Best Arcade: Up-Down KC
Play Space Invaders and choose a beer from their 50 taps.
Best Art Festival: Plaza Art Fair
This year’s fair is September 20-22.
Best Bike Trail: Tomahawk Creek Trail
This trail follows the namesake waterway through Overland Park and Leawood.
Best Casino: Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
Head to Riverside to get your slots fix.
Best Christmas Attraction: Plaza Lights
The Christmas lights shine daily, but you can’t miss the first flip switch of the holiday season.
Best Fountain: J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain
Located in the Plaza, this is arguably the most-photographed fountain in the city.
Best Fundraiser Gala: The Big Slick
Actor Paul Rudd’s wildly successful Children’s Mercy fundraiser features the city’s biggest celebrities.
Best Golf Course: Ironhorse Golf Club
Just 20 minutes from downtown Kansas City, the Leawood club offers a premier championship course.
Best Halloween Attraction: Boo at the Zoo
Join Kansas City’s zoo animals for family-friendly Halloween festivities.
Best Independent Art Gallery: Prairiebrooke Arts
Browse and frame top-tier work from local artists.
Best Karaoke: Offkey Karaoke Lounge & Suites
This karaoke joint boasts a sing-along area, private suites and a full cocktail bar.
Best Library: Kansas City Public Library
Stop by their main location to marvel at the book-themed parking garage.
Best Local Charity: Children’s Mercy Hospital
Find care from one of the top 10 children’s hospitals in the country.
Best Local Landmark: Union Station
Once one of the region’s busiest train stations, now home to a variety of attractions and museums.
Best Local Spirit Clothing Store: Charlie Hustle
Show your city pride with their vintage-style tees.
Best Museum: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City’s top art museum has a steady stream of exciting new shows (see page 67).
Best Music Festival: Boulevardia
This urban festival packs in beer, food, and live music into two summer days.
Best Music Venue: Starlight Theatre
One of the two self-producing outdoor theaters in the country, Starlight is home to concerts and touring Broadway shows alike.
Best Outdoor Music Venue: Starlight Theatre
This classic brick amphitheater gets plenty of top-tier touring acts throughout the summer.
Best Park: Loose Park
Loose Park is one of Kansas City’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.
Best Picnic Spot: Loose Park Rose Garden
Enjoy a lunch surrounded by roses.
Best Place to Dance: Kanza Hall
Put your boots on and get ready to line dance the night away.
Best Place to Play Darts: No Other Pub by Sporting KC
Take aim at this sprawling sports bar.
Best Running Events: KC Running Company
Complete your best race time yet with this local running non-profit.
Best Skate Park: Lenexa Skate Park
This Lenexa skatepark is open to novices and pros alike.
Best Splash Pad: Roe Park
Bring the kids for a day of splashing around.
Best Sports Stadium: The Royals’ Kauffman Stadium
Cheer on the boys in blue at Kansas City’s beloved MLB stadium.
Best Sports Store/Outfitter: Scheels
Shopping for sports gear isn’t complete without an in-house ferris wheel and aquarium, right?
Best Swimming Pool: Oceans of Fun
Catch a wave at Worlds of Fun’s adjacent water park.
Best Trivia Night: Geeks Who Drink at Green Room
Get your nerd on, with plenty of burgers and beer to spare.
