Negroni @Zephyr Bourbon Bar
Welcome, {{secret_name | Secret Reader}}
New York has been buzzing with Sit at the Bar September — a TikTok-fueled push by influencer Laurie Cooper to ditch the apps and find your connections (romantic or otherwise) on a bar stool. The New York Times covered it last week, and honestly? I think KC should steal the slogan. Because if you’ve ever spent an evening at The Monarch, Libations, or the tucked-away Hey! Hey! Club, you know the magic happens at the bar. It’s where bartenders slip you a recommendation, strangers strike up a conversation, and chance encounters still feel possible in a swipe-left world.
So consider this your cue: pull up a seat at the counter, order something seasonal, and see where the night takes you. Whether it’s Oktoberfest steins at Crown Center, lanterns at the Arboretum, or Chappell Roan under the stars, KC’s got plenty of reasons to linger…and sit at the bar.
Proost!
—Jay, SecretKC editor
🕯️ The Whisper — Thursday Highlights
📍 Jazz at Noon · Thu, Oct 2 | American Jazz Museum
Free one-hour jazz set in the historic 18th & Vine district.
🔗 American Jazz Museum
📍 The Hey! Hey! Club · All Season
Hell! Hell! Club pop-up returns — devilish cocktails, tarot Thursdays, live music Fridays, and costume contests Saturdays.
🔗 Event Info
📍 Libations & Co. - The 1909 Club · 5:30–7 + 7–10 PM
The Hammond Hang: a jazz organ jam hosted by Jackie Myers
🔗 Event Info
📍 Sherri’s Executive Lounge · 5–10 PM
Ladies Night · Cocktails, music, and cigars in an elegant lounge setting.
🔗 sherrislounge.com
“Big thanks to Digital Gnomes Software, a KC shop building bespoke software solutions for local businesses.”
🥃 House Favorites
The spots we’ll never stop talking about—whether you’re looking for a moody booth or that perfect “locals know” pour.
VOO Lounge
📍 Downtown KC
📸 @voo.lounge • 🔗 vookansascity.com
KC’s OG lounge. Noir-lit décor, soulful live acts, and cocktails to match.
The Monarch
📍 Country Club Plaza
📸 @themonarchbar • 🔗 themonarchbar.com
Cocktail artistry at its peak, tucked inside hotel-lobby luxury. I’ll see ya there!
Noir
📍 Downtown KC
📸 @noirkc • 🔗 noirkc.com
This is KC’s speakeasy soul—intimate, sophisticated, and always on point.
Can’t-Miss Weekend Plans 🎯
📍 Chappell Hour · Fri, Oct 3 | 2–5 PM · Boulevard Brewing Co.
Pre-show happy hour with music and beer.
🔗 Boulevard Brewing
📍 Chappell Roan in Concert · Fri, Oct 3 | 7 PM · Museum & Memorial Park
Pop powerhouse returns to KC for a big outdoor show.
🔗 Event Info
📍 Mosaic Ultra Lounge · Fri, Oct 3 | 9 PM
Showgirl Listening Event — DJs + cocktails in the heart of Power & Light.
🔗 Mosaic
📍 Echoes of the Soul · Fri, Oct 3 | Sherri’s Executive Lounge
Lydia Alem pays tribute to soul legends with a live, unforgettable performance.
🔗 Event Info
📍 VOO Lounge · Sat, Oct 4 | 7:30–11 PM
Shaun Munday Live · One-man-band bassist and vocalist delivering groove-heavy soul.
🔗 vookansascity.com
📍 KC Oktoberfest · Oct 3–4 | Crown Center
Two-day fest from KC Bier Co. — authentic German bier, food, and entertainment.
🔗 KC Oktoberfest
📍 KC Jazz & Blues Festival · Sat–Sun, Oct 3–4 | Legends Field
Celebrating KC’s jazz and blues legacy with live music, food, and vendors.
🔗 Festival Info
📍 Moon & Water Lantern Festival · Sat, Oct 4 | 3:30–9 PM · Overland Park Arboretum
Lantern release, performances, and cultural celebration.
🔗 Visit KC
📍 Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear · Sat, Oct 4 | Grinders KC · 7:30 PM
Do The Reggae Tour 2025 — roots reggae icons under the stars.
🔗 Tickets
🎶 Spotted Live
Chappell Roan KC
📍 Chappell Roan in Concert · Fri, Oct 3 | 7 PM · Museum & Memorial Park
Chappell Roan tapped Kansas City as one of just three cities for her 2025 pop-up concert series, saying she loved Kansas City and wanted to do something special.
🔗 Event Info →
And check out VisitKC’s Guide to all things Chappell Roan KC
Last Call
The Elder Agave @Nine Zero One
If Sit at the Bar September taught us anything, it’s that October is the perfect time to keep the stool warm and raise a stein.
Stay sharp.
— Secret KC ☾