Often regarded as a big city with small-town charm, Kansas City is one of the most vibrant hubs of the Midwest. While most people flock here for barbecue and sports (and for good reason), there are plenty of things to do in Kansas City, Missouri, beyond the immediate associations. Visitors should get a dose (or two) of culture at one of the city’s many museums and family-friendly attractions, then fill the rest of their trip with street art, jazz clubs, and brewery tours—and yes, at least a few plates of burnt ends and brisket.
In terms of must-visit attractions and festivals, fall is the best time to visit Kansas City. The season kicks off with the American Royal World Series of Barbecue (the world’s largest BBQ competition) in September, followed by KC PrideFest and KC Oktoberfest in October. It’s also worth sticking around through the end of November to watch the City Lights turn the Country Club Plaza into a dazzling winter wonderland after Thanksgiving.
While Kansas City is generally car-friendly—especially around the Plaza and other outlying neighborhoods—visitors should stick to public transportation in downtown KC. The Kansas City Streetcar is the best way to explore some of the most popular downtown neighborhoods, stretching 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) along Main Street with 16 stops in between. The best part? The streetcar is free, meaning you don’t have to worry about passes (and can save your money for the many restaurants along the route).
Try to time your visit with the beginning of the month so you can participate in First Fridays, a monthly event that draws thousands of people to the Crossroads Arts District for food trucks, gallery shows, and art vendors galore. Alternatively, the City Market is a locally beloved farmers market open all year on Saturday mornings (plus Sunday mornings from April to December). Aside from loading up on fresh produce, you can sample some of the city’s most popular restaurants and cafés in one convenient stop.
