Attending an event in Kansas City means you’re getting more than just state-of-the-art facilities and excellent lodgings. Think bigger. The booming metropolis is home to an incredible culinary scene that perfectly complements the city’s cultural roots and renaissance. This, combined with KC’s signature Midwestern hospitality, leaves a lasting impact long after you’ve returned home. And the best part is, this feeling permeates throughout the city, no matter where your event is located.
Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your free time in KC:
Downtown Adventures
You’ll find iconic KC experiences and other musts while you’re in town right near the Kansas City Convention Center. Ride along the KC Streetcar to visit some of these spots, including The City Market at the north end of the line, which hosts a farmers market every weekend, rain or shine. Check out the Power & Light District for high-powered concerts at KC Live! and delicious food and drink at one of the many lounges nearby.
No trip to any of the Downtown neighborhoods is complete without a bite to satisfy your appetite. Take clients to fine dining hubs like Bristol Seafood Grill (fresh fish), The Majestic (KC steaks), Lidia’s (renowned Italian) or The Rockhill Grille (sophisticated classics).
Try out fast casual options in between meetings at places such as Protein House, a clean-eating restaurant and shake stop. In the mood for barbecue? Head to Plowboys for award-winning flavors.
Work, Stay and Play
Crown Center may just be the most all-inclusive district in the city. The lodging is well-known, with the Sheraton and Westin both ideal options for overnight stays. But consider that Crown Center also boasts the Hallmark Visitors Center as well as top-notch shopping, such as Halls Kansas City (the city’s local, high-end department store), Shang Tea (a brew-lover’s paradise) and Function Junction (a cookware supply store with excellent selection).
Shopping isn’t all the Crown Center district has to offer. Grab quick bites at Sheridan’s Unforked and Spin! Neapolitan Pizza, or head across the street for a sit-down experience at Pierpont’s at Union Station. While you’re there (or on your way to morning meetings), grab a pick-me-up at Parisi Coffee, a local coffeemaker.
Spanish Inspiration, Inspired
The Country Club Plaza’s Seville-influenced architecture and idyllic fountains may be best-known in this district, but The Plaza’s beauty is far from surface level. Set aside some time before or after your event to explore the halls of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, a treasured attraction totally free and filled with artwork both ancient and modern. Not far is The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, complete with one of the nation’s largest collections of its kind. Then there’s always the shopping: local wares and luxury designers anchor more than 150 retailers.
Dining options are nearly unbeatable here as well. Sample Kansas City ‘cue at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, comfort food at Rye, vegetarian options at Cafe Gratitude and Chinese cuisine at Bo Ling’s. Take guests and clients to dinner at The Capital Grille or Eddie V’s to impress. On the go? Refuel at t.Loft, a clean-eating spot, or Messenger for coffee.
Northland Stops
Neighborhood gems and relaxation await north of the river and near the airport, perfect for event-goers fresh off the plane or looking to catch a flight. Grab a tee time at Tiffany Greens Golf Club or take some time for yourself at The Spa at Briarcliff, a stress-relieving sanctuary thanks to massages, scrubs, manicures and more. Switch up the pace with some craft brewery hopping in North Kansas City or shopping at Zona Rosa.
KC classics like Stroud’s fried chicken is a place you'll brag about to friends, family and coworkers when you return home, while Piropos and Trezo Mare make for memorable dining experiences.
History Abounds
Independence may be host to some of the bigger events in Kansas City, but it will always be known as the hometown of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States. Visit his library and museum during off-time and swing by the Vaile Mansion as well, a Victorian home and architectural wonder. Shop in Independence Square for local goods and, depending on the season, catch a Royals, Chiefs or Mavericks game to see the KC sports spirit shine.
All Good in the Neighborhood
Athletic competition or big showcase, event visitors often find themselves in Overland Park, a wide-ranging entertainment destination less than 30 minutes south of Downtown KC. If the weather calls for it, head to the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens to marvel at beautiful floral landscapes. The Museum at Prairiefire is a designer’s dream in more ways than one (and absolutely demands to be photographed) while other attractions such as Topgolf, iFly and the New Theatre Restaurant round out any OP experience.
Dining, "Event Planning, Venues and Meeting Facilities"
Kaivon: 2024 Ultraviolet Album Tour
The Truman
Electric Rodeo ft. Friendzone Hosted by Awkward Monday
PBR Big Sky Bar
Set It Off: The Deathless Tour
The Truman
Eslabón Armado
The Midland Theatre
Dan + Shay
T-Mobile Center
Chappell Roan
The Midland Theatre
Kane Brown
T-Mobile Center
Dylan Wheeler: Presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum
PBR Big Sky Bar
Coors Banquet Presents: Walker Montgomery
PBR Big Sky Bar
An Evening with Natalie Grant
The Midland Theatre
Kauffman Center Presents Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
An Intimate Evening with Godsmack
The Midland Theatre
Sierra Ferrell: Shoot for the Moon Tour
The Truman
Jimmy Carr
The Midland Theatre
BoyWithUke: Lucid Dreams Tour
The Truman
Saint Motel
The Truman
AJR
T-Mobile Center
Brittany Howard: What Now Tour
The Truman
Silversun Pickups
The Midland Theatre
Alvvays
The Truman
The Cancelled Podcast Tour with Tana Mongeau and Brooke Schofield
The Midland Theatre
Miller Lite Presents Downtown Hoedown featuring Brett Young
Kansas City Power & Light District
Palace
The Truman
Liquid Stranger: Wakaan Expansion Tour
The Midland Theatre
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
The Truman
Bianca Del Rio: Dead Inside Comedy Tour
The Midland Theatre
Black Veil Brides: Bleeders Tour 2024
The Truman
Wage War & Nothing More
The Midland Theatre
Greta Van Fleet
T-Mobile Center
slowdive
The Truman
Tori Kelly: purple skies tour
The Midland Theatre
Mosaic Presents: Lost Kings
Mosaic Ultra Lounge
Tech N9ne with The KC Symphony
The Midland Theatre
foorum Nexus
Kansas City Convention Center
foorum Nexus
Kansas City Convention Center
Portugal. The Man: The Knik Country Tour
The Truman
foorum Nexus
Kansas City Convention Center
Sam Barber: Till I Return Tour
The Truman
Hermanos Gutiérrez
The Truman
The Postal Service & Death Cab for Cutie
T-Mobile Center
Donny Benét
The Truman
NF
T-Mobile Center
Gavin DeGraw
The Truman
Gary Clark Jr.
The Midland Theatre
Local Natives
The Truman
Kumar Sanu & Sadhna Sargam
The Midland Theatre
Marca MP: Simplemente Marca Tour
The Midland Theatre
Outdoor Concert Series
City of Lenexa, Kansas
Real Estate: Infinite Jangle Tour
The Truman
Jammin’ on the Green: A Summer Concert Series
Shawnee Town 1929
Coors Light Presents : Galantis
Kansas City Power & Light District
Pepe Aguilar
T-Mobile Center
Outdoor Concert Series
City of Lenexa, Kansas
Brit Floyd: Pulse Tour
The Midland Theatre
Outdoor Concert Series
City of Lenexa, Kansas
Lionel Richie
T-Mobile Center
Tim McGraw
T-Mobile Center
Outdoor Concert Series
City of Lenexa, Kansas
Goose
The Midland Theatre
Chris Stapleton
T-Mobile Center
Outdoor Concert Series
City of Lenexa, Kansas
Kenny Chesney : Sun Goes Down Tour with Zach Brown Band
Arrowhead Events
Bowling for Soup: Sick 50 Tour
The Truman
Olivia Rodrigo
T-Mobile Center
The Last Dinner Party
The Truman
Charley Crockett
The Midland Theatre
Morgan Wallen : One Night At A Time
Arrowhead Events
Morgan Wallen : One Night At A Time
Arrowhead Events
Peso Pluma
T-Mobile Center
blink-182
T-Mobile Center
Luke Bryan
T-Mobile Center
Zach Bryan
T-Mobile Center
Zach Bryan
T-Mobile Center
Dierks Bentley
T-Mobile Center
Franco Escamilla
The Midland Theatre
Hank Williams Jr.
T-Mobile Center
Sublime with Rome Farewell Tour
Kansas City Power & Light District
Chromeo & The Midnight: Chrome Nights North American Tour
The Midland Theatre
The Dead South
The Midland Theatre
Sammy Rae & The Friends
The Midland Theatre
Creed
T-Mobile Center