The KC Cocktail Run Edition

Welcome, {{secret_name | Secret Reader}}

Last weekend we ran the very first SecretKC Cocktail Lounge Run — a proper city circuit built for people who love a good drink, good music, and the kind of KC nights that move you.

We started at Stillwell, the lobby-level cocktail den inside the Loews where the bartenders move with quiet precision. From there we rolled into Tom’s Town, Kansas City’s Art-Deco distillery lounge with bold gin, gold trim, and that classic downtown swagger. Just downstairs, The Vault was fully dressed for Christmas — an underground holiday hideaway with warm lighting and a festive glow.

Next stop: In The Lowest Ferns, the Crossroads plant-filled cocktail room where the vibe is soft, moody, and creative. Then we slid south to The Monarch Bar, which was hitting with a live DJ and a dressed-up, ready-to-dance crowd. And of course, we wrapped at The Green Lady Lounge, the red-room jazz sanctuary where the horns don’t stop and the night just coasts —until the break of dawn.

We tried to add Brass Monkey Lounge, but they were booked solid — rookie mistake. We’ll plan that one better next time.

Mad love to all the venues and staff for accommodating us and setting the vibe.

Be there when we run it back in Dec.

I’ll see you at the bar.
—Jay, SecretKC editor

The prelude to the weekend — start it smooth, a little early, and a little under the radar.

Moonlight Market Downtown Shawnee | 4:00–8:00 PM | Downtown Shawnee
Evening open-air market with food trucks, makers, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe.
🔗 City of Shawnee

Tin Roof KC | 9:00 PM | Tin Roof (Westport)
DJ Kade Baker & Highnoone bring high-energy party vibes inside Westport’s busiest weekend starter.
🔗 Tin Roof KC

Thankful for Alcohol Cocktail Class & Jazz | VOO Lounge, Downtown KC
Evening open-air market with food trucks, makers, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe.
🔗 Voo Lounge

🍸 Ladies Night · 5–10 pm | Sherri’s Executive Lounge
Premium cigars, live jazz, and a dance crowd on West 39th Street.
🔗 sherrislounge.com

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Tinsel Tavern at KC Live! | 9:00 PM–late | KC Live! District
A decked-out holiday pop-up with DJs, themed cocktails, and big festive energy.
🔗 Tinsel Tavern

Jingle Bar Pop-Up | 4:00–9:00 PM | KC Wine Co
A cozy, low-key holiday cocktail bar pop-up perfect for an early warm-up.
🔗 KC Wine Co

Ladies Night | 8:00 PM | Iron Horse Bar & Grill (Leawood)
DJ-driven, high-energy bar night with shot specials and a lively suburban crowd.
🔗 Iron Horse

Intoxicant: Jazz & Burlesque | 7:00–11:00 PM | The Nighthawk
A sultry, theatrical evening blending jazz, burlesque, and vintage KC glamour.
🔗 SimpleTix

Hot Paris Nights | 9:00 PM–late | The Laila Lounge
A luxe, late-night lounge show with Lady Lush & The Midnight Mood — modern Parisian cabaret vibes.
🔗 The Laila Lounge

Glimmer Pop-Up Bar | Evening | KC Zoo & Aquarium (Tropics Pavilion)
A 21+ immersive holiday bar experience inside the Zoo’s tropical exhibit.
🔗 KC Zoo

Chill Vibes – Yung Mehico & Friends | Late | The Ship OG Lounge
After-hours hip-hop lounge session with a curated local DJ crowd.
🔗 Eventbrite

🎺 Date Night featuring The Jenna Bauer Trio | Sherri’s Executive Lounge
Lush brass and smooth rhythm — one of KC’s classic jazz nights.
🔗 sherrislounge.com

Big Luke & the Soul Disciples | The Phoenix · Sat, Nov 22 | 7:30 PM | 302 W 8th St
Vintage jazz club feel with live vocals, cocktails, and a downtown supper-club vibe.
🔗 The Phoenix

Salsa Night w/ DJ Luis & Grupo Melao · Sat, Nov 22 | 9:00 PM | The Ship
High-heat salsa, cumbia & vallenato dance party — one of KC’s best Latin nights.
🔗 The Ship

The Last Chance Speakeasy: 1920s Murder Mystery · Sat, Nov 22 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Zarda Bar-B-Q, Lenexa
Immersive Roaring Twenties mystery dinner with costumes, cocktails, and character play.
🔗 AllEvents

Jingle & Mingle Pop-Up Bar · Sat & Sun, Nov 22–23 | 5:30 PM | The Elms Hotel
Historic-hotel holiday bar with upscale décor, crafted cocktails, and date-night energy.
🔗 The Elms

DJ Shinski (Kenya) Live · Sat, Nov 22 | 9:00 PM–late | The Laila Lounge
International DJ night with global club energy in one of KC’s most stylish lounges.
🔗 The Laila Lounge

The Brass Monkey Lounge · All Weekend | Crossroads
Hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar with dim lighting and luxe, intimate energy.
🔗 Brass Monkey Lounge

KC Jazz Ambassadors @ The Blue Room · Sun, Nov 23 | 3:00 PM | 18th & Vine
Sunday mid-afternoon jazz session at the historic Blue Room.
🔗 The Blue Room

Evergy Festival of Lights · Sun, Nov 23 | 5:00–10:00 PM | Powell Gardens
A glowing garden walk with drinks, fire pits, and holiday photo-ops.
🔗 Powell Gardens

🍺 All-Day Happy Hour | Brew Lab (East Crossroads)
Taps and plates all day — easy Sunday scene.
🔗 citybarrelbrewing.com

🍗 Chicken Fried Sundays | Beer Kitchen (Westport)
Brunch comfort and local pours to close the weekend.
🔗 facebook.com/beerkitchenkc