Country Club Plaza Art Fair

Tip of the cap to the Plaza Art Fair as one of the most comprehensive, well-​run events that happens annually in Kansas City.
Because I love events and event planning, I think of the questions that I’d ask and that the audience would ask before going to something. So, :drumroll, I’m change it up and roll with a review in a Q&A style!
Question: Do you need to know the nuances of paintings to attend to Art Fair?
Answer: No.
Q: But.but. the Royals are on. Should I skip the Art Fair?
A: No. They have a gigantic big screen, tables and chairs and even sound piped in under the stars. Better than a sports bar in my opinion.
Q: Is it quality artwork?
A: Very! In fact, too quality for my pocketbook, but some beautiful things to look at and some great conversations with the artists to be had. I often feel bad for popping in someone’s booth, seeing their amazing creations and not buying anything. I just simply ask for a business card and add it to the pile of things I’d love to have someday.
Q: What’s the biggest drawback?
A: Maybe the middle of the US is a bit off kilter and gives everyone slight vertigo? It seems that people can’t walk with any purpose or with any organization at a big gathering in the midwest. What might be a normal flow in SF, NYC, Chicago is almost never found at a big event in KC. Be prepared for a bit of a cluster when it’s busy at the Art Fair.
I’d imagine parking is a drawback as well, but I live close enough to walk. My street is a ways from the Plaza but gets swamped the weekend of the event. Usually the weather is great this weekend, so just plan to park a ways and enjoy the stroll.
Q: What’s the food scene?
A: Pretty good, general street fair from the Plaza restaurants. In fact it’s all Plaza restaurants which is an impressive task, and a hat tip to them for being a huge part of the festival. It’s a good chance to try some of the higher end places at street foo prices. The only downside is that the food areas are so crowded you may find yourself dining on the curb, eye level with the pups walking through the art fair.
Q: If you could change one thing about it?
A: I’d add a lot more local artists. From what I’ve heard, it’s tough to get selected and pay the fees to be a part of it, so it phases out a lot of KC artists. It would be cool to see them represented.
Q: Any pro-​tips?
A: See about booking a patio spot at a Plaza restaurant (not all will be able to hold it but worth a shot). That way you can dine on a nice meal OFF curb level and still feel a part of the action.

I love visiting the art fair every year. There is always such a wide variety of pieces to see.

Arguably one of the best events in KC.
Parking is NOT good, so more power to you if you live by the Plaza or snag a hotel ahead of time. The art is quite overpriced, which is to be expected, but provides a great atmosphere to wander, drink, and catch up with friends.
A very family-​friendly atmosphere, this place is best for kids and dogs on Saturday or Sunday during the day. Friday is probably the rowdiest of the weekend nights since the happy hour crowd makes a beeline for the Plaza the minute they are off work. The live music stages are excellent (typically cover bands on the Main Stage).
If you plan on eating at one of the Plaza restaurants in lieu of the outdoor booths, either expect a long wait, or make a reservation at least a week in advance.

Kansas Citians love their art. We have a fantastic First Friday (some people who have been to more art walks than I have argue that it’s one of the best). We have all kinds of galleries, many concentrated in the Crossroads area, but there are plenty throughout the city. There are artist collectives, a top notch art school, annual art fairs in the city and ‘burbs, including the largest of ‘em all, the Plaza Art Fair.
I went on Saturday evening around 9pm and I felt like suddenly I was transported to another city, one where the streets are crowded and people are spilling out of cafes, bars and restaurants. Suddenly Kansas City really seemed to live up to its name, «Paris of the Plains.»
I’ll be honest and say that the art I peeped wasn’t really my style, but I didn’t get to look more closely at all the stalls. Like any KC street fair, this wasn’t just about art, but also food and music (Latenight Callers on the Ink stage!!) There were folks of all ages in attendance and, this is the best part, lots of adorable dogs all over the place (leave it to me to be admiring pups and practically ignoring the art. I’m high brow that way).
I think I may have uttered, «why can’t the Plaza do this more than once a year?» even though big crowds are not really appealing to me. In general, I appreciate First Fridays and its more bohemian vibe, but the Plaza Art Fair is definitely something I look forward to experiencing again. That said, I’m disappointed I didn’t get to attend the Unplaza Art Fair, the transgressive alternative!

I love, love, LOVE this art fair! Kansas City seems to be a city that likes art, which is very cool, and there’s pretty much something to do or see here monthly, especially if you want to check out some local art. There are several art festivals throughout the year, but the Country Club Plaza Art Fair is my favorite, hands down.
Last year was our first year attending the Art Fair, and we had such a great time that I was immediately looking forward to the next one. There’s a ton of stuff to look at — everything from jewelry to found art to fabrics, photography, paintings… and beyond! I think most people would be hard pressed to find something they *didn’t* like among all of the booths and options on display, and usually my biggest problem is not going nuts and spending way too much money.
There’s something here for every taste and every budget. From fine art to the weird and wonderful. You can spend under $ 20 on a print, or you can spend thousands of dollars on a unique piece of original art.
There’s more to see and do than just looking at art, though. There’s a kids area, plenty of live music, and tons of great food and drink options. There are also booths for local organizations — I saw the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City down there passing out info and letting people meet some of the great dogs they have for adoption. And if you get really tired from all of the walking around, you can find a quiet little corner to people watch — I think most of KC was in attendance on Friday night!
Parking in the area is of course free, but you might need to be a little bit patient when it comes to find a spot, or be willing to walk for a bit. I suggest getting here earlier rather than later, as it does get packed, especially as the day goes on.
Plan on spending some time at this fair, just so that you can see everything and have plenty of time to try some of the food and drink options. We spent well over 3 hours there on Friday night, and definitely didn’t get to see and do everything I wanted to, much to my disappointment (and my bank account’s relief!). Oh well, there’s always next year!

If you like art, including landscapes, photography, ceramics, pastels, jewelery, etc, you’ll love the Plaza Art Fair. There are all kinds of wonderful artists from around the United States. There is art of all different varieties, and no two booths really look similar.
In addition, there is plenty of food, beverage, and other vendors available to make it a good time for everyone. There is even a kids’ area, where kids can get face paintings, play, and make their own art. It literally shuts down a street on the Plaza, so wear comfortable shoes so you can see everything.
I spent at least three hours here on a Sunday afternoon. I really enjoyed the Fair. The pieces range from inexpensive to rather expensive, so there’s something for everyone.

The plaza art fair is a really great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. It usually happens in September every year, so the weather is usually really nice and perfect for being outside.
Besides the obvious showcases of art I could never afford but love to covet, they also have live music which plays all day. This is awesome because you can watch and listen to bands any time you want. There are FOUR different stages too, in areas around the plaza. The ‘Classical Corner’ on nichols and central was really cool– they had a harpist this year that was amazing and very soothing to listen to as we got Starbucks near by.
They also have food from the local restaurants and local vendors, and a kids’ place for fun activities. I wanted to do some of them, but now that I’m supposedly an ‘adult’ I felt like I shouldn’t. :(So sad! I say no one is too old for arts and crafts!
Overall, the art fair is a fun tradition to go to every fall. At least, that is what I’m planning on doing! It’s certainly a lovely way to spend an afternoon, even if I am too poor to actually buy anything! :)