Go Appreciate the Arts

The jewel of downtown is the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences enjoy professional performances from the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony and touring productions. The holiday season brings annual traditions to the stage, including Kansas City Ballet’s Nutcracker and the Kansas City Symphony’s holiday concerts. Throughout the year, both local and traveling productions include professional entertainers, as well as educational programming from comedians to musicians, short plays to lectures. Before the show, enjoy a delicious meal in the Founders’ Lounge, where they offer a three-course menu featuring modern-American cuisine.

Kansas City is home to many remarkable art galleries, with three of her finest open to the public for free! The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, one of the largest galleries in the United States, maintains a permanent collection representing art from throughout history and around the world. Visitors enjoy the galleries and, on nice days, picnic or stroll the landscaped museum grounds and sculpture garden. For modern art enthusiasts, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art exhibit permanent and temporary collections with special events and workshops for families.

Kansas City’s arts, antiques and dining districts roll out the red carpet all month long with special hours, sales and events on weekends. You’ll find a complete schedule of events on our “Weekend Guide.” Top picks include First Fridays in the Crossroads, enjoyed by more than 10,000 people who head to the cultural arts district for free peeks at galleries and studios, delicious treats from food trucks and restaurants and intriguing entertainment from street performers. Third Saturday Wine Walk on Delaware is an adult favorite in the River Market. Final Fridays in Lawrence feature hundreds of artists and performers in more than 30 locations—this free event is fun for everyone.