Ladies Weekends in KC
Nothing can be more refreshing than time spent catching up with friends and being able to take a break from our busy lives and schedules. Thankfully, Kansas City has a variety of events throughout each month just for us ladies. So grab your girlfriends and explore this exciting city together! Here are just a few of my favorite events around town that are great for a girls night out:
For the crafty mavens, I highly recommend Eat Drink Stitch. Several times a month, Kristen Schuler hosts pop-up embroidery happy hours at varying local restaurants, pubs and event spaces. Kristen is the owner of Hey Paul Studios (located at the Bauer in the Crossroads) and the entrepreneur behind these ingenious and fun events. Whether you come with old friends or meet new ones, you will leave with a working knowledge of embroidery basics or with new techniques and projects for those more experienced. Schuler even will host a private party for your group!
“I started doing Eat Drink Stitch because I wanted to find a way to bring together crafty people. I knew that they existed all over Kansas City, but they didn't necessarily have a chance to meet each other because they were working away in their craft rooms or in the comfort of their own home,” Schuler says. “I wanted to create an opportunity for creative people to make social connections. I also wanted to reach people who thought that they weren't artistic by nature and give them a chance to explore their inner creativity.”
Schuler’s hopes for her event have already begun to be realized. “I have seen women come to the events alone, make friends with other attendees, and then they are coming to future events together. I have seen friendships blossom,” she says. Schuler also has seen some real talent develop. One regular attendee even opened her own embroidery shop on Etsy.
“What inspires me about embroidery is the lack of rules,” Schuler says. “There is no right or wrong way to stitch. The sky is the limit with the possibilities, and it's an amazing outlet for a full range of emotions.”
For those with artistic flair, look no further than Third Thursdays at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art! Designed just for adults, each month’s program features a new theme—supplemented by current exhibits on display, local musicians and artisans and hands-on art projects. Best of all? These events are free! Upcoming themes include “Lifestyles of the Rich & Roman” and “Home Is Where Havana is.”
BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine) painting sessions are another popular option for ladies night out. Various art studios around the city host these fun events, like Thirsty Palette, Grapes and Paints and Pinot’s Palette (there are several locations from which to choose). Join your girlfriends for an evening of laughter and impress each other with your completed masterpieces. No previous experience necessary—beginner painters welcome! Some upcoming sessions are Charlie Hustle’s Champagne City at Grapes and Paints and the Joie de Vivre (’50s and ’60s theme) series at Pinot’s Palette. Wine and hors d'oeuvres are also available for purchase at most studios.
Gather a group of ladies for the River Market’s monthly Wine Walk on Delaware. This event’s mission “is to share the charming atmosphere and rich history of Delaware Street with Kansas City locals through a seasonal wine tasting event hosted by an eclectic mix of Delaware Street establishments.” The unique wine tasting and social gathering experience happens every third Saturday of the month (April-October) from 5:00 to 8:00 on Delaware Street in the River Market. Get to know the eclectic mix of locally owned businesses in the area while discovering great tasting wines. Each ticket is just $15 and includes a glass of wine at several stops along the tour.
For “sip and shop” ladies nights events featured throughout greater Kansas City each month, check out this fun Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Kansascityladiesevents/events. You can choose from several themes and locations every few weeks—all are free admission and offer boutique pop-up shops and pampering services. Past events have been at Longview Mansion, Belvoir Winery, Chateau Avalon and Alexander Majors Historical House.
Vintage seekers can unite for a variety of drool-worthy antique treasure hunts around the city. I recommend Urban Mining’s First Thursday Vintage Event. Get a carpool together and score a sneak peak at the new inventory before the First Friday crowds flock to the unique vintage gems the urban miners have uncovered this month.
What would a girls night out be without a classic tear-jerker or rom-com?! Cinephiles can enjoy their favorite chick flicks at Girlie Night at Alamo Drafthouse in the Power & Light District. You can find all the upcoming shows listed on their website. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Steel Magnolias with my mom and sisters!
And, of course, local restaurants also host ladies nights throughout the week. For example, Nara Japanese Sushi Grill offers Ladies Night Out every Wednesday evening 3:00-close that features a discounted menu and cocktails.
Lastly, don’t forget Kansas City’s ultimate girls night out—at Kauffman Stadium. Cheer on our boys in blue with your gal-pals! This year’s event will be held on Friday, Sept. 16. Don’t miss it!
Margaret Bristow grew up in Kansas City and loves to explore new and unusual places in her hometown.