ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE IN KANSAS CITY

Kansas City is a great place to spend a race weekend, with plenty to see and do once the checkered flag waves. Fans headed to Kansas Speedway will find themselves right next to Village West, a large entertainment and shopping district. Here you can try your luck at the Hollywood Casino, enjoy dinner with views of the track, or walk through Legends Outlets for shopping and dining. Family-friendly attractions like the Great Wolf Lodge water park and the nearby Nebraska Furniture Mart also make the area a fun stop for kids and adults alike.

If you’re looking to explore beyond the Speedway, downtown Kansas City is well worth the short drive. The Power & Light District is the city’s main nightlife area, packed with bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Sports fans often gather here to watch games on the big outdoor screen, and the atmosphere is lively long after the races end. Kansas City is also world-famous for its barbecue, with legendary spots like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Arthur Bryant’s serving up ribs, brisket, and burnt ends that are a must-try for first-time visitors.

Music lovers will feel at home in Kansas City. Known for its jazz heritage, the city has clubs and venues that keep the tradition alive. Knuckleheads Saloon is a fan favorite, featuring multiple stages with blues, rock, and Americana acts almost every night. For a taste of the city’s history, the American Jazz Museum in the historic 18th & Vine District offers exhibits and live performances.

Racing fans who want even more action can head to Lakeside Speedway, a dirt oval track that hosts local races from spring through fall. It’s an authentic way to experience grassroots motorsport in Kansas. Those interested in something different can take part in the NASCAR Racing Experience at Kansas Speedway, where you can ride or even drive a real stock car around the same track used by the Cup Series.

Families and casual visitors will also find plenty of options. The Kansas City Zoo, Science City at Union Station, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial are all popular attractions. For a more relaxed day, you can stroll through Country Club Plaza, a historic shopping district designed with Spanish-style architecture, or explore the many breweries and coffee shops spread across the city.

Whether you want nightlife, live music, family fun, or a taste of Kansas City’s barbecue tradition, the city has something for everyone. A NASCAR weekend at Kansas Speedway is only part of the experience–Kansas City makes sure the entertainment doesn’t stop when the engines do.