KC Sipps: A rainbow picnic, a matcha kickback, and two JoCo foodie festivals

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!

Opening

Apparition Coffee: In the former Second Best Coffee shop in Waldo, Apparition Coffee is officially open as of June 26. The regular hours will be 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. during the week, and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Tiffany Watts stopped by during a soft opening and had great things to say about the breakfast burrito.  

R Qahwah Cafe: New to Overland Park, R Qahwah Cafe is now in a soft-opening phase. With expected hours of 3 – 9 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays, R Qahwah Cafe will bring Yemini coffee and hospitality, as well as Japanese matcha to the former Mud Pie cafe building.

Nunez Foods: The KCK Mexican restaurant is adding a new location. Nunez Foods is opening a West Bottoms shop on June 28. You may recognize the bright pink aesthetic, but they’re also known for their birria dishes and the pizzadilla. 

June 26

Great Lenexa BBQ Battle: The annual BBQ competition kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and continues through Saturday. However, unless you’re a preregistered competitor, all the fun happens on Friday night, and entry is $5. At Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, attendees are invited to sample BBQ, shop vendors, and enjoy kids’ activities and live entertainment from The M80s. 

Parked: A food truck celebration will descend on Shawnee’s Stump Park at 5:30 p.m. This family-friendly event is free to attend, and lawn chairs are welcome. After grabbing dinner and treats from the 17 food vendors, enjoy while Madd Honey takes the stage before fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m.

June 27

Pride in the Park: Truly Madly Depot and The Book Club are hosting a rainbow-themed picnic to celebrate Pride. All are welcome, and encouraged to go all out with one singular color. Dress in that color, bring packaged snacks to share that fit your color, and enjoy free activities in community with others. It is a free come-and-go event from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. that takes place in the green space next to Truly Madly Depot, with a group photo at 2 p.m. 

June 28

The Outsiders Social Club: Our very own Alexander Omorodion is hosting a matcha-themed afternoon called The Social Blend at OSC in Westport. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., stop by to say hi, order one (or more) of the four new matcha flavors, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the new club. This event is open to all, not just members.  

June 29

Anjin: The James Beard Award finalists are opening up on Monday night for a special event, just for fun. Reservations are still required, and only a few time slots remain at the time of publishing. From 8 p.m – 12 a.m., there will be Japanese whisky specials, a DJ on the patio, giveaways, and more.