Things to Do in Kansas City - Search for Cheap Airline Tickets to Kansas City

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Kansas City is known as a sports town, as the birthplace of modern American barbecue and as the home of one of history’s greatest jazz scenes.  It is not often mentioned as a tourist destination, though it actually has plenty of characteristics that would make it a very attractive urban vacation spot for those willing to forego more noted Midwestern cities like Chicago and St. Louis. 

Here are the activities that make Kansas City the Midwest’s most underrated tourist spot.

Budget

“First Fridays” at the Crossroads Arts District resembles a large-scale open house, and features work from the area’s most talented artists.  Galleries open their doors to the general public between seven and nine P.M.  Even if you are not a fan of contemporary art, it is worth going because the good times continue at the Crossroad’s many bars, cafés and restaurants after the galleries shutter for the evening. 

If your visit doesn’t coincide with First Fridays, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St) and the adjoining Kansas City Sculpture Garden are both free and feature works of respectable quality. 

Value

American Jazz Museum (1616 E 18th St) celebrates the history of American jazz in general and Kansas City’s jazz in particular.  Jazz fans will appreciate the depth of this exhibit hall.  But what really separates this museum is its performance space, which hosts some of the world’s top jazz acts.  Entry to the museum is only $6, but a combined ticket, which can also be used for the nearby Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (1616 East 18th St), is only $8. 
 
The Uptown Theatre (Broadway) hosts both up-and-coming national acts and local and regional veterans.  If you are hoping to see a good show while in town, check entertainment newspaper Pitch Weekly to see who’s playing the Uptown. 

It’s impossible to mention KC without talking about the American Royal BBQ contest, which takes place each fall.  It is the World Series of BBQ, drawing the best grill-masters and sauce-makers in the nation.  There is plenty of live music and other cultural activities as well. 

Splurge

Union Station (30 West Pershing Rd) is the city’s main Amtrak stop, but is also a major retail and entertainment complex.  The high concentration of boutiques, shops, movie theaters and restaurants make this a good bet for a day in Downtown KC.  In addition to the shopping, there is a science museum, planetarium and train museum. 

Country Club Plaza is a shopping promenade modeled after a traditional Spanish square.  High-end retailers and posh restaurants are among the Plaza’s tenants.