Country Club Plaza Art Fair

One of the most organized and biggest art fair in Kansas CIty. Love when the art festival is here, it's a sign that Autumn is here. For this year 2023, Didn't really had any expectations because it's always been a good time here. The art here was amazing, lots of different artists and the uniqueness they provide. Love the friday night stage, they played some good live music at the main stage. I always love the food vendors here because you know it will be good regardless you go to their restaurant or their tent. This year, we had the granfalloon brunt end's nacho. THOSE WERE BOMB DOT COM. Delicious and fulfulling. So tempting to go back to the art fair again to just seek those. Can't wait to see what next year will provide.

What a perfect fall evening and so excited it could happen this year! There are several stages throughout the plaza for live music. Walk up and down streets and see so many different art mediums for artists all over the country. Paintings, photography, jewelry, wood working, fiber ... so many various crafts to learn about and purchase a unique piece!You can purchase small bites or full meals from various local food venues up and down side streets ... the smells are tantalizing. Tip... go down the sides for shorter lines!!! Also cash only lines are ALOT shorter ( yes apparently using cash is a thing again).The event is free to explore and the people watching is fantastic!

Are you looking for something to do in September? Want to redecorate your house or apartment? Well, the plaza art fair is for you. With hundreds of vendors, the art fair has something for everyone. The art was draw-dropping. When you hear art fair, you may think - boring- but I promise this is far from that. The fair had live music, lots of food and drinks! Set your mind at easel next year and attend the Plaza Art Fair!

We happened to be here during the art fair, which resumed this year after last year's cancellation due to the pandemic. It was extremely crowded as people were desperate to do activities. There were many artists offering various ware. I think they were pre-screened, as the quality was fairly good overall. I hope they were successful. I bought a few items, but was told by the artists that sales were not great. In fact, I think the food vendors did 5x the business of the actual artists. The show was really about having something to look at while eating and drinking booze. Everything was outdoors, so there was a bit of safety there. About 3% we're wearing masks. On the first day, many of the vendors were. By the second day, almost none wore any. The density was high, just like in the before times. The live music made it hard to talk and order, so they were in each other's faces. Droplet dynamics make this ripe for transmission.

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.

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.

Unbelievable art and artist. Friday so many people were here it was shoulder to shoulder. Still had an awesome time and we were able to talk to a lot of the artists.The food courts were a favorite spot with really long lines. Didn't hear anyone complaining. The food was great and there was a lot of varieties. If you get a Mule you can keep the cup and ours very tasty, had to try a second one just to make sure it was as good as we first thought, and it was!Health info from Saint Luke's. Lots of fun activities for young and old.

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!

We love this Art Fair! Dan and I volunteer every year because this is such a great KC tradition. Started back in the Great Depression, this is one of the oldest and largest art fairs in the country. What an amazing event to have in our city- artists, restaurants, and entrepreneurs coming together to celebrate art, life, and history. A well oiled experience, the Art Fair has it down pat... From the amazing food the Plaza restaurants devise, to inspired drinks, and lively entertainment, the art fair has the best mix of mediums this town ever can ever experience all at one time. People of all ages can come and enjoy anything their heart desires. We especially love that the Art Fair has an activity section to get young people, especially children, excited about the arts. People come from all over to shop, eat, and experience this festival. As volunteers, we are honored hear from the artists how much they love coming to KC because of one thing - the people. Every artist Dan and I talked with always says, "This is the nicest festival because of the people; everyone is unfailingly kind". Wow! What a proud moment. It feels so good to know artists keep coming back because they love the people and the hospitality Kansas City has to offer. We could not be prouder of our city or our people. Happy festival!

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! :)