KC is turning pink for Chappell Roan
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Photo illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photo: TheStewartofNY/Getty Images
Kansas City is turning pink this weekend in honor of pop icon Chappell Roan and her tour stop at the WWI Museum and Memorial.
Why it matters: Fans can soak up Kansas City's Midwest Princess pride all week through civic displays, glitter-filled parties and themed treats.
Context: Roan, who grew up near Springfield, chose Kansas City as one of three stops on her current tour, Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things.
- Roan, who has headlined in KC before, credits local drag bar Hamburger Mary's as her first exposure to what would become her onstage persona, according to the Kansas City Star.
🏙️ Civic celebrations
Expect some pink in the Kansas City skyline this weekend, as building managers have been invited to light up for Chappell Roan on Friday and Saturday, Visit KC's Makenzie Wolters tells Axios.
- "There's no citywide light switch. But we generally see good turnout," Wolters says.
The KC Streetcar is also wrapped up in the excitement, with a special "Pink Pony Express" design created by Roan's team already serving looks up and down Main, including disco balls inside the ride.
And a new mural is nearly complete next to Hamburger Mary's, where it all began.
🎉 Local events
Joining the fun doesn't have to mean having tickets to the sold-out shows. KC businesses are hosting events open to all of Chappell's angels.
- Pink Pony Club Weekend at Q Kansas City in Westport runs Thursday–Saturday with drag hosts, sing-alongs and costume contests. Times vary.
- Chappell Hour at Boulevard Brewing Co. promises drink specials, a glitter station and a photo booth on Friday and Saturday, 2–5pm.
- Chappell Roan Official Pre-Party at Incline on Ninth in the West Bottoms will have dancing and drag performances. Proceeds from tickets ($25) will support transgender youth.
🛍️ Hot items to go
Bakeries like McLain's, Cookie Bliss KC, Dolce Bakery and Eileen's are offering special designs on cookies and cakes.
- Plus, coffee shops like Café Cà Phê and Anchor Island have themed drinks.
- And Sweet Emotion KC has themed ice cream.
Fun fact: Roan, who filmed part of her "Hot To Go!" music video at a Springfield Andy's Frozen Custard, says her favorite order is the James Brownie Funky Jackhammer, the Star reports.
What's next: Expect a rush of Roan fans — and lots of pink — across downtown KC through the weekend.