Kansas City is known for a great many things—the world’s best barbecue, stellar museums and thrilling baseball all immediately come to mind—but what locals know that visitors may not is just how vibrant the live music scene is. Between small, close-up shows and huge, sold-out concerts, there’s always a performance to be seen that, years later, you’ll be telling people, “I was there.”
Here’s your ticket to some of the best live music venues in KC:
Intimate Concerts
Musicians still making names for themselves regularly play gigs at smaller venues in KC, where crowds can get up close and personal with future megastars. Who knows, if you stick around after the show, you might even get to talk to the band.
In a city known for jazz, it’s easy to discover hip hangouts to enjoy a live performance any day of the week. Pair a live jazz show with decadent brunch dishes every Sunday at the Phoenix, a Downtown KC institution that regularly welcomes some of the city’s most popular musicians.
In the Crossroads Arts District you’ll find Green Lady Lounge, where live jazz and no cover create a catchy tune everyone can hum along to. There’s also Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room, a chic-yet-approachable landing spot where live music is paired with small plates dining.
Need more of KC’s signature sound? On 18th & Vine—KC’s historic jazz district—you’ll find just that at The Blue Room. If you’re looking to get even more underground, check out Sofar Sounds, an intimate showcase for local artists that takes place in secret locations throughout the city.
Some Historic, All Beloved
Many of the hottest bands and musicians that come through Kansas City find their groove in a multitude of midsize venues. Often these are the most beloved sites of all, such as The Midland Theatre, a state-of-the-art, multi-floor icon located in the Power & Light District. Only a few blocks away you’ll find a different sort of sound at Howl at the Moon, a piano bar known for high-energy covers of all-time greatest hits.
See some of your favorite artists play at both recordBar in the Crossroads and Madrid Theatre, a renovated Midtown movie house originally constructed in 1926. Opened just two years later, the Uptown Theater in Westport features an eclectic mix of performances, where any given night you can catch a rap show, popular indie band or country star on tour. Meanwhile, Star Pavilion in Ameristar Kansas City is the place to be for classic concert throwbacks.
Outdoor Showcases
There’s nothing quite like seeing a show underneath the starry night sky. KC obliges. Crossroads KC attracts large crowds during warmer months and is one of the hottest spots during summer First Fridays. Make your way out west to catch a performance at Azura Amphitheater, an open-air venue that touts a pit, bleachers and grass lawn for all kinds of viewing. Count on memorable summer performances at Boulevardia.
Travel down to the East Bottoms for a night out at Knuckleheads Saloon, a sprawling facility that regularly showcases rough and tumble country acts, gritty local groups, blues legends and everything else in between. In the Power & Light District, there’s KC Live! Block, home to Hot Country Nights and countless other sellout showcases.
Then there’s Starlight Theatre, a one-of-a-kind setting in Swope Park that was originally constructed in 1951 as an outdoor playhouse—and still hosts Broadway musicals in between stellar concerts. Don’t forget Children’s Mercy Park, home to Sporting Kansas City and a variety of lively events.
Big-Time Blowouts
No live music breakdown would be complete without T-Mobile Center, formerly known as Sprint Center and the fourth-busiest arena in the country—and one that continues to innovate and improve its already-incredible amenities. The facility has welcomed hugely influential artists with international popularity such as Bruno Mars, Selena Gomez, Garth Brooks, Ariana Grande and Elton John, among many others.
There’s also Arrowhead Stadium, home to the Kansas City Chiefs in fall and winter but also a haven for monster summer shows with artists like Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Guns ‘N’ Roses bringing the house down time after time. West of the border you’ll find rock and country concerts at Kansas Speedway, as well as popular music festivals that draw thousands, such as Rockfest.
Looking to learn more about live music in Kansas City? From small, close-up shows to huge, sold-out concerts, there’s always a live performance to be seen in KC.
