City Life, Life, Towns, Travel

A Latino Arts Festival, Urban Hikes, An Arcade, and More in Kansas City

September 1, 2021

Battle of Island Mound Commemoration – Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site – 4837 NW County Rd. 1002, Butler – Learn more here Just over an hour south of K.C., live stage performances and a living history walking loop will be among the activities to commemorate the Battle of Island Mound, the first Civil War battle where Black soldiers engaged in combat. The free event will take place Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offer attendees a chance to learn about the Buffalo Soldiers, ropemaking, bison, and more.

Latino Arts Festival – Arrowhead Stadium – 1 Arrowhead Dr., KCMO – Facebook Event Page In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), the Latino Arts Foundation is partnering with the Kansas City Chiefs & Tico Productions to host a celebration of local Latino artists across various mediums. The Sept. 26 event starts at 10 a.m. and will feature a lowrider exhibition, art auction, visual artist booths, halftime performances by Mariachi Estrella KC and El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco, and more. Entry to the festival, which coincides with the Kansas City Chiefs’ matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, is free for those who are tailgating at the stadium and/or have tickets to the football game.

Urban Hikes KC – various locations in KC – UrbanHikesKC.com Explore hidden gems, historic sites, and modern marvels on an Urban Hikes KC excursion. Several different four-to-five-mile walking tours are available — catering to tourists and locals alike. Expert guides will take you through some of KC’s most vibrant neighborhoods such as the Crossroads Arts District, Westside, and Country Club Plaza. In addition to sightseeing, some of the hikes include activities like grabbing a drink at a local cafe, enjoying wine and cheese, taking a pottery class or riding the KC Streetcar. Tickets for public hikes range from $15 to $55 per person. Urban Hikes KC also offers private and corporate hikes.

Solid State Pinball Supply – 2999 Troost Ave., KCMO – SolidStateKC.com At this downtown arcade and retail combo, pinball is king. The business, which is the only pinball-dedicated shop in KC, occupies the basement and first floor of the Wonder Shops and Flats building. Patrons will find refurbished machines for sale as well as repair and cleaning services, parts, pinball-related merchandise, and over 20 pinball games ready to play. Solid State is open to the public Thursday to Sunday and can be rented for private events.

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Photos courtesy Solid State Pinball Supply

Made in KC Trolley Cafe – 426 Delaware St., KCMO – MikcCafe.com This unique River Market coffee shop is located inside a restored 1947 streetcar. Customers can enjoy gourmet drinks, breakfast items, pastries, and snacks in the iconic transportation or outside on the patio. There’s also a selection of locally produced dry goods, apparel, gifts, and sundries for purchase. The cafe, which opened in October 2020, recently added local wines and beers to its menu.