do you rent or own?

Food & Drink

Moon Bar Opens a Permanent Location in Columbus Park

Moon Bar, Kansas City’s first Japanese-style bartending cocktail bar, has opened its doors in Columbus Park.

Over the Moon: Moon Bar had previously operated as a pop-up Asian cocktail experience, but as of today, it has found a permanent home in the Columbus Park neighborhood at 911 E 5th St. Owners Saranya and Zachary Hubbard also operate the neighboring Tian Tea House, which opened at the end of 2025.
Sip & Savor: Moon bar offers a menu of signature cocktails crafted from ingredients sourced throughout Asia, as well as mocktails, beer, and Soju. Along with drinks, Moon Bar offers small plates during each 1.5-hour reservation window.

Moon Bar is hosting a soft opening through Saturday (5/23), and a grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27th. Get your reservations HERE.

Events

Hot Country Nights Kicks Off Tonight at KC Live! With Eli Young Band

Hot Country Nights

Coors Light Hot Country Nights returns to KC Live! inside the Power & Light District starting tonight, with Eli Young Band headlining on opening night.

Downtown Country: This year's series brings a stacked roster of national and emerging country artists to the KC Live! stage all summer long, including Billy Currington, Tyler Hubbard, The Band Perry, Dylan Scott, and more. Check out the full 2026 lineup with dates.
Grab Your Boots: Tickets are required and available online or at the door, with optional upgrades available. Expect live music, DJs, drink specials, and the high-energy atmosphere of this 17-year KC summer tradition.

Get your tickets for the upcoming Hot Country Nights HERE.

Community

20+ KC Small Businesses Are Opening Downtown Storefronts for the World Cup

KC Daily

More than 20 Kansas City small businesses are moving into empty downtown storefronts through the city's Open Doors program, with all locations launching June 1 across six KC neighborhoods.

Keep it Local: 22 local businesses will open temporary locations across six KC neighborhoods. Business owners applied last October, were named finalists in January, and received keys earlier this month. Each holds a six-month lease with the option to negotiate directly with their landlord after.
Open for Business: Open Doors is led by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City in partnership with KC BizCare, connecting local businesses, artists, and property owners to activate temporary storefronts. The goal is to strengthen small business growth and energize downtown for residents and World Cup visitors.

Find all participating businesses and their locations HERE.

📊 Poll

Do you rent or own where you live?

Your feedback helps us get to know our audience and improve our newsletter! Plus, it’s always fun to click a poll, right?

KC Daily Picks

In Other News…

🧠 Do You Know KC?: How much rain will KC record in May? Predict this outcome (and other fun KC-related contests) in Who Knows KC?, a 100% free-to-play prediction market with $175 in gift cards at stake to places like Joe’s KC, Rally House, Made in KC, and more!*
⏩ Legacy in Motion: With 73% of U.S. private businesses changing hands this decade, Family Business Advisor Kile Graves launched Cornerstone Conversations — a podcast featuring real stories from families navigating generational ownership transitions. Listen HERE.*
🧡 KC Goes Orange: Thousands of Dutch fans will parade through downtown KC on June 25th ahead of Netherlands vs. Tunisia. The Orange Fanwalk gathers at Power & Light at 11 AM and marches to the FIFA Fan Festival at 12:15 PM behind the famous orange double-decker bus.
🎻 Playing with Ben: Singer-songwriter Ben Rector brings his Symphonies Across America tour to the KC Symphony tonight and tomorrow at Helzberg Hall. Expect anthem sing-alongs and deep lyrics backed by full orchestra arrangements.
⚾️ Monarch Season: The Kansas City Monarchs kicked off their 2026 home schedule this week, and are hosting a variety of promotional nights at Legends Field throughout the season.
🍴 Dinner with Friends: We’re just one week from Dinner Club in downtown Overland Park. Take the 15-question personality quiz, get matched with five compatible people, and enjoy dinner, drinks, and conversation with your new crew. Nervous? Grab a friend and add them as your +1 before when booking!

*content is sponsored