Where to Find Arts Experiences in Kansas City
Kansas City’s reputation as a creative hub hasn’t changed. Music, dance, visual arts and more can be found in abundance throughout the region.
Whether it’s a festival to be enjoyed from home or an adventure you can take on your own, these art-infused experiences will help you tap into your creative side this summer.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
This year, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts has reimagined its signature summer program, the Future Stages Festival. On June 14, young fans of music, dance and art are invited to join the institution for a full day of livestreamed shows from local performers.
Museums, sports teams and other local organizations will add interactive elements and guidance for audiences to follow throughout the day. A full activity booklet and virtual festival guide will be available for download in advance of the festival.
Starlight Theatre
The historic performance venue in Swope Park is known for content that entertains and educates audiences of all ages. Programs designed for middle school and high school students, Starlight Stars and Starlight Stars of Tomorrow, continue to offer access to workshops, master classes and performance opportunities in creative new ways.
Students who are interested in participating must submit audition materials to Starlight Theatre by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
Powell Gardens
The area’s beloved botanical garden has developed a new site-specific installation showcasing works created by local artists in recent months and offering guests guidance through the experience.
Upon its debut in mid-June, Powell Gardens’ Press Play will allow visitors to access poetry, dance, music and other expressions that were created in response to the sights and sounds of the garden.
As of May 20, Powell Gardens has reopened to the public with safety precautions in place.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Transform everyday items into imaginative masterpieces with a little guidance from the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
The institution’s Virtual Playdates series encourages young artists to experiment with shapes, colors, textures and materials of all kinds as they create works that are inspired by pieces in the museum’s collection.
Murals and Street Art
The opportunities to safely encounter art in Kansas City’s outdoor spaces are virtually endless. Stroll through The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s famed sculpture park, take a self-guided tour of the murals adorning downtown Kansas City, KS or check out the latest colors of Art Alley in the Crossroads Arts District.
Here’s where to find some of Kansas City’s iconic murals and pieces of artwork.
Kansas City Young Audiences
The Community School of the Arts from Kansas City Young Audiences offers educational opportunities for children of all ages, up to 18 years old. This summer’s programs will take place in a virtual setting while maintaining small class sizes and enriching content.
With courses starting each week in four areas—music, dance, visual arts and theatre—and running for approximately one hour each day, it’s an easy way for kids to explore their interests and expand their artistic horizons.
Additional resources
- Kansas City Ballet: Browse KCBallet@Home for a wide selection of programs to help you stay in motion.
- Kansas City Repertory Theatre: Join the venue's artistic director and a series of local artists for creative conversation on Thursday evenings.
- Kansas City Symphony: Watch creative performances coming to you from the homes of KC musicians.
- Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey: The dance studio based in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District is offering online dance classes and access to past performances.
- Camp Shakespeare: Led by professional instructors, the program includes live sessions with campers, individualized coaching and other interactive projects.
- Art Westport: If you're interested in showcasing your work, apply by May 31 as preparations take place for Westport's annual art celebration in September.