The Independence Square

06/07/2026

📣 6 more small businesses are now open on Sunday. That’s 21 places for you to shop, play, eat in Historic Downtown Independence. 🛍️🍿🍽️

Let’s count ‘em…
1. Ophelia’s restaurant
2. Mixed Wildflower & Co
3. Mixed Mutt & Co
4. The Littlest Library
5. Clinton’s Soda Fountain
6. Game Cafe
7. Diamond Bowl
8. Studio on Main
9. On the Square Convenience
10. Coffee Elsewhere
11. The Pharaoh Cinema
12. Square Pizza
13. Main Street Coffee
14. Cafe Verona
15. Harry S. Truman Natl. Park Service
16. Wild About Harry
17. Be Here Now
18. Pickens Sweet Treats
19. Gilbert Whitney
20. Courthouse Exchange
21. Up Dog

Because operating hours are unique to each business, it is always recommended to verify schedules online before you head out to avoid an unexpected trip.

06/06/2026

You’ve been asking about the summer movies list. Well, here it is AND we’re excited to announce a new addition to the lineup - Wednesday Night Retro Movies!🍿🎥

The Pharaoh Cinema is bringing more movie fun to our community this summer. So, in addition to showing the latest Hollywood blockbusters, you can also watch retro, classic, and family movies. Check it out!

Retro Movie Night presented by The Pharaoh 🎞️
• $6 Retro Movies shown inside the nostalgic Pharaoh Cinema Wednesday nights at 7pm.

June 10 - “Jaws” with special Q&A "JAWS 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel," and "FINANTICS - 50 Years of JAWS" author and film critic Michael Smith.
June 17 - “Ferris Bueller's Day Off”
June 24 - “Mission Impossible”
July 1 - “Top Gun”
July 8 - “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
July 15 - “The Cable Guy”
July 22 - “Back to the Future”
July 29 - “Zoolander”

Moonlight Movies presented by The Pharaoh 🌙
• Free outdoor family movies Thursday nights in the Pharaoh Cinema parking lot (114 W. Maple). Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free family movies under the stars. Come early and enjoy free family activities with the summer interns. Movies start at sundown.

June 11 - “Over the Hedge”
June 18 - “The Croods”
June 25 - “The Wild Robot”
July 2 - “Trolls World Tour” (same night as City of Independence fireworks display)
July 9 - “The Bad Guys”
July 16 - “Abominable”
July 23 - “Dog Man”
July 23 - “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie”
August 6 - “The Boss Baby”

Classic Movie Night presented by The Pharaoh 📽️
• Back for the second year! Enjoy free classic movies under the stars in the Pharaoh Cinema parking lot (114 W. Maple). Bring a lawn chair, pick up something to eat from our many restaurants, and enjoy a classic movie under the stars. Movies start at sundown.

June 12 - “Casablanca”
June 19 - “Sabrina”
June 26 - “Bottle Shock” (Shown in conjunction with the Annual Wine & Brew night/fundraiser for the historic downtown Independence Square.)
July 3 - “Yankee Doodle Dandee”
July 10 - “The Babe Ruth Story”
July 17 - “The Music Man”
July 24 - “Rear Window”
July 31 - “Rebel Without a Cause”
August 7 - “Westside Story”

If you’re a movie lover or looking for free family fun, you belong on the square this summer.

06/05/2026

What is there to do on the square and in our historic district? Let’s see…👀

🗡️ Masters of the Universe opens today June 5 at the Pharaoh and Game Cafe is hosting ticket giveaways!

Feel like taking in a musical? City Theatre’s Guys & Dolls opens this weekend at the Sermon Center. 🎶

🥦 Saturday is Farmers Market at the Uptown Market from 8am - 1pm. It’s also the annual Strawberry Festival at Vaile Mansion just about one mile north on Liberty Street. 🍓

🎼 Saturday is also the Liberty Community Choir free concert at 3pm at Community of Christ Temple.

🎸 Saturday night also kicks off live music on the patio Between the Bricks at Courthouse Exchange.

Stop into the Harry S Truman National Park Service at Truman Road & Main Street and plan your historic sites visit today! 🗓️

Several shops have soccer-themed merch and Father’s Day ideas. So, come check it out. ⚽️👨

And of course, many of your favorite locally owned businesses are now open Sunday for Summer Sunday Hours. ⏰

You belong on the Square!

06/04/2026

We’re wishing a Happy Birthday to our Executive Director, Jeff. We are a better organization because of you. Enjoy your special day! 🎉🎊🎂

06/03/2026

The first Thursday of the month is Java with Jeff & Cindi at Main Street Coffee House. We’ll be there June 4 between 8:30am - 9:30am to answer your questions, share what’s new or just hang out.

Hope to see you there!

06/03/2026

This summer, spend some time to stroll through our historic district and take in the sights of 20+ murals and sculptures. The Independence Square Public Art Trail showcases our city's history, whimsy, and fun.

Enjoy!

06/03/2026

This is going to be a fun summer. Wednesday Night Farmers Market…we’re here for it! 🥕🥦🥒

Grab the family and join us at Uptown Market for our first-ever Wednesday NIGHT Farmers Market!

We will have our favorite produce vendors, food truck DonutNV Independence, Missouri, plus some fun activities for kids to enjoy.

Our Wednesday NIGHT Farmers Markets are from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. starting this Wednesday (June 3) through August 12 at Uptown Market!

📍Uptown Market | 211 W. Truman Rd.
Independence, MO

06/02/2026

📣 Sign off early and get ready to join us for Leave the Office Early Day!

Independence Square has some great spots for an afternoon break. Here’s a quick guide to spending your early evening shopping, dining, and unwinding in your backyard:

Shop & Sip
✅ Planet Queen Records: Check out vintage vinyl at this highly-rated record and gift shop just off the center square on Maple Street Neighborhood Guide: Independence Square. https://mikcexplore.com/home/2025/3/14/neighborhood-guide-independence-square

✅ The Sentinel Room: Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Sentinel Room, Independence's premier cocktail bar, offering innovative drinks and a cozy atmosphere.
https://evendo.com/locations/missouri/independence/bar/the-sentinel-room

Dine
✅ Ophelia’s Restaurant: Known as one of the best dining options in Independence, it's perfect for a sit-down meal. History, restaurants and unique shops - Independence - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60849-d274219-r531689950-Independence_Square-Independence_Missouri.html

✅ Clinton's Soda Fountain: Harry Truman's first job, great for iconic phosphates and casual snacks Independence Square - All You SHOULD Know Before Going https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60849-d274219-Reviews-Independence_Square-Independence_Missouri.html

So, when your tasks are completed show this post to your boss and enjoy “Leave the Office Early Day” on the historic Independence Square!

06/01/2026

KC Lifestyle Girl has good taste. ❤️😎🥃