Discovering KC's Signature Districts

Kansas City boasts some of the most intriguing places on earth to visit, and we’re going brick by brick, corner by corner and district by district to see exactly what this city has to offer.

Power & Light

The Power & Light District has more than 50 bars, grills, restaurants and unique shops, all divided among nine downtown blocks. The district is so uniquely organized, with five very different but equally necessary categories: hotels, residential, shopping and services, restaurants and bars and, last but not least, nightlife and entertainment. So what makes this district so amazing? It’s simple: Everything is in one place and there’s a new adventure around every corner—literally! Power & Light also is well-lit, hard to miss and has a little something for everybody. If you need something to do, give the Power & Light District a run for your money. I promise you won’t be bored or disappointed.

50 E. 13th St. Kansas City, MO. 1.877.697.5347

Country Club Plaza

Like the Power & Light District, the Country Club Plaza is spread across several blocks—15 to be exact. The Country Club Plaza has more than 150 fashion-rich shops and tantalizing restaurants. The Plaza also boasts a number of happy hours and brunches available. One unique feature that differentiates the Country Club Plaza from any other district is the annual events that draw crowds of communities together. The Plaza Art Show attracts talented artists from the Kansas City community and all over the world to have their works viewed and even auctioned. Let’s not fail to mention the Plaza lighting ceremony. Every November, the Country Club Plaza and Kansas City Power & Light team together to give the city a show with lights to celebrate the Christmas season. The Plaza is definitely a Kansas City must-see that always has something new to offer.

4750 Broadway Kansas City, MO. 816.753.0100

Westport District

Also known as the “Original Kansas City,” Westport has been a part of Kansas City’s district gang for decades. Westport originally served as a jumping-off point for settlers traveling the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails and was the site of a significant Civil War battle. In addition to its historic value, the district, ranging roughly from 39th Terrace through Southwest Trafficway, offers amazing nightlife. From karaoke bars to piano bars, Westport has a little something different to offer. Kansas City’s finest come to perform their latest mixtapes and newest singles at places like the Riot Room, and food trucks line up to feed the enclosed streets every weekend. A weekend at Westport definitely will leave you revitalized and ready to take on the new week.

4048 Broadway St. Kansas City, MO.

18th and Vine Jazz and Blues District

So much history happened on the corner of these two streets where music legends were born. The 18th and Vine Jazz and Blues District features a number of jazz and blues-inspired attractions. Enjoy live music at bars and grills like the Kansas City Jazz and Blues Juke House and the Blue Room. The Jazz and Blues District also has great museums. One is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, founded in the 1990s and focused on preserving the African American baseball culture. This district also has some historic barbecue! That’s right, folks, Author Bryant’s is still making taste buds turn with classics like baby back ribs and tasty side dishes like baked beans. This district keeps giving the community a tune to dance to.

1851 The Paseo Kansas City, MO. 816.421.4567

Kansas City Crossroads District

This district is fancied for its creative minds and even more for creative works of art, adorning Kansas City with visual beauty that keeps visitors coming back. The Crossroads District is most popular for its pop-up shops and open art galleries every first Friday of the month. “First Fridays” offer Kansas City local artists an opportunity to post, showcase and even sell their creations. The best part about this starter Friday is that it doesn’t end with art viewings; food, fun and sometimes even live music also fill the streets. Plus, the Crossroads sits just minutes away from another fan favorite mentioned in this lineup. Can you figure it out?

Crossroads Community Association Kansas City, MO. 816.994.7313

Jessica Samuel is a Kansas City writer with a flair for finding fun and unique places to visit.