Openings & Closings

‘Vibrant’ marketplace at Union Station highlights local businesses for World Cup

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace opens at Union Station from June 11 to July 12.
  • Event features over 100 local businesses, artists, creators and food vendors.
  • Marketplace operates Thursdays and Sundays noon–6 and Fridays and Saturdays 10–6.

Around 43.5% of the United States’ GDP, or $13.84 trillion, comes from small businesses.

With about 1 in 5 U.S. shoppers picking small business — and with eyes on Kansas City as a World Cup host city — Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City members thought it was a perfect time to continue the organization’s mission of making visible channels for people to interact with local businesses.

City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace opens Thursday and lasts for five weekends inside Union Station’s Grand Exhibition Hall. From June 11 to July 12, visitors and locals can engage with over 100 local businesses, brands, artists, creators and food vendors at a convenient city-center location just a walk down the street from FIFA Fan Fest at Liberty Memorial.

City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace nestled inside one of Kansas City’s most iconic buildings, Union Station, offers uniquely KC vendors, businesses and artists to the public. The event is free to visit Thursday through Sunday from June 11 to July 12.
City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace nestled inside one of Kansas City’s most iconic buildings, Union Station, offers uniquely KC vendors, businesses and artists to the public. The event is free to visit Thursday through Sunday from June 11 to July 12. Line Sattarin @linarosephotography

Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees of the free event can shop everything from Martin City Vintage to Embers Candle Bar and Clementine’s Ice Cream, enjoy live entertainment, cultural programming, artist activations, community experiences and special events.

Kansas City and soccer merchandise sit out in a colorful display at City of Entrepreneurs’ launch party on June 10, 2026. Other vendors offer art, clothes, candles, gaming, food and jewelry.
Kansas City and soccer merchandise sit out in a colorful display at City of Entrepreneurs’ launch party on June 10. Other vendors offer art, clothes, candles, gaming, food and jewelry. Line Sattarin @linarosephotography

“This marketplace represents more than a retail opportunity,” said Tracey Lewis, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City “It is a platform to showcase the talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy that exists in every corner of Kansas City. As the world turns its attention to our region, we want visitors to experience the businesses, makers, and entrepreneurs who help define our city.”

The “activation” at 30 W. Pershing Road is a continuation of Open Doors, an initiative to transform vacant spaces into opportunities for local business growth by connecting entrepreneurs, artists and property owners.

An attendant at Palomino’s Sauces and Tamales places sample-size salsa and tamales at City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace in union station on June 10, 2026. The woman and minority-owned business offers authentic Mexican flavors rooted in Kansas City culture.
An attendant at Palomino’s Sauces and Tamales places sample-size salsa and tamales at City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace in Union Station on June 10. The woman and minority-owned business offers authentic Mexican flavors rooted in Kansas City culture. Line Sattarin @linarosephotography

Here’s the full list of KC makers, businesses and creatives at the event:

  • Made Mobb
  • Annie Austen
  • Someday Sunday
  • LUX Wellness
  • Jolie Franc
  • Ivy Lena
  • Luxxe Apparel
  • JOYA
  • Embers Candle Bar
  • Initial
  • Press Monkey Studio
  • The Dub
  • Startland News
  • Maxi Laines Design Bar
  • Catzilla Designs
  • Dayna’s Collections
  • Hank & Roy
  • Prospect Business Association
  • The Porter House KC
  • Shop Local KC
  • Lottie and Lou
  • Martin City Vintage
  • HERA
  • CST Sweets
  • Pure Pepper Co.
  • Oh My Gooey KC
  • Ruby Jean’s Juicery
  • Messner Bee Farm
  • Tasty Pops Cake Pops
  • Clementine’s Ice Cream
  • Palomino’s Salsa and Tamales
  • AMERYUNart
  • Caleb Worcester
  • The Happiness of Art Studio Collective
  • Capybara Caricatures
  • ScaleForge 3D Printing
  • Ashley Corbello Art
  • The Babe Standard
  • Linda’s Afrikan Kreations
  • The Next Paige Agency
  • Lex Moderne
  • Complex Flavors Home + Life
  • Systa Slay Boutique
  • MODish Design Co.
  • KC Fashion Quartz
  • Brice Farms Fragrance
  • NINE Leather & Watch
  • Team Cocktail
  • The Rieger Distillery
  • Chicano Center for the Arts
  • Great Scot Soapery
  • Pink Dinosaur Boutique
  • Lil’ Dudes
  • One Ball for All
  • KC Current
City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace nestled inside one of Kansas City’s most iconic buildings, Union Station, offers uniquely KC vendors, businesses and artists to the public. The event is free to visit Thursday through Sunday from June 11 to July 12.
City of Entrepreneurs Marketplace nestled inside one of Kansas City’s most iconic buildings, Union Station, offers uniquely KC vendors, businesses and artists to the public. The event is free to visit Thursday through Sunday from June 11 to July 12. Line Sattarin @linarosephotography
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Sophie Lindberg
The Kansas City Star
Kansas City native Sophie Lindberg is studying journalism as a Don Ranly Scholarship recipient at Mizzou’s journalism school. Experimenting with a variety of topics and storytelling mediums allows her to service Kansas Citians as she tackles everything from food to concerts to the World Cup.
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