Northland, MO October 2025

The Food Issue

Extraordinary things happen here.

At Liberty Hospital, every detail matters. As soon as you walk through our doors, you’ll notice our commitment to excellence. From life-changing moments to personalized everyday care, we believe great health is for everyone, and we provide premier experiences with every interaction.

For high-quality healthcare in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, the exceptional experience you’re looking for is here at Liberty Hospital – where the joy of great health is waiting for you. This is where health happens.

Learn more at libertyhospital.org.

Fall Flavors

I love this time of year for so many reasons, and food is obviously one of them. Though I love grilling season (summer), and berry season (spring), fall brings the start of cozy food season. I look forward to that perfect brisk day to make the inaugural pot of chili more than anything else this time of year (even pumpkin spice). And yes, we serve it with cinnamon rolls in this house!

We've got plenty of stories on food for our annual food issue. One story this month is about Kanbe’s Markets, a local nonprofit tackling food waste and food insecurity in Kansas City. Max Kaninger is so passionate about making sure that the food that so many work so hard to produce doesn't get wasted. If you're looking for a nonprofit to support either with your pocketbook or your time as we move into the holidays, Kanbe's is a fantastic choice. It's a great nonprofit touching our community in so many ways.

Speaking of community, we also visited Prima Facie in Parkville — a beautiful space where a simple dream turned into a full-blown bistro and market. What Heather and Leon Versfeld have created isn’t just a restaurant — it's a place of connection. Prima Facie is a modern-day “third place” where people come to reconnect — and yes, to enjoy some seriously delicious food.

And since no October issue would be complete without a little spookiness, we rounded up the region’s most haunted spots — from ghost tours in Weston to a stay at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs (if you dare). Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, we think you’ll find a few fun places to explore this fall if you like a good scare.

I hope your October is full of good food and good weather.

Until next month,

KATIE CURRID, EDITOR @NORTHLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

October 2025

PUBLISHER

Natalia Kreinbring | Natalia.Kreinbring@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katie Currid, Tiffany Killoren, Patrick Mulvihill

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hannah Schreiner, Anna Petrow

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Spooky Spots

Take

A Gathering Place

Prima Facie in

Fighting Food Waste

Kanbe’s

city scene

1-3: Leaders, staff, and community members gathered to cut the ribbon on The University of Kansas Cancer Center’s new Briarcliff location, bringing expanded oncology and infusion services to Northland patients. Photography courtesy of Northland Chamber of Commerce

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Explore Oakhill, an independent private school in Northland Kansas City, where students thrive and potential unfolds. From Pretoddler (18-months) through Grade 12, our community empowers growth, values uniqueness, and inspires excellence in every student

From Learners to Leaders

Orange Easel School of Art Celebrates 11 years in business

On August 1, 2014, Orange Easel unlocked the doors to a little art studio in downtown Liberty, ready to welcome our first young artists. What began as a dream has grown into a vibrant community space for creative kids and families across the Northland. Eleven years later, we’re still here—paint under our nails, glitter on our floors, and so much gratitude for the neighbors who’ve supported us every step of the way.

Prepare Your Patio For The Chilly Season

Solar Shield’s new video shows how our Exterior Patio Shades block harsh winds, making your outdoor space comfortable even in cooler weather. These shades also offer superior sun control, bug protection, and added privacy — all while preserving your view of blue skies and green grass. Built for Kansas City weather and expertly installed, exterior shades are the perfect way to extend your patio season year-round. Watch the video and learn more at solarshieldblinds.com

Take a road trip near or far to destinations with stories to tell

Spooky Spots

If there’s something strange in your neighborhood | If there’s something weird and it don’t look good

No need to call a ghostbuster. The sites below are part of our area’s rich history and lore — places that continue to draw visitors from near and far with their rich stories, striking architecture, and compelling ties to the past. If you love a good ghost story this time of year, the below may appeal to those looking for either a weekend adventure or a bit of a road trip. These destinations offer a glimpse into another time, layered with atmosphere and curiosity. Whatever your scare level might be, have fun but be careful, and always make sure to look behind you.

The Haunted Trolley Tour

Atchison, Kansas

There is just something about Atchison. The streets feel different there; the air is heavy as stately homes watch protectively over the town. A fun and kid-friendly tour option, the guided trolley takes you on a trip back in time that is both historic and fun. And, yes; for those familiar with the Sallie house, you will get a front row view of the unassuming house that has been featured on multiple shows and proudly boasts its position on many “most haunted” lists. A non-stop tour, passengers can get a glimpse into the town’s past without the need to leave the warmth of the trolley. A perfect option for slightly older kids who want the spook without the scare.

www.visitatchison.com

The Belvoir Winery Liberty, Missouri

As soon as you pull into the long drive leading up to the main building on the property, the air shifts a bit and you no longer feel like you are just a stone’s throw away from town. Once home to multiple buildings, including a hospital and nursing home, the jewel of the property is the building that once was home to laughter and tiny feet that traveled up and down the impressive wooden staircase of the children’s home.  The winery and special event venue offers historic style, architectural grace — as well as paranormal investigation opportunities throughout the year.     www.belvoirwinery.com

“In Weston, it is hard to look in any direction without bumping into a good ghost story. Established in 1837, the town has had plenty of time to accrue its share of the unexplained.”

The Elms Hotel & Spa

Excelsior Springs, Missouri

A hotel dating back to the 1880s that burned down twice and was a popular destination during prohibition by characters like Al Capone - what could possibly go wrong? The beautiful hotel in Excelsior Springs (built in limestone after the last fire in 1910 to prevent another disaster) is home to gorgeous grounds, an impressive spa and ballroom that takes you back in time. A proud element of a town built on the foundation of medicinal springs, the history of the Elms and its surrounding area is worth a visit if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an opportunity to learn about a fascinating time in history or if you are brave enough to walk into its haunted past during one of the ghost tours. And if you’re in the area, don’t forget to stop by the Hall of Waters, which is also known for its own tales.  www.elmshotelandspa.com

Ghost Tales of Weston Walk & Dinner

Weston, Missouri

In Weston, it is hard to look in any direction without bumping into a good ghost story. Established in 1837, the town has had plenty of time to accrue its share of the unexplained. The “Ghost Tales of Weston” walking tour blends local history with a cozy dinner and stroll through cobblestone streets, offering a fun and informative evening out. While some of the tales lean into folklore, the real highlights are the local inns, storefronts, and historic breweries that dot the landscape. This quaint little town just a short drive from Kansas City offers amazing food, stylish boutiques and a foreboding tale or two for those brave enough to listen. www.westonmo.com

“Recommended for older teens and adults, this tour gives a glimpse into Missouri’s past and the justice system’s evolution. History buffs, true-crime fans, and civic-minded travelers alike will find something meaningful here.”

A BIT FARTHER DOWN THE ROAD…

The Crescent Hotel Eureka Springs, Arkansas

DOWN THE ROAD…

The Missouri State Penitentiary Jefferson City, Missouri

On the spectrum of scare potential, this spot is reserved for “senior-level” ghost enthusiasts. While the mood may feel heavy in parts, it’s no surprise that the penitentiary’s ghost tours are popular for those interested in both history and the tales from beyond.

Recommended for older teens and adults, this tour gives a glimpse into Missouri’s past and the justice system’s evolution. History buffs, true-crime fans, and civic-minded travelers alike will find something meaningful here. www.missouripentours.com

Walk into the front doors of the Crescent Hotel and you’ll immediately feel a vibe. Truth be told, the mood hits you before you even enter. Built in 1886 to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to the area for its purported healing springs, the hotel served as a women’s college and educational center until the 1930s when it was purchased by a purported doctor (he was not) to provide a life-changing cancer treatment (that was fake) to patients desperate for a cure. Now a hotel that stands as a time capsule to a time gone by, those brave enough can explore its dark history during a ghost tour or just visit for the beautiful views and restful sleep…maybe. www.crescent-hotel.com

The Stanley Hotel Estes Park, Colorado

Nestled among the mountains of Estes Park, this majestic hotel offers glorious morning coffee views to wake you up and stories to keep you from sleep. This hotel is best known for its connection to Stephen King. When staying there years ago with his wife, the author watched as employees prepared to leave for the harsh winter months and found inspiration for his hotel classic, The Shining. A manageable road trip from Kansas City, this one is worth the hype…but take care not to get snowed in just to be safe. www.stanleyhotel.com

2024 KC Stars Second Generation Builder

Founded in 2020, Stoneleaf Homes LLC is building high quality homes at multiple price points across the northland here in Kansas City. Owner, Alexis Miller Goin, is a second generation home builder and has implemented her knowledge for building and business in the same way her father and mother did for more than twenty years. She has fortified her building strategy to build cost-efficient homes, simplify the process for her clients, and maintain friendships with those she builds for while also maintaining great relationships with her subcontractors and vendors.

Prima Facie is the premier place to host your next event. Need an intimate space for as few as 6 guests? Book our Bank Vault. Want to be near the action and need space for up to 24? Ask about our Piano Room. Have up to 45 guests who want to experience our amazing hospitality? The Mezzanine is perfect for you. Looking for something a bit more casual? The Market and Patio is the right spot for you.

www.kcnpi.com

A Gathering Place

Prima Facie in Parkville is serving more than just food — it's fostering community

ARTICLE BY KATIE CURRID | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SCHREINER

Heather and Leon Versfeld didn’t exactly set out to open a restaurant when they bought a building in Parkville in 2022.

The space was initially purchased for Leon’s law firm, Versfeld & Hugo. Because it had extra space, a great location and a drive-up window from being a former bank, Heather suggested they add a coffee shop. Leon, ever the visionary, then started brainstorming an entire restaurant concept.

“I may or may not have told him he was crazy,” Heather laughs. “But he was so persistent. He kept bringing it up. Finally, I told him, ‘If we’re going to do this, we need to really pray about it and see if it’s what the Lord wants — because otherwise, there’s no way we can make it happen.’ I’m a private flight attendant, and he’s an attorney. So, we prayed. And the more we prayed, the more doors began to open.”

And open they did. Two years later, after a few roadblocks, a fire and plenty of surprises, Prima Facie Bistro and Market opened in the renovated 1917 building — a hefty undertaking for the new restaurateurs who opened not one, but two restaurant concepts under one roof.

With the help of PB&J Group and general manager Austin DeForest, the Versfelds have managed to hit the nail on the head with both the market and the bistro. The market side is more laid back, with a full-service coffee bar that serves breakfast and lunch options, as well as spirits. They also have a retail side with fun gifts — the only place to buy packaged alcohol in downtown Parkville. There’s shaded outdoor seating and a drive-up window

— it’s a great spot to meet up with friends or grab something on the go.

The bistro next door manages to be both approachable and upscale at the same time. The beautiful dining room features big, comfy booths, blue velvet upholstery, a long bar lined with mirrors, and even a dining table set inside an old bank vault with some of the original brick exposed. There’s not a television in sight, unless you count the old black and white movies that are projected soundlessly onto the wall.

But while the place is very classy, it doesn’t feel stuffy. It’s a place where you can have a business lunch or bring the family for a birthday or special dinner. You can feel comfortable in jeans, a dressy date night, or both.

“We wanted to create a place where people could sit together, look one another in the eye, and have real conversations — whether it’s about the important things that need to be said, or the words they never seem to find time for otherwise,” says Heather. “I can honestly say it is working. It feels like the Lord is at work here every day.

The bistro and the market have two different menus. The market is more focused on classic daytime selections, like sandwiches and salads, whereas the bistro has more chef-forward versions of those options, plus modern American entrees and small plate offerings. Both spots share the same kitchen, led by chef James McBride, where everything is made from scratch — from dressings to desserts. The bistro’s menu features elevated fare, with options like steak tartare (which you should definitely try), but also familiar choices, such as Prima’s version of shrimp and grits. Chef James manages to blend American cuisine with multicultural influences.

And while there are two different menus, general manager Austin DeForest says there is a ”yes is the answer, what is your question?” mentality when it comes to hospitality. So if you sit down in the market but want to order the free-range chicken dish from

“Our goal was to create a space for people to reconnect in a technology-driven world where so much of our attention is consumed by phones and screens.”

the bistro menu next door (and who could blame you), the staff at Prima Facie will oblige.

This frame of mind is executed from the top down at Prima Facie, too.

“The one thing that I think has been great with Heather is she is an actively involved owner,” says Austin. “There was one time we had an in-flight [catering order, a service Prima Facie offers to private airline travelers] and the person wanted to pick up at 4 a.m. She did it herself so no one had to come in at 4 a.m.”

It’s this type of thinking that is making Prima Facie a go-to place in the Northland. And it’s not just a restaurant — it’s a place where people gather and connect.

You may have heard the concept of a “third place.” It’s a space outside of your home (your first place) and work (the second place) where you can socialize, feel welcome and build community. For some people, that place is church, a gym or a library, but many

Americans are without a third place. But Heather, Leon and their team are noticing that Prima Facie is becoming a third place for many in Parkville.

“Our vision was to create a space where real connection could happen,” says Heather. “Our goal was to create a space for people to reconnect in a technology-driven world where so much of our attention is consumed by phones and screens.”

Now, Prima Facie is a site for bible studies, family dinners, high school reunions and meet-ups with friends.

“Just last week, I had several people tell me, ‘You know what I love about this place? I walk in and I immediately see five people I know!” says Heather.

As Prima Facie continues to grow into its role as one of Parkville’s third places, the Versfelds remain focused on what inspired them in the first place — connection. With a made-from-scratch menu, a heart for hospitality, and a vision bigger than themselves, Heather and Leon have created more than a restaurant. They’ve created a gathering place.

Prima Facie Bistro and Market 12 E 1st Street  Parkville, Missouri www.primaparkville.com

“We prayed. And the more we prayed, the more doors began to open.”

FIGHTING FOODWASTE

KANBE’S COMMUNITY-ROOTED FOOD ACCESS MODEL CELEBRATES EXPANSION INTO THE NORTHLAND

“There’s no reason to think it can’t work everywhere.”

If you told Max Kaniger a decade ago that he’d soon be running one of the region’s fastest-growing and most impactful nonprofits, he might not have believed you. But a simple yet substantial idea he had in 2015 sparked Kanbe’s Markets, an organization that just opened its 100th location — to build a more inclusive food system by transforming food loss into food access. With Kanbe’s, Max believes Kansas City can be the first region in the United States to fully eradicate food insecurity.

“I grew up in restaurants, so I was always surrounded by food,” Max says. “I was always acutely aware of its ability to bring people together, but I took for granted that everyone knew where their next meal was coming from.”

Growing up in Brookside, Max’s parents owned a contemporary restaurant near the Country Club Plaza, and he worked in kitchens and grocery stores throughout Kansas City into adulthood. During these

years, he saw plenty of fresh produce perish before it could reach anyone’s plate.

“Up to 40% of all food grown in the U.S. ends up in landfills,” says Max. “Meanwhile, 1 in 8 households in the richest country in the world are designated by the USDA as ‘food insecure.’ That never sat right with me — we have the resources; we just don’t have a supply chain that’s built to minimize food waste.”

In 2016, Max founded Kanbe’s Markets, the first perishable logistics nonprofit that restores fresh-food access to small businesses so they can once again sell high-quality and a wide variety of produce at or below conventional grocery prices, all while also rescuing and reducing unnecessary food loss. Partnering with wholesale suppliers, hunger relief partners, and local farmers, Kanbe’s rescued more than 1 million pounds of produce from landfills in 2024 and is on pace to reach 1.25 million pounds this calendar year.

“We have the resources, we just don’t have a supply chain that’s built to minimize food waste.”

Kanbe’s flagship Fresh Food Access program delivers fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables from its 30,000-square-foot warehouse near the Coleman Highlands neighborhood to locally owned convenience stores, gas stations, and corner bodegas with deep ties in the community.

This model has dramatically increased the number of Kansas Citians with access to nutritious food. Since its first store opening in 2016 to the ribbon cutting at its 100th store partner earlier this fall, Kanbe’s has expanded food access for more than 200,000 people.

“This program is mutually beneficial for everyone involved,” Max says. “Local business owners are making money, entire communities have affordable choices of nearly 20 different types of fruits and vegetables, and we’re able to expand our footprint into more and more communities, including the Northland and Wyandotte County in just the past couple months.”

Opening its 100th Fresh Food Access Partner isn’t just a nice number to celebrate — it reflects Kanbe’s impressively rapid expansion throughout the region and is a sign of more milestones to come.

The Northland Health Alliance recently reported that 2 in 5 Northland residents live in areas without easy access to fresh, healthy food. With five new Healthy Corner Stores opened in the Northland within the past four months, Kanbe’s footprint has officially reached across the river, but this program is just a small piece of Kanbe’s impact and operations.

In order to understand this growth, it helps to understand the entire food supply chain and the inefficiencies Kanbe’s is addressing. Imagine a palette of strawberries sitting in a nearby warehouse waiting to be delivered to your favorite grocery store. If someone spots mold on a single strawberry, it’s easier to toss the entire palette into a landfill than it is to sort out the good from the bad. Or if a distributor sends too many trucks of strawberries to the region, it’s too costly to move them to another market where they might be sold.

At Kanbe’s, thousands of volunteers work through more than a million pounds of produce each year to sort this food into four categories. The best produce heads to the Fresh Food Store Partners to be resold. The next level produce, which might be cosmetically imperfect but is otherwise edible, heads to Kanbe’s community partners, a network of more than 50 of local nonprofits making meals for our most vulnerable neighbors. Next, there are the fruits and vegetables that aren’t suitable for human consumption but make for delicious and nutritious feed for thousands of local farm animals. Finally, for the food that’s well past its prime, Kanbe’s redirects landfill-bound produce to local farms and commercial composting operations, keeping valuable nutrients within the food system.

“From the beginning, I’ve always stressed that Kanbe’s does not feed people,” says Max. “We’re here to distribute food where it’s needed most—places where our current food system isn’t working. We can’t force people to eat healthy, but we can empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices by making it easier to access what should ultimately be a right— not a privilege.”

For a decade, Kanbe’s mission-driven growth has thrived on community engagement. Volunteers are the backbone of its operations—sorting, packing, and redistributing produce, assisting in outreach, and supporting logistics in the warehouse and office. The Kanbe’s team also hosts a suite of engaging, community-rooted events, including its Ugly Dinner Series, which challenges Kansas City’s best restaurants and most talented chefs to reimagine “ugly” produce into beautiful meals.

At the heart of Kanbe’s work is its Grassroots Growers program, a monthly giving initiative that provides reliable funding to fight food waste and expand access to fresh food. By keeping costs low, more of each donation directly fuels Kanbe’s mission. Grassroots Growers feels less like a donor program and more like a movement.

Supporters are helping to shape a future beyond hunger, advocating for solutions, and planting the seeds for lasting change one month at a time.

“What we’re doing isn’t that complicated,” says Max. “It takes time and teamwork to figure out the logistics of how to get food from point A to point B, but our work is actually quite simple. We’ve built an incredible network of growers, distributors, nonprofits, volunteers, donors, and entire communities. We’re all working together to reshape how we think about food. If it works here, there’s no reason to think it can’t work everywhere.”

Want to get involved? Visit kanbesmarkets.org to learn more about the Grassroot Growers program, volunteering opportunities, upcoming community events, and more!

THE SEASON’S BEST SANDWICHES

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Stacked forFall

There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made sandwich—especially when it comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. As the season changes and appetites grow heartier, fall is the perfect time to get creative with ingredients tucked between slices of crusty bread or buttery rolls. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your lunch routine, enjoy comforting flavors and bold textures, or impress guests with a no-fuss meal, these easy-tomake sandwiches strike the perfect balance between simple and sensational.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, French bread)

• 6 oz roast beef

• 2 slices provolone cheese

• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)

INSTRUCTIONS

• 2 ½ tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Arugula

• Cherry tomato

• Caramelized onions

Toast the bread. Butter one side of each slice and toast in a skillet until golden. Heat roast beef briefly in a pan. To make the spread, mix mayo, horseradish sauce, and Dijon. Spread on the toasted bread. Layer roast beef, cheese, and broil briefly to melt. Add arugula, tomato, and caramelized onions if using. Top with the second slice of bread.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 grilled chicken breast

• 2 slices pepper jack cheese

• 2 slices cooked bacon

• 1 tbsp fruit jam (fig, raspberry, or jalapeño recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS

• A handful of fresh arugula

• 3–4 cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1 tbsp garlic aioli

• 1 brioche bun (toasted)

Lightly butter the inside of the bun and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown. Spread a layer of garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast. Place the pepper jack cheese over the hot chicken to slightly melt it. Layer on the crispy bacon slices. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a small handful of arugula. Spread the jam on the top bun. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 oz goat cheese

• Fresh arugula

• ¼ cup caramelized onions

• 1 pear, thinly sliced

INSTRUCTIONS

• Honey, to taste

• Butter for toasting the bread

• Rotisserie chicken breast thinly sliced

• Sourdough bread, buttered (optional)

Spread goat cheese on one side of the bread. Top the cheese with arugula, caramelized onions, sliced pears and chicken breast. Drizzle with honey. Top with remaining slice of sourdough bread. Use a griddle or panini press to heat the sandwich.

INGREDIENTS

• French bread loaf, halved lengthwise

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 tsp thyme or rosemary

• Salt, pepper, chili flakes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 1 cup arugula

• 2–4 tbsp pesto (thinned with olive oil)

• Balsamic glaze

• Optional: 4 slices prosciutto

• Fresh basil

Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized. Brush bread with olive oil. Toast in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Layer mozzarella slices on the toasted bread. Add fresh basil. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until melted. Optional: Top with roasted tomatoes, arugula, and prosciutto (if using). Drizzle with pesto and balsamic glaze.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

OCTOBER 11TH

Howl-O-Ween

Waggin' Trail Dog Park | 432 E 32nd Ave, North Kansas City | 10:30 AM

Dress your pups in costume for a day out at Waggin’ Trail Dog Park! Pups can participate in a costume contest, raffle, meet with dog vendors, and more. With a $5 or item donation, each dog will receive a trick-or-treat bag and entry to the costume contest. No children under the age of 5 allowed inside the designated dog area.

OCTOBER 11TH-12TH

Plein Air Art

Throughout downtown Weston | 10:00 AM

This is an outdoor gathering of artists that will be painting/drawing around town. Sponsored by the Weston Coffee Roastery

OCTOBER 11TH

Walking to Fight Flu

English Landing Park, Parkville | 10:00 AM

Join Ian’s Rainbow Flu Foundation for the 19th Annual Walking to Fight the Flu. This family-friendly event raises awareness of influenza while honoring Ian’s story. Enjoy music, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, snacks, raffles, and treats for kids in costume. Urgent Care Express will provide flu vaccines onsite. Registration and details at www.iansrainbow.com

OCTOBER 14TH

Mobile Music Box

Stocksdale Park, Liberty | 6:00 PM

Let the music take you away! Join Liberty Parks & Rec and the Kansas City Symphony for a free outdoor concert as you watch the sunset at Stocksdale Park.

The Symphony's Mobile Music Box takes music on the road to reach music lovers and families all over the Kansas City metro area.

OCTOBER 17TH, 18TH, 24TH & 25TH

Ghost Tales of Weston & Ghost Walk

Various locations in Weston | 7:00 PM

Step into Weston’s haunted past with true ghostly tales and a walking tour presented by characters of the Weston Community Theatre. The evening includes a catered buffet dinner, storytelling by Verna Kowertz, and a spirited ghost walk. Tickets are $59 per person, with portions of proceeds benefiting local community groups. Cash bar available.

OCTOBER 17TH-31ST

Spooky Trail Hunt

Westboro/Canterbury Park, Liberty | 9:00 AM

Celebrate Halloween with Liberty Parks & Rec’s self-guided Spooky Trail Hunt! Search for 12 hidden ghost cutouts along the trail using an activity sheet (available online or at the Liberty Community Center). Turn in your completed sheet for a prize—first 300 participants win something special. Fun for all ages! All day event.

OCTOBER 25TH

Trunk-or-Treat

Park & Recreation Center | 1201 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City | 1:00 PM

Kids will have a spooktacular time as they enjoy trick-or-treating from trunk to trunk, a pumpkin patch, and more! Costumes are encouraged! Free and open to the public, while supplies last.

OCTOBER 25TH

Trick-or-Treat Parkville

Historic Downtown Parkville | 12:00 PM

Kids and families are invited to Historic Downtown Parkville for safe and fun Halloween trick-or-treating at participating shops and businesses.

OCTOBER 25TH

Back Roads Art's Chainsaw Carving Event

10:00 AM

Back Roads Art will sponsor a chainsaw carving event in Weston. Artists will be carving in the parking lot of O'Malley's Pub from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Carvings will be for sale.

OCTOBER 25TH

Howl-O-Ween

Stocksdale Dog Park | 901 S LaFrenz Road, Liberty | 2:00 PM

Join Liberty Parks & Rec for Howl-O-Ween, a bad-to-the-bone event for you and your pup! Dress your dog in their too cute to spook costume for our doggy costume contest. There will also be dog photos available, a coffee truck (self-pay), visitors from natural Grocers and more! Let's get this scary-cute pawty started!

OCTOBER 30TH

Halloween Storytime Art Class: Pick a Pumpkin

Orange Easel in Liberty | 249 W Mill Street, Ste 107, Liberty | 9:30 AM

Celebrate the season with a cozy Halloween storytime designed for preschoolers! Enjoy magical potion-making, jack-o’-lantern art, and glowing Halloween-themed play stations after our story.

OCTOBER 30TH

Halloween Storytime Art Class: If You’re Spooky and You Know It

Orange Easel in Liberty | 249 W Mill Street, Ste 107, Liberty | 9:30 AM

Preschoolers will sing, wiggle, and create in this not-so-spooky Halloween storytime featuring If You’re Spooky and You Know It. Includes potion making, silly monster art, and glowing play stations!

OCTOBER 30TH

Blacklight Halloween Art Party

Orange Easel in Liberty and Platte Woods | 6:30 PM

Step into the glow for a spooky-good time! K–8th grade artists will explore blacklight art to build haunted houses, craft monsters, mix potions, and concoct slime.

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

How To Stay Festive And Healthy? Sure Thing

Halloween is typically filled to the brim with salt, sugar and carbs. It can be hard to stay on the nutrition wagon during spooky season, but there are plenty of fun ways to add a festive spin to favorite healthy dishes.

pumpkin FRUIT BOWL

With luck finding a melon or watermelon at the store, simply carve it like a jack-o-lantern and make the mouth large enough to have other sliced fruit emerging, such as cut pineapple, sliced grapes and apple chunks. Along the side, peel mini oranges and add a green stem to mimic pumpkins.

spooky CHARCUTERIE

These fan favorite boards can easily be kept healthy with some additions. Make any treat spooky with edible eyeballs. Adding them to a small snack such as mini bell peppers or grapes and strawberries is a fun way to stay on theme without sacrificing a healthy streak. Eyeball salami rolls also can be added, starting first with a green olive in the center, surrounded by a roll of mozzarella cheese and then surrounded by salami or even prosciutto.

stuffed PEPPERS

This fall staple easily can be incorporated into a fall gathering or Halloween night by carving jacko-lantern faces in orange peppers, and resuming a favorite recipe from there. Serving bread on the side? Use a skull or pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to re-shape it.

ghostly DIP

Hummus and pitas can be made scary in no time. Use a ghost shaped cookie cutter to shape pita bread, lightly toast and serve with red pepper hummus, which is usually orange in color.

jack-o-lantern VEGGIE TRAY

The easiest bet for a quick and healthy Halloween treat? You can’t go wrong with a veggie tray shaped like a jack-o-lantern. Use baby carrots as the base, and cucumber or celery to shape the mouth and stem. The eyes? Two round bowls of veggie dip.