Think & Drink

ESU members and guests are invited to an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. Think and Drink is a one-hour lecture program launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown KC. The Think and Drink lecture series is held on the first and third Thursday of every month and brings together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.

Lara Gray, owner of Casual Animal Brewing Co., comments on Think and Drink, ““It’s meant to be informative, but it’s meant to be social and fun as well,” Gray says. “We certainly want people to be able to come and learn something they didn’t know before but also be able to engage in discussion with each other as well as with the speaker.”

“It’s one of those things where you didn’t know that you wanted to learn about these things, but if you’re grabbing a pint and sitting and listening, you’re kind of intrigued that now you know more about volcanoes.”

The lecture programs are community-driven events and powered by a collaboration between UMKC, Linda Hall Library, The Third Place Historian, and Casual Animal Brewing Company.

The lecture programs are normally held at the Casual Animal Brewing Company in the East Crossroads, but for this next lecture only—November 20—the program will be held at the Linda Hall Library.

What: Think and Drink Lecture topic: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: The History and Impact of Vehicles in Kansas City.

When: Thursday, November 20, 2025, 6:00-7:00 pm

Where: Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO

Cost: Although Think and Drink events are free to attend, this November 20 Think and Drink event has reached capacity. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email lipkak@lindahall.org.  If a seat is available, you will be notified by email that you can register for this event. We encourage you to register now for the December 4 and December 18 Think and Drink events below.

If you are able to attend the November 20 Think and Drink event, here are more details about the event and bios of speakers. Click here.

Parking: Free parking at the Library

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Upcoming Think and Drink Lectures—Save these dates!

December 4, 2025: “The Surprising & Jolly History of Santa and Christmas Traditions in America”

Location: Casual Animal Brewing Co., 1725 McGee St., Kansas City, MO.

More details and to Register, click here.

December 18, 2025: ”Crises to Watch in 2026: Humanitarian Need Amid Geopolitical Disorder”

Location: Casual Animal Brewing Co., 1725 McGee St., Kansas City, MO.

More details and to Register, click here.