New Year, same Brookside love! Make Brookside part of your 2026 resolutions!
Support Local Merchants Directly
Visit and buy from businesses in the Brookside Shops instead of (or in addition to) big-box or online retailers. Brookside offers a range of locally-owned boutiques and specialty
- stores where your purchase goes directly to small business owners and franchisees.
- Shop in person or online from local stores and makers rather than big chains.
- Purchase gift cards to help with cash flow.
- Choose artisan, handcrafted, or locally produced goods.
- Plan shopping lists that prioritize local sourcing.
Frequent Local Food & Drink Spots
Brookside isn’t just retail — it’s also home to many of locally owned restaurants and cafés offering a variety of foods, beverages and tasty treats.
- Dine in or order takeout from small restaurants and cafés.
- Bring friends or family for brunch, dinner, or coffee.
- Pick up treats or meals when you’re in the neighborhood.
Boost Small Business Visibility Online
- Leave positive reviews on Google, Facebook, Instagram or other online accounts for your favorite Brookside businesses.
- Post photos, tag shops on social media, and use local hashtags like #BrooksideKC #ShopSmallBrookside
Share & Recommend To Others
- Tell friends and neighbors why you love your favorite Brookside shops — word-of-mouth matters.
- Share your favorite finds in community groups or neighborhood chats.
Participate in Local Events
Brookside hosts several annual events where small businesses get extra foot traffic. Attending with friends and family gives businesses more visibility and helps introduce businesses to new customers.
- Sweetheart Sip & Shop: Thurs, Feb 12, 2026, 5-7pm
- St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade: Sat, March 14, 2026, 2pm
- Brunch Walk: Sat, April 11, 2026, 10am - 1pm
- 40th Art Annual: (Fri-Sun) May 1 - 3, 2026
- Patio Fest: Thurs, June 11, 6-10pm
- Sidewalk Sale: (Thurs-Sat) July 9-11, 2026
- Dog Days of BKS: Sat, Aug 15. 2026, 10am - 1pm
- Sip & Shop: Thurs, Sept 10, 5-8pm
- Strutt with your Mutt: Sun, Sept 27, 2026
- Women-Owned Weekends: Weekends throughout October
- WOW Party (celebrating Women Owned Businesses): Tues, Oct 6, 2026, 6-8pm
- Trick or Treat Street: Sat, Oct 31, 2026, 4-6pm
- Holiday Season Opener: (Thurs-Sat) November 12-14, 2026
- Small Business Saturday: Sat, Nov 28, 2026
Give Feedback & Build Relationships
Small business owners often appreciate direct feedback and repeat customers.
- Share what you love and restocks you’d hope to see.
- Sign up for merchant email lists to stay in the loop on sales and new items. Like and follow businesses on social media.
Support Services & Neighborhood Needs
Beyond shopping, the Brookside Shops is home to local services (salons, fitness studios, accountants, attorneys, insurers, wellness services and more) that also benefit from your patronage — consider booking appointments and services locally.
Why It Matters
Brookside’s shops have been part of Kansas City’s history since the 1920s, with more than 80 local businesses creating the character and economic heart of the neighborhood. Buying local, reviewing, recommending, and attending events helps keep that spirit alive.