Power and Light District, Kansas City: What to See & Do + Where to Eat, Drink & Stay

Want to pack your KC city break with world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment? Spend time explore in Kansas City’s Power and Light District. This sparkling downtown neighborhood will give you endless options for your night on the town, from live entertainment to trendy restaurants & bars.

The Power and Light District is home to epic entertainment venues like the T-Mobile Center and the Midland Theatre. They’ll give you an opportunity to see premier sports events and world-class musicians, comedians, and performers from around the globe.

When you’re not glued to a stage, make the most of the Power and Light District’s evening scene, with over 50 bars and restaurants to choose from. Embrace Kansas City’s jazz heritage at Drum Room. Or feast at upscale restaurants like Bristol Seafood + Steak + Social.

Want to know more? Get the inside scoop on KC’s Power and Light District with this complete neighborhood guide, including what to see and do, where to eat and drink, and where to stay.

What to see & do in the Kansas City Power and Light District

T-Mobile Center

Many travelers choose to stay in the Power and Light District to get close to the T-Mobile Center. This vast shimmering bowl is home to some of Kansas City’s finest sporting events and live entertainment. The multipurpose arena has been delivering premier experiences to the area since 2005. With enough space to house 19,000 people, you’re guaranteed a night with an electric atmosphere here!

The arena’s impressive glass façade is a shining beacon in the Power and Light District. The whole area comes alive with visitors before and after a big show at the T-Mobile Center.

You’ll find an impressive choice of tickets on sale here that will make your stay in Kansas City even more memorable. Dance the night away to Janet Jackson and Shania Twain or watch major sporting events like UFC and NCAA Men’s Basketball. Kids and adults alike will be amazed by enchanting performances like Cirque du Soleil and Frozen on Ice.

The College Basketball Experience

Live out your fantasies of being a sports hero at The College Basketball Experience. It’s easy to access from the T-Mobile Center through the Grand Lobby.

At the College Basketball Experience, you’ll have an interactive opportunity to learn more about the world of basketball and a chance to honor some college basketball legends. It’s also home to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

You’ll have an exhilarating time at the crazy choice of exhibits. Get in your world-class jump shot as the seconds tick away at ‘Beat the Clock.’ Or attempt your best free throws while trying not to get thrown off by the surrounding angry fans in ‘Step up to the Line.’

Experience the exhilaration of walking through an arena tunnel for yourself in an immersive simulation experience while budding reporters can head to ‘Call the Highlights’ and make their own attempt at sports announcing.

KC Live!

Your whole evening in the Power and Light District will be catered for with a trip to KC Live. This entire city block in Downtown Kansas City packs world-class eateries and night-time hangouts into one venue. With two levels of fun and a full concert stage, a visit here gives you a complete Kansas City nighttime experience.

Start your trip to KC Live by fuelling up in a great choice of global restaurants. Chow down on stylish burgers at BRGR Kitchen and Bar. Or have an extravagant start to the evening with a meal in Bristol Seafood + Steak + Social.

Hopefully, you’re feeling satisfied because you have a big night ahead of you! Fantastic entertainment options include dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon and classic Kansas City Jazz at Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille.

If you want to continue the evening past your bedtime, Mosaic is a premier nightclub and lounge with bottle service.

The Midland Theatre

If you like your live performances with a side of historic ambiance, book your next show at The Midland Theatre. Since 1927, the theater has been bringing vibrant shows from all genres to Kansas City. With a capacity of up to 3,000 people, it has world-class lighting, sound, and amenities so you can completely immerse yourself in performances.

The Midland Theatre’s elaborate Renaissance Revival building is dripping with terra cotta angels, flowers, and leaves. The emporium of antique décor houses invaluable artwork, five Czechoslovakian hand-cut crystal chandeliers, and 500,000 feet of gold leaf. Walk through golden halls and towering archways as you make your way to your seats.

Whatever tickets you’ve purchased, you’re sure to have a magical evening. Marvel at dance performances, laugh until your belly hurts at the latest comedian, or rock along to your favorite band.

Blade & Timber Axe Throwing

If you want to do something a little different on your KC city break, head to Blade & Timber Axe Throwing, the first axe-throwing center in Kansas City. Certified coaches will teach you how to master the art of axe throwing and give you lots of opportunities to practice for yourself.

With thirteen throwing lanes, darts, and extra games in the yard, Blade & Timber Axe Throwing offers a relaxed and active way to break the ice on your Kansas City vacation. During your 1.5-hour slot, you get a one-to-one lesson and some alone time to perfect your throw. Keep going until you’re hitting the bullseye, or get competitive with one of the challenges in the game book.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, order something from the Lumberjack-inspired menu. Hearty sliders, wings, and nachos will get you in the mood for more action. Wash it all down with a Tree Sap cocktail and get back in the lanes.

Where to eat & drink

Thanks to a $10 billion investment, the Power and Light District has some of the most sparkling nightlife in the city and is one of the coolest places to visit in Kansas City. Enjoy dinner at upscale restaurants before discovering stylish bars and lively entertainment.

Sample award-winning barbeque food at County Road Ice House. Great cocktails, cold beers, and mouthwatering wings make this a fantastic option for a relaxed feast. Not to mention the service is outstanding. BRGR Kitchen + Bar takes the classic American burger and gives it a sophisticated upgrade. A creative menu includes coffee-encrusted patties or pretzel-cheese-jalapeño buns.

Sink your teeth into a huge choice of steaks at 801 Chophouse. The upscale restaurant uses only the finest prime beef and wagyu. If you’re not a steak connoisseur, they also have fresh seafood and lobster.

Bristol Seafood + Steak + Social serve some of the juiciest steaks in Kansas City and seafood so fresh it was still swimming a few hours before. Settle into the sleek, leafy décor and start with one of their elegant cocktails.

Beer and rock music lovers will have a great time in the outdoor setting at Yard House. Make your way around 130 tap handles with craft beers from all corners of the world.

It’d be rude to visit Kansas City and not sample its world-famous jazz scene. Drum Room is a sophisticated circle of wood and leather where you can sip craft cocktails while enjoying live jazz performances.

Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille attracts some of the finest jazz artists in Kansas City. Transport yourself to the 1920s with an Art Deco setting and over 70 types of bourbon.

For a different take on the Kansas City music scene, spend an evening at Howl at the Moon Kansas City. Their dueling piano shows and high-energy concerts encourage everybody to get on their feet and dance.

Where to stay

Located in the heart of downtown, the Power & Light District is one of the coolest places to stay in Kansas City. There’s a limited selection in the district itself, but you’ll find quite a few top-notch hotels in the blocks surrounding it.