Whether you’re a Kansas City local or attending the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts as part of a multi-day vacation to the City of Fountains, let us make your visit one to remember.
In a city that boasts award-winning restaurants and a vibrant food culture, it would be remiss not to explore the culinary side of Kansas City.
Check out our recommendations for dining near Kauffman Center and suggestions for lodging accommodations and other uniquely Kansas City attractions.
For patrons coming in from out of town, or who wish to make a night of it in Kansas City after a performance, there are many options for hotel accommodations. We recommend:
Loews Kansas City Hotel showcases 800 guestrooms, a lobby bar, an on-site restaurant, a coffee shop and an indoor lap pool all within walking distance of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss out on the breathtaking sunset views of the iconic Kauffman Center from the rooftop bar, Horsefeather Social.
Preferred Hotel Partner of Kauffman Center Presents and Trailblazing Talks
1515 Wyandotte St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
1.800.235.6397
Discover Kansas City’s historic charm at InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, offering elegantly appointed guest rooms and unrivaled Midwestern hospitality. Just minutes away, you’ll find Country Club Plaza, an outdoor museum of romantic Spanish architecture and European art with 15 blocks of shopping, dining, architecture and tradition. Dine at their vibrant signature restaurant, American Slang Modern Brasserie or sip a cocktail on their seasonal pool deck as you unwind at the day’s end.
Preferred Hotel Partner of Kauffman Center Presents
401 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
1.888.424.6835
Founders’ Lounge, located right in the southern lobby of the Kauffman Center, offers a menu of elegant dishes, a selection of seasonal craft cocktails and a diverse collection of wines and spirits prior to most evening events.
When it comes to food, it’s no surprise Kansas City is most well-known for barbecue. But barbecue is only the beginning of the Kansas City culinary scene. Along with our own Founders’ Lounge, here are three of our favorite options near Kauffman Center when the inevitable pre-performance question arises: Where should we eat?
Located just steps from the Kauffman Center, inside the Loews Kansas City Hotel, The Stilwell offers items for the simplest of palates and culinary thrill-seekers alike. Their menu includes reinvented great American classics. Enjoy a warm atmosphere and take in the view on the wraparound balcony overlooking downtown for lunch, dinner or drinks.
Gates Bar-B-Q is a family-owned company and a Kansas City original. Since 1946, their unique red roof design, “Struttin Man” in full tuxedo and top hat logo and friendly “Hi, may I help you?” greeting have welcomed guests to their six area locations. Kauffman Center patrons will find a Gates location just a few streetcar stops down at Main St. and E. 32nd St.
With several KC metro locations including one nearby in Union Station, Parisi Coffee is inspired by rich, Italian-style coffee brewed in a well-loved Moka pot in a grandmother’s kitchen. They strive to source the highest quality specialty coffee. Parisi Coffee is the proud homage to the artistry and exploration at the heart of their Italian heritage.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts connects with communities through expressing so much that Kansas City has to offer. We highly recommend adding these experiences to your list of must-visit destinations:
The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City is recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums. The museum opens its doors free of charge to people of all backgrounds.
The Nelson-Atkins serves the community by providing access to its renowned collection of more than 42,000 art objects and is best known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, modern sculpture and Native American and Egyptian galleries.
Union Station is a staple of Kansas City’s history, architecture, and landscape. Union Station hosts yearly exhibitions to inspire learning and exploration, and it is home to the internationally acclaimed Science City for students and families.
Plus, you can take a look at its historical displays or peruse its many shops. When the holiday season arrives, Union Station becomes aglow with the magic of holiday lights and trees for all to enjoy!
If you’re in Kansas City with young ones, you can’t leave without visiting the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is open year-round and located in historic Swope Park.
The campus stretches over 200 acres and showcases 1,700 animals from around the globe. Wave to a polar bear, skyride over the African savannah and make friends at the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium, which houses 200 creatures including sea otters, turtles, sharks and octopuses.
You can. The closest bus stops to the Kauffman Center KC Streetcar stop are:
The Kansas City Streetcar runs a two-mile route from Union Station to River Market. Expansion is underway to bring the Streetcar as far south as the University of Missouri—Kansas City campus at 51st and Brookside Boulevard. Along the streetcar line, there are also many options for dining near Kauffman Center.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri at 1601 Broadway Blvd. and can be easily accessed by major highways or public transportation. The Kauffman Center KC Streetcar stop is located at 16th St. & Main St. Bicycle racks are available on the side south of the building to the east and west.
Additional information can be found on the Directions & Parking page.
Purchase tickets for every performance at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.