816 Day is spreading in Kansas City. See where to find deals and celebrations
The celebration of all things Kansas City takes place Friday in a new location.
What started at the Kansas City Juke House in 2017 at the 18th and Vine Jazz District later moved to a quarter-mile block party in the area. Now 816 Day now takes place in the KC! Live Block in downtown Kansas City’s Power & Light District.
The party runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring an appearance from Mayor Quinton Lucas, child-friendly activities, a local vendor’s market and live music all day.
“Marking the occasion of our area code, 816Day serves as a symbol of unity, resilience, and progress,” 816 Day founder Brian Benton said in a statement. “It is a time to reflect on our shared experiences, celebrate our diversity, and embrace the collective achievements that make our city a beacon of creativity and innovation.”
But the celebration isn’t limited to downtown Kansas City.
Restaurants and shops around town have special deals, with most offering discounts on popular items. J. Rieger & Co. is hosting a party at its distillery in Pendleton Heights with a local vendor’s market, $8.16 cocktails and the debut of a new whiskey.
Take a look at where else you can celebrate Kansas City.
What 816 deals are happening around Kansas City?
You will see the numbers 8,1 and 6 a lot Friday. Some businesses, like PT’s Coffee, will offer deals like 50% off a drink from the summer seasonal menu when you mention 816 Day at their Crossroads or Power & Light District locations.
Others, like Mother Earth Coffee or plant shop rOOTS KC, will take 8.16% off purchases. At Bar K, the first dog entry is $8.16., and it costs $8.16 each for nachos, 16-ounce draft cocktails and Bar K plush beer can toys.
Here’s a look at what restaurants and stores across Kansas City are offering for $8.16 on 816 Day:
- Caldwell’s Burgers: pretzels and cheese
Cargo Cantina: cheese quesadillas
District Biskuits: chicken biscuits
Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint: specialty margaritas
- HomeGrown: avocado toast, biscuits, and gravy
Iron Grill: the Iron Street Classic burger
- KC Bier Co.: A mug of Let’s Go! Lager and bratwurst meals featuring their Dunkel, jalapeño cheddar and vegan brat options
KC Daiquiri Shop: eight wings
The Krave KC: fish and fries basket
Lula Southern Cookhouse: half-pound peel and eat shrimp or a hurricane cocktail
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop: chicken or tofu pad thai
Mesob Restaurant & Rhum Bar: jerk chicken wings with macaroni and cheese
Niecie’s Restaurant: country fried steak or pork chop dinner, both come with two sides
Pigwich KC: pork brisket sandwich
Third Place Lounge: espresso martinis
Waldo Social: cheesesteak and fries or a tequila shot and cocktail
When did 816 Day begin?
While the first 816 Day took place in 2017, it was made official in 2018 when then-Mayor Sly James signed Resolution 180592 to celebrate the newest holiday. The holiday was created by Benton as a way to to bring his favorite things in Kansas City together for an event that was a love letter to the city.
The name comes from Kansas City’s area code, and the celebration takes place around Aug. 16, which can be read as 8/16. In past years, it’s taken place on the weekends before Aug. 16 to give everyone a chance to celebrate. This year, it falls on a Friday.
