FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
GO BEYOND THE MATCH WITH KC’S ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SCENES
Whether you're filling a free afternoon between matches, extending your stay, or simply looking to experience the region beyond the stadium, Kansas City offers a summer lineup rich in art, music, culture and unforgettable local experiences.
Start with the Icons
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art remains one of America's great cultural treasures. Free admission, world-class collections and the iconic shuttlecocks on the lawn make it an easy first stop. Just a few miles away, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts stands as the architectural centerpiece of downtown Kansas City, hosting the symphony, ballet and opera throughout the summer.
For an evening under the stars, Starlight Theatre delivers Broadway productions and concerts in its legendary outdoor amphitheater, a Kansas City tradition for more than 75 years.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art remains one of America's great cultural treasures. Free admission, world-class collections and the iconic shuttlecocks on the lawn make it an easy first stop. Just a few miles away, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts stands as the architectural centerpiece of downtown Kansas City, hosting the symphony, ballet and opera throughout the summer.
For an evening under the stars, Starlight Theatre delivers Broadway productions and concerts in its legendary outdoor amphitheater, a Kansas City tradition for more than 75 years.
Follow the Music
Jazz and a love of music are in our DNA.
The Green Lady Lounge hosts live jazz seven nights a week with no cover charge. The Blue Room, located inside the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, continues the tradition that produced legends like Charlie Parker and Count Basie. Throughout the summer, discover everything from intimate performances at recordBar to outdoor concerts at Grinders KC, one of the city’s most beloved independent music venues.
Jazz and a love of music are in our DNA.
The Green Lady Lounge hosts live jazz seven nights a week with no cover charge. The Blue Room, located inside the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, continues the tradition that produced legends like Charlie Parker and Count Basie. Throughout the summer, discover everything from intimate performances at recordBar to outdoor concerts at Grinders KC, one of the city’s most beloved independent music venues.
Explore the Creative Side of the Metro
Contemporary art lovers should make time for the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, widely considered one of the region's hidden gems. In Lawrence, Kansas, the Spencer Museum of Art and Lawrence Arts Center showcase global collections, rotating exhibitions and a thriving creative community that often surprises first-time visitors.
The KC Fringe Festival transforms the metro each July with two weeks of performances, visual art and cultural experiences from local and international artists.
For something completely different, visit Made in KC, where hundreds of makers share their local goods, or step into Atlas9, an immersive experience unlike anything else in the region.
Contemporary art lovers should make time for the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, widely considered one of the region's hidden gems. In Lawrence, Kansas, the Spencer Museum of Art and Lawrence Arts Center showcase global collections, rotating exhibitions and a thriving creative community that often surprises first-time visitors.
The KC Fringe Festival transforms the metro each July with two weeks of performances, visual art and cultural experiences from local and international artists.
For something completely different, visit Made in KC, where hundreds of makers share their local goods, or step into Atlas9, an immersive experience unlike anything else in the region.
Experience Kansas City like a Local
Walk the Spanish-inspired streets of the Country Club Plaza. Browse the boutique shops and local restaurants tucked into the tree-lined blocks of Brookside. Explore the independent music venues of Midtown. Spend an evening in Westport.
Cross the river to stroll the charming storefronts and riverfront parks of downtown Parkville. Head south to Town Center in Leawood for an open-air shopping and dining district with a neighborhood feel. Grab lunch at Lenexa Public Market. Discover a performance at JCCC's arts campus.
Walk the Spanish-inspired streets of the Country Club Plaza. Browse the boutique shops and local restaurants tucked into the tree-lined blocks of Brookside. Explore the independent music venues of Midtown. Spend an evening in Westport.
Cross the river to stroll the charming storefronts and riverfront parks of downtown Parkville. Head south to Town Center in Leawood for an open-air shopping and dining district with a neighborhood feel. Grab lunch at Lenexa Public Market. Discover a performance at JCCC's arts campus.
The FIFA World Cup 26™ may bring the world to Kansas City, but what visitors discover beyond the matches is what will keep them talking long after the final whistle. For those willing to explore, Kansas City's cultural story is every bit as compelling as the action on the pitch.
There’s even more to discover across the Kansas City region. From shopping and dining to attractions and outdoor activities, check out all of the things to do in the Heartland.
