Introducing Arterie Fest—a new daylong festival in the heart of Kansas City’s museum district! Join us Saturday, May 9 for a vibrant kickoff to summer in one of the city’s most creative neighborhoods. Spend the day exploring events and activities at the Kansas City Art Institute, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, all connected by The Arterie, a walkable pathway linking these cultural destinations. 

Each stop along The Arterie offers something different: Kemper Museum Block Party, KCAI’s End of Semester Exhibition + Sale, and special activations at the Nelson-Atkins. Stroll from one site to the next and experience it all in a single, art-filled day!

Event schedule and times by location

Kansas City Art Institute | 4415 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111 
  • End of Semester Exhibition + Sale (10 AM–5 PM)  
  • 2026 BFA Exhibition at the KCAI Gallery and Emily & Todd Voth Artspace (12–5 PM)  
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art | 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111 
  • Block Party (11 AM–3 PM) 
  • The Arterie Tours (11:30 AM; 1:30 PM)  
  • Book Sale (10AM – 4PM) 
  • Sass-A-Brass Performance (2:30 PM)  
  • The World in Kansas City (On view) 
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | 4525 Oak St. Kansas City, MO 64111 
  • Art Course (10 AM–5 PM)  
  • Family Art Making (1–4 PM)  
  • Manet Film Screening (2 PM)  
  • Timeless Mucha (On view) 

 

Plan Your Visit

Getting Around

Arterie Fest is designed to be explored on foot along The Arterie, connecting the Kansas City Art Institute, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. 

  • Stroll from one location to the next and experience everything along the way  
  • The Arterie and all three locations are wheelchair accessible
  • Ride the KC Streetcar to the Art Museums’ stop for easy access  
Parking
  • General parking lots at Kemper Museum and Nelson-Atkins: free for museum Members, paid for nonmembers  
  • Free street parking available throughout the neighborhood  
  • ADA-accessible parking is available for free at all three locations 
Registration
Food & Drink
  • Food trucks at the Kemper Museum Block Party  
  • Oil on Linen at Kemper Museum 
  • Rozzelle Court at the Nelson-Atkins  
  • Thou Mayest coffee shop at the Nelson-Atkins 
  • The Nerman coffee shop at KCAI