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
Travel back to the Roaring Twenties at the Hotel Kansas City. This Gothic Revival-style boutique institution, originally a bustling social club for Kansas City’s elites, first opened its doors in 1922. Stained glass and hand-hewn walnut serve as reminders of the past while modern restaurants, bars and rooms ground guests in the Roaring 2020s.
Preferred Hotel Partner of Kauffman Center Presents
1228 Baltimore Ave
Kansas City, MO 64105
816.897.8100
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 dining options near Kauffman Center when the inevitable pre-performance question arises: Where should we eat?
Located near the historic Union Station, this converted railroad freight house features 25-foot ceilings, a relaxing fireplace lounge, a full-service bar and indoor and outdoor private dining. Grab a couple of napkins — you’ll need them.
Success hasn’t gone to their antlers. James Beard-nominated chef Nick Goellner’s Antler Room maintains the feel of a neighborhood restaurant. Daily menus are crafted with inspiration stemming from seasonal ingredients, certain preparation methods and dishes inspired by his and his wife Leslie’s travels.
Every meal at Affäre is, as chef Martin Heuser states, an adventure in seasonal dining with a seriously German twist. Dishes are sophisticated and elegant, feeling like a home-cooked meal, prepared with farm fresh, seasonal foods and game meats.
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:
If you’re a fan of jazz music, a visit to the American Jazz Museum is an absolute must. Located in Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, this museum celebrates the rich history and culture of jazz music.
Through interactive exhibits, films and live performances, visitors experience the sights and sounds of this iconic American art form. The Blue Room next door hosts some of the biggest names in the business.
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.