Chappell Roan & Taylor Swift themed events: Pop queens inspire pop-up parties around KC
Image courtesy of Muni
With the debut of Taylor Swift’s new album & theatrical release, The Life of a Showgirl, and two nights of Chappell Roan live in concert at Liberty Memorial for her “Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things” pop-up shows, the first weekend of October 2025 undoubtedly belongs to the pop queens and their fans.
Area restaurants and businesses are leaning into the fanfare, so there’s no shortage of fun for the fandoms.
Combining the best of both worlds, Muni in River Market is throwing a Damsels and Showgirls party on Wednesday, October 1. No ticket is required, and they don’t do reservations, so plan to show up for dinner or drinks, and bring your party attitude to celebrate with some of the artist’s favorite food and drinks, plus iconic songs lighting up the playlist.
Prairie Village’s Dolce Bakery is quick to playfully capitalize on pop culture events, so it’s no surprise that they are offering a colorful selection of both Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift Life of a Showgirl-inspired cookies and cakes. The themed goodies will be available at the bakery on October 3 and 4 for hot-to-go purchases, but pre-orders are highly recommended to ensure you get what you want.
The Midwest Princess arrives
One pop queen is guaranteed to be in Kansas City next weekend–Missouri’s own Chappell Roan–and in addition to the two live shows, one spot in West Bottoms is hosting an official pre-party.
Switchback at Incline on 9th welcomes Stan Society for the Chappell Roan Official Pre-Party on Thursday, October 2, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available, starting at $24.60. The event features Chappell music, drag performances, giveaways, and more. It is for ages 18+, and all proceeds benefit organizations that support trans youth. *Chappell Roan will not be at the party.
Image courtesy of Stan Society
In addition to directing fans to Incline on 9th, the official Chappell Roan fan page put out a guide to KC. Highlighted spots include Andy’s Frozen Custard, Q Kansas City, Anchor Island Coffee, Missie B’s, Hamburger Mary’s (the KC location was allegedly Chappell Roan’s first drag show experience!), Café Corazón- now with three locations, and Cafe Cà Phê, plus it encourages fans to use the free KC Streetcar for transportation.
More Chappell Roan-inspired events
Black Atlas Tattoo: In Waldo, Black Atlas Tattoo is offering Chappell Roan-themed tattoos and special vendors from October 2 – 5. Commemorate your big weekend with a fresh flash – even vivid color ink options! Walk-ins only. Stop by The Piano Room next door afterwards (not before… divas know that’s irresponsible tattoo behavior) for a drink or two with fellow freshly-inked fans.
Boulevard Brewing Co: Boulevard is brewing up a couple afternoons of fun on October 3 and 4. From 2 – 5 p.m., celebrate Chappell Hour with them at the Tours and Rec building. They’ll have drink specials, including a “Good Luck Babe” game where guests roll a pair of pink fuzzy dice to determine their drink. Plus a glitter station and themed photobooth. It is casual now.
Nine Zero One: The bar atop The Fontaine is throwing a Midwest Princess pre-show soiree on Friday, October 3, starting at 3:30 p.m. If you’re quick, the first 50 tickets are free! After that, the cost of admission is $5.45. The event features beauty bar stations for pre-concert primping, a drag performance, special cocktails and mocktails, and more. They can’t help you get naked in Manhattan, but they can get you blinged out on the Plaza.
Tommy’s The Happy Place: Tommy’s is getting a new look on October 4 for a Pink Puppy Club takeover. The event benefits the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City’s outreach program. Putting the fun in fundraising, Tommy’s will have raffle prizes, the Taco Cacao food truck, a karaoke competition, and more. No rsvp or tickets required, but there is a $5 admission at the door.
Taylor Swift Life of a Showgirl-inspired events
Swifty Fun Run: With options for one-mile through half-marathon distances, plus stroller pushing and virtual races, this is your chance to take to the streets to shake off some of your excited energy or female rage. The run is held on September 27, at Longview Lake Beach Park, Kansas City, Missouri. Participants are encouraged to dress on theme, and registration starts at $35.
O’Dowd’s Gastrobar: At the Country Club Plaza, O’Dowd’s is throwing a TS12 release party starting at 5 p.m. on October 2. The first part of the evening features live T Swift music from Chloe Rose, with the second half including dancing, friendship bracelet trading, a countdown to the album release at 11 p.m. with a champagne toast, culminating with a play-through of the new album.
Craft Putt: Craft Putt in Overland Park has an event for all ages. On Thursday, October 2, at 7 p.m., they’re hosting a Taylor Swift trivia night. Tap into your knowledge of lyrics, pop culture, and Tay-lore for your chance to win a Craft Putt gift card and other prizes for your team. Gameplay is free, and no advance registration is required, but table reservations are strongly recommended.
KC Live!: On Friday, October 3, KCEMO and The Emo Night (Taylor’s version) will bring the Swift songbook to life in a whole new way. Nashville-based T.E.N.(tv) kicks off at 7 p.m. with emo/punk rock versions of Taylor Swift songs (not necessarily Showgirl tracks, though it’d be impressive if they could pull that off). KCEMO keeps the vibes high with emo hits the rest of the night at this free show for ages 21+.
Image courtesy of The Upscale Oven
The Upscale Oven: If bars and tattoos aren’t your thing, maybe cookies are? The Upscale Oven is putting on a Life of a Showgirl-themed cookie decorating class on October 4 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in River Market. The cost is $55.20, which includes everything needed to learn and to decorate six detailed cookies.
miniBar: What better place for a listening party than an actual concert venue with professional sound equipment? miniBar in Midtown is putting on a Taylor Listening Party: The Life Of A Showgirl on Sunday, October 5, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16.59 all-in, and this is a 21+ show. It’s an all-out fan fest with a costume contest, photo ops, themed drinks, and bracelet trading.
Indoorsy: The fun continues the week after. On October 11, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., BleachBae and others are hosting a pop-up party and vendor market at the new Indoorsy space–a local, small business market in the former Forever 21 store at Zona Rosa. Shop Swifty merch and more from local makers like BleachBae, Annie Austen, Middlestwest, After Another, Quarantine Cookie, Sugar Mama KC, Your Perfect Matcha, and more, plus show off your favorite era fit, trade bracelets, and have fun with all-ages activities and photo ops from Mack Curio Creations. This is not a ticketed event, and no RSVP is required.
Additional events may be added to this story after its original publication date.
