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KC’s rolling into that sweet spot between fall and holiday — the air’s cooler, the lights are warmer, and the city’s on the move. First Fridays are lighting up the Crossroads and West Bottoms with art walks, live sets, and cocktail pop-ups spilling onto the street. Meanwhile, Blues Traveler is rolling through town, reminding everyone why harmonicas still hit different.
Whether you’re chasing gallery energy, barbecue smoke, or a night that ends with sax and bourbon, this weekend’s got your rhythm.
I’ll see you at the bar.
—Jay, SecretKC editor
The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.
Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
🕯️ The Whisper — Thursday Highlights
The prelude to the weekend — start it smooth, a little early, and a little under the radar.
🍸 Thankful for Alcohol: Cocktail Class & Jazz · 6–7 pm class / 7:30 pm live jazz | VOO Lounge
Craft two fall-inspired cocktails, then settle in for a jazz set that feels like the start of the holidays.
🔗 vookansascity.com/cocktail-classesLadies Night at Sherri’s Executive Lounge · 5–10 pm | Sherri’s Executive Lounge
West 39th Street staple with early-night energy and good company.
🔗 sherrislounge.comSean McDonnell (21+) · ~7:30 pm | Knuckleheads Saloon
East Bottoms live show for fans of stripped-down Americana.
🔗 NightOut“LOST AT SEA” w/ Belle & The Vertigo Waves + DJ Stevie Cruz · Club event | The RINO
Band-meets-DJ mash-up night in North KC.
🔗 Eventbrite
Spotted Live! Blues Traveler
Blues Traveler · Sat 8:30 pm | Ameristar Casino
Veteran rock-blues outfit bringing their hits.
🔗 Kansas City Music
First Fridays in KC
Crossroads → Ultimate Guide
West Bottoms → Ultimate West Bottoms Guide
🎡 First Fridays @ Parlor · 6–10 pm | Parlor KC
Artsy vendor-music-cocktail combo in the Crossroads.
🔗 parlorkcmo.com$5 Fridays @ KC Wine Co. · 4–9 pm | KC Wine Co.
Low-key evening with seasonal sips and specials.
🔗 kcwineco.comVeterans Day Weekend Events · All Weekend | National WWI Museum
Free admission and commemorations downtown.
🔗 theworldwar.org/veteransdayLadies Night + DJ Mix @ Iron Horse · 8 pm on | Iron Horse Bar & Grill
Suburban nightspot energy — cocktails, shots, and dance-floor beats.
🔗 ironhorsegrillbar.comFlat Susan (Live Show) · 8 pm | Knuckleheads
Alt-rock vibes for your Friday groove.
🔗 concerts50.comProgressive Nights w/ Syence · Club event | In The Lowest Ferns
Electronic night built for the EDM crowd.
🔗 edmtrain.com
Saturday & Sunday
🎡 American Royal World Series of Barbecue · All Day | American Royal Complex
KC’s smoky signature festival returns — bring your appetite and a hoodie.
🔗 americanroyal.comRiley Green · 7 pm | T-Mobile Center
Big-ticket country show bringing out the boots and denim jackets.
🔗 t-mobilecenter.com🎷 Shaun Munday Live · 7:30 pm | VOO Lounge
Soul-rich jazz and blues in an intimate cocktail setting.
🔗 vookansascity.comGlimmer Pop-Up Bar · Evening | Kansas City Zoo — GloWild
Whimsical lights, themed cocktails, and glowing art installations.
🔗 kansascityzoo.org🎷 Jazz Brunch w/ Millie & Dan · ~10 am | The Phoenix
Smooth brunch set and an easy recovery from Saturday.
🔗 thephoenixkc.comSavoy Weekend Brunch · Morning | The Savoy at 21C
Historic-hotel charm with elevated brunch plates.
🔗 thesavoykc.comIron Horse Brunch & All-Day Happy Hour · Morning on | Iron Horse Bar & Grill + Brew Lab
Casual hangouts to wrap the weekend.
🔗 ironhorsegrillbar.com
The Last Call
“Here’s to alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.” — Homer Simpson
The Tiramisu
Stay sharp, KC ☾