With dozens of breweries across the region, Kansas City ranks among the premier destinations in the American Midwest for craft beer. As fans from across the country and around the world arrive in the Heart of America, the city’s brewers have prepared limited-time pours and special events that are designed to offer guests a true taste of KC.
Here’s how to celebrate a summer of soccer with Kansas City’s breweries.
Boulevard Brewing Co.
Founded in Kansas City’s historic Westside neighborhood in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Fan-favorite creations like Space Camper Cosmic IPA, Unfiltered Wheat and Tank 7 American Saison are popular in the Midwest and across the country.
Now, Boulevard has plenty of plans in store to celebrate a major summer for Kansas City.
In advance of this summer’s football festivities, the brewery has announced a new outdoor space known as Boulevard Yard. Featuring a laid-back atmosphere, ample seating, skyline views and large-screen televisions, it’s an ideal gathering place for every moment of the action.
Between June 11 and July 11, the Boulevard Beer Hall will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, with extended hours for select match days. View the daily schedule here.
Beer fans hoping for a closer look at the brewery’s operations can take advantage of additional tours throughout the summer. Between May 30 and Aug. 2, up to seven daily tours will be available Monday through Friday, along with up to 12 tours each Saturday. Each $20 ticket includes beer samples, a souvenir and more.
Casual Animal Brewing Co.
A colorful East Crossroads brewery, Casual Animal is offering a special fútbol food collaboration with Affäre this summer. The award-winning German restaurant known for its creative takes on traditional fare.
Visit Casual Animal’s spacious taproom for bratwursts, sausages and meatballs served along with a lineup of locally beloved beers.
Strange Days Brewing Company
One of Kansas City’s most recognizable soccer destinations has an everyday lineup of events planned throughout the summer. From June 11 to July 19, Strange Days’ Soccerpalooza includes plans to show every match at the brewery’s River Market space. All-day viewing opportunities in the brewery’s indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a food menu from Burn Theory, make it easy to catch a match at any moment.
Strange Days is steps from the KC Streetcar’s River Market North stop, making it easy for fans to arrive from destinations throughout the downtown Kansas City area.
Friction Beer Company
On June 20, the Americana & Ales craft beer and music festival arrives in downtown Shawnee, Kansas. Friction Beer Company is one of three local breweries directly adjacent to the site of the event, along with Transport Brewery and Servaes Brewing Company.
The taproom at Friction Beer is known for its place as a soccer hotspot, opening early for Premier League matches and other significant events. Keep an eye on the schedule throughout June and July for more celebrations.
KC Tap Tour
Keep track of every pour along your Kansas City craft beer journey with the KC Tap Tour. The free pass invites users to check into participating breweries and earn KC-branded prizes along the way. Plus, exclusive discounts are available at participating breweries.
