The Ultimate Guide to Westport KC
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With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, we couldn’t think of a better neighborhood to feature than Westport Kansas City.
The Westport neighborhood is known for great nightlife, locally owned businesses, and ultra-hip apartments.
Westport is a beloved Kansas City neighborhood located south of downtown. The housing and apartments of Westport have been long sought after by young adults to have easy access to their favorite businesses, bars, restaurants, and more.
Insider tip: you may hear this area referred to as either Westport or “Midtown.” Typically, when someone says “Westport,” they’re probably talking about a more specific area within Midtown Kansas City.
While Westport itself is a relatively small area south of downtown, it’s dense with businesses, restaurants, bars, and more, all contained within a cozy-yet-hip, neighborhood feel (excuse us while we gush!). It also has easy access to other amazing KC neighborhoods like Hyde Park, the Crossroads, and the Country Club Plaza. Many of us Kansas Citians enjoy visiting the area during the day to meet up with friends, grab a bite, shop the many local businesses in the area, and at night to experience the heart of KC’s nightlife.
A brief history: the more you know
Westport was founded before Missouri was even deemed a state! It has a long history of trade between Native Americans and “mountain men,” and sold supplies to wagon trains going west. The center of all of this hustle and bustle was the northeast corner of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue. This cross street has remained a key hub of the Westport neighborhood.
Westport was annexed into the greater Kansas City area in 1897.
St. Patrick’s Day
Westport is the absolute best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Kansas City. With March just around the corner, LeasingKC wants to make sure you have an inside scoop on all things KC, so you can make the most out of your celebration!
Even though St. Patrick’s Day in 2024 falls on a Sunday, so feel free to enjoy a full day of eating, drinking, cheering, dressing up, and spending time with friends and family.
Westport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The parade is the main event of St. Patrick’s Day. This year’s theme is 50 Cheers to 50 Years so don’t miss out on what’s sure to be a blast!
Every year, the parade route starts at the intersection of Linwood & Broadway Boulevards and travels south, down Broadway Boulevard until it reaches 43rd street. That’s close to 20 blocks of awesome, creative floats, random giveaways and treats, music, dancing, and more!
Families travel from all over town to witness the celebration, so be sure to arrive early to snag a better spot—especially if you’re bringing kids with you!
Places to park for St. Patrick’s Day parade in Westport KC
There are several public parking garages, as well as street parking. But beware of street closures and changes to typical traffic flow, as the narrow streets in Westport are sure to be packed! We suggest, if possible, parking several blocks away to ensure you can easily and freely exit the area once you’re ready to head home for the evening.
Things to Do in Westport KC
Festivals
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the thing that should bring you to the Westport neighborhood! A variety of businesses host events throughout the year!
Every September, an outdoor art show and festival called Art Westport hits the town. It’s a great way to meet local artists and check out unique art, jewelry, and other crafts. We put this on our calendar as a great date idea (hint hint!) but can be fun for the family, too.
Shopping
Westport features some of the most unique, eclectic shops in town. Second-hand stores like Clothz Minded and Arizona Trading Company keep us hip to the latest, recycled trends. The Bunker, located on the corner of Broadway Boulevard and Westport Road, carries some of the most popular KC gear you’ll see all around town. Mills Records is a fan favorite for its constantly circulating and refreshing music options!
Restaurants
Besides the bars and restaurants listed above, there are so many additional options for dining in Westport, you may find it hard to choose one! Here are a few suggestions for your first or second time in the area to make sure you really get a “taste” of the Westport neighborhood.
Try…
For…
Filling Station
Coffee
Char Bar
Brunch
Westport Cafe & Bar
Dinner
Donutology
Snacks
Harpo’s
Watching a game
Living in Westport
Many choose to live in Westport, and Midtown in general, to feel immersed in the quintessential Kansas City experience. Here are a few of the perks we see to living in this area.
Proximity to literally everything
Westport is in close proximity to a ton of other neighborhoods in the area, such as Hyde Park, Westside South, Union Hill, and more. It’s also only a short ride to the Crossroads and the downtown area!
The unique vibe
The Westport vibe is unique to Kansas City. While its residents enjoy many of the same perks as their downtown neighbors, they also enjoy a more intimate atmosphere. This is perfect for young adults and young families looking for access to amazing activities.
A fashionable, historic style
The buildings of Westport are some of the oldest in Kansas City. Many apartments and homes have been maintained and updated over the years, which means the residents of Westport enjoy a historic neighborhood charm while having access to updated features and amenities.10
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