This year, 816 Day is making space for young people in KC’s downtown
Kansas City’s annual 816 Day celebration, this year, is turning its focus toward the youth of the metro area, showcasing local talent and opening doors to new opportunities for young people downtown.
This year’s event, held on Saturday, August 16, is set to feature a unique collaboration between 816 Day organizers, Great Jobs KC and the College Basketball Experience. Later that evening a youth dance competition featuring students from Street Styles Academy will take place on the Kansas City Live Stage within the Power and Light District. Together, these efforts are designed to engage and uplift the city’s young residents while celebrating community spirit.
Since its inception nine years ago, 816 Day has grown into a vibrant festival celebrating Kansas City culture, businesses and people of the KC metro area.
Founder Brian “Bizzy” Benton has used the platform to place a specific focus on an area of the city he wants to support. In past years the community festival has highlighted small businesses, music artist and fashion designers, This year the event is paying special attention to including young children and teens.
“We want 816 Day to be a platform where youth feel seen and included in the life of the city,” said Benton. “It’s about creating moments for them to shine, to feel connected, and to be inspired by what downtown Kansas City has to offer.”
This vision aligns closely with the event’s partnerships this year, which aim to make downtown more accessible and appealing to youth from all backgrounds.
The College Basketball Experience (CBE), a national institution located downtown Kansas City, has joined forces with 816 Day and Great Jobs KC, a local organization focused on career readiness, to sponsor 100 free passes for youth to visit the CBE during the festivities. The free passes to the interactive basketball exhibits were made available online earlier this week and all 100 were claimed within days.
Kenneth Henderson, CEO of the College Basketball Experience, said he’s excited for the opportunity to open their doors to new potential attendees.
“We’ve welcomed nearly two million visitors over the years, but many local families, especially youth, haven’t yet experienced what we offer,” said Henderson. “Our partnership with 816 Day and Great Jobs KC allows us to break down barriers, invite kids inside and show them an interactive space where they can play, learn and engage with the game of basketball.”
He said that by collaborating with 816 Day and Great Jobs KC, “we’re continuing a legacy of inclusion and celebration that will inspire the next generation.”
Over the years, the event’s “Kids Zone” has become a beloved staple, featuring youth vendors, inflatables, games, arts and crafts and free food items like hot dogs and popcorn to create a safe, fun space for children.
Great Jobs KC’s operations manager, Denita Moore, underscores the importance of such collaborations in supporting the local community.
“By working together, we can provide youth with meaningful experiences that connect them to resources and networks downtown,” said Moore. “This isn’t just about a day of fun, it’s about building pathways to future success.”
Complementing the basketball-focused activities, 816 Day’s main stage will host the finals of a youth dance competition produced by Street Styles Academy, a Kansas City dance school founded by local mentor and coach Zonte Warren.
Warren, who has been dancing since middle school and specializes in popping, said he sees the event as a major milestone for the city’s youth dance community.
“This is a huge opportunity for our dancers to be seen on a big platform downtown,” said Warren. “We’re bringing together talented kids and young adults, some as young as 10 who have worked hard and deserve a chance to shine.”
The competition features a preliminary round in Westport the night before, where 20 dancers will compete for the top 10 spots. The top 10 will then perform on the main 816 Day stage. The event is designed to highlight rising stars and introduce attendees to the rich dance culture thriving in Kansas City.
Warren says that Street Styles Academy, founded in 2009, is not just a dance school, it’s a mission-driven community hub focused on creating the opportunities that didn’t exist for him growing up. The academy offers scholarships and training to youth from underserved areas, helping them pursue their dreams without leaving Kansas City.
“Dance gives our kids purpose and visibility,” Warren says. “Performing downtown at 816 Day isn’t just about competition, it’s about building memories, confidence, and future careers.”
One of the core goals of these 816 Day initiatives is to encourage more youth to explore and feel welcome in downtown Kansas City. Henderson recalls the early days of downtown redevelopment, noting that family-friendly spaces like the College Basketball Experience were key in making downtown a safe, engaging destination for all ages.
“Downtown can sometimes seem like it’s just for adults, especially at night,” said Henderson. “But during the day, we’re proud to offer an environment where families and kids can enjoy themselves and connect with the city.”
Similarly, Benton and Moore agree that events like 816 Day create opportunities for young people to break down any apprehensions about coming downtown.
“With the festival atmosphere on Grand Boulevard, youth can experience the energy and excitement of the city in a fun, accessible way,” said Moore. “It’s about removing barriers, whether real or perceived and helping young people see downtown as their space too.”
Beyond the event itself, these partnerships symbolize a broader commitment to youth empowerment in Kansas City. By combining arts, sports and career readiness resources, 816 Day organizers said they are creating a pipeline for youth to engage with the city’s cultural and professional landscape.
The area specifically designated for kids will feature a blend of activities, from games to interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects sponsored by Burns and McDonnell.
A back-to-school backpack giveaway is always a highlight. Benton includes the giveaway since the Aug. 16 celebration is held right before kids go back to school, which can be a tough time for some parents. The giveaway, sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation, distributes over 250 backpacks filled with supplies to ease the financial burden on families and give children a confident start to the school year.
“We want to invest in our youth, not just for one day, but for the future. When kids feel connected and supported, they grow up to be the leaders and creators of this community,” Benton said.
He has watched his own children grow with 816 Day, and hopes the event becomes a generational festival of KC pride. His dream is that the youth who experience 816 Day this weekend, will come back every year and one day bring their own children.
“816 Day is about honoring our city’s past, present and future,” said Benton. “This year, the spotlight is on our youth, because they are the heartbeat of Kansas City.”
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This story was originally published August 14, 2025 at 2:03 PM.
