VINCUE UNLEASHED 2024 City Guide: Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is an exciting, vibrant, and constantly growing metro, and we’re not just talking about the Kansas City Chiefs! You probably already know we’re famous for BBQ, but we have tons of great restaurants, bars, shops, arts venues, and other interesting things to do.
VINCUE: UNLEASHED 2024 will be held in the historic Kansas City Plaza, one of the first and most iconic outdoor shopping ares in the country. From the hotel, you can easily walk to dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops located on the plaza. You’re also a short Uber ride to Kansas City’s Westport entertainment district, the Crossroads Arts District, the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, and Downtown Kansas City.
If you’ve got some extra time before or after the conference, here’s some of our FAVORITE Kansas City spots, haunts, and activities.
Special Events
Plaza Art Fair, Sept 20-22nd
UNLEASHED is scheduled right after the Plaza Art Fair, a massive, nine-city-block arts festival featuring 240 artists and dozens of local food and beverage vendors. Experience a truly unique Kansas City tradition!
KC Royals v. SF Giants, Sept 20-22nd
The San Francisco Giants will be in town all weekend at iconic Kauffman Stadium. Don’t expect a hometown win, but a game at the K is a true Kansas City Experience!
Country Club Plaza (5-10 Min walk)
The Country Club Plaza in Kansas City is a picturesque shopping and entertainment district renowned for its Spanish-inspired architecture. It was one of the first planned shopping districts in the United States and features a wide range of high-end boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries set amidst beautiful courtyards and walkways. The district is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Giralda Tower, modeled after the famous tower in Seville, Spain.
Made in Kansas City
Clothing, accessories, and novelty goods, and cafe and bar, featuring products only made locally in Kansas City.
Rally House
Clothing, accessories, and novelty items featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, and KC Current.
Prime Social
High-end cocktail and sushi bar with rooftop patio overlooking the Kansas City Plaza.
The Capital Grille
High-end steak restaurant and bar famous for their Stoli-Doli martini.
Cafe Trio
A mix of high-end America bistro faire, an excellent martini list, and best patio on the Plaza, and a whole lot of flair!
The Granfalloon Bar & Grill
Sports bar and grill featuring Kansas City’s best chicken fingers (unofficially).
Strang Chef Collective
Collection of innovative culinary concepts in a food court style setting, located in the Cascade hotel.
Kura Revolving Sushi
Newly added to the Plaza, stop in and grab whatever looks good off the sushi conveyor belt!
Nelson Atkins Art Museum
Kansas City’s oldest art museum featuring a beautiful lawn, the iconic Shuttle Cocks, and a glass maze. Free admission.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Kansas City’s best modern and contemporary art museum with multiple exhibits and the Sebastian Cafe.
Westport (15 Min Walk / 5 min Uber)
Westport is a historic area with a lively and eclectic atmosphere, known for entertainment, dining, and shopping. The area features a blend of historic buildings and modern amenities, creating a unique and inviting environment. Westport is particularly renowned for its nightlife, with a variety of bars, pubs, and live music venues that attract both locals and visitors alike.
Bunker
Locally owned clothing and accessory store featuring everything from the trendy to the weird. Like a locally owned Urban Outfitters.
Tin Roof
From Nashville, TN, popular live music bar and grill with multiple stages. Perfect for singing Sweet Caroline as a group.
Harrys Bar & Tables
Historic and old-timey bar featuring tons of hard to find whiskeys, a pretty decent bar menu, and a patio perfect for smoking cigars.
Historic Kelly’s Westport Inn
Kansas City’s oldest bar for cheapest drinks and okayest crowd. Grab a slice of their iconic pizza in the back!
Fidel’s Cigar Shop
Cigar shop and smoking lounge. If you stop here, bring the cigar next door to Harry’s to smoke on the patio!
Taco Naco
Taco food truck turned Mexican street food counter with tacos (duh), fresh fruit juices, and margaritas.
Char Bar (BBQ)
Part BBQ joint, part sports bar, part corn-hole patio. This is one of Kansas City’s most underrated BBQ places.
Crossroads Arts District (10 min Uber)
The Crossroads Arts District is a vibrant and creative neighborhood known for its thriving arts scene, eclectic galleries, studios, and boutiques. In addition to its artsy vibe, the Crossroads Arts District also boasts a lively culinary scene, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of dining options. Overall, the district offers a unique blend of creativity, culture, and community, making it a must-visit destination in Kansas City.
National World War I Museum & Memorial
One of the country’s only museum and memorial dedicated to the history of World War I.
Jack Stack (Freight House)
One of Kansas City’s most iconic BBQ restaurants, which we’ll have at the office open house. Pro tip, order the smoked wings!
KC (Ferris) Wheel
One of the newest and most unique ways to see Kansas City from the sky.
Swordfish Tom’s
If you like craft cocktails and adventure, challenge yourself to find this basement speakeasy with a barely marked door in an unassuming alley.
Green Lady Lounge
This dark and old-timey hang out features live jazz music every night and a huge list of spirits and cocktails.
King G’s Bar & Deli
Definitely one of Kansas City’s coolest new cocktail spots featuring weird but delicious takes on your favorite classics.
FlipSwitch Virtual Reality (VR)
Schedule an hour long session with 1 or more other people for an immersive VR experience killing zombies or playing dodge ball.
18th & Vine Jazz District
The 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City is a historic area renowned for its significant role in the development of jazz music across the country. Legendary musicians such as Charlie Parker and Count Basie performed here, contributing to its reputation as a center for innovation and creativity in jazz. Today, the district is home to the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, preserving and celebrating this rich cultural heritage.
The Historic Blue Room
The Blue Room is part of the American Jazz Museum with weekly jazz and jam sessions, and scheduled performances.
American Jazz Museum
Visitors to the museum can explore the origins of jazz and its evolution over time, from its roots in African American musical traditions to its influence on contemporary genres.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
The Museum offers a compelling look into an important chapter of American sports history, celebrating the talent, resilience, and spirit of the players who overcame significant challenges to pursue their passion for baseball.
Arthur Bryant’s BBQ
A legendary barbecue restaurant in Kansas City, renowned for its traditional, no-frills approach to barbecue
