Planning a weekend getaway in Kansas City? Here’s how to make it fun and enriching.
When my sister Gretchen scored tickets to see Chappell Roan in Kansas City, it became the perfect excuse for a girls’ weekend. Sandy and I joined Gretchen, my niece Emma, and her friend Laila for a whirlwind 48 hours exploring everything KC has to offer.
My brother-in-law came along too (though he wisely skipped the concert), and together we discovered that Kansas City is so much more than just Chiefs Kingdom—it’s a city with incredible food, fascinating history, and a surprisingly vibrant entertainment scene. Here’s how we made the most of the two days in Kansas City:
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Day 1: Arrival, State-Hopping, and Fine Dining
We arrived around noon and checked into the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. The location was perfect—right in the heart of everything and walking distance to KC Live. The lobby has HUGE TVs, which was a hit with my brother-in-law and any sports fans in our group.
After dropping our bags, we headed straight to Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas. Here’s a fun one for the travel completionists: We couldn’t find a clear “Welcome to Kansas” sign anywhere, so making a trip to Legends let us officially cross into Kansas and check the state off our list! Sandy needed sunglasses anyway, so we did some shopping and grabbed a quick bite. The outlet mall straddles the Kansas-Missouri border, making it an easy way to technically visit both states.
After shopping, we headed back into Missouri and stopped at John’s Big Deck for a drink. It’s the perfect spot to relax, soak in some Kansas City atmosphere, and enjoy the laid-back energy. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a chill place to hang out with your crew, this is a great spot to ease into your Kansas City weekend. If the weather is nice, definitely recommend going on the rooftop!
When we didn’t hear back about our reservation being confirmed at 1587 Prime (we submitted a reservation request weeks before and tried calling, but no one answered), we decided to just show up and see what would happen. They were able to get us in for later that evening, so while we waited, we grabbed drinks at Tom’s Town Distillery. The atmosphere here is dark and intimate with a sophisticated ambiance—think upscale speakeasy vibes.
Sandy and I both ordered the Angry Goat—a strawberry habanero drink with bourbon—and was surprisingly blown away by it. I don’t normally like bourbon, but this cocktail was really good. The combination of sweet strawberry, spicy habanero, and smooth bourbon was unexpected and delicious.
Important tip: If you want to secure the comfy seating at Tom’s Town, make a reservation in advance. Otherwise, you can still enjoy excellent drinks at the bar like we did.
Then it was time for the main event: 1587 Prime, the modern steakhouse opened by Chiefs legends Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. You can learn all about get a complete rundown on navigating reservations, what to order, and everything you need to know from our dining experience at 1587 Prime.
The short version? Our persistence paid off, and we had one of the best meals of our lives. The food, the drinks, the atmosphere—everything was worth the effort it took to get in!
Day 2- Crepes, Concert, Club Drinks
We started Day 2 with brunch at Seven Swans Crêperie KC. This charming spot was perfect for our group. Everyone ordered different crepes (the variety on the menu makes it hard to choose just one!), along with cider mimosas and coffee. I got the cookie butter crepe and it was SO GOOD. Everyone loved the ones they ordered. The atmosphere is also cozy and welcoming—exactly what you want for a leisurely weekend brunch with family.
cider mimosa
Coffee
cookie butter crepe
Seven Swans Crêperie KC
After brunch, we explored the town a bit, getting a feel for Kansas City’s different neighborhoods and energy. Then we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the concert—the main event of our trip!
The whole reason for our trip—Chappell Roan! Gretchen, Emma, Laila, Sandy, and I had an absolute blast. We upgraded to VIP tickets, which was 100% worth it. The VIP bathrooms were nice (always a plus at concerts!), and we had access to exclusive vendors with local food options, including Kansas City BBQ.
The drink selection was great too—we loved the Pink Pony Club drink! Our seats were much better with the VIP upgrade, and having so many vendors to choose from for food, drinks, and merch made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Kansas City has a vibrant entertainment scene with venues like the Folly Theater and others hosting concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances year-round. Even if your favorite artist isn’t coming through town during your visit, check what’s happening—there’s always something going on in the entertainment district. Something I definitely want to check out next time – not related to theater – is the College Basketball Experience
After the concert, we met up with my brother-in-law at KC Live, which was conveniently just around the corner from our hotel. This entertainment complex has a great mix of bars, pubs, and food options—perfect for post-concert energy. We ended up at the pizza bar for a late-night slice. Fair warning: they advertise closing at 3 a.m., but they actually close at 2:30, and they will get you out! Still, the pizza hit the spot after all that dancing and singing. We actually were surprised we were still out that late, haha.
Day 3: Australian Brunch and WWI History
We started our final day with breakfast at Banksia Bistro, an Australian-owned restaurant that served delicious and fun Australian food. We told the owner how Sandy and I studied abroad in Australia back in the day—he’s from Brisbane! It was such a treat to have an authentic Australian breakfast and reminisce about our time down under. The food was excellent, and the owner’s hospitality made the experience even more special.
After breakfast, we headed to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. This world-class museum offers a profound and moving look at “the war to end all wars.” Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits properly—there’s so much to take in, from personal artifacts to interactive displays. It was incredibly educational and informative, and I learned so much I didn’t know before about WWI.
One thing that surprised me: Kansas City is hillier than I expected! The area around the WWI Museum especially has some elevation changes, and driving around the city, you’ll notice the rolling terrain. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s definitely not the flat Midwest landscape you might picture.
The memorial tower offers stunning views of the Kansas City skyline if you’re up for climbing to the top. I was so fascinated by what I learned that I purchased a French 75 cocktail book from the museum gift shop—the drink is named after one of the weapons used in WWI, and I wanted to learn more about the history behind it.
After the museum, we headed to the airport. Kansas City’s airport has a lot to offer in terms of food and amenities. We were short on time, so we didn’t make it to the Delta Sky Club—and we later saw on Facebook that Chappell Roan was there! Maybe next time we’ll have better timing and catch a celebrity sighting. There’s always a reason to come back!
Where to Stay in Kansas City
We stayed at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, which was fantastic. The location put us right in the heart of everything—walking distance to KC Live and many restaurants. The lobby’s huge TVs are perfect if you’re traveling with sports fans. The rooms were comfortable, and the staff was helpful with recommendations.
Other popular hotel options in Kansas City include:
- The Fontaine – A boutique hotel in the Country Club Plaza area
- Hotel Kansas City – Historic property downtown with vintage charm
- Loews Kansas City – This is the hotel 1587 Prime is located in
Popular Districts to Consider
Downtown/Power & Light District is ideal for first-timers who want to be in the center of the action. This is where we stayed, and it was perfect for accessing KC Live!’s 10+ bars and nightclubs, plus plenty of restaurants. It’s the most tourist-friendly area with easy walkability to major attractions.
Country Club Plaza is a vibrant shopping and dining destination inspired by Spanish architecture, featuring over 150 shops from luxury boutiques to local artisans, alongside diverse restaurants. It’s great for upscale shopping and romantic strolls through landscaped plazas with fountains.
Crossroads Arts District offers a more artsy, local vibe with trendy coffee shops, cocktail bars, and art galleries. The district hosts First Fridays from April to October, where galleries stay open late—it’s like a block party celebrating local art.
River Market is great for foodies, known for the City Market with diverse restaurants and a year-round Farmer’s Market on weekends. It’s quieter than Power & Light but still offers plenty of dining options.
This information is from Where to Stay in Kansas City (7 Best Places, By a Local).
Getting Around in Kansas City
We used a combination of rideshares and driving. Kansas City is fairly spread out, so having transportation is helpful. The city has more hills than you might expect from a Midwest destination, which is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to walk long distances between attractions. Street parking is generally available, and many attractions have their own parking lots. KC Live being so close to our hotel was a major plus—we could walk back after a late night out.
Final Tips for Your Kansas City Trip
Budget accordingly: Kansas City can be done on various budgets, but if you’re splurging on places like 1587 Prime and Tom’s Town Distillery, expect to spend more. We found brunch spots and local breweries to be reasonably priced, which balanced out our pricier experiences.
Make reservations: For popular spots (1587 Prime, Tom’s Town Distillery seating, any trending restaurants), book ahead or have a backup plan. That said, showing up and being flexible with timing can also work!
Dress code awareness: Some venues like 1587 Prime have formal dress codes. Check ahead so you’re not caught off guard.
Wear comfortable shoes: Between the hills and all the walking you’ll likely do, comfortable footwear is a must.
Check closing times: As we learned at the pizza bar, advertised hours aren’t always accurate, especially for late-night spots!
Travel with family: Kansas City is great for multi-generational trips. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into museums, sports, concerts, or just good food and drinks.
The Bottom Line
Kansas City exceeded our expectations in every way. What started as a concert trip turned into an unforgettable weekend filled with amazing food, fascinating history, and quality time with family. From sipping the Angry Goat at Tom’s Town to dancing at Chappell Roan, from learning WWI history to enjoying Australian breakfast, every moment felt special. Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a family trip, or just looking for a new city to explore, Kansas City delivers on all fronts.
Have you been to Kansas City? What did I miss that should be on the itinerary? Let me know in the comments!
