Top Kansas City Live Music Venues You Can’t Miss

Live music in Kansas City is synonymous with jazz, thanks to iconic musicians like Count Basie and Charlie Parker, who graced the city’s clubs in the 1920s and 1930s. While jazz remains a cornerstone, Kansas City’s musical landscape has expanded to include diverse genres such as indie, rock, pop, and Broadway. This vibrant city offers a variety of venues—intimate, casual, grand, indoor, and outdoor—catering to every type of music enthusiast.

Green Lady Lounge

Address: 1809 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA

Phone: +1 816-215-2954

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Warm tones of red lighting and dark furnishings create a plush ambiance at Green Lady Lounge, enhanced by nightly live jazz music. Guests are invited to relax in cozy booths or cocktail tables while sipping on signature cocktails. The venue has no cover charge, making it an excellent choice for an enjoyable night out.

Crossroads KC

Address: 2020 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64108-1812, USA

Phone: +1 816-835-8090

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Perfect for indie music lovers, Crossroads KC is positioned in the lively Crossroads Arts District. This high-energy venue boasts a laid-back, standing-room-only atmosphere. The adjacent Grinder’s bar and restaurant serve New York-style pizza and hearty sandwiches, ensuring guests have drinks and snacks readily available during the show.

The Majestic

Address: 931 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA

Phone: +1 816-221-1888

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Entering The Majestic transports you back to the Golden Age of Kansas City’s jazz scene. This historic steakhouse features a tin ceiling and a New Orleans bar from the 1900s, enhancing the vintage feel. The basement hosts classic live jazz, providing a perfect setting to unwind with friends.

Starlight Theater

Address: 4600 Starlight Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132, USA

Phone: +1 816-363-7827

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The stunning Starlight Theater provides an outdoor amphitheater experience for nearly 8,000 guests, renowned for its Broadway musicals. With early openings for pre-show entertainment, the venue creates a lively atmosphere with various musical acts throughout the year.

RecordBar

Address: 1520 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108-1438, USA

Phone: +1 816-766-2527

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RecordBar is a beloved venue in Kansas City, known for its dual-level layout. Enjoy an up-close view of performances on the ground floor or choose the upstairs for a bird’s-eye perspective. The combination of a friendly atmosphere and vintage vinyl decor makes RecordBar a charming spot for live shows.

The Brick

Address: 1727 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA

Phone: +1 816-421-1634

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The Brick’s casual setup, with no elevated stage, creates an intimate atmosphere where local bands perform right in front of the audience. With a menu featuring a variety of dishes, it’s an ideal spot for enjoying a meal alongside live music.

Sprint Center

Address: 1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106-2917, USA

Phone: +1 816-949-7100

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The Sprint Center, a major arena in Kansas City, hosts world-renowned artists and can accommodate nearly 19,000 audience members. Located in the energetic Power & Light District, it’s also easily accessible from local restaurants and nightlife options.

Arvest Bank Theater at the Midland

Address: 1228 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA

Phone: +1 816-283-9900

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Historic Arvest Bank Theater at the Midland, established in 1929, presents a beautiful Art Deco venue. With seating for 3,000, it provides an intimate feel enhanced by an attached bar, The Indie on Main, where guests can enjoy refreshments before and during performances.

KC Live!

Address: 13 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA

Phone: +1 816-842-1045

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For outdoor music lovers, KC Live! features a self-contained amphitheater surrounded by nightclubs and restaurants, ensuring a vibrant experience. Events vary daily, with many free shows; making it an excellent destination during the summer for entertainment and socializing.

The Truman

Address: 601 E Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64106-2823, USA

Phone: +1 816-205-8560

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The Truman offers various experiences, from an enclosed event space to an adjacent bar serving beverages and snacks. Guests can choose from different viewing areas, including general admission or premium seating options with exclusive amenities.