There's always something on
KC packs its year with art, festivals, sports and one-of-a-kind traditions. Below: the headline summer at Arrowhead, a live feed of what's happening right now, and the annual events locals plan their calendars around — season by season.
The big summer comes to Arrowhead
Soccer's biggest tournament comes to Arrowhead. Between June 16 and July 11, 2026, Kansas City hosts six huge matches — including a quarterfinal on July 11. The whole town will be electric.
Argentina vs. Algeria
The world champions opened KC's tournament at Arrowhead.
Ecuador vs. Curaçao
Curaçao's first-ever trip to this stage — an underdog story.
Netherlands vs. Tunisia
The Dutch bring their orange army to Kansas City.
Algeria vs. Austria
A Saturday night that could decide who advances.
Round of 32 Knockout
Win or go home — the knockout rounds arrive in KC.
Quarterfinal The marquee
One of the last eight standing plays at Arrowhead. This is the one.
See the live match board & what's next →
Book early, ride free
Hotels, dinner tables and parking will vanish for these dates. Reserve well in advance, lean on the free streetcar plus rideshare to move around downtown, and build in extra time for crowds and security on match days.
Treat the whole stretch as a citywide party, not just six games — because that's exactly what it'll be.
Live from Kansas City
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The KC events worth planning around
A handful of these come back every single year, and the city shows up for all of them. Here's the rhythm of a Kansas City year, season by season.
All year long
First Fridays
In the Crossroads Arts District, the first Friday of every month turns into a free, year-round street party: galleries throw open their doors, food trucks line the blocks and live music spills onto the sidewalks. The easiest, most reliable great night out in KC.
Late summer & early fall
KC Irish Fest
Held at Crown Center over Labor Day weekend, this is one of the city's biggest culture festivals — music on multiple stages, dancing, food and a famously friendly crowd. A perfect end-of-summer send-off.
Plaza Art Fair
On the Country Club Plaza, roughly 240 artists take over the boulevards for a weekend of art, music and food beneath the Plaza's Spanish-style towers. Confirm exact dates closer to the event.
Late fall & the holidays
Plaza Lighting Ceremony
A nearly 100-year tradition: on Thanksgiving night, a single switch lights up miles of bulbs across the Country Club Plaza, and the crowd roars. The lights glow nightly through mid-January, so there's plenty of time to see them. Confirm the date closer to Thanksgiving.
Always double-check
Dates, times and locations shift from year to year. Always confirm with the organizer before you plan a trip, book a hotel, or build a whole day around an event.
What's everyone doing this weekend?
Swap tips, find a First Fridays meetup, or ask a local what's actually worth your time. Anonymous, local, and live.
Make a full day of it
Got your event picked? Now nail the rest of the trip.