Top 10 trends shaping Kansas City's culture and growth

This collection of stories examines recent changes shaping Kansas City's growth as a center for culture, sports, and food.

The new Zhou B Art Center opened in the Historic Jazz District with a collection curated by CCH Pounder, while Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has brought their popular Z-Man sandwich to Royals games at Kauffman Stadium. CPKC Stadium dedicated for women's soccer also stands out as a symbol of investment into local sports and infrastructure.

A documentary called “Sounds of the City” traces 100 years of Kansas City music, and the Kelce brothers discussed efforts to attract an NHL team to the city. The list of favorite outdoor patios across town has grown, giving people more places to gather and enjoy local food and drinks. The KCTV Tower’s potential relighting and Kansas City’s ongoing celebration of its Major League Baseball history reflect how public spaces and legacy continue to play roles in civic life.

Read the stories below.

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The KCTV tower as lit in 1997. By File

NO. 1: THIS TOWERING KC LANDMARK DESERVES TO SHINE AGAIN, ESPECIALLY WITH WORLD CUP ON THE WAY

A Kansas City icon used to “glow against the night for miles and miles around.” Can it ever light up again? | Published July 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

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Emmy Award-winning actress C.H. Pounder will visit Kansas City to showcase her collection of art at the new Zhou B. Art Center in the Historic 18th and Vine District.

NO. 2: NEW KC GALLERY SHINING A LIGHT ON BLACK ART. FIRST UP: A FAMOUS ACTRESS’S COLLECTION

“I’m humbled by Kansas City’s generosity to open its arms to more venues that will honor the artistic works of local and international artists.” | Published May 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

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Jesus and Jennifer Clavo enjoy the warm Christmas Eve weather with their daughter, Camila, beneath a shuttlecock sculpture outside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on Friday. The couple said they wanted to take advantage of the record warm weather. They don’t miss the snow. By Emily Curiel

NO. 3: WHY SHOULD PEOPLE VISIT KANSAS CITY? NATIONAL TRAVEL SITE GIVES THESE 14 REASONS

Kansas City has been getting a lot of love as a travel destination this year. | Published May 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

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The Reuben sandwich at Breit’s Stein & Deli, 412 N. Fifth St., in Kansas City, Kansas. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 4: HOW MANY OF THESE FAVORITE DISHES FROM KANSAS CITY RESTAURANTS HAVE YOU TRIED?

From fruity pancakes to a Mexican smorgasbord, our staff has shared some delectable KC food recommendations. | Published September 13, 2024 | Read Full Story

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President Truman threw out the first pitch from the Kansas City Athletics’ dugout before their 1955 debut at Municipal Stadium on April 12. At left is A’s manager Lou Boudreau; at right in the foreground is Detroit Tigers manager Bucky Harris. Also pictured are A’s owner Arnold Johnson and former owner Connie Mack.

NO. 5: BECOMING MAJOR LEAGUE (IT HAPPENED 70 YEARS AGO) MEANT EVERYTHING FOR KANSAS CITY

KC is an established professional sports city now. But it wasn’t always this way. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

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Cleveland natives Travis, right, and Jason Kelce celebrate after the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 5, 2024. By Ken Blaze

NO. 6: THE KELCE BROTHERS EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN BRINGING AN NHL TEAM TO KANSAS CITY

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason, even have a nickname picked out, and they want Patrick Mahomes to be on an ownership team. | Published February 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

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The Z-Man sandwich at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a brisket sandwich topped with provolone cheese, onion rings and barbecue sauce. By Emily Hood

NO. 7: JOE’S KANSAS CITY WILL SELL 2 VERSIONS OF ITS Z-MAN SANDWICH AT ROYALS GAMES THIS SEASON

Here is where the sandwiches will be sold at Kauffman Stadium and options fans will have to buy Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

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The late Jerry Leiber, left, and Mike Stoller wrote the classic 1952 song “Kansas City.” Stoller, 92, appears in the documentary “Sounds of the City,” which will make its world premiere April 11 at the Uptown.

NO. 8: MUSIC HELPED DEFINE KANSAS CITY IN PAST CENTURY. NEW DOCUMENTARY RECOUNTS HOW

The film features musicians like Nick Hexum, Tech N9ne, Lonnie McFadden, Kelly Hunt and Danny Cox, as well as Mike Stoller, who wrote the classic “Kansas City” with Jerry Leiber. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Dan Kelly

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Fans celebrate after Team USA scores during the first half of the USA vs. Canada rugby match at CPKC Stadium on Friday, May 2, 2025. Canada won the match 26-14. By Dominick Williams

NO. 9: HOW THE KC CURRENT’S CPKC STADIUM BECAME A CATALYST FOR GROWTH IN WOMEN’S SPORTS

“Spine-tingling,” World Rugby official Sally Horrox calls Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium. | Published May 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

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The rooftop patio at Prime Social, set to open Tuesday atop the 46 Penn Centre building overlooking the Country Club Plaza. By Roy Inman

NO. 10: 10 PATIOS FOR EATING, DRINKING AND HANGING OUT IN KANSAS CITY THIS SUMMER

Whether you’re after a swanky sunset sip or a laid-back backyard vibe, there are KC spots open for the season. | Published May 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Courtney Lane

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.