Plaza Art Fair is a food festival in Plaza, Kansas City.
Editorially verified May 31, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Tip: Free entry, free parking in Plaza garages. Friday 17:00-21:00, Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00.
Address: Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64112
First Friday in the Crossroads has been Kansas City's monthly gallery and food walk since 2001, with galleries open late, food trucks and busy restaurants.
Tip: Free outdoor event; the busiest months are May, June and September. Park along Grand and walk.
The world's largest barbecue competition in Kansas City brings 500-plus teams to the Kansas Speedway across the last weekend of September into early October.
Tip: BBQ Garden Saturday-only ticket includes samples plus games from KC pitmasters. Day passes for the Open Contest Sunday are the public-friendly entry.
Kansas City Restaurant Week runs each January with over 250 restaurants offering $20, $40, $50 and $65 prix-fixe menus. Charities receive 10 percent of menu.
Tip: Reservations on OpenTable and Resy open in late December. Tasting menus at fine-dining rooms book first.
