KC Sipps: Free BBQ, Earth Day brewery events, and Westport International Food Week

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!

Something New

News Bites: In honor of Earth Day, two local breweries are hosting special events. Alma Mader Brewing invites you to join their team for the The Great Kansas City Clean Up. Participants can enjoy free coffee and beer at Alma Mader between picking up trash on Southwest Boulevard between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on April 19. On that same day, Casual Animal Brewing is hosting their fourth annual Earth Day Party from 12 – 5 p.m. with free plants, battery collection, plus food and goods vendors. 

Westport International Food Week: The third annual International Food Week celebrates Westport’s diverse cuisines now through April 20. Restaurants like Taco Naco, Brix, Moti Mahal II, and Jerusalem Cafe have created new or feature dishes for the week. This is a great excuse for a walkable progressive dinner through the vibrant neighborhood. 

Opening

Force of Nature Brewing: Though DeSoto’s first craft brewery has been open since last fall, it is celebrating with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday. At 4 p.m., join for merriment, treats, and a free small pour of any beer on tap.

Overland Park Farmers’ Market: The award-winning farmers’ market in Overland Park opens for the season this Saturday. However, due to construction at the normal location, this season’s market is held at the Matt Ross Community Center. One new vendor this year is Dispatch Pizza, featured in our May 2023 issue. The market is open 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays through September.

Soli Deo: Formerly Enchanté, Soli Deo is set to open on April 19 as a revamped bakery and cafe space, with a new owner. However, Soli Deo’s social media posts have ensured that fans of Enchanté can expect the same pastries and quality. Pitch writer Travis Meier just spoke with the team about the pivot from the well-known Enchanté bakery.  

Closing

Cafe Gratitude: The Crossroad’s plant-based and organic restaurant, Cafe Gratitude, has announced that it will close on April 27. The fresh, affirmation-filled restaurant has served the vegan (and general) community for 13 years. If you stop in before it closes for good, I recommend the I Am Zesty buffalo cauliflower bites, I Am Bold-Loving-Tasty (BLT), and a fresh juice.

April 19 

Brunched: Our annual Brunched event is here! The boozy brekkie party is held at the gorgeous Crossroads venue, The Guild, at noon. Join The Pitch team for unlimited sampling of local faves like Fern Bar, Jazz on 39th, Kate Smith Soirée, Roots Bloody Mary Spice, and many more–I just named my faves. Our new Crown Royal Lounge experience has sold out, and there are only a few tickets remaining. Say hi if you see me there!

Up-Down: Celebrate ten years of arcade fun in KC’s Crossroads at Up-Down! Starting at 7 p.m., the party kicks off with fan-favorite cocktails returning to original prices, a photobooth, a giant birthday card to sign, and of course, games galore.

April 20

Hillsiders: The relaxed Strawberry Hill bar is serving up free barbecue each Sunday evening. Between 3 – 6 p.m., stop by for free food to pair with their batched cocktails or draft beers on the back patio. 

Le Lounge: One of my favorite (tiny) rooftop bars will be open at 6 p.m. However, for this event, a $10 ticket is required. Atop No Vacancy Hotel in Crossroads, Le Lounge is a small lobby bar and rooftop space that makes you feel cool just for being there. The band True Lions will be performing, and a menu of drinks and hot dogs will be available.