A Local’s Guide to the KC Plaza Art Fair (2020)
This year is the 89th (!!) annual Plaza Art Fair in Kansas City. This event is a must-do each year for KC locals who love supporting the arts, meeting new people, and trying new things.
Not only is it free, but it puts you in contact with thousands of new people from all across Missouri & Kansas. There’s no way you won’t enjoy yourself—even if it rains!
Read our brief guide for our top tips on not only surviving the KC Plaza Art Fair, but thriving.
History
The history of the KC Plaza Art Fair is both rich and impressive. It was born out of the Great Depression and has endured many years of struggles—but throughout it all, it’s endured and been built into what it is today.
The KC Plaza Art Fair now attracts crowds of up to 250,000 per year and has become a top-ranked national art event. And speaking from a local perspective, it definitely has the feeling of a long-standing tradition in the hearts of Kansas Citians of all ages!
Art at the KC Plaza Art Fair
It’s what we’re all here for. The Plaza Art Fair features some of the best up-and-coming artists of the year.
You’ll find artists using a wide variety of mediums at the KC Plaza Art Fair 2020, including:
- 2D Mixed Media
- 3D Mixed Media
- Ceramics
- Digital
- Drawings & Pastels
- Fiber
- Glass
- Jewelry
- Metalwork
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- & Wood
If you’ve been saving space on your walls or tables for the perfect art piece, the chances of you finding that perfect art piece here are pretty good 😉
That said, come ready to spend money, because there’s no way you won’t be tempted by the hundreds of amazing local pieces you’ll find while exploring.
We recommend bringing cash, as most artists will not accept cards. However, if you don’t mind ATM fees, the fair will have several posted throughout the event for added convenience.
Food
The great thing about the KC Plaza Art Fair in 2020 is that all of the food vendors are located right in the plaza. This makes the event go very smoothly, and ensures the food keeps cooking and the drinks keep flowing
Here’s a highlight of some of our faves:
The Granfalloon, which we also recently featured as one of the 27 Best Places to Watch Football in Kansas City.
Bo Ling’s, which has some of the best chinese food in the city.
Topsy’s Popcorn, which is a local icon of homemade flavored popcorn.
Rye, featuring barbecue and pie.
Need we say more?! Maybe just this: come hungry.
Live Music
The festival is already pretty great at surrounding you with inspiring art and amazing smells. To top it off? Three stages of live music!
This is how the KC Plaza Art Fair really comes to life. Whether you’re in it for the ambiance or you’re an avid music lover, there will be something for everyone throughout the course of the three-day art festival.
We’re on the edge of our seats as we wait to hear the acts for 2020!
Living on the Plaza
Imagine walking out your front door to one of the most popular art fairs in the country! That’s the reality for the many eclectic people living on the Country Club Plaza.
If you’re interested in seeing the coolest apartments in the Kansas City Plaza, we’ve got you covered. You can use our search tool to hone in on the exact specifications you’re looking for in your dream KC apartment!
Learn more.
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