Events at Kanbe’s Markets
Kanbe’s Upcoming Events
From Ugly Dinners to givebacks and hands on classes, our events bring people together around food, creativity, and access to fresh produce.
A ticketed dinner series spotlighting local chefs, rescued ingredients, and conversation around food access.
Hands-on classes led by Kanbe’s and partners—
from jam-making to food preservation and more!
Partner-hosted events where a percentage of sales support Kanbe’s Markets and fresh food access.
Upcoming Featured Events:
2026 Ugly Dinner Series
For four years now we have partnered with the best KC restaurants and most talented local chefs. Inspired by our mission, they have opened their kitchen, to create heartfelt, intimate, and memorable dishes. We have grown a community of foodies that flourished through these dinners, and it has been our honor to share these meals with you all.
More spectacular dinners are just around the corner!
All dinners and ticket links are first announced through our email list, so make sure to stay subscribed, and tell your friends as well!
Kanbe’s Givebacks
Every decision we make is shaped by a clear sense of purpose. Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
Fairway Creamery x Kanbe’s Giveback!
April 1st - April 30th
All month long, Fairway Creamery is teaming up with Kanbe’s Markets for a limited-time giveback featuring two small-batch flavors made from rescued strawberries: Strawberry Matcha and Strawberry Mint Sorbet.
For every scoop sold, $1 supports affordable food access across Kansas City, helping more neighborhoods stay stocked with fresh, reliable produce.
Stop in, try both flavors, and turn your dessert into impact.
more events coming soon!
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more events coming soon! 〰️
Grassroots Growers Members Page
Are you a member?
You can check out all the special events, updates, and behind-the-scenes content right here! This page is password protected.
Don’t have the password?
Contact Risa at Risa@kanbesmarkets.org to get access.
xo HiFi / Triune Progressive Ugly Dinner
Kick off Kanbe’s 2026 Ugly Dinner Series with a Progressive Ugly Dinner in the Westside. Enjoy cocktails, a multi-course meal made from rescued produce, and support equitable access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Kansas City.
Fruit Bowl Workshop with Claymates!
Create your own ceramic fruit bowl in this beginner-friendly 2.5-hour workshop. No clay experience needed—just come ready to get creative. Espresso and pastries will be provided by Penrose, and proceeds support Kanbe's Markets.
Earth Day Sip N' Prep
Come hang for an evening of sipping and prep. We’ll be getting fruit ready for what’s next—nothing too serious, just good company and something to sip along the way. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the good stuff gets started.
Sign Up For Earth Day Sip N’ Prep!
April - Stained Glass with Lost & Found Design
Spend a creative afternoon at Kanbe's Markets learning stained glass with Tara from Lost & Found Design. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll create a fruit-inspired stained glass piece, with pre-cut glass, relaxed instruction, and a small class setting. No experience needed—just come ready to make something bright and take home your own finished glass artwork.
Kanbe’s Markets April Jam Class
Turn surplus fruit into bold, delicious jams! Learn, taste, stir, and take home a jar you made yourself.
TICKETS HERE
Ugly Dinner at Aixois
An intimate evening at Aixois featuring a multi-course dinner crafted with Kanbe’s produce. Gather around the table for good food, real connection, and a shared commitment to making fresh food more accessible across Kansas City.
Flash For Fresh Food Hosted by Windhorse Tattoo
Flash for Fresh Food is a one-day tattoo giveback on March 28 at Windhorse Tattoo. Enjoy fruit and veggie-inspired flash tattoos, tooth gems by Brandy Lee, and baked goods made with redirected produce — all supporting Kanbe’s Markets. Walk in, pick your design, and make a difference.
Louisiana-Style Seafood Boil & Kansas City BBQ Warehouse Party Hosted by Kanbe's Markets
Kick off spring at Kanbe’s Markets with a Louisiana-style seafood boil and Kansas City BBQ warehouse party on March 22, 2026, from 4–7 PM. Enjoy fresh crawfish from Louisiana, BBQ favorites, drinks, dessert, and a lively community gathering at Kanbe’s Warehouse in Kansas City. Tickets are $85 per person.
DIY for a Cause: ADHDIY Craft Giveback Night
Join Kanbe’s Markets and ADHDIY Cafe for a creative giveback night on Nov 6! Order a DIY craft, enjoy food and drinks, and support fresh food access in Kansas City.
Reserve your spot for november 6 (5-7:30pm)
Kanbe's Ugly Dinner at Stock Hill
TICKETS HERE!!!!
Join us for the final Ugly Dinner of 2025 at Stock Hill, the iconic Kansas City steakhouse, where Chef Jacob Hilbert will craft a stunning multi-course menu highlighting beautifully imperfect produce from Kanbe’s. As the year nears its close, this dinner offers one last opportunity to gather around the table with us in support of fresh food access! It will be an evening not to miss!
Kanbe's Markets Sip & Sort
Join us at Kanbe’s Warehouse for a 21+ sip & sort night!
Come enjoy a drink for Happy Hour with the Kanbe’s Markets team while moving food out into our community! You’ll help sort through rescued produce and learn more about Kanbe’s work in Kansas City all while getting to mingle with other Kanbe’s champions! Get a behind the scenes look at how we do it all while growing your own community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Kanbe's Ugly Dinner at Town Company
SOLD OUT!
Join us at The Town Company—the award-winning restaurant nestled inside Hotel Kansas City—where chefs Johnny and Helen Jo Leach bring their exceptional creativity to Kanbe’s signature Ugly Dinner. Featuring seasonal ingredients and rescued produce from Kanbe’s programs, each dish is designed to delight your palate and spotlight the beauty of “ugly” produce. Set against the warm glow of a white-oak hearth and the charm of downtown, this evening is ideal for foodies looking to transform fresh food access for our city—one unforgettable meal at a time.
The Ellis Open: Driving Out Hunger
Calling all golfers!
Tee off against hunger and join us for the first golf tournament benefitting Kanbe’s at Shoal Creek Golf Course, hosted by our friends at Ellis Real Estate and Walnut Risk Management! It will be an unforgettable day to connect with friends and colleagues, enjoy some friendly competition, and play for a great cause.
Like any Kanbe’s event, expect a day of great food, cold drinks, awesome prizes, and plenty of ways to get involved—plus a few fun surprises along the way.
Interested in a team or sponsorship?
Not a golfer but want to help out?
Get in touch with our volunteering team HERE.
2025 Ugly Happy Hour Series Presents: KC Taco Company
Sip, snack, and support! Join Kanbe’s Markets and KC Taco for a special Hunger Action Month happy hour. Your $20 ticket includes one signature Cocktails for a Cause drink made with Kanbe’s rescued produce and one KC Taco bite. Proceeds help expand fresh, affordable food access across Kansas City.
Plate & Pallet – A New Dining Experience with Kanbe’s Markets *SOLD OUT*
Join us for a high-end dinner placed purposefully in an everyday space. Because when the community gathers, generosity grows—and access follows. Expect thoughtful pairings, warm conversation, and the kind of hospitality that turns strangers into a table of friends. Arrive ready to savor, and shape the future, because every seat sets the table for someone else in our community.
Afterschool Giveback at Wylde Thyme
Join us at Wylde Thyme (formerly Billie’s Grocery / UnJuicery) on September 12 from 12–5 PM for a Hunger Action Month giveback event. 20% of all sales benefit Kanbe’s Markets, supporting fresh food access in Kansas City. Snap a pic of the Hunger Action Month billboard and raise a glass to community impact!
Meet the Staff Happy Hour – Hunger Action Month Edition
Come hang out with the Kanbe’s Markets team during Hunger Action Month! Swing by for a chill, low-key happy hour, sip a Kanbe’s Cocktail (with proceeds supporting our mission), and get to know the people behind the fresh food movement.
Where: Two Birds One Stone
Why: $1 of every drink supports fresh food access in Kansas City—plus, it’s a great excuse to relax, chat, and celebrate community impact.
Cocktails for a Cause!
Cocktails For A Cause
Presented by Rose Productions, Toki Suntory Whiskey & Kanbe’s Markets
From September 8–30, enjoy specialty cocktails around Kansas City made with rescued plums from Kanbe’s Markets—plums that were intercepted before reaching landfills. These imperfect but delicious fruits are transformed into fresh or syrup-based cocktails by participating bars and restaurants.
Give Back:
$1 from every Kanbe’s plum cocktail sold supports the creation of Fresh Food Access Points, connecting communities with fresh, affordable produce.
Hunger Action Month: Sunrise Sort
Join us at Kanbe’s Warehouse for a connected, family-friendly morning as we launch Hunger Action Month!
Begin the day with pastries, coffee, and fresh fruit, followed by an opportunity to lend a hand to our sorting efforts and mission!
Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to Kanbe’s Markets, this is the perfect way to get to know us even better and join the new food system we’re building right here in KC.
Limited spots available - registration required!
Kanbe's Markets Berry Jam Class #3
We are back for our 3rd Jam Class!
Learn to turn surplus fruit into sweet, spreadable jam!
In this hands-on class, you’ll:
– Master basic jam-making
– Reduce food waste at home
– Take home your own jar of jam
All supplies included. No experience needed, just come ready to jam!
The People's Picnic - 816 Day Community Celebration
We’re throwing a picnic and YOU’RE invited!
Join Kanbe’s Markets and the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center for The People’s Picnic, a free 816 Day celebration of food, music, and Kansas City.
Ugly Happy Hour at Blue Bird Bistro - Sold Out!
Join us for a fresh take on happy hour—featuring rescued produce, creative flavors, and community connection. Hosted at Blue Bird Bistro, this one-night-only event supports Kanbe’s Markets and our work expanding access to fresh food across KC.
🎟️ SOLD OUT!
Kanbe's Markets Strawberry Jam Class
Learn to turn surplus strawberries into sweet, spreadable jam!
In this hands-on class, you’ll:
– Master basic jam-making
– Reduce food waste at home
– Take home your own jar of jam
All supplies included, plus snacks while you stir. No experience needed—just come ready to jam!
Verdigris Ugly Happy Hour
TICKETS LIVE!
When the first full weekend of summer arrives and daylight stretches lazily into the evening, step into the emerald glow of Verdigris—where time softens, conversations linger, and the golden hour feels endless.
2025 Ugly Dinner Series Presents: Jarocho
SOLD OUT!
Honor Kanbe’s expansion into Wyandotte County, KS at a delightful, seafood-filled evening at KCK culinary institution: Jarocho!
Ink for Impact Giveback – May 17
Join us on May 17 at Old Souls Tattoo for Ink for Impact, a flash tattoo fundraiser benefiting Kanbe’s Markets! Six artists will offer themed designs ($80-$200), with proceeds supporting fresh food access in KC. Walk-in only, first-come-first-served! Plus, grab a gourmet hot dog or orange cold brew from Disco Burger & Oddly Correct (12-3 PM) and give back while you get inked!
2025 Ugly Dinner Series Presents: Noka
SOLD OUT!
Please join us at Noka, where Chef & Owner Amante Domingo encapsulates that beauty of the natural world in a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience, inviting guests to indulge in seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients, as their senses traverse into someplace new.
Strawberry Jam Workshop
Strawberry Jam Workshop – Learn to Make Homemade Jam with Kanbe’s Markets
SOLD OUT!
IMPORTANT UPDATE! Workshop has been rescheduled to May 4th.
Join Kanbe’s Markets on May 4th for a hands-on Strawberry Jam Workshop! Perfect for beginners, this fun and flavorful class will teach you how to make your own jam from fresh strawberries.
2025 Ugly Dinner Series Presents: Novel
SOLD OUT!
Join us for our next Ugly Dinner at Novel, where Chef Ryan Brazeal and Pastry Chef Jessica Armstrong transform Kanbe’s Markets’ rescued produce into a four-course dining experience.
Fox & Pearl Ugly Happy Hour
SOLD OUT!
Join us for a fun evening of drinks, small bites, and great conversation! Whether you're new to Kanbe's or a long-time supporter, this is a perfect chance to connect, learn about our mission, and see how rescued ingredients help fight food waste and increase food access in KC.
Come for the drinks, stay for the impact!
Tiki Taco X Kanbe's Giveback *ALL DAY*
Dine at Tiki Taco on March 28th, and 20% of sales will support Kanbe’s Markets in providing fresh food access in Kansas City. Order in-store or takeout at any Tiki Taco location, and use promo code "KANBES" online or mention Kanbe’s at checkout to make your meal count!
Join the Kanbe’s team at Tiki Taco Troost at 6 PM for a special gathering!
2025 Ugly Dinner Series Presents: Bar Medici
SOLD OUT
Join us for an Ugly Dinner at Bar Medici with an exclusive cocktail hour at Mercury Room and meticulously curated four-course dining experience celebrating the beauty of "ugly" produce while supporting Kanbe’s mission to create a more sustainable food system in Kansas City.
Cocktail Hour at Mercury Room - 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Dinner at Bar Medici - 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Seasons of Giving Celebration
Join Us for Kanbe's Markets Seasons of Giving!
You're invited! Join us on December 5th at The Ship (1221 Union Ave, Kansas City, MO 64101) for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate a year of impact for Kanbe's Markets. The event will start at 7pm and go until 10pm.
As you mingle with friends and fellow supporters, enjoy a live performance from the sensational Freedom Affair, sure to keep the energy high and the dance floor lively!
Don't miss our exciting raffle filled with amazing prizes from beloved Kansas City favorites—your chance to win something special just in time for the holidays.
Kanbe's Fall Fest
Join us for a day of seasonal celebration, learning, and plant-based enjoyment at our Fall Festival, hosted at one of our partner animal sanctuaries.
Halloween Super Spooky Sort
It's trick or treat, so costumes are encouraged... clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty, and closed-toe shoes.
We'll have special Halloween snacks
Red Friday Super Sort
It's recommended that you wear comfortable CHIEFS clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty, and closed-toe shoes.