Celebrate our Area Code Holiday on 816 Day!
Celebrate 816 Day with a free digital Bingo scavenger hunt starting July 31 and live Art in the Loop performances at City Market Aug 16.
Entries by Jared Campbell
Building on Our Legacy – Highlights from this year’s Annual Luncheon
This past April, more than 1,000 civic leaders, business professionals, community advocates, and downtown supporters gathered for the Downtown Council of Kansas City’s 2026 Annual Luncheon — a powerful celebration of the people, partnerships, and momentum shaping the future of Downtown Kansas City. One of the luncheon’s central themes was the importance of public space activation and the role it plays in creating a thriving, connected downtown.
Downtown Council’s Annual Luncheon is this week! (April 10th)
We are excited to have you join us later this week as we celebrate all things Downtown Kansas City! We will kick things off Thursday evening in the south lobby of the Grand Ballroom at Bartle Hall for the Urban Hero Awards Reception from 5–7 p.m. This special gathering honors five outstanding individuals whose passion and leadership continue to make Downtown Kansas City a more welcoming and vibrant place. Each of these honorees reflects the spirit of service and collaboration that continues to move Downtown forward.
Announcing an exciting program for the DTC Annual Luncheon!
We are excited to have you join us on Friday, April 10th as we celebrate the energy, progress, and people who make Downtown Kansas City such a dynamic place. As in years past, we will be celebrating a new class of Urban Hero award winners this year along with the 2026 J. Philip Kirk Jr. Award in recognition of Community Vision and Downtown Stewardship.
Don’t Delay! The deadline is fast approaching to sponsor the Annual Luncheon!
Downtown Kansas City’s biggest gathering of the year is almost here. The Downtown Council of Kansas City’s Annual Luncheon returns on Friday, April 10th, with the theme, “Welcoming the World, Building on our Legacy”. The event will bring together more than 1,000 civic, business, and community leaders who are passionate about the future of our urban core. This signature event celebrates the momentum, people, and projects shaping downtown while offering timely insights, inspiring speakers, and the unmatched energy that comes from being in a room full of people who care deeply about Kansas City’s success. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time attendee, the Annual Luncheon is a can’t-miss moment to connect, reflect, and look ahead.
Invest in Downtown’s Future: Become an Annual Luncheon Sponsor
The Downtown Council’s Annual Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, April 10th. Once again, we will gather at the Kay Barnes Ballroom at Bartle Hall. The Spirit of Downtown Exhibit Fair will go from 11am to 12pm. The luncheon will start at 12pm and conclude at 1:30pm. This civic gathering serves as an opportunity for uniting the community, celebrating the past year’s successes in Downtown Kansas City, and casting a vision for the bright future that lies ahead.
Mark Your Calendars for the 2026 Downtown KC Annual Luncheon on April 10, 2026!
We are thrilled to announce that the Downtown Council’s Annual Luncheon is scheduled for April 10, 2026! Mark your calendars and prepare for an event full of connection, delicious food, and community spirit. This year, we’re setting the stage for the theme of “Welcoming the World, Building on Our Legacy” by celebrating our status as a host city for the World Cup while also highlighting that the tournament is just one chapter in the legacy we have been building for Downtown KC over the last twenty-plus years.
Nominations are Open for the Urban Hero Awards
Each year, in conjunction with our Annual Luncheon, the Downtown Council honors a new class of Urban Heroes. We invite you to participate in the nomination process by submitting the name of someone or some organization who you think deserves to be honored for their impact on downtown. You can find out more details, including a list of past winners, along with the link to the nomination form at www.downtownkc.org/awards. The deadline for nominations is January 31st!
Happy Holidays from the Downtown Council
As this year draws to a close, the entire team at the Downtown Council, along with our Downtown and River Market Community Improvement Districts staff and ambassadors, extends our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes to you, our dedicated members and invaluable community partners.
2026 will be an exciting year for the Greenline_KC!
Momentum is building for the Greenline trail system! Not only will 2026 see large sections of the Western, Northern, and Eastern legs of the walkway open up for public use, but we are very excited to announce the Greenline will be the signature project for the spring semester at the KC Design Center.
Downtown KC Parks Performances Still Going Strong
From River Market Melodies to Garment District Grooves, from Summer in the City to Art in the Loop, check out the line-ups for September and October. We hope to see you at a future event!
Art in the Loop Live Performances Kick-off 816 Day Celebrations
This year’s August 16th is shaping up to be the biggest and best 816 Day yet! If you have never heard of 816 Day, it is the Missouri side of our community’s “Area Code Holiday”. Once again this year, the Downtown Council is working with a great group of community partners to offer 816 Day Bingo. But first, the party gets started at the City Market on Saturday, August 16th at 6:00pm for a magical night of music, movement, and soul as Art in the Loop brings together three extraordinary performers who each explore wonder through rhythm, tradition, and self-expression.