Hundreds of people gathered on 18th and Vine to celebrate 816 Day, this year on Aug. 15. While the event is usually held on Aug. 16, since it fell on a Monday this year, organizers held their event on Sunday to get the best crowd and participation.
In 2018, Kansas City council passed a resolution officially making Aug. 16 “816 Day” in honor of the city’s area code.
Event coordinator and promoter Bizzy Benton founded 816 Day four years ago after he saw big celebrations being held in other cities to acknowledge the day that matches their area code. He wanted to do the same to celebrate all things Kansas City. Each year, the celebration has brought out huge crowds of people and hundreds of vendors.
At this year’s 816 Day, there was live music, live poetry readings, two steppers and more than 100 food, art and product vendors like Café Jo’el, Beelicious Honey, Rare Nature Clothing and Pab’s Mobile Treats.
Benton said the event was a success and he’s already working on plans for next year’s 816 Day.