KC Sipps: Four tasty festivals this weekend, plus dinos take over an esteemed cocktail bar

Art by Cassondra Jones

Looking for delicious plans? Whether you want to impress a date, show your fam the best of KC, or just get out of the house, we’ve got you covered… all while supporting (mostly) local. 

Here is your weekly roundup of the best food and drink offerings around Kansas City. Cheers!

Something new

Lucky Elixir Kombucha: North Kansas City’s Lucky Elixir Kombucha just released a limited-edition Summer Solstice Variety Pack. This seasonal kombucha variety pack contains four summery flavors including Razzmatazz, Summer Cobbler, Blueberry Lavender, and Lil’ Bit O’Sunshine. This variety pack is available for delivery in the KC area, but you can also find their kombucha on tap and in cans at many local cafes, restaurants, bars, and retail shops.

Drastic Measures: Drastic Measures in Shawnee has expanded their previously one-day Drastic World event into a full month of fossilized fun. Dino-themed cocktails and a tropical atmosphere help raise money for World Food Program USA from June 5 – 30. As always, Drastic Measures uses the speakeasy method of entry, so be sure to wait for a green light before entering so they can cage the animals and wipe down a table. These prehistoric plans are only for ages 21+. 

Dine with/for Pride: In Overland Park and Westport, Snooze A.M. Eatery is celebrating Pride with rainbow sprinkle pancakes. A portion of the proceeds from the pancakes (minimum donation commitment of $25k) will go to The Trevor Project. At Mission Taco Joint in Crossroads, Leawood, and South Plaza, the Key Lime Pride cocktail will benefit Our Spot, an organization that provides safe, accepting, and affirming programming and resources to empower the LGBTQ+ community. Each of these items are available throughout June at respective restaurants.

May 31

Festa Italiana: Festa Italiana, the long-running Italian-American festival held at Zona Rosa, kicks off today for a weekend of food, music, entertainment, and more. In addition to live music, kids activities, an Italian Motorsports Show, and more, the event is also the largest fundraiser for UNICO KC. UNICO is an Italian-American service organization that raises funds for college scholarships for area high school students. Admission is free and the event runs through Sunday.

June 1

Lenexa Public Market: The Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City has partnered with Lenexa Public market for a free Global Neighbors and Flavors celebration. The event features live performances and demonstrations, plus a variety of cuisines. Ten countries will be highlighted with authentic food at the Global Flavors pop-up restaurant throughout the day, and in-house favorites like Mr. D’s mochi donuts and African Dream Cuisine chicken bowl will also be available. Breakfast from Bolivia and Thailand starts at 8 a.m., and live performances start at 10 a.m.

Tacos & Tequila Festival: T-Pain, Ashanti, and tacos. Need I say more? Okay, tequila! Tacos and Tequila Festival returns to Legends Field with tickets starting at $99. The event encompasses concerts, food & drink competitions, chihuahua pageants, art installations, and much more. How far could you get in the lineup of 100 street taco varieties?

Vaile Mansion Strawberry Festival: Dive into the taste of summer at the Vaile Victorian Mansion in Independence, MO.  At the Strawberry Festival, guests can tour the mansion for a fee, or explore the grounds and vendor booths for free. This fresh festival is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., featuring music, food, and activities for the whole family!

June 2

Vine Street Brewing: From 3 – 6 p.m., Vine Street Brewing welcomes you to celebrate Hip Hop & Hot Wings. DJ Gio and the.wav will present a panel discussion on African music alongside Wing Stand wings, music, and, of course, Vine Street brews. No tickets are required.

Plan ahead

Wild Child: To raise money for the KC Center for Inclusion, Wild Child and Lovestoned are partnering to host a Pride Kickoff Drag Show. The open house will be held at Wild Child in Shawnee, and it is a first-come, first-served event. From 12 to 5 p.m. on June 9, enjoy a queer-owned marketplace, pride-themed drinks, and a drag show at 3 p.m.

recordBar: For service industry workers and allies, Sarah Duggan and Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom are hosting a free workshop to learn your rights around tipping. An online RSVP for the event is preferred for this informative session at the recordBar in downtown KC on June 10.

12th Street Post: Celebrate the Summer Solstice in style with a dinner from the farm-to-table experts, Green Dirt Farm! Hosted by ADHDIY Craft Cafe inside 12th Street Post, soak up the magic of the longest day of the year. Dine amongst lavish greenery by the West Bottoms Plant Company (also housed in 12th Street Post). The dinner starts at 6 p.m. on June 21 and tickets are $205.